My Dearest (2023)

Giving me similar vibes

=> Both are classic melodrama romance sageuks relased within two years of each other (early 2020s). => Both Male leads are madly in love with the female lead, male lead is very consistent with his feelings and desire to pursue and be with female lead => Female lead tries her best to resist her love and feelings for the male lead => Male leads have male friend who is the closest we can consider for the female lead's rival of male lead's affections. Of course both male leads only have feelings for our female lead. (In Red Sleeve though, this male friend is more like just a loyal friend with no romantic feelings, but some fans do think he has sort of feelings for the male lead). PS: For Red Sleeve fans, the show being recommended is Part 1 of My Dearest, you should check part 2 for the continuation of the story.

=> Both are historical Kdramas partly inspired by Western love stories. If My Dearest is partly inspired by Gone with the Wind, (as described in wikipedia), The Princess' Man is partly inspired by Romeo and Juliet. => Earlier episodes contain fun and lighthearted scenes before political events changed everything => Female lead rides a swing in both kdramas, both scenes contributed to male lead falling in love with her => There are scenes in both dramas of couples trying to run away. PS: ForThe Princess's Man fans, the show being recommended is Part 1 of My Dearest, you should check part 2 for the continuation of the story.

- Both are set during the Qing invasion of Joseon - Both have action elements and depict warfare with historical accuracy - Both feature Joseon womenfolk having to be rescued from the "barbarians" by the men of the story

Both sageuks have really good plots with the same writer. Both male and female lead are strong characters who have to overcome a lot. Both have good OSTs, Main difference is that there is less focus on romance on Rebel Thief than My Dearest and that the main couple in Rebel Thief are friends for long before becoming a couple. Rebel Thief also has a few fantastical elements not present in My Dearest.

=> Both are set in the Qing invasion of Joseon => early parts of the story revolves around marriage but slowly turns to war and carnage => Both dramas depict how the Qing invasion really affected many people but young people who are at the stage of their lives to fall in love and get married have quite a focus. => There are important Qing characters. => Strong male and female characters (my fave actress Moon Chae Won got many awards for her depiction of the female lead in War of the Arrows => people should watch her sageuk works especially this, Princess Man, and Painter of the Wind). PS: For War of the Arrows fans, the show being recommended is Part 1 of My Dearest, you should check part 2 for the continuation of the story.

Both depict the same historical event — the Qing invasion of Joseon in 1636 and the court besieged at Namhansanseong. The Fortress is entirely devoted to portraying the siege, while My Dearest is larger in scope, thus these events are only one element of the story. Certain scenes in My Dearest were extremely reminiscent of the The Fortress, not only in content but also in how they were shot. I do think the depiction of the siege and debates between the king and ministers is more effective in The Fortress (and one would hope so, as that is the entire focus of the movie), but My Dearest offers a broader perspective on the war that goes beyond the fortress walls. Both touch on themes such as the hardships of war, the relationship between leaders and their people, the confrontation of honor and ideals with a harsh reality. The Fortress is a slow-paced, dialogue-heavy historical war movie that is entirely somber in tone. My Dearest balances moments of levity with the darker aspects and integrates war with romance; its pacing is far less glacial.

The same dynamic between the female and male lead, it also happens in the middle of a war with all of its implications.

Both of them are historical and political. Both the leads have amazing chemistry. One shall not miss this masterpiece. Once you get hooked 50 episode will feel very short. ?

Both are historical romantic dramas: - both feature a more rebel hardworn character and a more spoiled noble character - both feature a war between two fronts one more 'barbarian' and one overly spoiled, and indulgent - both have an epic sweep to them with events occurring many miles apart over a long period of time - both have a tragic undercurrent/fate separating aspect to them - both have some thrilling action scenes The Long Ballad does not have the same sophistication in themes and execution as My Dearest, it's much more action and cliffhanger centric.

Both are historical romance dramas, - Both have a tragic undercurrent to them - Both feature a romance between an older, cynical character and a younger more optimistic one - Both cover many miles, and many years as the characters try to be together - Both have high production values and epic battles The Rise of the Phoenixes is more political drama first, romance second than My Dearest

Both are dramas that revolve around the power struggles of waring territories for ruling supremacy. Each drama incorporates a "hostage" that works/lives inside the "enemy's" borders & focuses on a love in a time of chaos/change.

Both are dramas the feature a ML that sees the FL for who she is and helps to facilitate her greatness. Both also have a fare amount of battle scenes.

Drama Special Season 3: Return Home is set in the Qing Dynasty & is a story depicting the struggles of the people that were taken hostage by enemies & return. There is 1 image that I think about a lot. If you watch this I bet you will guess it.

On the one hand, their settings are very different--Korean historical versus Chinese 20th century--but both tell epic tales over years of the characters' lives and interweave the maturing of the country with the maturing of the characters. Both take a bit of time to grow attached to the characters but then you become SO sympathetic with them that the feels are intense. Both have some romance but it is not the only ingredient (it is definitely featured more in My Dearest). Both are very well acted and nicely paced. Both leave you feeling like you experienced something meaningful.