References to Western Literature Mentioned in Five (5) Korean Dramas

Korean dramas often spark curiosity beyond the screen—whether it’s real events, food, or references to Western literature woven into the plot. 

These five dramas use real books as emotional and thematic markers to deepen character development and highlight Korea’s blend of global influences. For me, these literary references make the stories richer and inspire me to explore the books behind them; I wonder if they do the same for you.

(1) The Lucifer ~ Inside the Mind of a Dark Genius

• People of the Lie: The Hope for Healing Human Evil, a book written by M. Scott Peck.

The drama uses “People of the Lie...” to frame its exploration of human malice, self-deception, and moral corruption. Peck’s psychological insights become central to the protagonist’s investigation, shaping the entire narrative.

(2) Born Again ~ 3 People Reincarnated, Love Triangle Recreated

• Emily Brontë’s gothic classic novel about obsession and fate, Wuthering Heights.

The story mirrors “Wuthering Heights” through themes of longing, fate, and emotional obsession. Three souls connected in the 1980s are reborn to repeat a tragic love triangle across lifetimes.

(3) My Love From the Star ~ A Cosmic Romance Phenomenon

• The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, a children’s novel by Kate DiCamillo.

The drama references “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane” to highlight Do Min Joon’s emotional evolution from detachment to love. Like Edward, he learns through loss, vulnerability, and connection what it truly means to care.

(4) The Nice Guy – I Just Want To Live Happily Ever After

• The Sun Also Rises, is a classic novel written by the Nobel Prize-winning author Ernest Hemingway.

A gentle-hearted heir trapped in a violent family clings to the hope symbolized by Hemingway’s “The Sun Also Rises”. The quote about the rising sun becomes his reminder that a peaceful life might still be possible.

(5) Notes From The Last Row ~ A Mentorship Turns Into Psychological Warfare

• The Sorrows of Young Werther by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Referencing "The Sorrows of Young Werther" signals the drama’s focus on obsession, unrequited longing, and emotional unraveling. The mentor-student relationship spirals into a tense psychological battle echoing Werther’s intensity.

Condensed from content published via PopGeeks.com.

The Legend (2007 K‑Drama): Epic Fantasy, Reincarnation & the Four Gods Prophecy

The Legend (2007) blends historical fantasy, political intrigue, and reincarnation mythology into an epic story about Dam‑Deok, the destined King of Jyushin. Rooted in the legend of Dangun and Gwanggaeto the Great, the drama follows the heavenly prince Hwan‑woong’s ancient tragedy and the prophecy that a true king—born under the king’s star—will rise 2,000 years later. As Dam‑Deok grows up amid ruthless palace factions, the Four Gods begin to awaken, confirming his identity and pulling him into a dangerous web of betrayal, supernatural forces, and karmic echoes from a past life.

Reincarnated figures from the ancient conflict return: Suzini, warm‑hearted and spirited, carries the power of the Red Phoenix, while Seo Gi‑Ha, raised and manipulated by the Hwacheon Clan, becomes the vessel of the destructive Black Phoenix. Dam‑Deok must navigate political enemies, a rival groomed to take his throne, and a tragic love bound to catastrophic destiny. As the prophecy unfolds, the fate of Jyushin—and the world—depends on whether he can confront both human treachery and the lingering consequences of a love triangle that once destroyed a kingdom.

Main Characters:

• Hwan-woong-->Dam-Deok (played by Bae Yong-Jun)

Dam-Deok (teen) (played by Yoo Seung-Ho)

• Seo Gi-Ha (played by Moon So-Ri)

Seo Gi-Ha (teen) (played by Park Eun-Bin)

• Suzini (played by Lee Ji-A)

Suzini (teen) (played by Shim Eun-Kyung)

• Hun Go (played by Oh Gwang-Rok)

• Yeon Ho-Gae (played by Yoon Tae-Young)

⭐ See detailed review at PopGeeks

Feng Shui (2018) Review: Joseon Politics, Geomancy, and the Fight for Destiny

“Feng Shui” (2018) is a political period drama that blends royal intrigue with the Korean geomantic tradition known as pungsu‑jiri. Set in the late Joseon era, the film follows Park Jae‑Sang, a gifted geomancer whose life is scarred by the Kim clan’s ruthless pursuit of power. When he joins forces with Heungseon Daewongun, a sharp and ambitious nobleman from a fallen family, the two challenge a political order built on corruption, superstition, and the belief that an auspicious burial site can shape the destiny of future kings. Their struggle pits them against the formidable Kim Jwa‑Geun, whose influence reaches deep into the royal court.

The film uses its historical backdrop to explore how geomancy—far more than folklore—was once a cultural force capable of influencing governance, family legacy, and national fate. As Park Jae‑Sang and Heungseon Daewongun navigate conspiracies, alliances, and betrayals, “Feng Shui” becomes a story about justice, destiny, and the lengths people will go to secure power. It’s both an entertaining political thriller and an accessible introduction to Korean traditions surrounding land, energy, and ancestral honor.

“Feng Shui” is the third entry in Jupiter Film’s trilogy on Korean fortune‑telling arts, following The Face Reader and The Princess and the Matchmaker. If you’re curious about how geomancy shaped Korean history—or simply want a tense, atmospheric drama—this film is a compelling watch.

🍿🍿Add to Your Movie List?  YES! 🍿🍿

“Feng Shui” (2018) delivers a tense, atmospheric look at the Joseon court where land could make—or break—a dynasty. In this political thriller, the fight for an auspicious burial plot becomes a battle for the throne, revealing a world where ambition, fate, and belief collide with deadly consequences.

Full movie review on PopGeeks.com.

Old But Gold Binge-Worthy Korean Drama: The Lucifer (2007)

While patiently waiting for new releases of Korean dramas to reach the American audience, I continue combing through old Korean dramas and finding lots of hidden gems. It's the best treasure hunt ever! 

• The Lucifer (aka “The Devil”) is a 2007 Korean drama, 20 episodes, categorized as Legal drama, Police Procedural, Thriller, Suspense, Revenge, Action, Legal Drama, Police Procedural, Crime, Mystery, Romance, and Fantasy. Streaming on KOCOWA+.  

"The Lucifer" (aka “The Devil”) is the second installment in a revenge trilogy, following “Resurrection [aka Rebirth, Revenge, or Life Again ] (2005)” and preceding “Don’t Look Back: The Legend of Orpheus (2013)” (literal title “Shark”).

Where to Watch

• Memorable Quote: “'People of the Lie' by M. Scott Peck.” … “When the trumpet of judgment stops to play and the new day dawns, the Gates of Hell shall be closed.” (Episode 20)

SUMMARY: The lives of a detective, a psychic librarian, and a mysterious lawyer collide in a series of tarot card-linked murders.

• Read my detailed review on PopGeeks.com.

TRAILER/TEASER:  KBS WORLD TV. “[ENG Sub] The Lucifer (마왕) Trailer.” YouTube, 10 May 2010, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81OiedBK4Jc.

Other K-Drama Trilogies:

• The Yi Sun-sin Trilogy
• The Vengeance Trilogy
• The Friend Trilogy
• The Lovers Trilogy: In Paris, In Prague, In China's Hainan Island

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