Asian dramas like
Central Affairs

Gong So, a pawnshop proprietor in Hong Kong, marries a female employee Dung Ji Su from Guang Zhou, China, in a typical cross-border marriage of the 1980s. However, they do not stay together post-marriage and continue with their separate lives. Meanwhile, Ji Su gives birth to two adorable daughters, Gong Hoi Chiu and Gong Hoi Lan. After several attempts, Ji Su and her daughters finally receive approval to relocate to Hong Kong. Just as they are preparing to make the move, Ji Su is robbed at the train station. Robert Chui Chi Man, the gang member Ji Su encounters at the station, assists her in pursuing the robbers, leaving Hoi Lan under the care of her older sister Hoi Chiu. The situation takes a turn for the worse when Hoi Lan is kidnapped amidst the commotion! Hoi Chiu chooses not to seek assistance, despite being able to prevent the unfortunate incident.

On December 20, 1999, China regained control of Macau. The members of the music group Lotus Rain - Qiao Zi Liang, Tong Jie, and Lan Yong Ren - all graduated from high school that same year. Tong Jie went to England for further studies, Qiao Zi Liang attended university in Guangzhou, and Yong Ren enrolled in a police academy in Macau. When Tong Jie returned to Macau four years later, he was surprised to learn that Yong Ren had switched careers from a police officer to a bartender. Zi Liang reconnected with classmates from Macau and Guangzhou, including Tong Zhen and Xiao Yao. Tong Jie's twin sister, Tong Zhen, and Xiao Yao both developed feelings for Zi Liang without realizing they were both interested in the same person. Yan Ming Ming, the daughter of Hong Kong's Yan Enterprises, visited Macau and purchased a significant amount of property owned by Tong Shan He. Tong Shan He arranged for his son, Tong Jie, to interact with the Yan family, only to discover that Yan Tian, the head of Yan Enterprises, had a longstanding feud with him from 20 years ago. Tong Shan He realized that Yan Tian's real motive for buying property in Macau was to seek revenge against him.

The narrative centers around Lu Xiao Nan (played by Tina Tang), an independent woman who harbors a fear of marriage due to the complexities involved in merging two lives and families. However, she meets Kevin (portrayed by William Chan), a university professor who is unfettered by familial ties and possesses a warm and adaptable nature. Despite her initial reservations, Xiao Nan marries Kevin and supports him in his quest to reconnect with his estranged family. As they navigate the challenges of blending into his family, Xiao Nan finds solace and purpose with the help of her supportive husband. Meanwhile, Kevin unravels the mysteries surrounding his childhood amnesia. The series is available in two versions: 66 episodes lasting 35-55 minutes each for TV viewing, or 70 episodes of 45 minutes each for DVD watching.

The narrative follows the journey of two elderly friends who find solace in each other as they navigate the challenges of letting go of earthly concerns. Through the eyes of Gu Jia Yi, we gain insight into the lives and hardships faced by her mother and her mother's companions.

This year's drama resonated with Chinese audiences, focusing on themes such as housing prices, love, and marriage. The storyline revolved around a group of young individuals striving to achieve their dreams despite facing harsh realities. Ma Xiaodong, born in the 1980s, faced challenges after getting married and securing a bank loan to buy a house without informing his girlfriend, leading to a series of unfortunate events. Meanwhile, Liang Meili, a white-collar worker, struggled to sell an apartment to support her family amid financial difficulties. Through ups and downs, the characters navigated through work-related issues, personal differences, and parental expectations, all while seeking love, stability, and a place to call home. Ultimately, their perseverance and mutual support helped them overcome obstacles and find happiness in creating a warm and loving home.

The narrative centers on the emotions of the artist.

The narrative centers around a young lady named Lu Yaqing in the era of the Chinese republic. She transforms her circumstances from poverty to marrying into a wealthy family, leveraging her embroidery skills to rise as a prosperous and influential figure, leaving a significant mark during her lifetime.

