Asian dramas like
Idol The Coup

A drama centered around the journey of idol growth showcases performers who were once well-known idols, effectively illustrating how girls from Japan and Korea face challenges as they aspire to debut in a K-pop idol group.

Lee Ma Ha is a member of the newly formed K-pop girl group Tea Party, created by Ji Hak, the former manager of the well-known boy band Shax. Ji Hak left Shax after one of the members, Eun Jo, disappeared during a concert. Before joining Tea Party, Ma Ha was part of the group Omega III, which disbanded on its debut day due to a tragic incident involving a former trainee at their company. Ma Ha gained public recognition by impersonating the popular solo singer La Li Ma. As she embarks on this new journey with Tea Party, Ma Ha's path frequently crosses with Kwon Ryok, the central figure of Shax still struggling with Eun Jo's disappearance years later. Despite Ryok's initial disapproval of Ma Ha's imitation of Li Ma, the two develop a mutual interest and begin a clandestine relationship that could jeopardize their careers. Meanwhile, Ma Ha's close friend Lee Yu Jin, a member of the up-and-coming boy group Sparkling, has harbored feelings for her since their trainee days. Upon noticing Ma Ha's connection with Ryok, Yu Jin is determined to shield her from Ryok and propel Sparkling to surpass Shax as the industry's top boy band.

Mok Ha harbored aspirations of becoming a singer from a young age. Unexpectedly stranded on an uninhabited island during her middle school years, she persevered in solitude for more than fifteen years. Upon her eventual rescue, she faced the challenge of reacclimating to a vastly transformed world. Despite the complexities of modern society, Mok Ha remained resolute in her pursuit of a music career, unwavering in her determination to fulfill her lifelong ambition.

Eripiyo's life takes a drastic turn after watching a performance by the idol group ChamJam, becoming infatuated with member Maina Ichii. Despite Maina being the least popular member, Eripiyo dedicates herself to buying Maina's merchandise, mainly singles, at the expense of her own wardrobe. Attending ChamJam concerts with friends Kumasa and Motoi, Eripiyo works multiple jobs to fund her Maina obsession. Maina grows concerned about Eripiyo's sacrifices for her.

A group of close friends who met in college are excelling in their professional lives as independent women. Wang Mi Na, Yin Ge Li, Weng Mei Yan, and Bai Ya Xuan are often compared to princesses in a tower due to their dedication to their jobs. However, as they navigate the complexities of balancing career and relationships, they are forced to contemplate whether they can have it all or if they must make a difficult choice.

Lee Hyun Wook works as a composer and producer for an entertainment firm. Following the tragic loss of his girlfriend in an accident, he encounters and develops feelings for her younger sister, Yoon Se Na, who aspires to be a music producer.

The tale of three women with contrasting personalities who unexpectedly become friends and support each other through life's challenges, discovering their self-worth along the way. Kang Zi You, who recently returned to China from the United States, works as a sales executive director at an aesthetic medical clinic owned by her close friend Lin Qian Yu. Despite excelling in her career, Kang Zi You struggles with personal organization and relies on her daughter Kang Ni for support. Kang Ni, a skilled homemaker with a passion for cooking and table setting, cares for her mother while longing for independence. The arrival of a new doctor, Nie Yun Ze, disrupts the women's routine but also brings Kang Zi You and Nie Yun Ze closer despite their differences. Meanwhile, Lin Qian Yu's marital problems compel Kang Zi You to work with her ex-husband's wife, Meng Yu Shan, to find a solution.

"Jump! Jump! Jump!" narrates the journey of a motivated idol, Joong Won, along with Yuri, an aspiring idol trainee, and their close friends, Jae Min and Hye Yun, who are also pursuing their dreams.

