Asian dramas like
Jeongnyeon The Star Is Born

A fictionalized account of the journey to success of two comedians who struggled with deep-seated insecurities. Wakabayashi Masayasu and Yamasato Ryota were not always pleasant individuals. They battled shyness, self-doubt, and feelings of inadequacy. Despite facing numerous setbacks, their determination and passion helped them survive the challenges of youth.

In the late 1980s, the focus of the story is on the interactions among five families living in a neighborhood. Situated in a small city in southern China, the community is comprised of individuals spanning various age groups. Within this setting, Gao Xiao Min resides with her three sisters, along with four boys who each possess unique personalities. The parents of these children share moments of concern and joy over the simplest of matters. Gao Xiao Min shoulders the responsibility of her family's financial obligations and her father's lack of employment. Meanwhile, Bao Zi's father navigates through various challenges. The narrative provides a glimpse into the everyday lives of the residents in this special neighborhood.

A girl in her youth aspires to pursue a career in singing.

Han Seo Ha is a lively and optimistic girl in her third year of middle school. She aspires to attend Hanlim Multi Art School due to her passion for singing. However, she often finds herself in the shadow of her older sister, Seo Jin. Seo Jin is currently a sophomore in the Practical Music department at Hanlim Multi Art School and possesses the charisma of a girl group leader. While she excels at playing the piano, her singing abilities do not match those of Seo Ha. Cha Su Ho, a sophomore at Hanlim, specializes in both piano and vocals. He is tall and attractive, drawing the attention of all the female students, yet he shows no interest in any of them. Do Chae Ah, also a sophomore at Hanlim, stands out to both teachers and peers because of her talent and appearance. She frequently feels resentful towards Seo Jin. Ban Da Yul, Seo Ha’s closest friend, is known for carrying tarot cards and reciting unusual spells.

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.

The narrative commences with an unforeseen incident at the Shanghai concert in 2008. Deng Chang Fu, the third sibling, lay on a stretcher, reminiscing about the birth of "the girl," the fourth child in the Deng family, in a small village in Taiwan during the early winter of 1953. Despite her innate singing ability, her father, Deng Shu, strongly disapproved. Deng Shu, a retired army officer, transitioned to running a market stall. Witnessing her father's melancholy and longing for his hometown, the girl assisted him in selling steamed buns. Although she did not progress to junior high school after completing primary education, she excelled in radio singing competitions. Deng Shu encountered trouble with thugs at the market stall, resulting in injuries and a legal dispute. Convinced that a permanent store was the solution, the couple worked tirelessly. The girl, out of love for her parents, became a contracted singer, used her earnings to establish a store for her father, who was deeply touched by her actions. Eventually, the girl graced the stage and garnered numerous accolades.

Passionate about literature, Su Can Can forms close bonds with her best friends during her teenage years. Xu Mei Li is known for her lively and cheerful nature, while Lan Tian Ye is described as handsome and carefree. Lin Jia Ze is gentle and refined, and Tao Ya Ting is noted for her beauty and melancholy demeanor. Throughout high school and college, they confide in each other, share happy moments, and navigate challenges together. Now at 28, Su Can Can looks back on the treasured memories they have made and realizes that the companions she held dear at 18 remain by her side, embodying the warmth of love, friendship, and kinship.

Taking place in the 1910s, this follows the tale of Hanada Suzuko, a girl raised in a household that operated a bathhouse in the heart of Osaka. Suzuko developed a passion for singing and dancing early on and became a member of the Umemaru Girls Opera Company (USK) in Dotonbori. Through her exceptional singing abilities, Suzuko rose to fame during the postwar period.

A tale of an unsuccessful idol group's final adventure as they strive to avoid breaking up

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

The 79th NHK Asadora series follows the story of twin sisters Megumi and Nozomi, who were separated at birth due to their parents' divorce. Despite this separation, they eventually meet and form a strong bond. Both sisters decide to pursue a career in singing, with Megumi, a high school student in Shimane prefecture who enjoys performing in a band, and Nozomi, an apprentice geisha raised by her mother in Kyoto. By a stroke of fate, the two girls meet and realize their uncanny resemblance. The drama is set in Shimane and Kyoto, with "Dandan" meaning "thank you" in the Izumo dialect.

