Asian dramas like
Jang Ok Jung

This drama explores the journey of Kim Soo Ro, the famed founder of Geumgwan Gaya, the leading city-state within the Gaya confederacy that excelled in maritime trade and iron production during the Three Kingdoms Period. Kim Soo Ro relies on his passionate nature, charm, and intellect as he navigates the protracted political conflicts he faces, including rivalry for the throne from his half-brother and longtime adversary, Ijinashi, his former ally Suk Tal Hae, and the menacing ambitions of Shin Kwi Gan.

A tale about Concubine Meng, a mischievous woman who initially clashes with the King but eventually falls in love with him. Meng is the daughter of a prominent official in the Sui Dynasty. Upon entering the palace, she is exposed to the deceit and schemes within the royal family. Choosing not to let others control her fate, Meng feigns illness. During her time in the palace, she befriends Concubine Yan, who is clever, Concubine Qu, who is emotional and loves food, and Concubine Xiao, a skilled martial artist from a family of generals. The four women quickly bond and become like sisters in the palace. Due to ongoing disagreements with Meng's father, the King decides to confront Meng one day, but unexpectedly finds himself drawn to her unique personality. Despite the King's efforts to spend time with her, Meng tries to avoid him. It is only after a chance meeting outside the palace that Meng begins to see the King's positive and endearing qualities.

In a fictional historical drama, Lee Tae becomes the ruler of Joseon after his father, King Sunjong, removes the previous king from power with the assistance of Park Gye Won. Lee Tae aims to govern as a supreme monarch, but faces opposition from the powerful Park Gye Won. Amidst this power struggle within the royal court, Yoo Jung, a noblewoman believed to be Lee Tae's wife, gets caught in the middle.

A tale of rivalry and romance unfolds between Jianwen Emperor Zhu Yun Wen and his uncle Zhu Di as they compete for power and the affections of the same woman. Despite his impressive abilities and bravery, Zhu Di was never able to become crown prince due to the rules of succession. When the crown prince unexpectedly dies, Zhu Yun Wen is named emperor by Zhu Yuan Zhang, creating a barrier for Zhu Di. Both men become enamored with Xu Miao Yun, setting the stage for her tragic dilemma of being torn between two rulers.

The sudden passing of Wu Mei Niang's infant daughter led to speculation that the childless Empress Wang Ni Jun may have been involved in a possible murder. To clear the Empress' name, her former lover Ming Chong Yan and close friend Helan Xin Er decided to investigate the tragic event. Their inquiry revealed that the infant's death was just one part of a larger conspiracy to take over the palace. The storyline is divided into three parts based on Chinese mythological figures representing man, ghost, and demon.

In the era of Emperor Wu of Han, Princess Jie You was dispatched to Xiyu as a form of Heqin. In this new land, she faced the challenge of adjusting to her surroundings and managing her husband's harem. Through her dedication, the Han dynasty emerged victorious over the Xiongnu tribe, leading to the spread of Han culture in Xiyu.

The tale of Sima Yi, a skilled statesman and tactician from the Three Kingdoms period. Alongside him are his shrewd female family members, facing off against the powerful Cao Cao and his successors. Who will emerge victorious in the battle for ultimate power after defending Wei from the formidable Kongming? (Viki)

Queen Insu (1437-1504), spouse of King Deok Jong and daughter of Hanh Wak, who served as the second state councilor, was designated as Queen Insu beginning in the second year of Sung Jong's reign. She is regarded as one of the most remarkable stateswomen in the history of Joseon. The television series illustrates the tragic fates and relationships of three women. During the reign of King Dan Jong, the sixth monarch of the Joseon Dynasty, Prince Soo Yang's son, Do Won, was wed to Han Jung. Distinct from other women of her time, Han Jung openly pursued her political ambitions. Ultimately, she opposed her mother-in-law, Queen Jung Hee, and maneuvered to place her son on the throne. The arrival of Deposed Queen Lady Yun escalated the tensions among the three women to a dramatic peak. (JTBC)

The television drama depicts the story of Jang Yeong Shil, a scientist, inventor, and technician from the Joseon era. Born into the lower-class nobi, Jang Yeong Shil catches the attention of King Se Jong, who invites him to the royal palace. The king offers him an opportunity to showcase his talents. Throughout the series, he creates various inventions, including astronomical devices, an iron printing press, and a water clock.

