Asian dramas like
First Love Again 2016

A poignant drama that explores the quest for truth amid schemes, treachery, and deceit, where individuals uncover one another's hidden truths. Eun Soo is an optimistic character who maintains her hope even in the most challenging situations, but after a car accident, she loses her memory and assumes the identity of Yoo Jung, who is married to Jin Goo.

Twenty-three years ago, Kang Eun Seol's father, Kang Jae Ho, usurped the position held by Lee Shin Jun's father, resulting in a tragic outcome where Lee Shin Jun's father took his own life alongside his wife and son. Now, two decades later, Lee Shin Jun, who now goes by Chase, is consumed by a desire for vengeance and is determined to see it through. He sets out to charm Kang Eun Seol to gain access to her father. However, there's an unexpected turn: Lee Shin Jun finds himself genuinely falling for Kang Eun Seol, while his associate, Park Joo Won, harbors feelings for him as well. Eventually, Eun Seol uncovers Shin Jun's intentions for revenge against her father.

An ill-directed aspiration results in the loss of everything a woman cherishes. Rather than seeking vengeance, she chooses to forgive and make peace with her adversary. This choice prompts audiences to reevaluate their perceptions of revenge. It suggests that genuine revenge may not involve retribution against those who have harmed you, but instead providing your tormentor an opportunity for remorse, which is the highest form of revenge. (MBC)

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.

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)

Set in a rundown, vintage shop known as Old Noodles, this narrative revolves around a family that has operated a noodle factory for three generations. Focused on the world of noodles and the web of relationships tied to it, the tale captures the zest of radish water noodles along with the depth of chopped noodles prepared with chicken broth. This drama seeks to reinforce the family values of a wayward clan that remains united solely for financial gain. (MBC)

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.

Eun Sol is the sole daughter of the CEO of a footwear manufacturing firm. She enjoys a joyful existence, but an unforeseen event leads to her amnesia, prompting her to adopt the name Dal Soon. With her cheerful demeanor and passion for shoes, Dal Soon uncovers her history and achieves success as a master shoemaker.

“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)

Chun Sung Woon serves as the head of a prominent fashion firm. He encounters a single mother named Han Ah Reum and finds himself drawn to her. As a result of his relationship with Han Ah Reum and her child, Chun Sung Woon undergoes a personal transformation.

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...

The plot revolves around the poignant romantic tale of the perfect young Cheng Hao and two identical twin sisters

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?

Gong Soo Rae has loved her husband, Seo Bong Gook, since their teenage years. However, she discovers that he is involved in an affair with Choi Yi Kyung. At the same time, Park Chan Woo portrays a man who stands by her side.

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.

Taking place in the 1960s and 1970s, Yoon Soo In consistently achieves high marks in her studies. However, owing to her family's difficult financial situation, she opts to take a job at a factory rather than attend college. Despite this setback, she continues to chase her aspirations.

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.

A daily series centered around the romantic relationships between men and women.

The narratives of two families united through marriage.

The film "South of the Sun" tells the story of Kang Sung Jae, who has been wrongly imprisoned and isolated from society, and Jung Yeun Hee, who may seem content but is actually struggling with loneliness. By chance, they connect through a letter and quickly develop a deep love upon realizing they both experience similar feelings of isolation. However, their relationship is tested when Sung Jae's ex-fiancee, MinJoo, resurfaces and causes tension between them.

A young woman is compelled to relinquish her baby when her first love weds someone else. Many years later, now a married woman, she finds her child, and shortly thereafter, her first love comes back to the town.

Baek Sae Hoon and his spouse, Lee Sun Young, are fervently attempting to have a child but face repeated failures. Sae Hoon's mother approaches Sun Young, suggesting that she explore surrogacy as a means to conceive without informing Sae Hoon. Enter Go Eun Nim, who becomes their surrogate, expecting their baby. However, the situation becomes more complex when she unexpectedly develops feelings for Sae Hoon's younger brother, Kang Ho.

A drama inspired by the tale of Jang Eun-young, the ex-chairman of Dong Ah Constructions and a former KBS announcer. After her lover departs, a woman weds a man who is significantly older, akin to her grandfather, while her family faces difficulties in making ends meet.