Asagi Soramame, a spirited woman from the countryside of Kyushu, decides to move to Tokyo to be with her childhood friend and fiancé

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)

“Dance Sports Girls” draws inspiration from the documentary of the same title and narrates the experiences of students at Geoje Girl’s Vocational High School. These girls harbor diverse aspirations as they train for employment in a shipyard that is currently undergoing restructuring. Despite their academic performance being less than stellar, their dedication to improving their dancing skills knows no bounds. (Soompi)

Na Ra, an intelligent and attractive Korean woman, travels to China and develops a deep appreciation for Chinese culture and art. She is determined to establish herself in the entertainment industry and win an art award in the country. However, as a significant play is gearing up for rehearsals, Na Ra goes to great efforts to secure a leading role in the production.

The story follows the journey of young individuals growing up in the Hutong area of Beijing over the span of several decades. Through a unique lens, it showcases the determined and innovative spirit of regular people in the modern era as they strive to change their own fate and pursue their dreams of a better life. In 1978, Chen Wa'er, Wu Xikai, and their childhood companions all sat for the gaokao exams. While Chen Wa'er and Hu Meihua did not pass, Li Qiang was accepted into an accounting school. Their paths diverged, leading to a growing distance between the friends. Li Qiang finds success in the financial markets and eventually marries Chen Wa'er, only to later abandon his family due to his ego. Undeterred by life's challenges, Wa'er goes on to establish a renowned company. Hu Meihua, who had moved to the United States, returns as a banker. Despite starting from the same point, each individual embarks on their own journey towards achieving their goals as life's race begins.

Saint Girls Square Academy, also known as Garugaku, is a prestigious school dedicated to nurturing young girls with aspirations of becoming professional star performers. Admission to this institution is granted only to those who successfully pass nationwide auditions. Students at Garugaku aspire to perform at the Girls Arena, a renowned stage that serves as a launching pad for future professional careers. However, only one team can take the spotlight on this stage. Last year, three teams - East2 (Yuzuha, Toa & Ran), West2 (Momoka & Minami), and South2 (Misaki, Youka, Kurea & Kira) - merged to form Girls2 after a memorable live performance. Subsequently, West2 traveled to Asia and South2 to the United States to hone their skills, while East2 remained at the academy and took over the student council. As for Girls2, the principal assigned them a challenging graduation examination task to prepare them for their major debut. The nature of this assignment remains a mystery!

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.

Peng Lai and her daughter Bai Tian share an unconventional relationship, as Peng Lai had left her daughter with her father to pursue her dream of becoming a rockstar overseas

In spite of facing criticism from fellow teachers and parents who doubt her abilities due to her troubled upbringing, a preschool teacher is determined to move past her traumatic past. (jdorama)

With your support, I find the strength to persevere... I vow to never release this intertwined hand! This heartfelt tale showcases the bonds between parents and children, men and women, and all humanity. Against all odds, a woman who has been through three divorces raises three children from different fathers as a single mother. She navigates life's challenges without losing herself, facing obstacles daily in the enduring love shared between mother and child. (tvdrama-db.com)

Mizusaki Keita, a chef working in a French restaurant located in a bustling shopping area, finds himself devastated by the loss of his wife to an illness. However, with the encouragement of Kataoka Miho, a young pastry chef apprentice at the restaurant, he decides to transform his wife's cherished piano into a street piano. One day, renowned pianist Imanishi Kohei, known as a rising star in the piano world, unexpectedly arrives and asks to play the street piano. After performing a flawless rendition of "Nocturne," Kohei departs. What led him to play the piano on the shopping street? The street piano at the French restaurant in the shopping district becomes the starting point for various captivating tales to unfold.

Gong Ji Hoon, the Chief Executive Officer of a startup specializing in AI art collections, is set to take part in the final event for the company called "Constar IR Day." Meanwhile, Kim Jae Hee, the youngest director at Constar, forms both professional and personal connections with Gong Ji Hoon. As time goes on, their professional collaboration evolves into a romantic relationship.

Is it possible to rise back up after hitting rock bottom? Lin Wei Zhen, a former top child actress, has struggled to find work as she has aged in the entertainment industry, leading to feelings of depression and self-pity. Her path crosses with Zhou Shu Yu, a successful producer facing his own downfall after being betrayed by his friend, Xu Li Da, and girlfriend, Yang Jia Xin. As they stand at their lowest points, can Wei Zhen and Shu Yu support each other in reclaiming their former success?

