4 K-Dramas Inspired by Real People
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo
Inspired by Korea’s female weightlifter Jang Mi Ran, this light-hearted coming of age drama focuses on young athletes chasing their dreams. Lee Sung Kyung will take on the role of our heroine who is a determined sportswomen with the barbells but a feminine young girl when faced with her crush. Expect to see enactments of real-life events as shared by Jang Mi Ran, the star herself.
Watch Weighlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo now!
Miss Ripley
Shin Jeong Ah hit the news in 2007 for fabricating academic records and becoming an assistant art professor and chief curator through underhand methods. Miss Ripley is loosely based on this highly reported scandal of a lady who rises to the top by manipulating the men beside her. Lee Da Hae, who took on the leading role said she drew inspiration from Shin Jeong Ah but the drama will not be focused on her scandal.
Empress Ki
Known as one of the most powerful Korean female figures in history, Empress Ki was historically one of the empresses of the Yuan dynasty. The drama Empress Ki drew similarities in how she manipulated her way through as the favoured one to the Emperor and eventually climbing to the top. The drama hit close to 35% ratings in its final episode.
Jang Ok Jung
Jang Hui Bin (aka Jang Ok Jung) was one of Joseon’s most known royal concubine for her schemes but was eventually sentenced to death. She is the mother of King Gyeongjong of the Joseon Dynasty. The drama is based on her life before entering the palace as an aspiring fashion designer. The historical figure Jang Ok Jung also appeared in other period dramas including Dong Yi and The Royal Gambler.
