Asian dramas like
Love Is All Around 2004

Childhood companions, Gu Wei and Xu Zi Rui, spent their formative years together

One day, Yan Feng, a director at a broadcasting station, comes across a popular book in town. After reading it, he realizes that the plot closely mirrors his own past experience of a romantic relationship during his university days with Xia Xiao yu. Inspired by this discovery, Yan Feng and his team plan to create a program documenting their quest to find the author of the book and to delve deeper into Yan Feng's own personal story.

Minami, a girl who is hearing impaired, uses sign language to connect with her first love, Kaiji, as they navigate their budding romance together with the help of a puppy. As their relationship deepens, Minami develops an unattainable longing to hear Kaiji's voice. In a heartfelt gesture, Kaiji promises to act as Minami's ears. However, the constraints of their youth prevent them from keeping this promise. Their story unfolds over 15 years, filled with both beauty and heartache, as they navigate their first love and family bonds. (TBS)

Fang Le and Yuan Yuan's relationship is facing challenges due to their lack of children. Fang Le is eager to expand their family, while Yuan Yuan is prioritizing her career over starting a family.

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.

Miyuu lost faith in men after her father cheated with another woman. Nevertheless, she found herself falling in love with someone despite her lingering distrust.

Ke Zhong, along with his friends Zhen Feng and Ming Da, were apprehended by Lin Da for their mischievous pranks on campus. As a consequence, the university mandated that they participate in a charitable cycling trip across Taiwan to assist underprivileged families, which was orchestrated by Lin Da. An Jie, a timid girl who befriended Lin Da after standing up for her against tormentors, was also included in the expedition. They made a pact to reunite in three years upon completing their journey.

This drama presents a poignant yet beautiful tale of first love. Fate grants the characters a love that is as elusive and distant as a star—so far away that it's almost unimaginable to grasp it. All they can do is admire it from afar. However, love possesses the ability to inspire hope and a will to live, much like a star that continues to glow in the darkness. The story begins by exploring the characters' school days, illustrating the pure love experienced by these young adults as they encounter it for the first time. Viewers are given a unique chance to relive the faint scent and dreams of their initial love, which until now have only lingered in their memories. (KBS Global)

The third movie in the "Little" series explores the themes of education and family dynamics within typical Chinese households. As children transition from elementary to junior high school, the dynamics within families also change. Nan Li worries about her daughter Huanhuan's academic struggles, prompting the whole family to prioritize her education. Meanwhile, Nan Li's friend Tian Yu Lan faces challenges in her marriage due to her lack of trust in her husband. Tian Yu Lan's dedication to her son, Yan Zi You, puts pressure on him to excel academically. Zhang Xue Er, the headteacher of Huanhuan and Yan Zi You, goes above and beyond to help a student from a rural village, only to face backlash from school authorities.

In 2009, Deng Cao Cao faces the kidnapping of her three-year-old son, leading to her husband Guan Hao blaming her for negligence and the subsequent decision to divorce. Despite the passage of five years, she continues to struggle as a single parent while on a relentless quest to locate her missing child. Along the way, she crosses paths with Gong Jian, a former military serviceman turned entrepreneur, who aids her in the search for her son and forms a deep bond with both mother and child. As Cao Cao and Gong Jian grow closer, complications arise with the return of Guan Hao and the interference of Gong Jian's mother. The question remains whether a new marriage is on the horizon or if familial and friendship bonds will be irreparably damaged.

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 tale of Tian Chuang Hua, the daughter-in-law of the Ma family, who faces numerous challenges in her life but finds the strength to assist her village. Tian Chuang Hua, known for her devotion as a wife and daughter-in-law, had hoped for her husband to return for the new year, only to be presented with divorce papers instead. Along with her daughter, they encounter their own difficulties, including debt collectors at their door. Amidst these struggles, she receives the devastating news of her father's passing but remains committed to her in-laws. Tian Chuang Hua's compassion is acknowledged when her parents-in-law choose her over their own son. Despite the hardships, she tackles her issues one by one and embarks on a journey to promote tourism in the village. In a stroke of luck, she uncovers the precious art of paper-cutting skills possessed by her mother-in-law.