"Over the Rainbow" explores both the bright and dark aspects of the tumultuous lives of dancers and singers. This drama realistically portrays the aspirations of dancers who dream of becoming vocalists. Kwon Hyeok Jo is a determined and affectionate dancer who develops feelings for Jeong Hee Su, a fellow dancer aiming to transition into singing. Together, they embark on their journey toward fame. Meanwhile, Rex, a charming young man with exceptional talent and a key asset to Pride Ent., seeks to break free from his label and pursue his own path. Ma Sang Mi is a kind-hearted yet awkward girl who is still in search of her true passion. This emotionally charged narrative delves into the struggles and triumphs of achieving popularity as a singer, featuring themes of betrayal and the constant cycle of reunions and separations. It provides a glimpse into the challenges and rewards of striving for stardom.

A brief narrative about adolescents employed at a customer service center and interacting with actual clients.

A tale about Peng Tian Yi, a representation of the typical educated youth from the Northeast, and his life in the expansive rural area. In the 1970s, a circle of educated youths from Beijing formed a bond and courageously advocated for change amidst the changing times. Peng Tian Yi was unjustly imprisoned for protecting the work of an elderly scientist. Upon his release, he remained in the countryside to push for reform, eventually rising to become a respected intellectual of his era. (chinesedrama.info)

The story revolves around the residents of Lin County who come together to construct the Red Flag Canal in order to address the longstanding issue of water scarcity. During the summer and fall of 1959, Lin County faced a harsh drought, resulting in the depletion of rivers, ponds, and reservoirs. This led to crop failure and a lack of food and water for both the people and animals. Led by party secretary Yang Gui, a group of committee members from Linxian are determined to find a solution to their water crisis. Thus, the initiative to build the Red Flag Canal was launched.

Being a mother is a challenging task, especially for those who are raising their children alone. Zhou Nan Nan, a single mother, is determined to provide her son Xiao Yang with a happy life without any assistance. However, when the time comes to enroll her son in primary school after he graduates from kindergarten, she realizes that all the mothers in the kindergarten are facing their own struggles. Some successful career women are struggling to balance work and motherhood, while stay-at-home moms who focus solely on their families feel overlooked. For instance, there is a business owner who sacrifices her dreams for her child, only to face the consequences later on; and a young wealthy woman who is suddenly confronted with life's challenges. Children may be naive, but mothers are also learning as they go. No one is born knowing how to be a perfect mom. The mothers in the kindergarten are faced with the dilemma of whether to push their children to succeed at any cost or to let them grow naturally. Should they sacrifice everything for their children or maintain their own identity? Through misunderstandings, conflicts, and eventual resolution, these mothers ultimately help their children transition to primary school and experience personal growth in the process.

The primary characters in "Searchin' for My Polestar" are a group of 7 friends who first met in college as members of the "Sagittarius" astronomical observation club. While they joined the club as an excuse to spend time at the beach in summer and go skiing in winter, their only real stargazing experience occurred at a summer camp during their senior year. Despite exchanging vows of eternal friendship, their busy schedules over the years have caused them to drift apart. It has now been 3 years since that memorable summer under the stars. Will their friendship continue to weaken, or will they find a way to strengthen their bond once again? (Fuji TV)

Based on the manga released by Futabasha Publishers, Ltd.

Chen Hao Yuan is a diligent student known for his calm demeanor. In contrast, his close friend, Hong Cheng Yi, has a troubled past involving juvenile detention for a bank robbery. Despite their differences, they worked together to support a classmate struggling with addiction, uncover a teacher's hidden secrets, and investigate the disappearance of bees linked to an impending apocalypse in 2012. Their carefree outlook on life shifted to anger when they learned that a dishonest politician was behind the hardships faced by both of their families. (Dramawiki)

"PIANISSIMO" embodies the theme "Come & Goes in Silence," weaving through various love stories. This drama consists of 8 episodes, including Black City, Never Ending Love, Happy Fiction, Love is You, Grape Prince, Moebis, Magic Hour, and Meet, featuring renowned Hallyu stars and celebrated directors known for their contributions to melodrama. The cast includes members from SS501—Kim Kyu Jong, Kim Hyung Jun, Park JungMin—as well as singer Moon Hee Jun, Son Ho Young, Nam Gyu Ri, Tei, Bae Seul Ki, Seo Ji Young, former Baby V.OX member Shim Eun Jin, Kim EZ, Kong Hyun Joo, Hong Jong Oh, Park Ki Ung, Lee Tae Sung, Hong Soo Hyun, Won Jun Choi, among others, totaling over 30 Korean celebrities. With many musicians making their acting debuts in this series, viewers can expect a unique experience while watching. This drama was also released on DVD.