Hako received a 7-year prison sentence for a robbery related to a beloved host

The story revolves around a group of young women from the post-95s generation who face challenges upon entering society but eventually find love and personal growth in both their careers and personal lives. Luo Yan secures a job close to home with the help of her mother, three years after graduating from college. Jiang Xiao Guo appears to lead a glamorous life as a financial professional, but in reality, she is constantly working overtime. Duan Jia Bao, formerly part of a wealthy family, now struggles with debt due to a family crisis. Liang Shuang achieves success as a popular beauty vlogger, although her career has its ups and downs. Xiao Guo, Da Bao, and Liang Shuang reunite as roommates and befriend Ding Yi Xuan. Despite facing challenges, the women continue to move forward on their paths. Being 25 years old comes with its share of hardships and moments of brightness.

The plot of this series revolves around the television industry in Hong Kong during the 1980s, focusing on individuals who started as TV artists during that period and eventually rose to become prominent figures in the future of Hong Kong television

A tale of six high school students who have dreams of pursuing careers as K-pop stars.

Olala School is a children's entertainment program featuring animated cartoons and cosplay role-playing adventures.

Formerly excelling at a prestigious university, Lin Shuang found herself as a stay-at-home parent after facing betrayal. Forced to reenter the workforce to regain custody of her child, she crossed paths with Gu Xu, a former classmate who had become successful abroad. Together with Jiang Xi, they tackled obstacles and Lin Shuang transitioned from homemaker to professional, while also developing feelings for Gu Xu. Through their journey, Lin Shuang and Jiang Xi underwent personal growth and embraced a new chapter in their lives. (WeTV)

The plot centers on Usa Shijimi, a 38-year-old high school teacher specializing in classical literature. Despite facing hostility from her students, they are unaware of her secret double life. Outside of school, she assumes the persona of Watanabe Mayu, a widely adored 17-year-old idol, by lying about her age. (Tokyograph)

Akane, a well-liked and attractive male idol with a heavenly voice, was set to be part of the group "Stellar Crowns". Various stars, including actors and idols, were also invited to join the project. However, Akane suddenly disappears without a trace. A mysterious letter eventually reaches Akane's management company, revealing that he is still alive and that one of the members of Stellar Crowns is behind his disappearance. In an effort to uncover the truth, the agency president decides to have all Stellar Crowns members live together under the guise of filming a documentary about the group. As they search for the culprit, questions arise about what is fact and what is fiction.

Akane is appointed as the president of Queen Records and reveals the launch of a new male group named Astra Ring, consisting of Yusuke and Nagisa from the former band Fyrklover. Trouble begins to brew among the members of Stellar CROWNS, leading to increased tension between the former Fyrklover members.

The musical group Stellar CROWNS, managed by Akane from Queen Records, embarked on a recreational trip to a secluded Western-style mansion in the mountains. During a filming session for their fan club, director Moriya joined them. While some members were initially unhappy about the filming, they ended up enjoying their brief getaway together. However, one member, Makino Nagisa, appeared melancholic. Despite leader Masayuki's attempts to check on them, Nagisa brushed it off. Later, an unexpected visitor arrived at the mansion, claiming to have a reservation despite it being booked for the group. After some persuasion, the visitor was allowed to stay in an employee room. That evening, Stellar CROWNS split into teams for a test of courage, leading to "a certain incident" taking place. A mysterious event unfolded in the secluded mansion in the mountains, raising suspicions about a possible culprit among them.

Ji Seung Yeon aspires to become a hip-hop icon, and a series of unforeseen circumstances propel her towards that goal. However, she faces a unique challenge: to become a member of a male idol group, she must disguise herself as a boy. Along her journey, she encounters Kang Woo Hyun, the charismatic leader of the renowned idol group M2, whose charming smile conceals his arrogant and self-centered nature.

