The plot of the Netflix South Korean drama “Song of the Bandits,” which is filled with Western action, centers on Japan’s colonial tyranny over the Korean people in 1920 and the uprising that followed. Lee-yoon visits the lawless nation of Gando in search of atonement for his acts while serving in the Japanese army. Instead of finding death, Lee-yoon discovers Choi Chung-soo, a former Righteous soldier, who offers him something far superior. The two go on to join a vicious gang of outlaws who are committed to defending their fellow Joseon citizens.
Following the robbers’ exploits, Lee-yoon and his companions meet Nam Hee-shin, a sincere insurgent, and assist her in playing a major part in a plan against the Empire. The program aims to amuse viewers while preserving an accurate portrayal of the persecution experienced by the Korean/Joseonian people under Japan’s occupation. Here is a list of suggestions for shows that you could enjoy if you’re seeking for ones with comparable themes, locations, or subject matter. ‘Song of the Bandits’ and the majority of these other programs are available on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu!
1923 (2022-2023)
The Taylor Sheridan-produced Western drama series “1923,” a prequel to the critically acclaimed “Yellowstone,” explores the struggles the Dutton family encountered at the turn of the 20th century. The show, which stars Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren, centers on ranchers Jacob and Cara Dutton, whose lives are in danger on their family Yellowstone Ranch. The Duttons must figure out a means to maintain their Ranch during this period of their family’s history while dealing with the effects of the Western Expansion, Prohibition, and the impending Great Depression.
A tale of altering sociopolitical conditions, “1923” examines everyday life for common people at the same time period as “Song of the Bandits,” but in a different region of the world. As a result, lovers of the historical fiction genre are sure to adore ‘1923’s’ gripping, if less action-focused, tale.
Bridal Mask (2012)
The South Korean action-romance series “Bridal Mask,” which is set in 1930s Korea, uses a superhero plot to tell the tale of a vigilante who battles Japanese empire. Lee Kang-to, a Korean officer, serves the Japanese government in an effort to provide a better life for his family, and in return, he is treated with contempt by his fellow countrymen. However, Kang-to makes an effort to apprehend the notorious masked guerrilla Gaksital (also known as Bridal Mask) and put an end to his campaign for Korean Independence.
‘Bridal Mask’ offers a fun narrative that combines history and fiction thanks to its masked hero gimmick. For those who enjoyed supporting Lee-yoon and his bandits in their struggle against Japanese persecution, this show would be ideal. In addition, given his circumstances, Kang-to’s character is certain to invoke memories of Lee-yoon and Kwang-il from “Song of the Bandits” in the minds of viewers.
Chicago Typewriter (2017)
Illinois Typewriter, This fantasy program, which was originally called “Sikago Tajagi,” features a special time-traveling aspect. Three Korean resistance fighters are resurrected into the present era after fighting the good fight against the Japanese Empire. Famous author Han Se-joo experiences writer’s block and acquires a vintage typewriter, which completely upends his life. The enchanted device sends Se-joo decades into the past, to the 1930s, when he lived as the resistance warrior Seo Hwi-young. Eventually, Se-joo’s paths meet with two people who had fought alongside him before their reincarnations: a fan named Jeon Seol and a ghostwriter named Yoo Jin-oh.
The drama, which centers on the three, explores the mystery of Se-joo and his friends’ prior lives by switching between two time periods and using several narratives. Although “Chicago Typewriter” differs from “Song of the Bandits” in that it blatantly lacks any Western inspirations, lovers of the latter program will enjoy “Chicago Typewriter”‘s connection to Korea’s struggle for independence.
Gunman In Joseon (2014)
The last expert swordsman of the Joseon dynasty in the nineteenth century was Park Yoon-kang. The swordsman, who learned his craft from his father, is forced to exchange his abilities for a lever action rifle created in the West due to the horrible deaths of his family. Yoon-kang embarks on his mission of vengeance intending to clear his name but ends up saving his people by becoming a hero.
An action program called “Gunman in Joseon” explores a turbulent period in Korean history. The historical war between the Sugu and the Kaehwa during the rule of Emperor Gojong colors the story. In that sense, the program offers a plot with a historical backdrop and a cowboy hero that is comparable to “Song of the Bandits.”
Pachinko (2022-)
‘Pachinko,’ a show about legacy that follows four generations of the same family from 1915 to 1989, features a dual storyline. It was created by Soo Hugh. Sunja, who was raised in a Korean household under Japanese authority, decides to move to Osaka in search of a better life. Sunja moved to Koreatown after leaving her old life behind for a new one, but she still faces prejudice in Japanese culture because of her ethnicity as a minority Korean woman. Sunja manages to throw a bright light on her future despite the overwhelming odds against her and goes on to create a successful family. But old wounds still linger.
Fans of “Song of the Bandits” will undoubtedly appreciate “Pachinko” because it makes an effort to infuse its tales with themes of hope and survival despite its heartbreaking storylines. Therefore, if the previous program piqued your interest in learning more about the historical mistreatment of the Korean people under Japanese rule, this one is ideal for you.
Rebellion (2016-2019)
‘Rebellion,’ a historical miniseries by Colin Teevan, opens with the onset of World War I and the subsequent 1906 Easter Rising. A group of men and women discover themselves in the midst of an illustrious struggle for Irish independence in Dublin, Belfast, and London. Elizabeth Butler, Frances O’Flaherty, and May Lacy all contribute to the struggle being led by different films as the Irish nationalist cause gains strength.
For history buffs who enjoy hearing about people struggling to overthrow repressive regimes, “Rebellion” offers the ideal program. In the same way as “Song of the Bandits” draws attention to the harsh relations between Japan and Korea, this program emphasizes Irish hardship under British control. Additionally, like the first episode, this one likewise maintains a balance between intimate character connections and serious historical events while being situated in the midst of a revolution.
Six Flying Dragons (2015-2016)
‘Six Flying Dragons,’ sometimes referred to as ‘Yungnyong-i Nareusya,’ is a well-known historical South Korean drama series that follows six different character narratives. Yi Bang-won, the main character, is an energetic young man who joins forces with political analyst Jung Do Jeon as the Goryeo dynasty comes to a close, paving the way for the Joseon period. A mixture of imaginary and historical people let their ambitions run wild as the plot develops, for better or ill.
The program offers a drawn-out but compelling dramatized narrative of the Joseon dynasty’s founding in Korea. The main plot of the show is exceptionally well-written, with numerous narratives developing simultaneously to form the larger picture at stake. Therefore, this program is a must-watch if “Song of the Bandits” has made you a fan of historical-action Kdramas.
Walker: Independence (2022-2023)
The dramatic origin narrative of “Walker: Independence” takes place in the 1800s and is set in the Western, gun-toting universe of “Walker.” Abby Walker, who is on her way to the West, witnesses her husband’s horrifying demise and seeks retribution against the perpetrator. Hoyt Rawlins, a renegade without a cause whose destination just so happens to coincide with hers, eventually comes into her path. The two travel together to Independence, Texas, a place with many secrets just waiting to be discovered.
Despite having only one season, “Walker: Independence” delivered a gripping story driven by retribution, justice, and—most importantly—lawlessness. Aside from these themes, this show is comparable to “Song of the Bandits” in that it emphasizes portraying Independence as a Wild West-style town, much like Gando did in the latter.
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