Netflix has been stepping up to the plate and has added loads of Korean and Chinese Dramas to the fold, some are also Taiwanese, Japanese and Thai. Coupled with that, in order to jump on the wave, Netflix has produced its own Korean and Chinese Dramas, I believe there is a Thai remake of a Korean Drama, too. This makes me a happy camper since DramaFever was cut only a few months ago leaving me with Viki, which I love, but sometimes it doesn't hold everything I want to see. So if you love Asian Dramas or never watched one, this list is for everyone!
1. Ashes of Love (Chinese) - This Drama is a 2018 Chinese Fantasy and Romance show. I watched it as it was on air in China through Viki and fell in love. It's so detailed and beautiful from the story to the costumes and settings, you'll be captivated. I cried a bit, not even going to lie.
The short synopsis reads as such: "Hidden away by her mother, the Floral Goddess, the naïve Jinmi is drawn to Xufeng, the Heavenly Emperor's son, yet forces conspire against them."
2. Lion Pride (Taiwanese) - This is a 2018 Taiwanese show set in modern day Taipei. It was interesting, clever and wasn't all about romance so if you're not a big romance person, you might still want to watch this one. I enjoyed it and it only further pushed me to want to go to Taipei.
The short synopsis reads as such:"Two teachers, with opposite viewpoints, must work together to solve a crime."
3. Something in the Rain (Korean) - This is a modern-day Korean Drama focusing on the struggles of dating a younger guy, family expectations and career aspirations. I really enjoyed this one because it was very raw and real feeling. It wasn't overly happy to where you realize it's fake and that made me connect with it.
The short synopsis reads as such: "When a single career woman reunites with her best friend's younger brother after he returns from three years of working abroad, their efforts to reconnect grow into romance."
4. Meteor Garden (Chinese) - This is a modern day Chinese remake of Boys Over Flowers and I have to admit I preferred this. It's super romantic but messed up and will really grate on your nerves but also pull at your heart strings. I loved this one and think it's something any romance lover should see.
The short synopsis reads as such:"Dong Shancai is determined to excel at her dream university, where she encounters an elite clique of dashing, popular high-achievers--and finds love."
5. Here to Heart (Chinese) - This is a modern-day Chinese Drama with a lot of twists and stress. I really enjoyed it and have to admit that I was even shocked at the level of devotion between the two, it's a second chance romance.
The short synopsis reads as such:"After 10 years of separation, a man and a woman struggle to rebuild their relationship."
6. Accidentally in Love (Chinese) - This is a young adult type modern-day drama. It's funny, a bit ridiculous and totally within the style of the Drama world. Personally, I didn't enjoy it but I forced myself to watch the show to the end.
The short synopsis reads as such: "Chen Qing Qing is the daughter of a rich household desperately wanting to avoid an arranged marriage and find love on her own terms."
The short synopsis reads as such: "The love between Deities Bai Qian and Ye Hua stands the test of three lifetimes."
8. The Rise of Phoenixes (Chinese) - This is a very complicated and sometimes inconsistent Historical Chinese Drama. The costumes and acting were incredible but, at many times, the plot line left for something to be desired.
The short synopsis reads as such: "Feng Zhi Wei is the unfavored illegitimate daughter of the Qiu family, who is banished from the clan after falsely accused of a crime. Zhi Wei cross-dresses as a man to attend the prestigious Qingming Academy and stuns the world with her talent and knowledge."
9. Love 020 (Chinese ) - A modern-day University Drama that incorporates gamers, love and college days. It's sweet, fun and pretty much a feel good show. It introduced me to Yang Yang (actor who portrays the make lead) and I'm in love.
The short synopsis reads as such: "Xiao Nai is a gaming expert who, courtesy of his basketball skills, academic excellence, swimming talent and game company presidency, also happens to be the most popular student on campus. When he first comes across the gorgeous computer science major Bei Wei Wei, the infinitely talented wunderkind immediately falls in love."
10. Pretty Man (Chinese) - This modern-day Chinese Drama is all about misunderstandings, love, responsibility and happiness. The three main characters have a triangle of complication, if you will, along with the pushing of misunderstandings due to lack of communication and parental expectations.
