K-Dramas like The Murky Stream

12 shows with a similar feel

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  The Crowned Clown (2019)Also drama · action & adventure

  The story takes place at a time in Joseon history, when upheaval and power struggles surrounding the throne had reached extreme levels. In order to escape those who plan to assassinate him, the king puts a clown, who looks exactly like him, on the throne.

  2 tracking it here
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  Made in Korea (2025)Also drama

  In 1970s South Korea, follow two men on opposite sides of power — one driven by ambition, the other by justice. As their worlds collide, greed, loyalty, and survival intertwine in a battle that will shape a nation.
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  My Country: The New Age (2019)Also drama · action & adventure

  Set during the turbulent time of the fall of Goryeo and the founding of Joseon, two former friends face-off against one another over a woman and the future shape of the nation.

  1 tracking it here
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  Queen Woo (2024)Also action & adventure · drama

  Upon the announcement of the king's death in Goguryeo, a fierce battle ensues among tribes. Queen Woo, who immediately becomes the target of princes and five tribes vying for the throne, struggles to crown a new king within 24 hours. Will Queen Woo be able to transcend the constraints of gender and era to carve out her own destiny?

  1 tracking it here
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  Bloody Heart (2022)Also drama

  It is a fictional historical drama about the story of King Seonjong who ascends to the throne due to a rebellion, and Lee Tae who becomes the King after him.
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  Six Flying Dragons (2015)Also drama

  The ambitious success stories of 6 people surrounding Prince Lee Bang Won, and the ideological and political conflict between Prince Lee Bang Won and Jung Do Jeon, the man instrumental in helping King Taejo establish the fledgling Joseon nation.

  1 tracking it here
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  The Three Musketeers (2014)Also action & adventure · drama

  Set in the Joseon Dynasty period, this drama series follows the Crown Prince Sohyeon, his warriors Heo Seung-Po and An Min-Seo, and a Park Dal-Hyang who is preparing for his military examination.
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  Gunman in Joseon (2014)Also action & adventure · drama

  It’s the 19th Century and as western influences spread across Asia, Korea’s Joseon dynasty is experiencing great upheaval and rapid modernization. As the son of the last great swordsman, Park Yoon Kang is caught between two worlds, but the sudden murder of his father and sister catapult him into the new era as he takes up the gun to avenge their deaths. However, it’s not just his family who needs his protection, but his people as well. Is Park Yoon Kang cut out to be the hero of an era?
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  The Night Watchman (2014)Also action & adventure · drama

  Being able to see ghosts and other supernatural spirits is a heavy responsibility. Prince Lee Rin (Jung Il Woo), like his father before him, discovers that he has the ability to see ghosts and other supernatural beings. Armed with his newfound abilities, Lee Rin becomes the leader of a group of night watchmen who patrol the streets from dusk to dawn to protect the people of the Chosun Dynasty against evil spirits. Moo Seok (Jung Yun Ho) is the best swordsman in the land who is the prince’s trusty bodyguard. But their loyalties will be tested when they both fall in love with the same woman – Do Ha (Go Sung Hee), the successor of the Ma Go tribe who seeks their help to protect the Baek Do mountain’s spirits. But Park Soo Ryun (Seo Ye Ji), the daughter of a court officer, will stop at nothing to marry Prince Lee Rin. “The Night Watchman,” also known as "Diary of a Night Watchman,"
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  Secret Door (2014)Also drama

  A re-imagining of the legendary tale of the troubled father-son relationship between King Yeongjo and his only son Prince Sado. While his father insists on a strong and centralized government, Crown Prince Sado promotes social justice and equality throughout the kingdom. Throughout eight fateful years, the strain on their relationship — both familial and political — eventually evolves into a total breakdown, ending with one of the most tragic stories in Joseon history.
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  The Slave Hunters (2010)Also action & adventure · drama

  It follows the story of Lee Dae Gil, a man of high birth, whose family was ruined when Won Gi Yun, a slave, burnt down his house and escaped with his sister, Un Nyeon, who was in love with Dae Gil. Driven by his desire for revenge, he survived his harsh years on the street and made his name as a slave hunter, dedicated to his pursuit to find Un Nyun, his first and only love. Song Tae Ha is a General of the Army who became a slave after being falsely accused of a crime he did not commit and finds himself on the run from Dae Gil's relentless pursuit. Both men become entangled in a love triangle with Un Nyepn, who is no longer a runaway slave, but Kim Hye Won, a nobleman's daughter.
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  The King's Face (2014)Also drama

  Since Kwanghae was born from a concubine and only appointed as Crown Prince in a desperate measure, many dissatisfied officials from Northerner faction often plotted for his assassination and dethronement for 16 years. He also often quarreled with his father, King Seonjo, especially regarding Kim Ga Hee. Both son and father will fight against each other in favor of her. However, he eventually managed to overcome the obstacles by the help of Physiognomist, Kim Do Chi and become the next king. Meanwhile, Gwiin Kim is King Seonjo’s royal concubine.