Asian dramas like
Jejoongwon

A television show that follows the journey of a man who overcame the restrictive caste system to achieve success in his profession. The historical figure Hur Jun, who authored Dongui Bogam, a work recognized as a UNESCO Memory of the World, did so 400 years ago. Even in the 21st century, Hur Jun's book continues to be utilized by traditional oriental physicians to treat patients. (MBC)

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.

Jin Hyuk is an exceptionally skilled neurosurgeon whose interactions with others are marked by a cold and stern demeanor, driven by his relentless quest for perfection. Through an enigmatic force, he is unexpectedly sent back to the year 1860 in the Joseon Dynasty. As he begins to provide medical care in this era, he realizes that the absence of essential tools and the primitive understanding of medicine compel him to discover innovative methods to help the ill. This arduous journey ultimately transforms Jin Hyuk into a true physician.

Heo Im, born into a concubine family during the Joseon period and possessing exceptional medical abilities, feels disheartened in his profession as he struggles to attain higher ranks within the government due to his lineage. By chance, he finds himself transported through time to contemporary Seoul, 400 years into the future, where he encounters the modern physician Yeon Gyung. Perceiving Heo Im as peculiar, she wishes to distance herself from him; however, they unexpectedly find themselves traveling back to the Joseon era together. (tvN Asia)

Ba U, a disreputable individual engaged in gambling, theft, and brawling, conceals his real self while profiting from Bossam, a traditional remarriage practice in Joseon involving the abduction of widows for marriage. In a misguided attempt, Ba U unknowingly abducts Princess Hwa In, the daughter of King Gwang Hae and the daughter-in-law of his rival Lee I Cheom. Princess Hwa In is coerced into a political marriage with her deceased husband's sibling, resulting in her becoming a widow on her wedding day.

When marriages are arranged within the upper class, it often results in people getting hurt. Zhao An Hua finds himself in a situation where he is compelled to marry a daughter from the Xue family due to Madam Xue's ambitions for power and riches. As a result, An Hua's former lover is heartbroken and seeks vengeance by marrying the infamous gangster, Fu Zhen Jia. Will love be able to triumph over the pain and envy brought on by these strategic unions?

In the novel "The Ninth Widow," we follow the life of Wang Pu-tao, a woman from a remote village in Central China. Wang tragically loses her family in a flood when she is just a child, and is later sold into servitude before being widowed at the young age of 14. Despite her hardships, Wang harbors a fugitive man (her father-in-law) in her cellar for three decades, providing him with care and protection during times of political turmoil, famine, and other disasters.

The play narrates the tale of Chang Hanqing, a youthful technician, and Jin Xing, a heroic fighter, in the aftermath of the establishment of the People's Republic of China. It focuses on the research, design, and progress of the innovative Chinese electric locomotive. (Baike Baidu)

According to a myth, this series revolves around themes of power, love, and betrayal, with characters vying for dominance or affection, while one character simply desires peace and friendship. A complex love triangle forms involving Yan Fuk, Cho Chi Kin, Cho Chi Woon, and Kwok Huen, after Kwok Huen betrays Yan Fuk and pursues her own path to power.

The restaurant's history is deeply connected to the experiences of four women from different generations, showcasing common marital issues and the various stresses faced by women throughout history. In the late Qing Dynasty, Ngai Yu Fung's family falls on hard times and she is forced into marriage with Wong Yuk Lun, who later loses all their money. Fung sells a token of love from her first lover Yu Tsz to start the Phoenix Restaurant. During the May Fourth Movement, Fung's daughter Wong Chi Kwan runs away to Tianjin with her teacher Lee Kat Cheung. After their separation, Kwan returns to Beijing and finds the struggling Phoenix Restaurant.

