Must-Watch K-Dramas set during Korea's Liberation Era

August 15 is a special day for Koreans, as it’s National Liberation Day, a date that marks the end of 35 years of Japanese colonial rule. This momentous occasion celebrates freedom and commemorates the resilience and courage of the Korean people during one of the most turbulent periods in their history. The era of liberation has inspired countless stories, such as K-Dramas, which bring these tales of heroism, love, and sacrifice to life on the screen.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for a compelling story, these K-Dramas set during or around the liberation period offer a deep dive into Korea’s fight for independence.  Here are captivating dramas set during or around the liberation period that you shouldn’t miss.

“Bridal Mask”, 2012
Set in 1930s Korea, “Bridal Mask” tells the tale of Lee Kang To (Joo Won), a loyal pro-Japanese Korean officer hated by his countrymen who later becomes Gaksital, a masked hero fighting for Korean independence. His inner conflict and battles with the Japanese forces and his conscience make this drama a thrilling watch, alongside Oh Mok Dan (Jin Se Yeon), a resistance fighter, who hates Kang To but loves Gaksital.

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“Chicago Typewriter”, 2017
Blending past and present, “Chicago Typewriter” follows Han Se Joo (Yoo Ah In), a writer in modern-day Korea who discovers his past life as a freedom fighter during the Japanese occupation. Alongside ghostwriter Yoo Jin Oh (Go Kyung Pyo) and veterinarian and avid fan, Jeon Seol (Im Soo Jung), the three characters work to uncover their shared history, uncovering deep emotions and sacrifice along the way.

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“Nokdu Flower”, 2019
“Nokdu Flower” focuses on two half-brothers, Baek Yi Kang (Jo Jung Suk) and Baek Yi Hyun (Yoon Si Yoon), who have the same father but experienced different upbringings due to their respective mothers’ different social statuses, are swept up in the Donghak Peasant Rebellion. Their clashing ideologies and tragic brotherhood mirror Korea’s struggle for freedom as the country begins its journey toward liberation from foreign rule.

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“Mr. Sunshine”, 2018
“Mr. Sunshine” is set in the early 20th century, on the eve of Japan’s colonization of Korea. The story revolves around Eugene Choi (Lee Byung Hun), a Korean who was taken to America as a child and returns as a U.S. Marine. His fateful encounter with Go Ae Shin (Kim Tae Ri), a noblewoman secretly involved in the independence movement just like her parents who were independence fighters who died in Japan, sets the stage for a heart-wrenching romance amid Korea’s fight for freedom.

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“The Hymn of Death”, 2018
This poignant drama, set during Korea’s colonial period, follows the real-life tragic love story of Kim Woo Jin (Lee Jong Suk), a playwright, and Yun Sim Deok (Shin Hye Sun), Korea’s first professional soprano. Their forbidden love unfolds against the backdrop of Japanese oppression, leading to a heart-wrenching conclusion.

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“Different Dreams”, 2019
In “Different Dreams”, Lee Young Jin (Lee Yo Won) is a Korean woman raised by the Japanese, who becomes a spy for the Korean government during the 1930s. As a doctor and secret operative, she navigates a dangerous double life in Shanghai, working for Korea’s independence while wrestling with personal dilemmas and relationships.

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These dramas highlight the resilience and courage of Koreans during the Japanese occupation, offering gripping stories of resistance and patriotism. Whether through historical figures or fictional heroes, each series underscores the fight for freedom during one of the darkest periods in Korea’s history.