Asian dramas like
Fatal Promise

A tale of a cruel mother who deceived her father and abandoned her ill younger brother in pursuit of love and selfish desires, while her daughter harbors fantasies of retaliation against her mother. (Naver)

“If I could turn back time, I wouldn't have fallen for you...” Individuals often find themselves in love with one person while committing to another. The girlfriend of one sibling happens to be the former partner of his younger brother, while the younger brother's fiancée has feelings for the older sibling. The younger brother struggles to move on from his ex-girlfriend, who is now openly dating his brother, but he must push those thoughts aside to seek vengeance and reclaim what he believes is rightfully his. More importantly, he needs to navigate the dangers surrounding him and avoid being killed. He tries to keep a respectful distance from his brother's girlfriend, who is also his past love, but he must do so subtly, as they may soon become family. Additionally, he needs to execute his revenge plan discreetly. “Reverse” is a psychological thriller that weaves together the lives of four individuals caught in a complex tangle of affection and hidden truths. (MBC)

The Xiang and Gong families have a longstanding feud as renowned fragrance dynasties. Su Yu Ning, the eldest daughter of the Su Family, is acclaimed as the top perfumer for her exceptional skills and beauty. Childhood friends with Gong Shao Hua, the heir of the Gong family, Yu Ning is set to marry him in an arranged union. However, upon Shao Hua's return from his studies in Shanghai, he learns that Yu Ning is engaged to Xiang Hao Yu, the future leader of the Xiang family. Doubting the truth of the situation and feeling betrayed by Yu Ning, Shao Hua confronts Hao Yu, leading to a physical altercation that is halted by Hao Yu's father. Enraged by his father's decision to call off the marriage, Shao Hua rides off in anger, inadvertently causing his father's premature death. At his father's funeral and on the day of Yu Ning and Hao Yu's wedding, Shao Hua swears to avenge his father's death and the loss of Yu Ning to the Xiang family.

A theatrical piece centered around a woman who, through re-adoption, finally finds her place within a family, alongside a man who opts for love rather than familial ties.

Hwa Yeong is convinced that her brother's former girlfriend, Yeon Hee, is responsible for his demise. Following Yeon Hee's diagnosis of uterine cancer, which highlights her troubled marriage, Hwa Yeong offers to be a surrogate for her, all while secretly plotting her revenge. After conceiving and giving birth, Hwa Yeong allows Yeon Hee to raise the child, only to later attempt to reclaim the child, leading to Yeon Hee's downfall. In response, Yeon Hee fights desperately to regain custody of her child, while her husband laments his decision to let her go.

A narrative about an intelligent young girl who, having lost her family during the Korean War, navigates the swift transformations of Korean society in the 1970s. It is a tale that explores themes of ambition, love, grief, forgiveness, and the reconciling of two generations who endured the chaotic times of the first and second Korean Wars, spanning from the 1950s to the 1970s.

A 10 billion won insurance murder scandal leads Oh Ha Naui to lose everything she holds dear. In response, she embarks on a quest for vengeance against Chun Mi Ja, the person responsible for her tragic circumstances.

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.

The series portrays a romantic narrative between two employees at an insurance firm, featuring Kim Ji Hoon as the sharp-witted lawyer of the company. Due to the emotional pain of being abandoned by his biological mother, he struggles to let others into his heart. Meanwhile, Jin Pal Kang, a 25-year-old staff member, takes on the responsibility of caring for her five younger adopted siblings following the unexpected deaths of her parents.

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.

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 deadly yet pure love tale about a man who relentlessly chased success for the sake of his family, and a woman who lost everything after discovering her husband's wealthy parents.

Pi Seon Ju, a passionate interior designer, is in a marriage with driven architect Jeon Nam Jin. Unfortunately, Jeon Nam Jin becomes involved with Jin Sang A, who is the heiress to an architecture firm, and requests a divorce. Following their separation, Pi Seon Ju begins a fresh chapter in her life. On the other hand, Jin Sang A's husband, Kim So U, values stability more than ambition but decides to end their marriage upon learning about her affair. Encountering Pi Seon Ju marks a significant turning point in Kim So U's life.