After Tong Si Jie loses her parents at a young age, she faces challenges and takes on various jobs to support her siblings. Her path crosses with the wealthy Yi Yi, and they fall in love against all odds. However, their plans for a future together are disrupted by Yi Yi's controlling mother, who manipulates the situation and drives a wedge between the couple.

Yao Yuan overcame numerous challenges to make a breakthrough in the online express delivery industry. His journey spans two decades of highs and lows, starting with working his parents' long-haul transport shifts post-high school graduation. While on these trips, he seizes an opportunity that leads to an encounter with Lu Xiao'ou, the daughter of Lu Zong, the head of an express mail service. Despite a failed business endeavor that causes him to exit, inadvertently shattering Lu Xiao'ou's romantic hopes, their paths continue to intersect. Lu Xiao'ou becomes a persistent reminder of his deepest desires and vulnerabilities. Supported by Tian Hui and facing off against Liu Yun Tian's challenges, Yao Yuan finds himself entangled in a conflict between traditional enterprises and online deliveries, ultimately becoming Lu Xiao'ou's adversary. Through applying lessons learned from Lu Zong, he rekindles his aspirations and reignites Lu Xiao'ou's passion.

This tale follows the journey of two young boys, Park Kwang Chul and Lee Jae Hoon, who come from different backgrounds but form a strong friendship under unexpected circumstances. As they grow older, they reunite and collaborate as bankers. Together, they assist Hee Kyung, who was raised alongside Park Kwang Chul, in locating her biological father, leading to the revelation of distressing truths from their shared history.

A narrative centered around an adopted woman facing challenges in her quest to establish a family.

A familial narrative revolves around a woman who moves into her biological mother's boarding house alongside her stepmother following her father's death and the subsequent decline of his business. This challenged family navigates life's obstacles together, relying on love and empathy to achieve a joyful resolution. (MBC)

Despite facing financial hardships, Oh Bom remains optimistic and cheerful. She holds a part-time job at a factory. Kang Ma Roo is a gentle and uncomplicated young man, who possesses a certain naivety about life. An Tae Ho serves as the section chief at a corporation and is driven by ambition. He seeks out Choi Ah Ran for his own interests and eventually marries her. Choi Ah Ran is the heir to a substantial company. Although she is intelligent, she carries the burden of a troubled history; her younger sister has vanished, and her parents have abandoned her.

A theatrical piece centered on individuals confronting animosity and discord as they discover the essence of forgiveness, love, and true happiness.

At a crossroads in her career and personal life, a 30-year-old woman named He Mei Liang faces the challenge of starting over. Despite expecting to be thriving in her career, He Mei Liang unexpectedly loses her job in medical equipment sales due to her inability to assert herself. Feeling defeated, she decides to pursue a career in insurance sales, a field she once looked down upon. Determined to succeed, He Mei Liang partners with experienced insurance salesman You Zi Jie, who guides her through the ins and outs of the industry. Can Zi Jie assist He Mei Liang in rebuilding her life and career?

Huang Jin Fa is nearing retirement and is generally accepting of most things, except for his daughters' future partners. His eldest daughter, Huang Tian Lan, is dating Jin Fa's new supervisor, while his middle daughter, Huang Tian Long, was deceived by her spouse. The youngest daughter, Huang Tian Zhen, took a risk by engaging in a relationship on campus.

On the eve of the Korean War in 1950, a man is murdered, setting off a chain of events that affects three families as four young individuals navigate the complexities of love and forgiveness. Kim Eun Hee's father is wrongfully accused of the crime and meets a tragic end as a consequence. Since that incident, Eun Hee has faced ostracism from her community. Im Sung Jae has always harbored feelings for Eun Hee, but their shared history threatens to keep them apart. Following his father's death, Sung Jae was ironically taken in and raised by the actual murderer, Cha Seok Goo. Seok Goo's daughter, Cha Young Joo, is both intelligent and arrogant, and she has developed feelings for Sung Jae. Her jealousy motivates her to attempt to sabotage his relationship with Eun Hee. Meanwhile, Choi Jung Tae is also in love with Eun Hee but chooses to accept that her affections lie elsewhere.