This drama revolves around the romantic relationship between King Jung Jong and Queen Dan Kyung, who was both crowned and ousted within a single week due to opposing political factions that influenced the king’s governance. As per historical accounts, following the queen's removal from the palace, the king would visit the outer royal pavilion daily, letting out a sigh as he looked towards a mountain in her direction. In response to this, she placed a red skirt, her favorite attire from her time in the palace, on a rock on the mountainside as a way to reassure him of her well-being and her enduring feelings for him.

The narrative revolves around a woman entangled in a violent love affair with two princes

Emperor Chai Suen ventured into the remote mountains to enlist the help of martial arts expert Chung Mo Yim in restoring the Chai Empire. Suen eagerly promised to grant any favor in return for her assistance. However, upon completion of the task, Yim boldly expressed her desire to become Empress, despite Suen already promising the title to the naturally beautiful Ha Ying Cheun. Suen's legal adviser An Ying intervened by suggesting that the two be housed in separate East and West palaces temporarily to prevent conflict. Yim's true intention was to assist Emperor Chai in governing the country. Meanwhile, Cheun plotted revenge against Yim. The two Queens engaged in a power struggle using both diplomacy and force. While Emperor Chai was drawn to Cheun for her beauty, he also hesitated to offend the strategic Yim for the sake of his nation's future. He even manipulated Yim's genuine affection for him to his advantage on multiple occasions.

To ensure Koryo's independence, Gong Min Wang wed a woman he had no affection for. With Mongolian forces in control of Koryo, he took the Mongolian princess as his wife, believing this alliance might eventually lead to Koryo's liberation. Shin Don, a Buddhist monk, was a key advisor to both Queen Nokuk and King Gong Min in their governance of Koryo.

Chung Nyeong, born as the third prince, was far from being in line for the throne. His formative years were marked by turmoil as Korea dealt with political strife both internally and externally, and he even faced the threat of abduction during his childhood. As he grew, the young prince found himself residing in a private home outside the palace, experiencing the daily lives of ordinary citizens until he reached young adulthood. Upon eventually taking the throne, Chung Nyeong, who became known as King Se Jong, worked to stabilize the newly established nation and fostered the flourishing culture of Joseon. During this time, he also created Hangul, the writing system used in Korea.

This drama portrays the story of Kim Man Deok, a woman from Jeju Island who rose above her humble beginnings as a gisaeng and the limitations imposed by her isolated birthplace, which was viewed as a distant exile at that time. She emerged as a prosperous female trader during the Joseon Era. Eventually, she gained recognition as a paragon of virtue and nobility by donating her entire fortune to assist the people of Jeju during a famine, thereby saving numerous lives.

A notorious femme fatale, So Yong utilizes her innate beauty, charm, and intelligence to capture the affection of the King and secure her position among his royal concubines. King In Jo becomes infatuated with So Yong, allowing his royal responsibilities to fall by the wayside. Capitalizing on King In Jo’s weaknesses, So Yong seizes his authority and wields complete control over the nation. She even aligns herself with a rebellion led by her stepfather. When Crown Prince So Hyeon returns home after seven years in captivity, he aims to modernize his country by introducing advanced scientific methods and cultural practices. Nevertheless, the young prince poses a danger to So Yong, prompting her to scheme against him and persuade the King to poison his own son. Following Prince So Hyeon’s demise, Kang Bin, the Crown Princess, uncovers So Yong's treachery. Collaborating with the courtiers, Kang Bin seeks to overthrow So Yong and reclaim the kingdom. However, So Yong is cunning and determined to maintain her grip on power. Thus begins the ruthless saga of the Bloodied Palace. (JTBC)

After losing her parents at a young age, Liu E journeys to the capital city of Kaifeng where she attracts the attention of Zhao Heng. Despite being a concubine, Liu E displays a keen understanding of political matters and frequently engages in discussions with Zhao Heng. This dynamic persists even after Zhao Heng ascends to the throne in 997. Following the adoption of a concubine's son (who later becomes Emperor Renzong), Liu E is named empress and assumes the role of regent for the Song Dynasty during the final two years of her husband's rule. Liu E continues to govern until her passing in 1033, twelve years later. This account draws inspiration from the remarkable life of Empress Zhangxian Mingsu, also known as Liu E of the Song Dynasty.

A Chinese TV show that tells the story of King Goujian from the ancient state of Yue during the Spring and Autumn period. (Wikipedia)

Amidst the challenges within the grand palace and the allure of authority, will love endure and friendships remain steadfast? Zhan Xinghan, Mu Feiyan, and Xing Yingdie, childhood companions, find their lives transformed after the separation of lovers Zhan Xinghan and Mu Feiyan. Mu Feiyan is relocated to the palace to serve as an imperial concubine. Xing Yingdie remains untainted beyond the palace walls, witnessing the transformation of Mu Feiyan as she navigates deceit and manipulation in her pursuit of power.

