9 thrilling K-dramas inspired by true events

By Entertainment Desk | August 07, 2025

Based on the life of singer Lee Hyori, this drama explores youth, love, and dreams set in the beautiful Jeju Island of the 1980s.

When Life Gives You Tangerines

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Signal takes cues from the unsolved Hwaseong serial killings in South Korea. Through a made-up walkie-talkie link between detectives from different eras, it combines reality with captivating intrigue and compelling emotional narratives.

Signal

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Motivated by the nonfiction essay Things Left Behind, the play narrates the poignant tale of trauma cleaners, revealing the silent narratives of the departed and their families.

Move to Heaven

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Based on actual juvenile crime cases, the series explores the ethical and legal dilemmas encountered by judges handling young offenders, revealing the intricacies of justice and rehabilitation.

Juvenile Justice

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Inspired by the real-life struggles of martial artist Choo Sung-hoon, the drama follows underdogs chasing their dreams despite societal pressures.

Fight For My Way

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It subtly references the lives of high-profile chaebol families and the media frenzy surrounding their scandals.

Queen of Tears

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Rooted in history, it tells the tragic romance between King Jeongjo and royal court lady Seong Deok-im during the late Joseon Dynasty.

The Red Sleeve

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Based on the real-life story of Korea’s first soprano, Yun Sim-deok, and her doomed love affair with playwright Kim U-jin in the 1920s.

The Hymn of Death

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Loosely inspired by the elite youth warrior group of the Silla Kingdom, blending history with romance and camaraderie.

Hwarang

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