Due to internal conflicts at work, Ga Jai Choi, a thriving business executive, is appointed as the principal of a struggling school. The school, known as the Samshui Fisherman and Agricultural Workers Union Yin Liang Can Y n Endowment Yin Ding Bao Memorial School-WDPS, is facing the threat of being shut down by the education board due to its poor performance and reputation. The school was established in memory of tycoon Yin Guo Rong by his parents, who are determined to save it from closure. Ga Jai Choi is urged by his competitors to take on the role of headmaster, despite his reluctance to leave his corporate career. Although Ga Jai Choi initially aims to accelerate the school's downfall, he is surprised to see the teachers rallying to protect their jobs in response to his proposed changes. The arrival of passionate young teacher Lam Ying Yun and dedicated educator Wong Yerk Se further complicates Ga's plans. As Lam and Wong inspire their students to strive for success, Ga begins to question his motives and gradually becomes invested in the school's future. Despite Ga's efforts to undermine the school, his policies inadvertently lead to improvements in academic performance and a sense of unity among students, parents, and staff. However, the school's survival remains uncertain. Ga ultimately realizes his genuine care for the school and its students, joining the community in a final plea to prevent its closure.

Following the passing of her father, Qing You relocated from Yunnan to Shanghai to live with her uncle Xia Ying Tai's family. This sudden change caused tension within the household, with her aunt and cousin Shan Shan feeling resentful towards her presence, while her cousin Ji Dong took on the role of her caretaker. Qing You struck up a friendship with her classmate Yu You He at her new school. The situation took a surprising turn during a teacher's conference when Xia Ying Tai recognized You He's mother as an old flame from his past, leading him to realize that You He was actually his own son. And with that revelation, the stage was set for the unfolding of this tragicomedy...

The plot revolves around Lei Lei and Ye Qing, who initially have a rocky start due to rumors spread by the villagers about Ye Qing's character. However, they bond over their mutual admiration for Teresa Teng's music and eventually form a strong friendship. As they support each other during China's changing times, their bond deepens into a romantic relationship. The title of the drama is inspired by Teresa Teng's iconic song.

In the play, a collection of youthful individuals exhibit boundless imagination and playfulness as they endeavor to make a positive impact on society through their creative endeavors. Additionally, they grapple with the challenges of youth, as well as the complexities of life and love.

The narrative centers on Su Xiao Xiao, a determined and skilled young woman with aspirations of becoming a hairstylist. Her enthusiasm for hairstyling led her to gain a reputation among her classmates for cutting their hair at school, often resulting in disciplinary action instead of focusing on her studies. Despite facing obstacles due to her past and other unfortunate circumstances, her grandparents make repeated efforts to offer guidance and support in steering her towards the right path. However, she becomes entangled with Fei Long, who harbors deep feelings of love and gratitude towards Su Xiao Xiao. Along her journey towards achieving her dream, Su Xiao Xiao crosses paths with Yang Yuan Shuai, Zhang Wen Ya, and Liu Ai Man.

Chu Xia and Xiao Jin, twin sisters who are brought back together by a chance encounter, both find themselves unexpectedly falling for the same young man, Guan Hao. Despite facing numerous challenges and life-threatening situations, Chu Xia ultimately decides to choose a different path for her friendship and love, leading to a confrontation with her partner...

Yun Ting Elementary School, located in the peaceful mountains of Miaoli, is facing the possibility of shutting down

In an effort to expand her business, SIK-SIK, an employee at a travel agency, travels to Malaysia for a meeting with her client. However, her plans are disrupted by a devious local tour guide named KUNG-CHI, leading to a falling-out between them. Suddenly, SIK-SIK's boyfriend CHING CHIN-BOK appears and proposes marriage to her. They begin preparing for their wedding upon returning to Hong Kong. Just as SIK-SIK believes she is the happiest bride, a video is leaked during the ceremony showing CHIN-BOK cheating on her with her best friend. Heartbroken, SIK-SIK returns to Malaysia and changes jobs to work at a local hotel, where she meets KUNG-CHI again. Despite their differing mindsets, they develop subtle yet close feelings for each other. CHIN-BOK's sister CHING CHIN-CHUN supports SIK-SIK's decision to break up with her brother. Through SIK-SIK, she meets the famous chef CHIN TSUN and becomes his apprentice to learn cooking. Over time, CHIN-CHUN develops feelings for her mentor, while CHIN TSUN cannot shake his thoughts of SIK-SIK. Just as he is about to confess his love, CHIN-BOK resumes his pursuit of SIK-SIK, with KUNG-CHI unexpectedly coming to her aid.