Si Young, the eldest son of Park Hee Chan, is aware of the reason behind his father's insistence on him succeeding the family business. He is known for his ruthless business tactics and gradually evolves into a formidable leader while managing the guild. On the other hand, Jae Young, his younger brother, forges his own path and refrains from adopting his brother's cutthroat business approach.

In "Jang Hee Bin," we follow the tale of a young court servant who captivates the King with her beauty and becomes his concubine. Through her rapid ascent in status and the birth of her son, she is motivated by a strong desire for power, leading her to not only secure her position but to ultimately become Queen.

The plot of the drama revolves around the question of what might occur if Lee Myong Ryong were to be considered unattractive, whereas his servant Bang Ja Jeon possessed good looks. As Lee Myong Ryong pursues Lady Chun Hyang, both individuals utilize their servants as intermediaries for communication...

Taking place in the Joseon Dynasty, the plot revolves around twins born to the Crown Princess Consort, who decides to have the daughter killed based on superstition. In order to protect her, the infant girl is sent away secretly. Many years later, Dam I, the twin sister, comes back to the palace, this time as a servant. Following the mistaken death of her brother Lee Hwi, their mother convinces Dam I to take on his identity. While keeping her distance from others, Dam I starts to develop romantic feelings for Jung Ji Un, her first love and later her tutor from a prestigious family.

Hong Gil Dong was the son of a prominent minister born out of wedlock. A local monk took him in and instructed him in martial arts. Driven by a desire to combat the societal injustices that separated nobles from commoners—where the former enjoyed privileges due solely to their lineage—Hong Gil Dong became a fighter for change. Meanwhile, the female lead, Heo Yi Nok, had recently returned to Korea from China alongside her grandfather. They made their living by showcasing performances and selling their distinctive medicines in the market. Lee Chang Hwi had been raised with the belief that he was the legitimate heir to the throne, which had been seized by his half-brother. Having just returned from exile in China, he was scheming to topple the emperor. The three characters found themselves caught in a web of love, animosity, loyalty, and treachery, with only one faction destined to prevail.

In the fictional land of Dongbangguk, Hwa Ri is the youngest princess in the royal family. Raised with a strong sense of independence, she decides to take matters into her own hands when it comes time to marry. Venturing outside the palace, she meets potential suitors while also searching for the artist behind a series of provocative paintings featuring her likeness. Among the candidates is Choi Hwan, a wealthy merchant known for his good looks and charm. Despite his reputation for enjoying the finer things in life, he harbors a mysterious secret.

This drama takes inspiration from one of Korea's ancient folk songs. Suh Dong, the unrecognized son of the king of Baekje, ultimately ascended the throne with the assistance of Princess Sun Hwa, the offspring of the Silla king, defying all challenges along the way.

The Imperial Household Bureau in the Tong Dynasty oversees the management of all household services for the Emperor and the Imperial family. It consists of four departments: Jewels, Attire, Food, and Furnishings. Lan Sam Ho and Yiu Kam Ling are brought into the bureau at a young age and raised in the palace's strict disciplines. Yuen Tsui Wan, the Head of Jewels, and Chung Suet Ha, the Head of Attire, both admire Sam Ho for her kind-hearted nature. They compete for her favor, as Sam Ho always remembers her mother's advice to do good deeds, speak good words, and show goodwill. In contrast, Kam Ling believes in using ruthless tactics to survive in the palace, eventually becoming a concubine through deceit. Despite realizing Sam Ho's love for the chess master Ko Hin Yeung, Kam Ling's jealousy is sparked by Sam Ho's connection with Emperor Lee Yi. In a bid to maintain her power, Kam Ling falsely accuses Sam Ho of murdering the Empress, leading to Sam Ho's wrongful condemnation to death. However, Kam Ling's schemes do not unfold as planned, highlighting the message of the drama that "benevolence" ultimately leads to victory.

During the early 1900s in China, Xiao Yue Gui, a young girl from the countryside, moves to Shanghai to avoid starvation. By rescuing Yu Qi Yang, a member of the Pujiang Association, the most powerful gang in Shanghai, she gains access to the leaders of the organization. This leads her to start working at their brothel, which alters the course of her life. Xiao Yue Gui is now on a journey to become the next "King of Shanghai," following in the footsteps of three previous generations, as depicted in Hong Ying's novel.

