7 Mulan-Like K-Drama Leads Hiding Their True Identities Behind Male Disguises
These make the most of the thrilling concept.
Did you know that numerous cultures have folk tales where a young woman disguises herself as a man to tackle life's challenges? Disney's Mulan is perhaps the most famous example, but it's far from the only one.
While today's women generally don’t need to masquerade as men to succeed, this theme still provides writers with a wealth of thrilling possibilities, from action-packed adventures to romantic escapades.
Whether you enjoy historical or contemporary settings, South Korean television has masterfully explored stories with female leads pretending to be male in both. Here are seven fan-favorite examples.
To the Beautiful You (2012)
IMDb rating: 7.2/10
Where to stream: Viki, Kocowa
The female lead of the drama, Goo Jae-hee, lives in America but develops a crush on a young Korean athlete. When an opportunity arises, Jae-hee moves to Korea and enrolls in the same school as her idol. But there's a twist: it's an all-boys school, so Jae-hee has to disguise herself as a boy to be accepted.
You're Beautiful (2009)
IMDb rating: 7.7/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, Viki, Kocowa, SBS World, iQIYI
Ko Mi-nyeo grew up in an orphanage alongside her twin brother. Now on the verge of becoming a nun, her plans take a sudden turn when her brother is chosen to be a member of a popular idol boy band, but has to leave the country for a month. To cover for him, Mi-nyeo agrees to take his place for the time being.
Splash Splash LOVE (2015)
IMDb rating: 7.7/10
Where to stream: Prime Video, Viki, Kocowa
Jang Dan-bi, a contemporary student fed up with exams, finds herself transported back in time. Mistaken for a eunuch, she starts serving in the palace, where two revelations strike her: first, education is wonderful, and second, the king is surprisingly charming.
Love in the Moonlight (2016)
IMDb rating: 7.8/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Viki, Kocowa, WeTV, iQIYI
In the 19th-century Joseon Dynasty, Hong Ra-on adopts the guise of a male relationship counselor and romance writer to make a living. Her life takes a turn when she is forcibly placed in the palace as a eunuch. It's within these unfamiliar walls that Ra-on encounters a crown prince, sparking an unexpected romance.
Sungkyunkwan Scandal (2010)
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IMDb rating: 7.8/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, Viki, WeTV
Set in a time when education and employment were denied to ordinary women, this historical romcom centers on Kim Yoon-hee, who must assume her brother's identity in order to provide for the family. The girl's remarkable intellect helps her get into the all-male university, where she shares a room with a handsome boy from a noble family.
The King's Affection (2021)
IMDb rating: 8.0/10
Where to stream: Netflix
When a Joseon-era queen gives birth to twins - considered an ominous sign at the time - the decision is made to hide the girl and raise the boys as an only child. Thus, Dam-yi is adopted by a humble family and grows up away from the palace. Years later, the siblings are reunited and Dam-yi must assume her brother's identity to help the crown.
Coffee Prince (2007)
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IMDb rating: 8.1/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Viki, Kocowa
Go Eun-chan, a vivacious tomboy who is often mistaken for a man, is in desperate need of money. When a rich boy approaches her and asks to pose as his fake boyfriend to deflect family pressure, Eun-chan decides to continue hiding her true gender and accepts the offer.