The short synopsis reads as such: "What could possibly go wrong with a fake relationship? Qiao An Hao and Lu Jin Nian have a history together. They were very much in love in high school but misunderstandings kept the two apart. More than a decade later, Jin Nia has become a successful CEO of an entertainment company and An Hao is trying to make it into the business as an actress."
11. A Love so Beautiful (Chinese) - This is a modern-day Drama that will really make you want to believe in love again and cheer on the female lead. You might tear up or straight up cry at points because the acting and feelings are that powerful but it's sweet and has a solid ending.
The short synopsis reads as such: "The ups and downs of school, family and growing up test the affection between a budding artist and her handsome but indifferent classmate and neighbor."
12. My Only Love Song (Korean) - This is a time travel Drama. The female lead gets sent back in time. She doesn't get sent back alone and, due to her personality, it's a very comical show. The episodes are rather quick but I think it's a fun watch.
The short synopsis reads as such: "When things don't go her way during the shooting of her new show, a top actress runs away in an old van that guides her on a time-traveling journey."
13. Ice Fantasy (Chinese) - This Chinese Drama is a mix of fantasy and historical. There are multiple realms, including the human one. The show focuses on the Ice tribe's heir and his younger brother that he always favored. It has romantic elements but has a lot of action, fantastical elements and great acting.
The short synopsis reads as such: "Ka Suo, the Ice Tribe prince, makes the journey to the magical holy shrine with his entourage in order to vanquish evil, but ends up in a war with the Fire Tribe and his long-lost brother."
The short synopsis reads as such: "After an accident leads to a great loss of weight, Mi Duo starts a new life working for her secret crush, Xiao Liang, CEO of a diamond company."
15. Fall in Love with Me (Taiwanese) - This is another Drama where Aaron Yan is the male lead. He seems to have a thing for creative agencies and roles. This is a modern-day Drama where Yan portrays an Advertising genius who is burned out and decides to take time off. This show is very unrealistic at certain points and realistic at others. It's a feel good Drama that is on the romantic comedy spectrum.
The short synopsis reads as such: "Le Si battles to protect her brother's agency but instead falls in love with Tian Xings disguise, Xiao Lu."
16. Just You (Taiwanese ) - This is a funny and sweet modern-day Taiwanese Drama set in Taipei. This is the Drama that introduced me to Aaron Yan, a famous Taiwanese Actor who was part of boy group Fahrenheit. The plot is easy to follow but that doesn't make it any less entertaining.
The short synopsis reads as such: "Liang-liang is on a mission to get her new, strict boss and landlord to mellow out, after the imposition of a strict policy forbidding office romance."
17. Boys Over Flowers (Korean) - This is a remake of the Taiwanese and Japanese shows and where Meteor Garden got its concept from. It's an extremely popular Korean Drama, pretty much considered a staple Drama to watch. It's about school time love, the life of wealthy elites and the clashing of love when two people from different backgrounds come together.
The short synopsis reads as such: "The story of Geum Jan-di, a normal girl who finds herself attending a prestigious private school after saving a student's life."
18. Hymn of Death (Korean) - Hymn of Death is a Historical Korean Drama that is very, very deep. If you don't like sad endings, this is definitely one to skip. The weight of this show is very heavy as it touches upon the strains of life with regards to personal relationships, society and family.
The short synopsis reads as such: "During the Japanese colonial period, married playwright Kim U-jin falls in love with soprano Yun Sim-deok, one of Korea's notable New Women."
19. Mr. Sunshine (Korean) - This is another Historical Drama which has the male lead as a Korean American, living in American from a young child as he fled from Korea. The female lead is a privileged Korean young woman who wants to make a difference in her nation. This is set during the Japanese occupation of Korea. It's really heavy with cute and funny moments sprinkled out. It shows a lot of blemishes of the Korean society structure, too. I found it to be one of the most interesting things I've ever watched.
The short synopsis reads as such: "A Korean boy from a poor family who ends up in the United States after the 1871 Shinmiyangyo incident returns to his homeland during a historical turning point. Now an office with the American military, Eugene falls in love with Ae-sin, an aristocrat's daughter, and discovers a dark scheme to colonize the country from which he once fled. Ae-sin tries to figure out if Eugene is a friend as they wonder what the English word 'love' means."
I already love foreign shows on Netflix but I haven't tried an Asian one yet so thank you for giving me that push! Although I prefer horror / Thriller and things like that, this has definitely given me that inspiration to give one a go!
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