On a personal level, Historical dramas hold a distinguished and cherished place for me, standing out as a particularly favored genre. These dramas captivate with their intricate narratives and memorable characters, all while providing an invaluable glimpse into Korea's rich historical tapestry. This is true even when these narratives choose to weave in supernatural elements. The recent and overwhelming success of the Korean historical drama "My Dearest" is another example of the enduring appeal of period dramas. While "My Dearest" undeniably warrants its widespread acclaim, it is imperative also to acknowledge and appreciate other historical Korean dramas that have made significant impacts on the K-drama landscape. In this context, here's a list of five exceptional historical Korean dramas, each distinguished not only by their compelling storytelling but also by their stellar ensemble casts. These selections, in my opinion, represent quintessential viewings that should not be overlooked by fans of the genre.

"Moon Embracing the Sun," starring Han Ga In as Yeon-woo and Kim Soo Hyun as the Crown Prince, is a captivating Joseon-era drama. It skillfully weaves a tale of political intrigue and forbidden love in ancient Korea. The story begins with a plot to assassinate a prince, leading to a shaman's selfless sacrifice to protect an unborn child. Years later, Yeon-woo and the Crown Prince find themselves entangled in forbidden love. Tragedy strikes as Yeon-woo is wrongly declared dead, loses her memory, and assumes the identity of the enigmatic shaman Wol. Their journey to rediscover her true identity and overcome formidable political challenges forms the heart of this classic series. This narrative is emotionally engaging and visually stunning, creating a compelling historical drama.

"Six Flying Dragons," starring Yoo Ah In, Kim Myung Min, and Shin Se Kyung, is a historical drama set in the early Joseon period. It delves into the intricate world of political intrigue and power struggles involving six key figures who significantly influenced the destiny of the Joseon dynasty. The story revolves around Prince Yi Bang-won (Yoo Ah-in), a brilliant and ambitious prince, and his alliance with the loyal general Jeong Do-jeon (Kim Myung-min) to overthrow the corrupt Goryeo dynasty and establish the Joseon dynasty. Their differing ideologies create a complex power struggle. Boon-yi (Shin Se-kyung), a skilled archer and the daughter of a renowned military officer, gets caught up in these political upheavals. "Six Flying Dragons" is my all-time favorite, and it's a must-watch for its compelling characters, history based on true events, and engaging storytelling, offering a fascinating glimpse into the early days of the Joseon dynasty.

"Tree with Deep Roots," featuring Jang Hyuk and Shin Se Kyung, revolves around King Sejong's quest to create the Korean alphabet Hangul. It intertwines a gripping historical narrative with political intrigue and the story of two former slaves, Ddol-bok and Dam, who become entangled in the creation of Hangul. Their paths intersect as they uncover a secret society called "Hidden Root" with a mission to thwart the new script. Sacrifices are made, but Hangul is successfully introduced, changing the fate of commoners.

"Gu Family Book," starring Lee Seung Gi as Choi Kang-chi and Bae Suzy as Dam Yeo-Wool, is a fantasy drama based in the past. The story revolves around Kang-chi, a half-human, half-gumiho (a mythical nine-tailed fox), on a journey to become fully human. He's joined by Yeo-wool, a skilled martial artist. The drama combines action, romance, and supernatural elements, making it an engaging and fantastical series.

"100 Days My Prince," starring Do Kyung Soo (D.O.) and Nam Ji-hyun, is a delightful fusion of romance and comedy set in the Joseon era. The story follows a crown prince who loses his memory due to an accident and ends up living as a commoner for 100 days. During this time, he crosses paths with a strong-willed woman, and together, they embark on a journey filled with humor, romance, and intrigue. As the prince slowly regains his memory, the drama unfolds to reveal secrets, political plots, and a heartwarming love story that captivates viewers with its charm and engaging storytelling. Do Kyung-soo and Nam Ji-hyun's performances shine in this historical rom-com.

While "My Dearest" may be the talk of the town, these five historical Korean dramas have made their mark in the world of television for their captivating stories, brilliant acting by stars like Kim Soo-Hyun, Yoo Ah-in, Jang Hyuk, Lee Seung Gi, and Do Kyung-Soo, and rich historical settings. Whether you're drawn to political intrigue, cultural exploration, or heartwarming romance, there's a historical drama on this list waiting to captivate you. So, why not take a step back in time and immerse yourself in the intriguing world of Korean history through these remarkable series?