Asian dramas like
Orient Theatre

Seoul 1945 is a dramatic narrative set against the backdrop of a tumultuous period in Korea, covering the transition from Japanese rule to the eventual division of the nation into North and South. The plot centers around four young individuals who were raised together. Choi Oon Hyuk, a gifted child from a family of impoverished miners; Kim Hae Kyung, the oldest daughter of tenant farmers; Lee Dong-Woo, the successor to a prosperous and influential family; and Moon Suk Kyung, the sole offspring of a wealthy political ally of Japan. Each character, influenced by their personal decisions and external circumstances, embarks on divergent journeys that mirror the chaotic era and reveal their true natures. As their lives intersect, themes of love, friendship, loyalty, revenge, moral dilemmas, and ideology emerge as powerful forces that irrevocably alter their destinies.

The focus of the drama is on the life of Xi Shi, who was known as one of the famous Four Beauties in ancient China. Xi Shi was believed to have resided in Zhuji, the capital city of the ancient State of Yue, towards the conclusion of the Spring and Autumn Period.

Located in Yulin, Shanxi Province, the story revolves around a young woman named Yang Fen who adopts a male identity

Taking place at the end of the Qing Dynasty, the series follows the Chinese National Industry and Commerce as they push back against Western influences. Under the rule of Guangxu, the Zhang family oversaw the Zhangku Avenue of the Northern Silk Road, which thrived and expanded towards the Russian trading route. However, everything changed one fateful day. Lu Junjie, a member of the Zhang family, faced a significant upheaval and was forced to flee to the grasslands. Despite his desire for a fresh start, the Zhai family, who had stolen his family's assets, continued to pursue him, even enlisting bandits to attempt his murder. Lu Junjie's loyal supporters valiantly defended the Zhangku Avenue, rallying more individuals to his cause. Together, they worked on repairing railways, establishing commercial radio stations, and significantly boosting the country's trade. Following the Japanese invasion, Lu Junjie confronted the Zhai Tribe in a final battle, achieving vengeance for his family. With his enemies vanquished, Lu Junjie remains hopeful that the former glory of the Zhangku Avenue will be resurrected.

This tale delves into the ethical principles of a merchant and the significance of wealth. Renowned author Choi In Ho narrates the legend of Im Sang Ok, a celebrated Korean trader during the Joseon Dynasty (1779-1855).

The drama depicts the life of politician Kim Doo Han through a mix of reality and fiction. Kim Doo Han, son of the renowned general Kim Jwah Jin, trained in martial arts after his father's passing and rose to become a leader in Seoul's Jong Ro area, determined to defend his fellow Koreans against the Japanese. He faces opposition from Goo Ma Juk, the Seoul boss who seeks to hand over the city to Japanese developers, with the assistance of Hyashi, a Korean man living as a Japanese. Despite these challenges, Kim Doo Han strives to preserve Korean culture and eventually transitions into politics following the Korean War.

During the early years of the Republic of China in Taiwan, there was a reorganization of industries, financial instability, and ongoing natural and man-made disasters. Two individuals from different regions, one from the North and the other from the South, came together to create and distribute the finest soy sauce in Taipei stores.

A four-part drama created to commemorate the centennial of Japan's occupation of Korea. The final entry in this KBS series, titled Freedom Fighter, Lee Hoe Young, will conclude a narrative that highlights the themes of noblesse oblige and the notable figures who made significant sacrifices for their compatriots. Lee Hoe Young, an activist for independence, used his personal savings to establish an educational institution for soldiers and scholars in China, but he was ultimately apprehended and subjected to torture by the Japanese authorities. He encounters Kimura Junpei, a Japanese journalist during his journey.

When two princes vie for the throne, the situation becomes complicated. While one prince appears innocent, the other presents a facade of kindness that may hide his true motives.

The drama primarily narrates the journey of a prince through various challenges and triumphs amidst the tumultuous period of the late Qing dynasty.

Taking place in China during the 1930s and 1940s, Manchuria is occupied by the Japanese. With the CCP's intelligence system destroyed, two CCP operatives named Song Yan Qiao and Shu Jie work to undermine the Japanese authority and liberate their imprisoned colleagues.

