Korea is now a democratic nation, but it was once a country ruled by kings and queens. But what if the monarch still existed?

That is the premise that many Korean dramas have explored, and now, MBC’s upcoming series “Perfect Crown” is the latest to take on the theme.


Starring singer-actor IU and actor Byeon Woo-seok from “Lovely Runner” (2024), the series has less than a month until its release on April 10. It will also be available on Disney+.

Set in an alternate Korea under a constitutional monarchy, the show will center on Seong Hee-ju, an ordinary woman from a wealthy chaebol family, and Lee Wan, the King’s second son, whose royal status limits his potential.

IU takes on the role of Hee-ju, while Byeon plays Wan. The show is directed by Park Joon-hwa, who was behind “Alchemy of Souls” (2022-23).

For those less familiar with this kind of fictional constitutional monarchy setting and looking for a taste of modern royal-themed K-dramas before the "Perfect Crown" airs, here are a few options to check out.

'Princess Hours'

The boom in fictional monarch dramas may well have started with MBC’s 2006 hit “Princess Hours.”

Based on the comic book of the same name by Park So-hee, the series follows Shin Chae-gyeong, an ordinary high school student whose life turns upside down as she ends up in an arranged marriage with the crown prince Lee Shin, the heir to the throne, due to a promise their grandfathers made long ago.

The bubbly and bright Chae-gyeong struggles to adjust to the strict rules and manners of palace life as a princess, while constantly clashing with her reserved and cold husband, who had feelings for another girl, Min Hyo-rin, before their marriage.

In the series, actor Yoon Eun-hye portrays Chae-gyeong, and actor Ju Ji-hoon, well known for his roles in Netflix’s “Kingdom” (2019-20) and “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call” (2025), portrayed Shin. Actor Song Ji-hyo and Kim Jeong-hoon also appear in the show, respectively taking the roles of Hyo-rin and Lee Yul, the son of the late crown prince Lee Soo.

The show was a massive hit at the time, reaching a 27.1 percent viewership rate, according to Nielsen Korea.

Its fashion also drew significant attention, blending modern styles with designs inspired by hanbok, traditional Korean attire, while also showcasing the garment itself.

Though it has been two decades since the drama concluded, it remains popular to this day, including its soundtracks, such as “Perhaps Love” (2006), still being brought up and covered by artists. It was also remade by singers Eric Nam and Cheeze in 2017. Even some of the series’ short clips have surpassed 10 million views on YouTube.

'The King 2 Hearts'

The enemies-to-lovers trope is a staple in Korean dramas, often depicting that love can transcend nationality, status and even longstanding political conflict.

MBC’s 2012 drama “The King 2 Hearts” shows this idea through a romance between characters from North and South Korea.

Set in an alternate Korea under a constitutional monarchy, the story follows the love story between a South Korean prince, Lee Jae-ha, and a North Korean special forces female officer, Kim Hang-ah. The two meet as they team up as a unified Korean team for a World Officer Championship. Though they start off on the wrong foot, displeased with each other, they gradually grow closer and fall in love. However, their relationship faces obstacles as tensions between the North and South escalate.

“The King 2 Hearts” stars singer-actor Lee Seung-gi and actor Ha Ji-won, respectively playing prince Jae-ha and officer Hang-ah. Alongside them, actor Cho Jung-seok takes the role of Eun Shi-kyung, an elite South Korea Military Academy-trained army captain, and Lee Yoon-ji as Lee Jae-shin, Jae-ha’s younger sister.

Positioning itself as a “black comedy,” the drama adds a political and realistic dimension by incorporating broader social and geopolitical issues beyond the love story, imagining what a modern monarchy might look like.

'The Last Empress'

Becoming a queen or empress may seem like a fairy tale for some, but this show suggests that the reality can be quite different.

SBS’s 2018 series “The Last Empress” doesn't depict the glamorous and well-mannered side of the royal family, but rather exposes the dark secrets and corruption within that world.

“The Last Empress” follows the journey and growth of Oh Sunny, a musical actor who marries the Emperor of the Korean Empire, Lee Hyeok. However, as the innocent musical actor gets more involved in the world, she learns her husband's dark nature and the ugly truths of the Empire. As such, the Empress starts to dig into and tries to uncover the corrupted royal family.

The series stars Chang Na-ra as Sunny and Shin Sung-rok as Lee Hyeok. It also features actors Choi Jin-hyuk and Lee Elijah.

Written by Kim Sun-ok, known for signature over-the-top dramas, often referred to as makjang in Korean, the series also takes that sense of narrative, blending revenge and dark humor.

For viewers seeking a teaspoon more — or maybe even more — of dopamine but also want a glimpse of what a modern constitutional monarchy might have looked like in Korea, “The Last Empress” may be the one.

'The King: Eternal Monarch'

For viewers drawn to fantasy and magical storytelling, SBS’s 2020 series “The King: Eternal Monarch” may be the perfect pick.

Penned by Kim Eun-sook, who also wrote hit series like “Descendants of the Sun” (2016), “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God” (2016-17) and “Mr. Sunshine” (2018), the series unfolds across two parallel worlds: modern-day Korea and an alternate Korean Empire.

The fantasy romance follows Emperor Lee Gon, who crosses into the Republic of Korea through a portal between the worlds. There, he meets detective Jeong Tae-eul. The two join forces to stop the rift between their worlds and the conspiracy of the Emperor’s half-grandfather, Lee Lim.

“The King: Eternal Monarch” stars actor Lee Min-ho, who plays Emperor Lee Gon, and Kim Go-eun, who portrays detective Tae-eul. It also features actors Woo Do-hwan, Kim Kyung-nam and Jung Eun-chae.

One interesting element of the show is that, while most modern monarchical dramas are set in Seoul, the nation’s capital, “The King: Eternal Monarch” features three capital cities — Seoul, Busan and Pyongyang — naturally incorporating scenes set in Busan, the southeastern port city in Korea, within the backdrop of the Korean Empire.

“The King: Eternal Monarch” is a strong choice for those looking for a blend of fantasy, romance and an imaginative take on a Korea that might have been a constitutional monarchy.


BY KIM JI-YE [kim.jiye@joongang.co.kr]