A lively miniseries focused on family dynamics, showcasing a blend of various generations and their distinct perspectives on relationships. The central storyline revolves around the tensions that emerge between a mother and her daughter, primarily stemming from the men they are involved with, highlighting the struggles that single mothers and divorcees encounter in contemporary society. The portrayal of their lives, along with those intertwined with them, resonates with viewers, evoking a comforting sensation known as love. (MBC)

Set against a backdrop of hope in a challenging and disconnected society, this drama explores themes of filial devotion, family connections, and virtuous individuals. It uncovers the genuine essence of marriage and love by illustrating the modern dating landscape and societal perspectives, all while highlighting the contrasting traits of young individuals who seek a partner based on social standing and wealth rather than authentic affection. Life is filled with both joyful and difficult moments, but having cherished ones around will transform each day into a delightful spring. (MBC)

Oh Dan-Byul suffered the loss of her parents as a result of her own error. She enters into a marriage with Joon-Young, but he unfortunately dies. At the same time, her mother-in-law, Ho-Duk, ends her marriage due to her husband’s unfaithfulness, and her sister-in-law, Se-Sil, comes back to South Korea after separating from her Italian spouse. Now, these three women cohabitate, navigating their individual challenges and growing to be significant in one another’s lives.

Rebooted in 2011, the South Korean series Sparkling featured Kim Hyun Joo and Lee Yoo Ri in leading roles.

A theatrical piece centered on the daughter of a businessman who is battling a scheme to seize control of her father's company.

Kang Moo Yeol, a third-generation chaebol, appears to have everything one could desire—looks, wealth, and status. However, beneath this facade lies a troubled upbringing marked by family strife and the heartache of losing his former love, Han Yoo Rim. On the other hand, Han Yoo Jung is a hardworking, intelligent, and fiercely independent woman with a rebellious spirit that has helped her cope with the sudden death of her family. As the younger sister of Han Yoo Rim, she becomes entwined with Kang Moo Yeol a decade later. Both Kang Moo Yeol and his half-brother, Hong Soo Hyuk, find themselves captivated by Han Yoo Jung. Yet, Moo Yeol and Yoo Jung's relationship is doomed from the start, as their tragic romance is rooted in a calamity involving their parents. Will they be able to break free from their grim circumstances and find happiness together?

A luxury hotel faced competition from a rival named Li Rong Hao, prompting the president to bring back Lin Chong Guang for assistance. Despite leaving three years ago due to false rumors, Lin Chong Guang returns to boost the hotel's success. Li Rong Hao once again tries to take control of the hotel by hiring an expert in hotel acquisitions, Wen Ze Kai. As time passes, Wen Ze Kai undermines Lin Chong Guang by taking away his girlfriend, Tong Xin. The hotel becomes a battleground testing the boundaries between greed and morality.

The tale of Tang Peng and Lin Jun, a previously childless couple, and their emotional journey towards parenthood, filled with both sorrow and joy.

Liu Mei Li (Jiang Meng Jie) is a young and determined girl with aspirations of becoming a well-known designer. She sets off on her journey by participating in China's "Dream" fashion show. Although faced with challenges, Mei Li also seeks to reunite with her long-lost sister. Along the way, she meets Zhou Xuan (Yao Yuan Hao), the general manager of a company, and the two become entangled in a complex relationship. Mei Li's childhood friend, Xie Jing Hua (Liu Yi Han), works for a rival company called Tian Yi and harbors feelings for the president's son, Ye Guang Yi (Chi Shuai). Mei Li finds herself caught in the midst of conflicts between her professional and personal lives. Despite the turmoil, she remains optimistic, holding onto her dreams and spreading warmth to those around her like a beacon of hope.

