they're the 2 best "historical" drama, I've seen. We can laugh and cry. The actors are really good too. So if you loved Hong Gil Dong, you'll love The Moon that Embraces the Sun !
Both heroes are charismatic, and both of them are Robin Hood type. a hero fighting against the selfish and corrupt government to save the ordinary peasants.
It is another period piece (although much more modern than Hong Gil Dong) that was written by the amazing Hong sisters. The lead actor is also the same as in Hong Gil Dong: Kang Ji Hwan.
These two dramas are so similar, I'm surprised this recommendation hasn't been made before. The romance is lovely, but not the main focus. The sense of fellowship is endearing. The story is organized into arcs that develop the underlying story and help along character development. They both have a fair amount of action, and intelligent scheming. If you liked one, I can guarantee you'll like the other.
This award winning series (nine in total - including Grand Prize and Drama of the Year at the MBC 2028 awards) is well scripted and acted; check out the main cast because it's a who's who of actors. The director does a fine job with believable settings and environments so the series doesn't have the thrown-together look of some Joseon dramas. An earlier series than the 2024 Hong Gil Dong, and later than the 1998 series of the same name, Rebel: The Their Whoe Stole The People is an adaptation of the historical Korean "thief", Hong Gil Dong, and his followers. Starting from Hong's childhood and continuing through the people and events that shape him, the highlight of the story is how Hong and his "gang" "steal the people" (among other things).
Be sure to watch the extra footage after the credits for a fun treat by the entire cast
Be sure to watch the extra footage after the credits for a fun treat by the entire cast
Both shows are about a legendary historical figure fighting for the good of the people against corrupt officials. Along the way, both of them fall for spirited, inspiring young women. Both include heaps of romance, action, tragedy, and beauty. I would say both of them are just great stories in general.
It is also a rom-com historical drama, but contains more actions. The main girl here also surrounds a birth secret that she does not know of until the romances between the three main characters develop (the other one is a second male lead played by Jang Geun Suk). In LITM, it is Byung Yeon who finds out Ra On's true identity, but in HGD, it is Lee Chang Hwi (played by Jang Geun Suk) who finds the true identity of the main girl. Hong Gil Dong may not be a crown prince, but he is a illegitimate son of a high rank minister. Also, the main girl played by Sung Yu Ri knows martial arts and can beat most of the men she fights. She is a cute strong-willed girl who is free-hearted to all the people she meets.
I found the two series relatively similar, the men are strong fighters, you cry your eyes out watching random scenes (either because you cringe for the bad acting or fangirl over touching that man's perfect body), as always the main girl is annoying, stubborn as a mule and won't take no for an answer. The perfect nosy woman that people like for no apparent reason.
The difference between the two of them is the fact that Suzy can't act and Jang Geun Suk is cutter than Lee Seung Gi.
Conclusion?! Just watch Hong Gil Dong it's actually much much better..
The difference between the two of them is the fact that Suzy can't act and Jang Geun Suk is cutter than Lee Seung Gi.
Conclusion?! Just watch Hong Gil Dong it's actually much much better..