Due to financial difficulties, Wen Yu He's father agreed to have her marry into the Gu family as the wife of Madam Gu's third son. With Madam Gu's first son missing and her second son deceased, all hope was placed on Yu He and her remaining brother-in-law. The third son, Shao Tang, is known for his reckless behavior, spending time in brothels and gambling away his money. Madam Gu believed that Yu He could positively influence her son. Yun Kai, a school teacher, disguised himself as a groundskeeper to work in the Gu household, assisting with accounting and the family's lantern business. Despite facing mistreatment from her older sister-in-law, Yu He remains devoted to Shao Tang. As tensions rise and hidden agendas come to light, the Gu family's secrets begin to unravel, revealing a web of deceit and betrayal.

In the 1930s, the setting for this tale is in the southern region of Fujian

Shen Xin Ci escapes from her dangerous fiance, Liang Yong Chang, after discovering the truth. Along the way, she encounters Zhao Shi Jun, who shows compassion by giving her money to settle her father's medical bills. Following her father's passing, Xin Ci resolves to find Shi Jun and repay his kindness, regardless of the request. To resolve conflicts between Shahe Town and Wan Jia Village and secure the water supply, Zhao Shi Jun is compelled to marry Mayor Wan's daughter, Wan Qiu Ling. On their journey to Qiu Ling's new home, she falls ill due to a lifelong condition but is saved by a mysterious doctor, Liang Yong Chang. He offers a cure for her illness but warns that she will be unable to conceive in the future. Determined to continue her family line, Qiu Ling follows Yong Chang's advice and switches places with another girl to ensure pregnancy. Unbeknownst to Yong Chang, the other girl happens to be his former fiance, Shen Xin Ci. Now, Yong Chang seeks revenge on Zhao Shi Jun and anyone else in his path.

"The Tale of Qin Cheng" narrates the renowned saga of Meng's Household and Lin's Household near the Yellow River. In the past, Meng Xiang He, the heir of Meng's clan, wedded Lin Xiang Yu, the offspring of Lin's Household, in an arranged marriage. However, he absconded shortly after the ceremony. Consequently, Meng's Household agreed to a settlement: if Meng Xiang He did not return within six years, they would compensate Lin's Household with ten thousand silver dollars and over sixty thousand square meters of land. After six years, Meng Xiang He reappeared with his newfound lover as his wife. This led to a complex web of emotions involving both families and wives. Leveraging his business acumen, he amassed a fortune through trading hookahs and rose to become the wealthiest individual in Qingcheng, earning himself the status of a legendary figure. As the prolonged feud neared its conclusion, the true identity of the main antagonist was finally revealed. (Q1Q2)

Taking place in Shanghai during the 1930s, this famous story follows the journey of Zhang Lian Xin, a former maid who defies her predetermined fate during China's conflict with Japan. In her pursuit of liberty and affection, Lian Xin becomes entangled in Zhang Wen Jin's plot to overthrow his father, leading to her and Chong Yang being falsely accused of a crime. As they face numerous challenges while battling against Wen Jin and the Japanese forces, Lian Xin and Chong Yang develop a romantic relationship. In an attempt to protect Chong Yang, Lian Xin chooses to turn down He Tian, a wealthy admirer who is deeply in love with her, and instead weds Ma Kun, the influential leader of Shanghai Bund's underworld. Upon uncovering Ma Kun's true nature and facing the wrath of the Japanese, Lian Xin and Chong Yang make the ultimate sacrifice by relinquishing their love and lives in the name of freedom and justice.

The story follows a woman who is both intelligent and compassionate, rising to become a concubine in the imperial court

In the era of the Warring States, Li Hao Lan is expelled from her household and sold into slavery despite being the daughter of the Public Censor of Zhao. She is bought by Lu Bu Wei and given to Ying Yi Ren, a Qin Royal serving as a hostage to ensure peace between the Qin and Zhao states. Their arrival sparks a perilous conflict, forcing them to use their cunning to stay alive. Can Hao Lan achieve triumph over the challenges in her life? (Viki)

Consort Shun expressed her discontent with her elder sister Consort Yu by spreading rumors about her within the palace. The nanny, Sheung Ling, had ulterior motives as she pretended to help uncover the truth for others, when in reality she was scheming for personal gain. She managed to earn Consort Yu's trust and they became close friends. The arrival of Kunqu Opera artist Ko Lau Fei and FaDan Wan Chau Yin stirred up emotions among the women in the palace. Feeling threatened by Consort Yu interfering with her plans, Shun devised a cunning scheme. Unexpectedly, she found herself entangled in a complicated relationship with Ling and Fei. To further manipulate her sister, Shun enlisted the help of fortune-teller Tung Kat Hoi, who was seen as eccentric by the public but was privy to the true madness within the Forbidden City.