Foshan's renowned doctor Dou Sam has a single daughter named Dou Gaa Kei, who shows great intelligence and passion for traditional Chinese medicine. However, on the day of her marriage to the mayor's son Chong Gai Zou, a deadly epidemic strikes. Several patients, including Chong Gai Zou, perish after taking medicine from Dou Sam's pharmacy, leading to its closure. This sudden turn of events leaves Dou Gaa Kei feeling despondent. In the midst of this crisis, a terminally ill merchant named Ding Yat Yuen acquires the pharmacy's assets with the intention of selling them for profit. To prevent this, Dou Gaa Kei offers to treat his illness in exchange for him keeping the pharmacy intact. She learns valuable medical skills from a retired imperial physician, thanks to Ding Yat Yuen's connections. Meanwhile, Chong Gai Zou's twin brother returns, and Tsui Gwan Yeuk, the daughter of a military general, reveals her love for him. However, he harbors feelings for his former sister-in-law. Despite this, Dou Gaa Kei and Ding Yat Yuen develop a bond as they face numerous challenges together. Just as the pharmacy reopens and things start to settle, Ding Yat Yuen's life begins to slip away.

During the chaos of war in mainland China in 1941, Shanghai fell under enemy control. Xue er and her family sought refuge in a concession area. Facing hardships and despair, Xue er's husband Gui Ting abandoned his family to reunite with his wealthy ex-girlfriend Liao Wanzhen. When all seemed lost, Bai Lang rescued Xue er and introduced her to the entertainment industry. A wealthy businessman named Qiao Xiannong pursued Xue er, who sought to leverage his power to regain custody of her son. Tragically, her son died in a fall, devastating Xue er. Seeking revenge against Gui, Xue er entered a relationship with Qiao. Bai, in an effort to win back Xue er, accepted a position in the puppet government's investigation bureau. After many trials, Bai ultimately succeeded in reuniting with Xue er and marrying her. However, Qiao's continued pursuit of Xue er led to his manipulation of her to seek vengeance against Gui. Ultimately, with Bai's guidance, Xue er realized the error of her ways and chose to abandon thoughts of revenge in favor of a happy life with Bai. Regrettably, Bai's involvement with the puppet government led to tragic consequences as Xue er sacrificed herself to save him by selling her body and consuming poison.

In the early 1900s, a thief develops feelings for a Yueju opera singer while looking at a picture.

The narrative centers around Pu Di Liu, a resident of the border region encompassing Guizhou, Hunan, and Chongqing from 1927 to 1950

After completing their medical studies, Lu Ya Nan, Chen Yu Jing, He Mei Fen, and Pan Jia Hui joined the staff at Enron Hospital. The demanding workload and frequent medical emergencies gave them a profound insight into the life of doctors. Xiao Ke Ming, the head of the hospital's urology department, is known for his maturity, composure, and cautious nature, while his deputy, Zhong Li Wei, is characterized by his cynicism and strong principles. Their contrasting personalities often lead to conflicts over various issues, including their approach to work and life as well as the training of young physicians. The sudden death of Li Zhong Tian resulted in a significant inheritance left to Lu Ya Nan, who was then faced with persistent demands from Li Zhong Tian's son. Meanwhile, He Mei Fen found herself entangled in a deceitful emotional manipulation scheme orchestrated by Lei Zhen, a dishonest lawyer. Through her courage and resilience, He Mei Fen confronted the carefully laid traps and scams. This is a tale of doctors striving towards a promising and radiant future.

Three opposing factions - the Wulong outlaws, Nationalist Party, and Communist Party's People's Liberation Army - engage in a fierce struggle to eradicate each other.

Originally constructed as a symbol of love, the Dream Lock Building now serves as a confinement for disillusioned young women and shattered aspirations. Once a sanctuary for lovers, the building has transformed into a prison for women seeking matrimony. The town has been overtaken by widows left heartbroken and dreams of a blissful life shattered. However, the arrival of a Shanghai dancer threatens to disrupt the lives of the town's residents, stirring up chaos among the men, children, and their sense of pride. Suo Meng Lou is a Chinese drama from 2013 with a version containing 17 episodes.