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

The drama narrates the journey of a woman who endures suffering due to her husband’s infidelity and misconceptions, yet continues to seek out love and joy with the support of her family. Choi Eun Sul, a young married woman and researcher at a cosmetics firm, is full of life, cheerful, and possesses a strong sense of curiosity. Despite experiencing betrayal and profound pain, she remains determined to pursue her own path to love and happiness.

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.

Two decades after harboring a dark secret in their school days, three women come together again when they discover they reside in the same apartment complex. Although their lives have taken different paths, they face a common issue: infidelity from their husbands. United by their feelings of betrayal, these three housewives form a bond to seek vengeance. By actively addressing their marital challenges, this series promises to offer a sense of cathartic relief to its female audience. (MBC)

Yeon Bun Hong finds herself as a single mother after being deceived by the man she cared for, yet she remains resolute in her decision to forge ahead with her life. Bun Hong became pregnant with Gi Seok's baby, but he expressed his disinterest in having the child and urged her to terminate the pregnancy, which she found herself unable to do. Tragically, her friends, Lee Ju Yeong and Lee Seon Hui, lost their lives in a boating accident; Bun Hong was on the boat as well, but she managed to survive. Seon Hui was in a relationship with Ju Yeong, but due to a series of misunderstandings, the Lee family mistakenly believed that Bun Hong was Ju Yeong's partner and that she was expecting his child. To escape her troubles, Bun Hong moved into the Lee household, allowing them to think that the baby was Ju Yeong's. Lee Ju Hyeok, Ju Yeong's elder brother, develops feelings for Bun Hong. What will happen when the Lee family uncovers the truth behind Bun Hong's deception regarding the child's parentage? How will Ju Hyeok react to her once he learns the reality?

Hong Yun Shi was a naive and innocent young woman who maintained her cheerful disposition despite her upbringing in a life of poverty. Her challenging situation leads her to wed the wealthy Byung Joo, but she soon faces betrayal from both her husband and her mother-in-law. Upon learning that her mother-in-law played a role in her mother’s mysterious vanishing, Yun Shi begins to lose her once-pure nature and becomes consumed by thoughts of vengeance. Soo Ri, who has deep feelings for Yun Shi, can do little more than watch over her with affection and concern.

A story revolves around a woman who, after going through a phony divorce, partners with her husband's rival to rekindle the affection of her true husband, who has had a change of heart.

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.

Geum Sa Wol is a brilliant architect who was raised in an orphanage. Throughout her challenging childhood, she maintained an optimistic outlook and never lost hope, regardless of the difficulties she encountered. Her biological mother, Deuk-ye, conceived her during an affair with a former boyfriend and seeks vengeance against her husband and his mother. After many years, Sa Wol encounters her mother, yet neither of them realizes their true connection. Instead, they form a relationship as mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. (MBC)

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.

Four young individuals, both men and women, strive to conquer challenges while battling societal prejudices. Bo Ra, an emerging weather broadcaster, Dae Ro, an enthusiastic delivery worker and aspiring creator, Ah Ri, a courageous writer in broadcasting, and Jun Soo, a hot-tempered yet skilled CEO of a startup. The intense journey of growth for these four youths unfolds in a charming flower shop. For Dae Ro, who juggles life as an orphan, delivery person, and creator, watching Bo Ra present the weather every morning offers his only respite. One day, he participates in a ceremony where he is recognized as a winner, hosted by Bo Ra. This family drama illustrates how they build connections and navigate their struggles with a compassionate perspective.

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.

A young woman discovers from her whistleblower father that being truthful isn't always the best approach. Shortly after tying the knot, she finds herself overwhelmed by insurmountable debt that she cannot manage. However, through a series of events, she begins her journey towards joining the top 1% of wealth holders and intentionally seeks to expose their wrongdoing and hypocrisy. Her quest unveils an insatiable greed and thirst for power driven by the chase for wealth and profit. Meanwhile, two friends aspire to attain the same financial success, which unintentionally turns them into rivals, leading to heartache, strained relationships, betrayal, and a love triangle. Amidst this chaos, a resolution emerges, bringing forgiveness and a renewed connection with family. (MBC)

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.