The Tale of Nokdu (2019)

Similarities: comedy, past connections, good chemistry, a good story, great supporting characters

If you are particularly looking for a stress free historical kdrama with a satisfying ending, do watch The Tale of Nokdu

I don't know why but they give me the same vibes for some reason. They're both obviously rom-coms and although Tale of Nokdu is a historical drama it takes a really unique twist to it which makes it feel more modern. I know this explanation sucks, but I promise you won't regret watching The Tale of Nokdu, the best explanation I can give for why I think you'll like this if you liked Extraordinary You is that I felt the same utter adoration and fuzzy feels for both dramas.

- Both are comedy historical dramas
- Both have cross-dressers (though there is only slight in Under the Queens Umbrella)
- The main male protagonists are street smart and both grew outside the palace but were involved in palace power struggles later on
- Both have strong female protagonists

- Both focus on the love story of the leads and how they protect each other
- Both second male leads are jerks
- Both male leads are strategic thinkers that you would really root for
- Love the OST's!
- Both male leads deceived their beloved but for their own good
- Both kings want the male leads to be killed

Inspite of the similarities, they have their own charms and entertainment value that will make you feel all sorts of emotions :)

Both dramas feature a child of King Gwanghae who ended up being abandoned by their father. Both Nokdu and Sookyung ended up finding love with someone who turned out to be survivors of officials who had been executed due to being falsely charged with treason. Both dramas ending up with the abandoned children of King Gwanghae inevitably having a hand in aiding Prince Neungyang to take over the throne from the previous king. While the events playing in both dramas happened differently, it was interesting to see the different portrayals of King Gwanghae and Prince Neungyang and how that affect the story that unfolded.

both kinda break "gender roles"? SWDBS has a freakishly strong female lead that saved the day and caches the male lead when he falls. while TTON has a male lead that disguises as a woman and he looks soft and pretty.

both male leads are the sweet dorky kind. while the female leads are different from the usual representation of a female character in dramaworld.
both couple also are a "friends to lovers" kind of a ship~

Cross dressing by the girl but the male lead and the way he flirts and even looks is so similar to Nokdu ML.

Depiction of women's issues in the Joseon Era, there's a lot of funny scenes but the drama's main plot has a more serious tone, main leads bicker and fight when they first meet but end up falling in love, people in high positions are corrupted and the main leads fight against them.

*spoiler*
- both Male leads like the girl and are eligible to become king.
- Male lead come to capital city in search for something from village
- male leads have adoptive brother and expert in martial arts
- there is squad of fighters for justice
- SML kidnaps FL
-SML hangouts near courtesans
- other characters have nice sub story and romance
- SML ends up as king and ML gets the girl

If you like The Tale of Nokdu, I think you'd also like 100 Days My Prince! Both have:
- strong female lead with tragic pasts
- male leads trying to figure out who they really are
- a morally ambiguous king
- group of supportive friends/family!!!!
- comedy! romance! history! drama!
- amazing chemistry between the two leads

Both are historical fantasy dramas;
Both are very funny and gently;
Many jokes and comic scenes;
Both have the cutest romance ever!

Enjoy "My Sassy Girl" with something hot and sweet, specially in cold days. And "The Tale of Nukdu" with a snack salted or something spicy hahaha make all the difference!

Hope you liked!

They are both historical dramas and have a little bit of comedy in them mixed with action and suspense. Although, The Tale of Nokdu does not have any fantasy in it - it is still very entertaining and humorous. Definitely worth a watch~

Just Dance and The Tale of Nokdu both have Jang Dong Yoon which is nice for people who are getting interested to see more of him ;)

also, even though it happened for a short while, he cross dressed in JD too xD

recommendations are not just about similarities, so I'll just say (beside be melodramatic) TTON is the drama that got me out of my HDL slump~