A romance blossoms between a woman doctor who enjoys playing cupid and a gynecologist. (Viki)

Compelled to marry Lu Jing Ming, Shen Jiang Li is falsely accused and incarcerated by her relatives

Deng Gui Chan, a powerful female entrepreneur nicknamed "Seventh Master", is fiercely competitive and unafraid to take risks

In the late 1950s, a student named Wen Yi Qiu (played by Yin Tao) from the Beijing Broadcasting Institute falls in love with a Soviet announcer named Wei Ka and they get married in Beijing. However, the Soviet Union decides to recall its specialists from Beijing, leading Wei Ka to return to his homeland. Yi Qiu then moves to the border town of Hehei to work as an announcer in order to be closer to her husband. Eventually, Wei Ka is assigned to a post in Blagoveshchensk, a city on the other side of the border. Despite the distance, they find solace in listening to each other's broadcasts and hope for improved relations between China and the Soviet Union.

The tale of the individual who transforms from a salt pirate into the ruler of Wuyue.

Ling Wan, a young and beautiful girl, disguises herself as ugly to avoid marriage. She befriends Chor Chor, who is also not conventionally attractive. One day, Ling Wan saves the Emperor in disguise, revealing her true beauty to him. Smitten, the Emperor arranges for her to come to the palace. Upon learning of the Emperor's intentions, Chor Chor seeks out the "face changer", Siu To, to switch faces with Ling Wan. With Chor Chor now posing as Ling Wan, she enters the palace while the real Ling Wan, realizing the deception, decides to confront the Emperor on her own.

Sup Yee Moo is a laid-back police officer with a mother who used to be the infamous 'Chivalrous Flying Hawk'. Despite her past, Sup Yee Ma now keeps her former identity hidden from the martial arts community. She takes care of Sup Yee Moo, who has a knack for getting into trouble. When Sui Dong Lau arrives and becomes the honorable magistrate in their town, they team up with Si Kei Wong to solve amusing mysteries together.

Following a brief reunion with his wife, Orie, Hikoma is now on a frantic search to find out where she is before he leaves. Feeling the absence of her husband, Orie makes the decision to step down from her role as a ninja.

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.

Kook In Yeob is the sole offspring of an aristocratic family. Renowned for her elegance and beauty, her life takes a drastic turn when an event causes her to lose her noble status and descend into the lower class. Throughout her trials, she discovers resilience and inner strength. Meanwhile, Moo Myung, the most handsome servant in Hanyang, conceals his true identity while masquerading as a servant, shrouded in mystery. (d-addicts)

A dramatic portrayal of a young woman's journey to adulthood set against the backdrop of the tumultuous 1970s.

For 35 years during the Japanese colonial era, Joseon was shrouded in darkness. Despite this bleakness, Yi Yuk Sa composed poems that conveyed messages of hope to those who had lost faith in Joseon and to those who longed for a renewed Joseon. Today, Korea is free from Japanese rule, and Yi Yuk Sa has passed away, yet his poetry continues to resonate, perpetually sharing his messages. During those dire times, what kind of suffering did he endure, and what depth of love did he possess? (KOCOWA)

Pottery from the Joseon dynasty was distinguished by its superior quality and innovative firing techniques during the late 16th century. Baek Pa Seon, known as the "woman of fire," was the first female potter in Joseon and recognized as the master of Shintaro porcelain. Crown Prince Gwang Hae held a deep affection for her but ultimately had to part ways. This television series focuses on her formative years in Joseon rather than Japan, where a shrine honors her legacy. (MBC)

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)

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.

The Guo family has a long history of practicing bone setting for more than two centuries, always having male successors to carry on their skilled healing tradition. However, Guo Yi Shan, a fourth-generation descendant, faces a challenge as he is left with only a young daughter following the deaths of his two wives. To ensure the continuity of the family medical practice, Yi Shan chooses to marry again, this time to a rural woman named Yun He Ming. Unfortunately, on their wedding day, Yi Shan is abducted by vengeful bandits orchestrated by Liu Xian Tang, the leader of "Everlasting Life Temple." He Ming learns of the kidnapping and successfully saves her husband, earning the admiration of the entire Guo family. As a result, Yi Shan decides to teach his new wife how to read and practice medicine.

The film narrates four poignant tales of a man's growth from adolescence to adulthood in the previous century, as well as his remarkable quest for a dream abroad

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.