Regarding your last sentence, there are plenty of sageuk which have all of that criteria. That is why I always prefer sageuk since the production value of it are very impressive compared to other kdramas. Among my absolute faves are:
- The Princess' Man (Awesome actors, greatest chemistry between the leads, pretty costume, great writing et all except mind-blowing twist but the story is very angsty and super duper awesome). - Yi San (Great story, actors, basically everything. You will love the King, his wives, his loyal officials, bodyguards and everything lol). - Jumong (Magnificent story, acting & writing). - Tree With Deep Roots (Basically one of the best kdramas ever written, great story about King Sejong and the creation of Hangul, love the King and everyone else). - Six Flying Dragon (Complicated and layered script, lots of grey characters, great editing, awesome fight scenes et all) - Queen Seondok (Great villain). - Faith (Okay, some people didnt like it but I love it lol. Great twist, amusing villains and interesting ending).
no subject
- The Princess' Man (Awesome actors, greatest chemistry between the leads, pretty costume, great writing et all except mind-blowing twist but the story is very angsty and super duper awesome).
- Yi San (Great story, actors, basically everything. You will love the King, his wives, his loyal officials, bodyguards and everything lol).
- Jumong (Magnificent story, acting & writing).
- Tree With Deep Roots (Basically one of the best kdramas ever written, great story about King Sejong and the creation of Hangul, love the King and everyone else).
- Six Flying Dragon (Complicated and layered script, lots of grey characters, great editing, awesome fight scenes et all)
- Queen Seondok (Great villain).
- Faith (Okay, some people didnt like it but I love it lol. Great twist, amusing villains and interesting ending).