K-dramas with the gender bender trope take you on a wild ride where girls dress as boys or boys find themselves in roles usually meant for the opposite gender; it's a mix-up that leads to all sorts of funny, awkward, and heartwarming moments.
They're packed with misunderstandings that make you laugh out loud, secret glances that make your heart flutter, and the kind of plot twists that keep you hitting the "next episode" button, even when you know you should be doing something else.
1. "Sungkyunkwan Scandal" (2010)
Kim Yoon-hee, disguised as her brother, enrolls in Sungkyunkwan, Joseon Dynasty's most prestigious educational institution, sparking unexpected camaraderie, rivalries, and romance with fellow students Lee Sun-joon, Goo Yong-ha, and Moon Jae-shin, which challenges the rigid social norms and gender roles of the time.
2. "To the Beautiful You" (2012)
Goo Jae-hee, a girl disguising herself as a boy, transfers to an all-male high school to support her idol, high jumper Kang Tae-joon; amidst the deception, she navigates school life, deepening friendships, and burgeoning love, ultimately inspiring Tae-joon to pursue his dreams despite his injury.
3. "You're Beautiful" (2009)
Go Mi-nyeo, a nun-in-training, impersonates her twin brother Mi-nam, joining the popular idol group A.N.JELL, and becomes entangled in a complicated love triangle with the band's members, leading to revelations of identity, brotherhood, and love amidst the high stakes of fame and the music industry.
4. "Coffee Prince" (2007)
Choi Han-kyul, believing Go Eun-chan is a man, hires her to pose as his gay lover to escape matchmaking attempts, leading to unexpected love when he later entrusts her to work at his coffee shop, which only employs male staff, challenging their perceptions of love and identity.
5. "Mr. Queen" (2020)
In a bizarre twist of fate, a modern-day chef's spirit gets trapped in the body of Queen Cheorin in the Joseon period; amidst palace intrigue, he/she must navigate royal duties, a skeptical king, and attempts to return to the present, all while influencing historical events with modern sensibilities.
6. "The King's Affection" (2021)
When the crown prince's secret twin sister, Lee Hwi, takes his place after his death, she must conceal her identity and navigate court life, eventually falling for her teacher, Jung Ji-woon, which risks the throne and their lives amid political intrigue and forbidden love.
7. "Love in the Moonlight" (2016)
Hong Ra-on, disguising herself as a male palace eunuch, becomes involved in a palace romance with Crown Prince Hyomyeong, leading to a journey of self-discovery, political intrigue, and the challenge of societal norms in the face of their forbidden love.
8. "Tale of Nokdu" (2019)
Jeon Nok-du, who disguises himself as a woman to infiltrate a mysterious all-female village, meets Dong Dong-ju, an unwilling trainee kisaeng, and together they uncover secrets about their origins, confront political plots, and navigate the complexities of love and identity.
9. "Empress Ki" (2013)
Seung Nyang, a Goryeo-born woman who rises from a slave to become the Empress of the Yuan dynasty, faces love, betrayal, and political intrigue, navigating alliances and enemies in her quest for justice and protection for her people.
10. "Queen Seon Duk" (2009)
The story of Deokman, who rises to become the first female ruler of the Silla kingdom, facing challenges from rivals, political intrigue, and betrayal, while forming alliances and employing wisdom and strategy to protect her kingdom and secure her place in history.
11. "Sword and Flower" (also known as "The Blade and Petal") (2013)
The tragic love story between Princess Yeon Gaesomun's daughter and her enemy's son, General Yeon Choong, unfolds against a backdrop of political intrigue, power struggles, and family loyalty, leading to heartbreak and betrayal in the twilight of the Goguryeo Dynasty.
12. "The Mermaid Prince" (2020)
Ahn Hye-fan, a high school student, encounters a mysterious man who claims to be a mermaid prince on a school trip to the coast; her disbelief turns to curiosity as they spend more time together, unraveling secrets of love, life, and the mystical under the sea.
13. "The King in Love" (2017)
Crown Prince Wang Won's heart is torn between his cousin, Wang Rin, and Eun San, the beautiful daughter of the wealthiest man; their complicated love triangle becomes entangled with ambitions, loyalty, and betrayal, challenging their friendship, loyalty, and the very essence of their love.
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