Following a tragic accident, magazine photographer Song Tian Chong lost her vision. Despite her passion for beauty and watching TV dramas, Tian Chong remained undeterred by her blindness. Supported by her boyfriend, To Zhen Hang, and her guide dog, Tian Chong stays positive and draws strength from her new mantra, Love Conquers All. While Tian Chong rebuilds her life, her new neighbor, advertising expert Gam Yin Zhong, is going through a midlife crisis. Previously consumed by work, Yin Zhong became isolated from friends and family. Feeling lost and lonely, Yin Zhong decides to go on a long vacation to rediscover himself. After a breakup, Tian Chong meets Yin Zhong and finds solace in their shared loneliness. Despite their initial differences, Tian Chong and Yin Zhong gradually develop feelings for each other and realize they have more in common than they thought.

Naoko's life takes a turn when a failed project leads to her being demoted from marketing to data management, and her boyfriend and boss, Yanagiba Toshiro, moves to New York. Feeling lost, she encounters Uchimura, a cheerful bus driver who inspires her to reevaluate her goals. However, her world is turned upside down when Toshiro returns to Tokyo, forcing her to choose between two very different men in her life.

The series delves into the connections and friendships among seven individuals who come together unexpectedly, exploring how these relationships evolve over time. It all starts with a gathering of six of them. Each of the seven main characters is named after a different color of the rainbow.

Jung Yoo Hee tied the knot with the man she adored, Yoon Sang Woo. Unfortunately, his mother harbored a strong dislike for Yoo Hee, compelling her to separate from Sang Woo and their young daughter. After several years, Yoo Hee makes her return and reconnects with her daughter. However, Sang Woo's new spouse, Seo Hyun, is unwilling to accept her presence. Soon after, Yoo Hee vanishes without a trace. Her younger sister, Yoo Kyung, who was adopted and raised overseas, is resolute in her quest to uncover the truth about her sister's fate. She adopts a façade and poses as Yoo Hee. (DramaWiki)

Xin Lan was taken in by a kind family and now resides with her younger sibling. Tragedy strikes when her brother goes missing and the family's son dies in a car accident. Overwhelmed with grief, Xin Lan ventures out to face the turbulent challenges that lie ahead.

An advertisement for 33 Story-House attracts individuals from diverse backgrounds, uniting them as strangers who become roommates and eventually close friends. The actors and actresses in each narrative employed improvisational acting methods to depict the inhabitants of 33 Story-House.

Tang Mei Bao has yet to reach the level of success and recognition she had envisioned for herself when she entered the modeling industry a decade ago. In contrast to her rival Zhu Di, who effortlessly commands attention on the stage. Now in her thirties, past her peak modeling years, she questions if she squandered her youth. Desperate for a chance at fame and fortune, she takes a risk to reclaim control over her life.

After losing her parents when she was young, Yang Ya Zhen, a single mother working as a wedding planner, married her university classmate. However, after the birth of her daughter Yu Tong, she became suspicious of her husband's infidelity and decided to divorce him, moving back in with her grandmother. Ji Xuan, a divorce lawyer who has seen his own family fall apart, is cynical about marriage, unlike Ya Zhen who still believes in it. When Ya Zhen hires Ji Xuan as her divorce attorney, they meet and begin the process of ending her marriage.

Xin Lu finds herself in two distinct romantic relationships with two individuals. She is involved with the affluent Xu Li Yang, while also receiving affection and support from Xia Xiao Hua. Through these experiences, she begins to understand the true meaning of love and strives to pursue her own happiness.

The series covers the period from Japan's occupation of Taiwan to the return of Taiwan after the 1960s. It tells the story of a young woman named Yuki Qing Fu Lai who is raised by foster parents and her mother sacrifices her childhood in Nakasi. The plot also involves singing, as well as the intertwined love issues among Yuki, her childhood friend Ming Yi, and their friend Wenchang.

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.