Lee Jin Sook is a speaker focused on family well-being, but her life has been marked by sorrow. Years prior, her mother-in-law expelled her from their home, resulting in her being separated from her infant daughter. After remarrying, she faced further tragedy when her second husband passed away five years later, yet she lovingly raised her two young stepdaughters as if they were her own. Initially, she opposed her youngest stepdaughter Oh Yeong Chae's desire to marry Kim Hyeon Tae, a novice boxer and orphan, but ultimately she conceded. Following Yeong Chae's tragic death from a hit-and-run accident shortly after giving birth to a son, Jin Sook harbored resentment and blame toward her son-in-law. In the aftermath, Hyeon Tae and his child moved in with Jin Sook, treating her with maternal affection. Observing Hyeon Tae's dedication to his son shifted her perception, leading her to embrace him as if he were her own. Eventually, Hyeon Tae fell for a woman named Park Soo Kyeong. Jin Sook, dissatisfied with Soo Kyeong, later discovers that Soo Kyeong is her biological daughter. Although she longs to reconnect with her, she faces a moral quandary since Soo Kyeong harbors animosity towards her birth mother for abandoning her. Hyeon Tae eventually marries Soo Kyeong, which brings about further tensions.

Hyun Joo endured a challenging life after the death of her mother from a brain tumor when she was still young. It was her husband, Kim Do Yeong, who became her source of support. However, she learns that she, too, is facing a terminal illness, mirroring her mother's fate. The anxiety of potentially leaving her family to suffer the same heartache she experienced as a child overwhelms her, surpassing her fear of death itself. In an attempt to mask her anguish, she confesses to her husband, “I’ve fallen in love with someone else.” As she approaches the end of her life, she embarks on a journey to seek true love. (MBC)

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

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)

Hyun-Soo is a bright and intelligent university student who has faced significant hardships in her life. Her father was killed in a motorcycle crash, and her mother sustained brain injuries as a result of that incident. She is in a relationship with Yoon-Ho, and they decide to tie the knot. Initially, his mother, Young-Ae, is against their union, but eventually she changes her mind. After they are married, Yoon-Ho and his father are involved in an accident that claims his father's life, and Yoon-Ho goes missing. Unbeknownst to her, Hyun-Soo is pregnant, and her mother-in-law relocates to another country without informing her. Years later, Hyun-Soo encounters Young-Ae once more.

Chi Hwan values wealth and power over following the law and aspires to be at the top of society. He faced tragedy at a young age when his mother died under suspicious circumstances, leading him to endure poverty and war on his own. Determined to escape his hardships, he climbed out of poverty to achieve great success as the chairman of Shine Cosmetics. Se Na, who is actually Yi Chang's biological daughter, grows up believing she is Chi Hwan's daughter and dreams of inheriting his fortune. She longs to be with Jin Woo, but soon realizes he is in love with Hae In, Chi Hwan's biological daughter. In a twist of fate, Hae In lost her mother as a child and was adopted by Yi Chang. How will the destinies of these fathers and daughters unfold?

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.

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.

The 1970s fashion drama revolves around the experiences of four young individuals, tracing their upbringing during the Korean War to their careers and romantic entanglements in the vibrant fashion scene of the era. As a child, Joon Hee forms a friendship with a girl named Kang Hee, and their bond often leads them into trouble due to Kang Hee's avaricious mother. Concurrently, Joon Hee also connects with two boys, Dong Young, the son of a military general, and Jang Bin. However, when North Korean troops invade their town, both girls become separated from their families, and Joon Hee's mother tragically dies in an explosion. Believing his daughter has perished, Joon Hee's father adopts Kang Hee, raising her as his own. Meanwhile, Joon Hee is found in an orphanage by Kang Hee's mother and is subsequently adopted as well. The traumatic experiences lead Joon Hee to repress her childhood memories, and she grows up on a remote island as Doe Mi, unaware of her real past. As time goes by, their lives intersect once more, leading to complex and destructive outcomes. Doe Mi aspires to be a fashion designer, and the small-time criminal Jang Bin assists her in moving to Seoul to pursue her dreams. Along the way, he develops feelings for her, which remain unreturned.

Jin Ae shares a complicated relationship with her mother, San Ok, filled with both affection and resentment. She aspires to break free from her family ties, particularly those with her mother. After falling in love with Hoon Jae, she marries him. However, Jin Ae soon finds herself facing the challenges posed by her new mother-in-law. During these trying moments, she starts to gain insight into her own mother, San Ok, for the very first time.