This drama explores the life of King Jeong Jo, the 22nd ruler of Joseon, who is celebrated in Korean history as one of the nation's finest kings, known for his compassion for the people and his governance aimed at benefiting the common folk.

The tale of King Geun Cho Go, the warrior monarch of Baekje, unfolded during a time when the kingdom flourished. His leadership saw military victories that enabled him to dominate a substantial portion of the Korean peninsula, leading to a significant increase in political influence, which marked the pinnacle of Baekje's historical power.

Once an unremarkable blacksmith, Lee Soo unexpectedly ascends to the throne of Joseon at the age of twenty-three. Constrained by the limitations of royal life, particularly regarding his romantic aspirations, Lee Soo finds his hopes of marrying his childhood sweetheart, Gae Ddong, dashed by his newfound position. Undeterred, he enlists the help of the esteemed Flower Crew to elevate Gae Ddong into the ranks of nobility. Led by Ma Hoon, Do Joon, and Go Young Soo, they embark on the daunting mission of refining Gae Ddong, but the process proves to be more difficult than they anticipated. Will they manage to achieve their goal, or will the undertaking overwhelm them?

King Lee Heon of Joseon has mourned the loss of his wife for seven years, rejecting all attempts to find him a new spouse. This led to the issuance of the geumhonryung decree prohibiting unmarried women from marrying. In the midst of public disapproval, a woman named Ye So Rang, who claimed to have contact with the spirit of the late queen, caught the king's attention. After being caught for her deception, Ye So Rang feigned possession by the queen's spirit to avoid punishment. Her charade continued as she was brought before the king, pretending to communicate with his deceased wife in order to survive, spinning a web of lies.

In order to safeguard herself and her family, Hong Ra On takes on the guise of a man and provides dating advice to men. After she pens a love letter for one of her clients, she encounters Crown Prince Hyo Myung. Neither Ra On nor Hyo Myung realizes the true identity of the other; she is unaware that he is the Crown Prince, and he does not know that she is a woman. Shortly thereafter, Ra On is compelled to become a eunuch by loan sharks, leading to a mutual attraction between her and the Crown Prince. As Ra On struggles to navigate life in the palace and Hyo Myung embarks on his path to kingship, will their romance flourish?

The narrative centers around a crown prince named Lee Sun, who battles the Pyeonsuhwe organization that wields total control over the kingdom and monopolizes the water supply through privatization. This drama weaves together elements of romance, action, and courtly intrigue as Crown Prince Lee Sun valiantly fights for the welfare of his people, while Han Ga Eun unexpectedly finds herself falling for him instead of seeking revenge for her father's execution at his hands. In “The Emperor: Owner of the Mask,” there are palace conspiracies related to the true authority behind the throne, along with a surprising twist when the prince swaps identities with a commoner. Ultimately, the central theme of the series is love, which permeates the romance between the prince and his beloved, as well as their shared compassion for the nation and its citizens. (MBC)

Chae Won is an enchanting woman with a remarkable talent for the arts. She specialized in sculpture during her college years and now imparts her knowledge at her own art academy. One of her most treasured possessions is a pair of paddy birds that were a gift from her boyfriend during middle school. Whenever Chae Won gazes at the birds, she is reminded of her youthful romance. However, she struggles to determine whether her emotions for Jeong Woo, her current boyfriend from a middle-class background, stem from genuine affection or merely nostalgia. What is certain, though, is that she is presently involved with a man named Kang Jae Sup. Yet, when Jeong Woo unexpectedly reappears, both men find themselves caught in a complex love triangle.

The tale takes place in the early Minguo period within a concealed library. Fan Zhen holds the books passed down from his forebears in high regard and protects them fiercely. Fan Shu Han, Fan Zhen's adopted son, possesses an extraordinary memory and is infatuated with Lin Ruo Yun, the daughter of his father's long-time friend Lin Zheng Gong. Despite their decision to run away together, their plans are foiled, leading to a tragic outcome. Fan Yu Lian, Shu Han's older sister, is intelligent and sophisticated. She is compelled to marry Lin Shao Qing, Zheng Gong's eldest son, due to family obligations, even though her heart belongs to Fang Zi Wen, a scholar who frequents her family's library.