Throughout the 1990s, the Lu siblings spent their formative years together in a Shanghai longtang. Their journey unfolds over two decades, illustrating their transformation from humble beginnings to success amidst the tumultuous and unpredictable Shanghai economy and capital markets. Lu Jiang Tao's accumulation of wealth coincides with a loss of self, leading him down a destructive path due to his indifference towards ethical boundaries. Meanwhile, Lu Hai Bo, the eldest brother, maintains a strong moral compass, prioritizing family, faith, and ethical business practices. Despite their differences, the siblings navigate the competitive business world together to achieve prosperity.

Crafted in honor of the 10th commemoration of Hong Kong's handover to China, this series delves into the intertwined past of these regions. The storyline will center on the expansion of China's automotive sector, a prominent car production corporation, and the family at its helm.

In the intricate world of finance, Cheuk Yat Yuen mistakenly believes that con artist Sa Fu Loi is his long-lost half brother, Cheuk Yat Ming. This fortunate error propels the swindler into a prominent position within the banking industry. Yuen's affection for Fu blinds him to the true nature and intentions of the con artist. However, Yuen's life takes a dramatic turn when he is abducted by a group of rioters while overseas, leading to a significant shift in his personality. Despite the efforts of his wife, Ho Tseuk Nin, to comfort him, Yuen struggles to overcome the traumatic ordeal. Seeking solace elsewhere, Yuen rekindles a relationship with his former flame, Tung Ling Chi, devastating Nin upon discovery of the affair. Meanwhile, Fu finds solace in assuming the identity of Cheuk Yat Ming, experiencing a sense of familial warmth and even embarking on a romantic journey with Yuen's younger sister, Cheuk Yat Sum. However, Sum, under the mistaken belief that they are biological siblings, conceals her feelings for Fu and remains committed to her admirer, Ko Tok Man. This revelation deeply wounds Fu, torn between his love for Sum and the inability to disclose his true identity. Ultimately, faced with the choice between love and wealth, Fu opts for the path of fortune, navigating a complex web of money, love, and ethical dilemmas in a gripping tale of deceit and desire.

A humorous drama focused on four sisters. These sisters, along with their families, reside in a multi-level building that features a coffee shop on the ground floor.

This story revolves around three different households. The Han family consists of Mr. Han, his second wife, and four daughters. While two of the daughters are from his previous marriage, the younger two are from his current marriage. The Choi family is made up of Mr. and Mrs. Choi and their two sons. Lastly, the Lee family includes Mr. Lee and his two sons. (Koreanwiz.org)

A woman who craves constant affection in an everlasting romance. She finds it impossible to endure a day without love. Even after experiencing heartbreak and betrayal repeatedly, she continues to fall for men. (MBC)

U Jin is a driven physician who has lost faith in genuine love following past disappointments. He perceives marriage merely as a commercial arrangement. Hae Su is employed as a sous-chef, and she aspires to marry the right partner and build a family. Before long, U Jin finds himself falling for her, leading to a struggle between his feelings and his ambitions.

A dramatic story centered on a protagonist named Jeong Soon-geum, who flourishes in her ginseng enterprise along the Limjin River during the 1950s to 1970s.

After the passing of her father, Jo Bong Hee's family faces significant challenges. She navigates various hurdles to rise as the top fashion designer in South Korea.

Individuals who belong to the baby boomer generation often find themselves caring for aging parents while also sacrificing their own needs to fund their children’s education. This series explores the dynamics of a couple in their fifties alongside their children and elderly parents, representing three distinct generations. Information spreads rapidly through social media, societal concerns become trending topics almost instantaneously thanks to smart devices, and young adults can easily find a coffee shop on nearly every corner of the city to enjoy a bitter Americano in the 21st century. The one constant throughout these changes is the importance of family ties. Those in their fifties face the challenge of an increasing elderly population while often failing to save for retirement, as they allocate their finances towards their children’s education in a job market that offers fewer opportunities. Younger generations frequently use language that their elders may not comprehend, and the concept of casual dating has evolved significantly for today’s youth. By examining three generations within a family, we highlight various aspects of society. Additionally, we delve into the everyday life of Lady Cha, a resilient figure in the family, to illustrate elements of a typical, nurturing family environment. (MBC)