Jang Il, the brightest student in his school, and Seon Wu, the most physically powerful boy in Yeosu, share a close friendship. Inspired by Jang Il, Seon Wu begins to dedicate himself to studying and pursuing his ambitions. Suddenly, tragedy strikes when Seon Wu's guardian, Kyung Pil, dies under mysterious circumstances, leading to Seon Wu losing his sight while probing into the incident. Su Mi observes Jang Il assaulting Seon Wu but chooses to remain silent, biding her time for the opportune moment. Ji Won, who volunteers as a reader for those with visual impairments, encounters Seon Wu by chance, and they develop a romantic relationship. Despite his deep affection for Ji Won, Seon Wu decides to end their relationship, believing it would be best for her future. Thirteen years later, Jang Il has become a special prosecutor, while Seon Wu has risen to the position of a young CEO at Royal Tree, an investment trust firm. Ji Won has taken on the role of a VIP party planner at a luxury hotel, and Su Mi has established herself as a hyper-realism artist. Though their paths have diverged, destiny conspires to bring them back together.

Zhou Jun and Duan Rong are a couple of young adults who recently got married. Soon after their marriage, Zhou Jun's mother moved from the countryside to the city, causing tension due to differing life perspectives. This led to conflicts within the family, impacting their relationships and morals. Following Zhou Jun's mother's sudden death in a car accident, their marriage began to deteriorate. Despite Duan Rong's efforts to save their relationship with love and dedication, Zhou Jun struggled to move past his mother's death and failed to acknowledge his wife's true feelings. Additionally, Zhou Jun's career was under threat from his competitor Luo Zhi Ming.

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.

Commander Zhang Xiao Mei of the Beiyi division, sibling of the pregnant Noble Consort, harbors a deep-seated grudge against Crown Prince Li Ye for framing and killing their father. When he captures Zhu Qing Zhu, a top spy for Li Ye, Zhang Xiao Mei seizes the chance to expose the prince's misdeeds. However, Li Ye pins the blame on Qing Zhu to evade punishment. Zhang Xiao Mei intervenes to save Qing Zhu from imminent death, feeling compassion for her despite being manipulated by Li Ye. As they grow closer, Zhang Xiao Mei and Qing Zhu discover their intertwined destinies and develop feelings for each other. But the crown prince resurfaces, unwilling to relinquish his power or let Qing Zhu find happiness with another man.

"Season" Sum Si Sun's lawyer license is revoked due to an error, leading her to transition to a role as an insurance sales representative at MIG. While working there, she encounters "Queenie" Yu Chi San, her supervisor known for using deceitful tactics to reach her objectives, "Johnny" Hon Ji Kin, a colleague who ignites something within her, and "Charles" Kwan Cheuk Hong, the former boyfriend of her mentor. As Season becomes more involved with MIG, her relationships become more complex, causing her to gradually adopt a cold and manipulative demeanor. The question remains: will she accomplish her ultimate goal?

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.

This drama narrates the tale of a woman who dedicated her life to the pursuit of love and a man who had never experienced or believed in it. Jang Soo Hyun was a woman who once thought that sacrificing herself for love was noble, even going so far as to donate her liver to save her first love, Choi Min Young. However, her faith in love was shattered when her closest friend, Oh Sun Ah, betrayed her by seducing Min Young. Following this betrayal, she grew disillusioned and chose to avoid romantic connections. That is until she encounters Han Tae Woo, a man who has fortified his heart to prevent further pain. In her, he discovers someone for whom he is willing to give up everything.

Kyung Chae is set to inherit a five-star hotel. She is in a romantic relationship with Ji Sub, the hotel's general manager. Her life takes a turn when she befriends Hee Soo. Driven by jealousy, Hee Soo seeks to take everything away from Kyung Chae. Now, Kyung Chae is ready to stand her ground...

No matter how hard you try, you cannot avoid what is meant to be. Chen Yi Jun was raised in a family involved in politics, but she despised the field and was determined to pursue her love for music. However, after finishing college, she finds herself unexpectedly caught up in a political battle. She crosses paths with Jiang Ye Qing, a rising star in politics who embraced his family's political background. With the support of Huang Yao Yuan, an activist for student rights, and Sha Bing Na, a news anchor, will Yi Jun be able to navigate her accidental political journey?