Two decades ago, Wang Xuan, a singer, faced financial struggles after having a child outside of marriage and exhausting her resources to care for her daughter's illness. Eventually, Xuan made the difficult decision to give her daughter up for adoption and keep this truth hidden. Despite her efforts to find her daughter later on, Xuan was unsuccessful and poured all of her love into her stepdaughter, Xu Ruo Lin. On the other hand, Jiang Mei Li was adopted into a different family and, after 20 years, finds herself supporting her sister in a singing competition where Ruo Lin aims to win back her former partner, Guan Yi, a producer. Unexpectedly, Mei Li emerges victorious in the competition and rises to fame overnight. Will Mei Li's newfound stardom bring her closer to uncovering the mysteries of her past?

The setting is at Yi An University, where a collection of young individuals passionate about music are in pursuit of their aspirations. Lin Mo, the music club's current leader, receives support from his mentor He Luo Yi and other club members to successfully resurrect the music club at their school.

"Please help me." Teruko, a housewife, gets a call from her closest friend, the chanson singer Lui. "Please help me." Those words echoed Teruko's own feelings. After enduring the mistreatment of her abusive husband, who has reduced her to the role of a servant, Teruko is forced out of her long-time apartment. With the ever-so-familiar Lui seated beside her, they set off on their journey away from Tokyo! In truth, both women harbor a "secret" deep within their hearts.

Xiang Zhen, Qian Bei Bei, Jin Xiao Ni, Ding Lan, and Yu Hui are five young women who meet at university and gradually discover the challenges of life, including struggles with finding employment and love. Xiang Zhen's partner goes missing, Qian Bei Bei's boyfriend confines her, Jin Xiao Ni's boyfriend is revealed to be unfaithful, Ding Lan's parents disapprove of her partner, and Yu Hui faces financial ruin after her business fails. Each of them grapples with various difficulties in both their professional and romantic lives.

The story revolves around five elderly women residing on the same street who are brought together by a scam. Through shared experiences of joy and sorrow, they form a deep bond while seeking new purpose in their lives. Each woman, with her own unique background and personality, navigates the challenges of aging. Mei Yi, who runs a cafe, grapples with the loss of her son. The arrival of a new waitress, Xiao Xue, brings unexpected changes to her life. Teacher Song maintains a busy schedule, occasionally causing trouble for her daughter. Liu Da Fu's efforts to improve her son's life backfire, leading to his unhappiness. Hong Jie, a local resident, worries most about her children despite having everything she needs. Ai Lin, admired for her beauty, experiences profound loneliness. Their paths cross at a 'health lecture,' and as they unite to outsmart scammers, they form lasting friendships.

A tale revolves around five young individuals - Xu Weibiao, Lin Zhihua, Zhang Peng, Wang Lei, and Yu Nan - who came of age in Beijing during the 1980s. As time passed, their paths diverged as they held conflicting beliefs. (Baidu)

In the webtoon "Knife in Her Heart" by O Ri, we follow the story of Cai Xiao Ai, a girl fighting a serious illness, and Ju Eun Zhao, a reserved and aloof individual, who form an unexpected bond despite their circumstances. Together, they navigate through various obstacles such as friendship, family, love, and uncertainties about their future, all while uncovering a hidden conspiracy that surrounds them. (WeTV)

The story follows Wang Lu, a high school student dealing with anxiety, who unexpectedly makes it into a prestigious lion dance competition. Despite the pressure of her upcoming college exams, she forms an all-female lion dance group that combines modern elements like parkour and street dance with traditional lion dance, challenging gender stereotypes in the process. Throughout the journey, she faces challenges such as limited resources for training, academic stress, and team coordination issues. Through her determination and perseverance, Wang Lu not only reignites her father's love for lion dancing but also conquers her own anxieties, ultimately leading her team to victory.

A story unfolds as we follow a group of individuals as they navigate various milestones in their lives. The first and second parts are set in 1957, while the third and fourth parts occur 16 years thereafter.

During her childhood, Hiromi endured mistreatment from her mother. As she matures, she is unable to be with the man she loves and is deceived by her close friend, Chikako. Hiromi chooses to raise a girl as her own child after Chikako abandons her, but the peace is disrupted when the daughter discovers Hiromi is not her biological mother.