"Big Picture House" follows the lives of five individuals who were unsuccessful in their quest to become idols as they coexist in a communal living space. Their narratives revolve around aspirations and romance. The series delivers the message that experiencing failure does not equate to a worthless life, and it emphasizes the idea that the time and energy invested in chasing one dream can be redirected towards other pursuits. (Soompi)

Students at a prestigious arts high school are determined to showcase their unique talents in a culture where imitation is the norm. Han Yu Seong, a wealthy and aloof student, harbors a hidden desire to reveal his true abilities. Despite his disdain for copying others, he becomes entangled in rumors suggesting he has been imitating Ji Su Bin, a well-known trainee at a top entertainment company. Ji Su Bin, the son of an executive in the entertainment industry, maintains a mysterious persona while concealing a secret. O Ro Si, the youngest member of the popular girl group ICE, faces mistreatment from her bandmates and seeks to establish her individuality upon returning to school. Sin Da Ra, a student with a YouTube channel showcasing her life at the arts high school, craves attention and friendship. Her perspective on friendship evolves after befriending O Ro Si and Han Yu Seong.

Yang Chu Mo, a cheerful and outgoing young woman, was fortunate enough to gain acceptance into Xingchen Music College, a prestigious art university. It was there that she crossed paths with Mu Liu Nian, a well-known figure at the school. To her surprise, she realized that he was the boy next door whom she had admired since childhood. Eager to reconnect, she played a piano piece for him, only to be met with his criticism of her skills. Despite their musical differences, Yang Chu Mo was determined to team up with Mu Liu Nian for a piano competition with a prize of 10,000 yuan. However, her request was turned down. Desperate to win back his affection, she decided to express her feelings through her music.

Five women have recently become neighbors, all residing on the same floor of an apartment complex. Among them, there is Zhu Zhe, a hotel manager, Yu Chu Hui, who is relatively new to the workforce, and He Min Hong, who share a flat. The other two units are occupied by the mysterious Fang Zhi Heng and Ye Zhen Zhen, a life science researcher. Each woman comes from a different background and faces challenges in their careers, families, and relationships. Fang Zhi Heng's behavior raises suspicion, while Ye Zhen Zhen experiences unexpected hostility in her workplace. Yu Chu Hui's intelligence leads her to employ deceitful tactics, only to learn valuable lessons. Zhu Zhe excels in her work but struggles to advance due to her lack of academic qualifications. He Min Hong's well-meaning actions often backfire due to her naivety. Despite their individual struggles, these women eventually learn to open up to each other and support one another in their personal growth journey in the bustling city of Shanghai.

Zhang Pei, Gou Dan Dan, Dong Jia Xi, and Wu Yun are childhood friends who have pursued different careers in various cities. Zhang Pei is a dedicated insurance agent, Gou Dan Dan is a successful beauty influencer, Dong Jia Xi works at a theater to follow her passion, and Wu Yan has joined the civil service. Despite their separate paths, fate brought them back together in their hometown. Zhang Pei returned for business opportunities, Gou Dan Dan moved back to start a family, Dong Jia Zi returned due to her mother's illness, and Wu Yun eagerly awaited their reunion amidst her busy schedule. In their hometown, they discovered new career paths, cherished friendship, found solace in family, and experienced the joy of love.

In 1959, just after Japan experienced an economic boom and the iconic Tokyo Tower was finished, Naoto, a high school student with aspirations of becoming an actor, finds hope when he encounters the well-known "Roppongi Beast Society." This society, comprised of ambitious young individuals chasing their dreams, serves as a potential launchpad for Naoto.

The plot follows three regular girls named Asahi, Nami, and Hinata as they pursue their dream of becoming idols. Despite facing multiple rejections in auditions, their lives take a turn when they stumble upon a major crime and are forced to escape from the criminals. Luckily, they are rescued by a producer who offers them a chance to debut as idols, but under the condition that they disguise themselves as boys and keep their true identities hidden.

Emi works as a lighting technician at a company that specializes in lighting. Due to her predominantly male colleagues, she has adopted a more tomboyish behavior. Emi is not interested in typical girly things like fashion and has a cynical view on love. Despite this, she harbors feelings for her ex-boyfriend, who is also her coworker. Mako is a diligent office worker who is somewhat clumsy and hesitant to pursue romantic relationships. She had never been intimate with anyone until she developed feelings for a colleague. Saki is a stunning and confident young woman with aspirations of becoming a journalist. However, she ends up working as a hostess in a bar to support her family. Saki fabricates stories about working at a prestigious publishing company to her family. She becomes romantically involved with a married man who is kind and supportive.

