Historical body-swap, time slip K-dramas you need to watch

Poster for "Moon River" / Courtesy of MBC

Body-swapping and time slip storylines where a modern-day character finds themselves transported to another time by unknown means are a recurring motif in Korean dramas, particularly in sageuk, or historical series.

Ongoing epic Korean drama "Moon River" features two main characters whose souls are accidentally swapped. Crown Prince Lee Kang (Kang Tae-oh), still grieving the death of his lover, encounters Park Dal-i (Kim Se-jeong), a merchant who looks identical to the woman he lost. As the two slowly fall in love, an unexpected body swap forces them to live each other’s lives — the crown prince as a merchant and Dal-i as royalty.

Their attempts to navigate these unfamiliar worlds produce comedic moments and emotional tension, making "Moon River" an engaging watch. The series is available on Wavve and Tving in Korea and Viki and Viu overseas.

The Korea Times highlights several other dramas built around these narrative devices.

A scene from the drama "The Haunted Palace" / Courtesy of SBS

'The Haunted Palace'

Another popular historical fantasy drama from this year, "The Haunted Palace," follows Yeo-ri (Bona), a powerful shaman who refuses her fate as a spirit medium, and Gang Cheol-i (Yook Sung-jae), a mythical serpent trapped in the body of Yeo-ri’s first love, Yoon Gap. As the pair confront supernatural forces within the royal palace, their souls and bodies become entangled.

Released earlier this year, the series is available on Netflix and Viki.

A scene from drama "Alchemy of Souls" / Courtesy of tvN

'Alchemy of Souls'

The 2022-23 fantasy drama "Alchemy of Souls" follows the story of Nak-su (Jung So-min), a powerful assassin whose soul-shifting magic allows her to move between bodies. Hunted for practicing magic in the kingdom of Daeho, she transfers her soul into the body of Mu-deok, a blind young woman she encounters on the street. After the shift, Mu-deok unexpectedly regains her sight and physical strength, carrying Nak-su’s abilities within her. Jang Wook (Lee Jae-wook), a nobleman from one of Daeho’s most powerful families, tries to help Mu-deok uncover her true identity, while Mu-deok secretly trains him in combat skills to strengthen his own powers.

"Alchemy of Souls" is available on Netflix.

Poster for "Bon Appétit, Your Majesty" / Courtesy of tvN

'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty'

Sometimes the main character leaps through time. “Bon Appétit, Your Majesty” is one of the latest hits among historical dramas built around time slip narrative.

The series follows star chef Ji-young (Lim Yoon-a), who accidentally travels back to the 16th century. There, she becomes a royal cook for the tyrant king Yi Heon (Lee Chae-min) of the Joseon era. As she becomes entangled in palace politics and various plots against the king, her modern culinary skills help her earn the monarch’s trust.

The tvN drama is available on Netflix globally.

Poster for "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo" / Courtesy of SBS

'Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo'

A major hit in 2016, "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo" gained widespread attention thanks to its star, singer-songwriter Lee Ji-eun, also known as IU.

Lee plays Hae Soo, a modern woman who awakens in the body of a 16-year-old girl during the Goryeo Dynasty. She becomes romantically involved with Prince Wang Wook (Kang Ha-neul), while another prince, Wang So (Lee Joon-gi), falls deeply in love with her. The 21-episode series follows Hae Soo as she navigates royal intrigue and tumultuous relationships in the palace.

The drama is available on Netflix and Viki.

Poster for "Mr. Queen" / Courtesy of tvN

'Mr. Queen'

In fantasy dramas, time travel doesn't always mean arriving in your own body.

Released in 2020, the hit drama "Mr. Queen" centers on chef Jang Bong-hwan (Choi Jin-hyuk), who cooks for Korea’s president. After a strange accident, he travels back in time and wakes up in the body of Kim So-yong (Shin Hye-sun), queen of the Joseon Dynasty. While searching for a way to return to the present, he must also navigate palace politics and his complicated relationship with King Cheoljong (Kim Jung-hyun).

"Mr. Queen" is available on Netflix, Amazon Prime and Viki.