18/12/2024
[Kdrama Update] Ranking of Historical Korean Drama Viewership Ratings
Korean historical dramas have left a lasting impression on viewers by vividly portraying historical figures and events
Among these, the dramas that achieved the highest ratings captivated viewers with compelling stories and exceptional direction, delivering timeless emotions. Let’s take a brief look at the stories and appeal of these top-ranking historical dramas.
10. Moon Embracing the Sun (MBC, 2012)
This drama depicts the love story between a king and a shaman during the Joseon era. Starring Kim Soo-hyun and Han Ga-in, it achieved a peak viewership rating of 42.2%. The visually stunning production gained immense popularity, especially among younger viewers.
9. SBS 'Jang Hee-bin' (1995)
It tells the story of Jang Hee-bin, a representative figure of the Joseon Dynasty's King Sukjong era. Actress Jeong Seon-kyung plays the role of Jang Hee-bin and delivers delicate acting, and her conflict with Queen Inhyeon (played by Kim Won-hee) is dramatically depicted. The highest viewership rating was 42.9%.
8. KBS 'The King and the Queen' (1998~2000)
It is based on the history of the Joseon Dynasty from the death of King Munjong to the death of King Yeonsangun. Actors Im Dong-jin, Jung Tae-woo, Chae Si-ra, Ahn Jae-mo, and Shin Goo gave passionate performances, realistically depicting the power struggles and palace intrigues of the Joseon Dynasty. The work successfully led the vast narrative, recording a peak viewership rating of 44.3%.
7. MBC 'Queen Seondeok' (MBC, 2009)
It depicts the life of Queen Seondeok, the first queen of Silla, and the fierce power struggle. Actors Lee Yo-won, Go Hyun-jung, and Uhm Tae-woong played the lead roles, and the character Bidam played by Kim Nam-gil received much love. It portrayed the splendid royal court culture of Silla and the agony of being a queen in an interesting way. The highest viewership rating was 44%, an unusual success for a female-centered narrative.
6. KBS 'Tears of the Dragon' (1996~1998)
This work centers around the story of the founding of Joseon and King Taejong Yi Bang-won. Actor Kim Moo-saeng plays Lee Seong-gye and Yoo Dong-geun plays Yi Bang-won. It vividly depicts the power struggle in the early Joseon Dynasty and recorded a peak viewership rating of 49.6%. The immersive dialogue and directing are cited as reasons for its popularity.
5. SBS 'Empress of the World' (2001~2002)
This is a historical political drama that focuses on the life of Queen Munjeong, the wife of King Jungjong of the Joseon Dynasty. It features strong female character conflicts and political conspiracies. Actress Jeon In-hwa plays Queen Munjeong and Kang Soo-yeon plays Jeong Nan-jeong. It received favorable reviews for its excellent acting skills and recorded a peak viewership rating of 49.9%.
4. MBC 'Jumong' (2006~2007)
This drama is about the life of Jumong, the founder of Goguryeo. Actor Song Il-gook plays Jumong and expresses the hero's agony and determination in detail. The story of Haemosu and Lady Yuhwa, and the founding of the nation by King Dongmyeongseong are the main focus. The highest viewership rating was 51.9%, opening a new golden age for MBC historical dramas at the time.
3. MBC 'Dae Jang Geum' (2003~2004)
This work was at the center of the Korean Wave, and actress Lee Young-ae played the main character Seo Jang-geum. It recorded a peak viewership rating of 57.8%, depicting the process of becoming the first female royal physician in the Joseon Dynasty. The story of Jang-geum's cooking and use of medicinal herbs also received attention and much love in the global market.
2. KBS 'Taejo Wang Geon' (2000~2002)
This is a work that contains the life of Taejo Wang Geon, the founder of Goryeo. Actor Choi Soo-jong plays the role of Wang Geon and gives a powerful performance. The fierce power struggle and diplomatic strategy leading up to the unification of the Later Three Kingdoms stand out. With a peak viewership rating of 60.2%, it is evaluated as a work that showed the essence of KBS historical dramas of the time.
1. MBC 'Heo Jun' (1999~2000)
This drama depicts the life of Heo Jun, a famous doctor from the Joseon Dynasty. Actor Jeon Kwang-ryeol plays the role of Heo Jun. The story centers around Heo Jun's growth from a poor illegitimate child to a leading figure in the medical field. It sheds new light on the value of oriental medicine and recorded a peak viewership rating of 63.7%, making it the highest viewership rating among all Korean historical dramas.
Credit: https://www.wikitree.co.kr/articles
Via: KSH Forum
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