Cheng Feng had a lifelong desire to soar through the skies, which led her to become a flight attendant against her family's wishes. Thanks to the encouragement of her long-time friend, Tao Si Xian, she courageously pursued her dream. (Wiki D-addicts)

Ming Liang, a young man pursuing his artistic aspirations in the bustling city, returns to his hometown nestled at the base of the Tianshan Mountains to look after his sick adoptive mother, Ai Yi Sha. In an effort to rejuvenate Ai Yi Sha’s restaurant, “Red Pomegranate,” Ming Liang takes on the challenge set by Michelin-starred chef An Dong. As he grows both personally and professionally, he breathes new life into the once poorly managed eatery. Inspired by the courageous stories of those around him, including technician Li Guang Tian and social worker Wu La Si, Ming Liang refines his purpose in life—promoting the culinary heritage of Xinjiang. He also encounters Gu Li Na Er, the passionate leader of an animal welfare organization, and begins to develop feelings for her. However, Gu Li Na Er is solely focused on her professional endeavors and has no interest in a romantic relationship. With his distinct life insights and approach, Ming Liang gradually wins over Gulinaer’s heart.

Riko, a unique student at a women's college, struggles with matters of the heart. When she reunites with Shuji, a cameraman from her past and her first love, their romantic entanglements with three other individuals complicate their relationship. (WakuWaku Japan)

A tale of a dedicated couple striving to achieve their aspirations unfolds, showcasing the transformation and progress of Shenchuan over four decades. This period marked a significant era in history. Despite only completing junior high school, Wei Dong Xiao's courage and astuteness earned him the trust of influential figures such as Fan Qi Zheng and Fang Xiang Dong, allowing him to participate in key activities of the reform movement. Balancing a daytime job with relentless nighttime efforts, Wei Dong Xiao faces numerous challenges on his journey, finding solace in the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

The series "New Kids War" follows the story of Otsuki Kaori, a primary school teacher who is transferred to a new school after an incident involving bullying

Otori Keisuke is a student at a prestigious high school that enforces a strict environment focused solely on academics. The school prohibits all forms of entertainment, including romantic relationships. Any student caught dating will face expulsion. Despite this rule, Otori Keisuke meets a girl and experiences love for the first time. Determined not to abandon his newfound feelings, he challenges the school's policy on dating. Initially opposed by his friends at the school, they eventually come to admire his sincerity.

The upcoming season will showcase Kinpachi Sakamoto's dedication as a teacher who experiences the ups and downs alongside his 25 students, who also mature through the process. They will navigate challenges such as preparing for university entrance exams, navigating complex relationships with family, educators, and peers, and managing their hopes and setbacks.

The seventh season of this long-running series is now airing, marking its 25th year on television. Kimpachi Sakamoto will once again face challenges and issues with the new class. As the year progresses, valuable lessons that cannot be purchased with money will be learned. In the previous season, Sakamoto clashed with Principal Chida regarding teaching methods, resulting in his removal from the Board of Education. However, he has returned to teaching at Sakura Middle School. The school is currently dealing with a rise in youth crime, along with issues such as drug use and sexually transmitted diseases. Kimpachi finds himself back in a chaotic school system, ready to tackle new problems and deliver important messages. Stay tuned for updates on the developments in class 3B over the next six months. (TBS)

Nonstop, a South Korean sitcom, premiered its initial season on MBC in 2000, followed by five more seasons. The show gained popularity for featuring a talented cast of young celebrities, some of whom rose to fame after debuting on the show. Each season of Nonstop showcases the comical daily escapades of a group of college students, along with their friends and family members.

Oh Soon Nam works as an educator at a traditional Korean institution known as Jeokhyeonjae, where she supports her students' dreams like a close companion. However, her world shatters when she unexpectedly loses both Jeokhyeonjae and her daughter, Joon Yeong. Driven by a desire for justice, Soon Nam begins to investigate the circumstances surrounding her daughter’s death, forcing her to confront a difficult choice between seeking vengeance and upholding the principles she has cherished throughout her life. This television series focuses on a female teacher in a traditional Korean school who is married to the last heir of a prominent family, a role that comes with significant obligations. A tragedy disrupts her life, but in honor of her daughter, she evolves into a figure of admiration for her resilience and determination in overcoming challenges. (MBC)