What are the desires of women in their thirties? They aspire to maintain their integrity and not settle for less in life

The narrative unfolds as men and women in their 40s reunite after three decades, thanks to an event organized by a former classmate. While they keep their current lives concealed, they relish the gathering and subsequently return to their daily routines. However, two of the attendees start meeting regularly, reigniting past passions and leading to a perilous romantic entanglement. The story intricately explores the tensions within families and the weight of everyday life, yet as they unravel the enigma, the bonds of friendship and affection among them withstand numerous challenges and reconciliations. This tale captures the loneliness and struggles of middle age in contemporary existence, which imposes the obligations of parenthood and partnership upon them, offering a chance to reflect on the lives they inadvertently left behind long ago.

In the city of Xing Hai, Meng Hao is a prosperous young billionaire who leads Kun Peng Real Estate. Despite being admired by many women, he has never shown any interest in romantic relationships. However, everything changes when he unexpectedly falls in love with Lin Yu Xin, who happens to be the girlfriend of his brother Meng Wei's best friend. Meng Hao's pursuit of Yu Xin causes tension with her boyfriend, Hao Liang, ultimately strengthening their bond. Tragically, Hao Liang suffers a severe injury at work and slips into a coma. Desperate to cover the medical expenses, Yu Xin turns to Meng Hao for assistance after exhausting all other options. He agrees to foot the bill on one condition: Yu Xin must be his partner or spouse for a year.

The setting of the story is a bustling city in China, where a wealthy family and a less fortunate family are the main focus. The narrative kicks off with a mother who devotes herself to caring for her autistic son. Despite being the head of a prominent department store and having immense wealth and influence, she harbors deep-seated sorrows and anguish that she keeps hidden. Her husband is unfaithful, her son is autistic, and her daughter is rebellious. When her son falls in love with a nurse nursing a broken heart from a past relationship, the mother goes to great lengths to bring them together. This decision leads to a merging of the affluent and humble families, setting the stage for a web of intricate relationships to unfold.

Xiao Wen and Su Xi initially did not get along, but soon realized they shared similar traits and fears. Xiao Wen has not received her salary from work for six months, and her father has moved on with a new partner, Zhu Yun, shortly after her mother's tragic accident. Xiao Wen blames herself for her mother's death after ignoring her mother's phone call, leading to the accident at her grandmother's house. Su Xi, on the other hand, is a perfectionist who has struggled with her parents' divorce, feeling abandoned by her mother and sorry for her father. Despite their differences, Xiao Wen and Su Xi eventually transition from dislike to empathy and eventually become a source of support for each other. Life may not always be perfect, but moving forward with positivity is key.

Seven siblings, orphaned and bound by a bond stronger than that of biological relatives, are juxtaposed with a family related by blood that is fracturing due to its own avarice, prompting a reflection on the true essence of family and happiness. The narrative primarily follows Jang Ha Bin/Kim Baek Won, a girl who becomes a police officer, and Do Young, a boy who pursues a career as a prosecutor. He finds himself falling in love with her once more after she previously shattered his heart. (MBC, DramaWiki)

The story begins by exploring the differences between the kind and cruel stepmothers in two families, one with a brother and sister

The drama follows the life of a calligrapher from a fading aristocratic family in the late Qing Dynasty. She sacrifices family and marriage in search of genuine love. Together with her family, she courageously battles Japanese invaders and other criminal elements to safeguard the precious national artifact Mao Gong Ding. This story is based on the autobiographical novel "Pan Nv" by Xing Yuan Sheng.

Shares the epic tale of a Mongolian lady who settled her father's financial obligations