Following the resolution of their individual struggles, three women, each with distinct personalities, come together once more to breathe new life into their band, Thirty and Thriving. Confronting obstacles in both their careers and family lives, they remain committed to their love for music, serving as powerful, contemporary role models who pursue their aspirations.

A contemporary play follows the journeys of six young individuals as they passionately pursue their dreams. (DramaWiki)

Based in a voice acting academy, the story follows the journey of young women as they pursue their aspirations.

A series portraying the experiences, challenges, and development of a collection of individuals aged 19, taking place in a laundry facility

Four women form a close bond in the early stages of the Chinese Revolution, only to experience different destinies as China undergoes three decades of transformation and turmoil

Jae Kyung, Yeol Mae, and Yeon Hee are three close friends who have a strong bond. Yeon Hee is married to Taek Soo. In Koo is dating Jae Kyung, and Bong Chul is in a relationship with Yeol Mae. Taek Soo is having an affair with a colleague, which his wife discovers. Yeon Hee decides to focus on her career instead of being a stay-at-home wife. Jae Kyung faces workplace challenges when her boss, Jang Soo, tries to harass her. In Koo learns about the situation and uses it to his advantage. Feeling betrayed, Jae Kyung moves to a different city for work, where she meets Shin Ho, a manager who develops feelings for her. In Koo has his own hidden family secret related to the company's president, Lee Soon Jae, which drives his ambition. This conflict forces him to choose between his career and Jae Kyung. Meanwhile, Bong Chul relies on Yeol Mae for financial support despite being unemployed. The drama challenges stereotypes about career women and explores complex relationships.

Since she was young, Teng Xiao Xiao has always aspired to win the prestigious Pulitzer Prize. She has dedicated herself to her work at a magazine, hoping to achieve her dream. However, when the magazine is acquired by a new media company, Xiao Xiao's efforts seem futile. Despite being retained by the new management, she is demoted to an intern position. Xiao Xiao must now rebuild her career from scratch in order to realize her aspirations. Alongside her colleagues Duan Chong and Lu Mang, who share her determination, Xiao Xiao strives to navigate the evolving media landscape. The team is committed to finding a balance between traditional and modern media to progress in their competitive field. But will their perseverance be enough to fulfill their ambitions?

Five young women in their twenties move into a home named "Belle Epoque," which translates to "a beautiful era" in French. Each woman brings her own unique personality, background, and challenges. Alongside the five, they sense a sixth entity—a ghost residing in the house, perceived differently by each of them. As the girls develop a bond of understanding and grow closer, they navigate their individual struggles while experiencing the ups and downs of their vibrant twenties. The drama explores their challenges and experiences related to relationships—both within their friend groups and in dating, as well as their interactions with one another—and encompasses a variety of life events, such as college credits, part-time jobs, drinking, aspirations, and dreams. (JTBC)

Jeong Nyeon, a young woman from Mokpo, possesses a natural talent for singing despite lacking in financial resources and formal education. Her aspiration is to become a prominent figure in a women's traditional theater troupe. However, she acknowledges that she has much to learn and a considerable journey ahead of her before she can take on leading roles. Set in post-war Korea in 1956, the story unfolds in the coastal city of Mokpo, following Jeong Nyeon's pursuit of her dream. This narrative is adapted from the webtoon "Jeong Nyeon" created by Seo Irae and illustrated by Namon.

Huang Ying Zi, Jiang Yi, Fang Ming Yu, Zhuang Yuan, Lan Yi Fei, and Guan Chao were childhood friends in Hangtian City, known as the "Hangtian City F6". Their lifelong promise was shattered by an incident during their Gaokao exams. Twelve years later, at 30, they each navigated their own paths in adulthood. When Guan Chao's wedding brought them back together, old memories resurfaced, revealing unresolved feelings and misunderstandings from their youth. The bond of friendship they thought had ended remained strong.

