If you’ve recently finished binge-watching ‘The Perfect Crown’ and found yourself wanting more royal fascination, complicated romances, and palace politics, you’re definitely not alone. There is something irresistibly entertaining about modern monarchy K-dramas. They take the glory of royal families, crowns, and court traditions and place them in a contemporary setting filled with media scrutiny, constitutional responsibilities, and, of course, plenty of drama.
Unlike history, these series imagine a world in which Korea’s monarchy has survived into the present day. The result is a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity, where princes use smartphones, royal scandals make headlines, and love stories unfold under the watchful eyes of an entire nation.
Whether you’re new to the genre or looking for your next obsession, here are five modern monarchy K-dramas that deserve a place on your watchlist.
1. Princess Hours (2006)
Watch on: Viki, WeTV
No list of modern monarchy K-dramas would be complete without ‘Princess Hours,’ the series that helped define the genre for an entire generation.
Set in an alternate Korea where the monarchy still exists, the story follows Chae-kyeong, an ordinary high school student whose life changes overnight when she enters an arranged marriage with Crown Prince Lee Shin. Suddenly thrust into the palace life, she must navigate royal protocols, public expectations, and a husband who is anything but easy to understand.
What makes ‘Princess Hours’ special is its balance of romance, comedy, and coming-of-age storytelling. While dramas that followed expanded the genre with darker plots and political intrigue, ‘Princess Hours’ established many of the tropes that fans still love today. Nearly two decades later, it remains a must watch for anyone curious about modern royal K-dramas.
2. My Princess (2011)
Watch on: Viki
If your favorite part of ‘The Perfect Crown’ was watching a commoner adapt to the royal life, ‘My Princess’ should definitely be next on your list.
The drama follows Lee Seol, a cheerful college student who discovers she is the last surviving descendant of the Korea’s royal family. Overnight she finds herself at the center of a national debate about restoring the monarchy. Helping her navigate this unexpected journey is diplomat Park Hae-young, whose own family has complicated ties to the royal legacy.
Compared to some of the heavier entries on this list, ‘My Princess’ leans more into romance and lighthearted moments. It’s a feel-good watch that still delivers plenty of royal charm.
3. The King 2 Hearts (2012)
Watch on: Viki, Prime Video
For viewers who enjoyed the political dimensions of royal life in ‘The Perfect Crown,’ ‘The King 2 Hearts’ raises the stakes considerably.
Set in a fictional modern-day constitutional monarchy, the series follows Crown Prince Lee Jae-ha, a carefree royal with little interest in responsibility, and Kim Hang-ah, a highly skilled North Korean special forces officer. Their arranged marriage is designed to improve relations between North and South Korea, but their personal differences make the partnership anything but smooth.
The drama expertly combines romance, military themes, diplomacy, and national politics. As circumstances force Jae-ha to mature and embrace his role, the story becomes a compelling exploration of leadership, duty, and sacrifice. It’s one of the most unique and ambitious modern monarchy dramas ever produced.
4. The Last Empress (2018)
Watch on: Netflix, Viki
If you prefer your royal dramas packed with secrets, betrayals, and shocking twists, ‘The Last Empress’ is the perfect choice.
The story follows Oh Sunny, a musical actress who unexpectedly marries the Emperor of Korea and enters what appears to be a fairy-tale life. However, behind the palace walls lies a dangerous web of corruption, power struggles, and hidden agendas.
Unlike the more romantic entries on this list, ‘The Last Empress’ embraces melodrama and suspense. The royal family is deeply flawed, alliances constantly shift, and almost every episode ends with a revelation that leaves viewers eager for more. It’s a wild ride that proves palace scandals never go out of style.
5. The King: Eternal Monarch (2020)
Watch on: Netflix
For those who enjoy fantasy alongside their royal drama, ‘The King: Eternal Monarch’ offers a fascinating twist on the genre.
Lee Min-ho stars as Emperor Lee Gon, ruler of the Kingdom of Corea, an alternate reality where the monarchy remains intact. While investigating a decades-old mystery connected to his father’s death, he discovers a portal to a parallel world—a republic version of Korea, where he meets detective Jeong Tae-eul.
Written by renowned screenwriter Kim Eun-sook, the series combines romance, fantasy, mystery, politics, and science fiction. Its stunning visuals, ambitious world-building, and charismatic performances make it one of the most memorable modern monarchy dramas of recent years.
Which One Should You Watch First?
If you’re completely new to the genre, start with ‘Princess Hours’ to experience the drama that laid the foundation for modern monarchy K-dramas. If you’re looking for something similar to ‘The Perfect Crown,’ ‘The King 2 Hearts,’ and ‘The Last Empress’ offer the strongest mix of royal responsibilities, political tension, and palace intrigue.
One thing all five dramas have in common is their ability to make viewers wonder what modern Korea might look like if kings, queens, princes, and princesses still occupied the nation’s most visible stage. And as ‘The Perfect Crown’ has reminded audiences, sometimes the most entertaining stories are the ones that imagine history taking a very different path.
Written by: Daxta Pandey
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