Chae Yul is a model student overshadowed by her exceptionally talented brother, who garners all the familial accolades, leaving her feeling inadequate. After not gaining admission to a prestigious foreign-language high school known for its intense competition, her mother insists that she enroll in Seonam Girl’s High School, believing it would allow Chae Yul to achieve straight As in a less challenging public school. Her mother is convinced this path will ultimately lead to Chae Yul being accepted into a top university. On her inaugural day at the all-girls institution, Chae Yul encounters an assault by a disturbed individual nicknamed “Biter.” The news of this incident quickly circulates throughout the school, leading to rampant gossip. To escape the attention, she seeks refuge in a quiet area of the campus. However, she crosses paths with Mr. Yeon Jun, one of the teachers at the school. “This cologne... It’s identical to the one that ‘Biter’ wore!” Chae Yul becomes increasingly suspicious of Yeon Jun. A peculiar connection forms between them, leaving her puzzled by the unfolding events. Just as she grapples with her confusion, she meets four unusual girls who identify themselves as the “Seonam Girl’s High School Detectives.” “We’re also victims of ‘Biter.’ We need your help to find him,” they implore. Although Chae Yul finds their request peculiar and initially declines to assist, she ultimately gets drawn into their quest to track down the perpetrator. To their astonishment, they uncover a disturbing secret that runs far deeper than they had ever anticipated! (JTBC)

The destinies of a pair of enka singers, a Hong Kong martial arts icon, and others become interconnected in this high-speed show showcasing the entire Gekidan Exile ensemble. (Netflix)

Aged apartment buildings, leased residences in the outskirts, and taxis traversing the urban areas. These settings may seem commonplace, yet each holds a unique narrative. A young woman balancing a part-time job to assist her disabled mother; a lady estranged from her family who persists as a taxi driver; a granddaughter residing in a rented dwelling and laboring alongside her grandmother at a factory. This depicts the tales of three women living in disparate locations, unaware of each other's presence until a serendipitous encounter via a radio broadcast.

The Takizakura Girls Academy located in Osaka is renowned for its exceptional performing arts program and idol club. On the other hand, the Tsubakisakahana Girls High School in Hyogo is recognized for its traditional educational approach. The paths of these two competitive schools intersect when Rurika and Anzu, the daughters of the chairmen of Takizakura and Tsubakisakahana, respectively, come together through their involvement in the idol scene.

Mi Rae has been unsuccessful in securing a job despite attending numerous interviews. In contrast, her friend Yu Jin is thriving as a broadcast writer. Mi Rae finds herself stuck in a cycle of job rejections and copes by turning to alcohol due to her inability to find employment.

The plot centers around three women in their forties: Ye Hong, a cashier at a supermarket, Du Xiao Ling, a lawyer, and Song Qing, who has recently returned from living abroad. Ye Hong, after divorcing her gambling-addicted ex-husband, moves into a room in a house owned by He Jing, a taxi driver who is also divorced. The situation becomes complicated when He Jing's ex-wife and Ye Hong's ex-husband both move in at the same time, leading to awkward interactions among the four residents. This drama addresses the prevalent issue of single middle-aged individuals, showcasing the perspectives of urban dwellers on marriage and relationships. It follows the journey of these women as they navigate their lives, pursue happiness, and demonstrate strength and resilience.

Created by ViuTV in celebration of their 5th anniversary, this 5-episode series reimagines the themes of 5 classic songs from previous ViuTV shows through the narrative of a fictional TV idol group named YOLO

THE[email protected], set against the backdrop of the Korean entertainment industry, features not only Korean idols but also aspiring talents from Japan and Thailand. Mirroring the original game, the series chronicles the journeys of a group of young women as they pursue careers in the entertainment field, showcasing their struggles, aspirations, and emotional experiences. (Anime News Network)