The narrative follows the individuals residing at the base of the mountains in North-eastern China, who, guided by the Communist Party of China and the Anti-Japanese Allied Forces, stood up against the Japanese invaders to protect their country

In ancient China during the Spring and Autumn period, the four prominent families in the Qi state were engaged in fierce competition for political power. Despite their fathers' rivalry, Sun Wu and Guo Wujiu formed a strong friendship and received military training from the renowned strategist Tian Rangju. In the Chu state, Wu Zixu became a fugitive after his father was falsely accused of treason and his family was wiped out by King Ping of Chu. With the help of Sun Wu and Wujiu, Wu Zixu found refuge in the Wu state. The situation in Qi worsened when the Sun clan launched a surprise attack on the Guo and Gao clans, leading to a violent conflict. Wujiu managed to escape from Qi and viewed Sun Wu as his bitter rival from then on. He settled in Chu and became a general. Meanwhile, Sun Wu, devastated by the events, roamed until he settled in Wu state. Through Wu Zixu's introduction, Sun Wu was appointed as the military leader by King Hel of Wu. Sun Wu began his successful career by writing The Art of War and showcasing his strategic brilliance in leading the Wu army to victory in battles against rival states.

The Han Triumph, also referred to as Wind Ode, is a Chinese TV show that depicts events from the early Han dynasty, starting with Liu Bang (Emperor Gao) establishing the dynasty after defeating Xiang Yu. The series also covers the events that led to the rule of Liu Heng (Emperor Wen).

During their childhood, Huai Yu, Zhi Gao, and Dan Dan made a pact to be as close as siblings and visited a mysterious old eunuch for fortune-telling using divination sticks. However, the sticks were accidentally shuffled by the eunuch's cat before they could be interpreted. One stick mentioned preferring death over birth, another suggested life was better than death, and the third talked about dying and being reborn. The meaning behind these messages remains a mystery.

The drama portrays the story of Zhang Ju Zheng, a renowned figure during the Ming Dynasty. In the hierarchical society of ancient China, few prime ministers rise to power from modest beginnings like Zhang Ju Zheng. He mentors the young emperor in implementing important changes, but faces opposition to his reforms. As a consequence of his decisions, his family suffers the consequences. His tragic fate serves as a precursor to the decline of the Ming Dynasty.

The biography of Huang Dao Po, a trailblazing woman who transformed the Chinese textile sector amidst the Mongol invasion of the Song dynasty and the rise of the Yuan dynasty.

Qin Yue Xiang, a former housekeeper, unintentionally causes the death of her husband who was a builder while trying to protect her 9-year-old daughter Sang Cai Qing from being forced into marriage with an elderly man. Facing punishment by the local official Xiao Ru Zhang, Yue Xiang arranges for Cai Qing to seek safety with her biological father, wealthy businessman Chen Yuan. However, Chen's envious wife, Yu Ru, forces Cai Qing to work as a servant in their mansion. As Cai Qing grows older, she becomes entangled in a series of romantic entanglements.

The narrative revolves around a collection of individuals who unite at Anshan Steel and Iron Company, triumphing over challenges to establish the company. This journey highlights the historical significance of the company's growth during the early years of New China. The central characters, Shang Tie Long and Yang Shou Shan, share a complex relationship as "frenemies" who rely on each other, enduring hardships from pre-liberation to post-liberation.

The narrative of the peculiar medical literature evolving alongside the motherland during the period spanning from the early years of the Republic of China to the triumph of the Anti-Japanese War. (DramaWiki)

A tale of court intrigues and power struggles among the royal family members and officials during the Kang Xi era is depicted in the drama. After Princess Yi Dan's secret affair with her cousin, Emperor Kang Xi, led to her leaving the palace in shame, she gave birth to Han Xiang before being killed by a schemer. Han Xiang, searching for her origins and her mother's killer, grew up and snuck into the palace disguised as a servant. While there, she became caught up in the palace's rivalries and ambitions. Prince Ge Tai, despite the societal taboos, developed feelings for her and Han Xiang couldn't resist falling for him in return.

During the Three Kingdoms period (220-280 AD), known as one of the most violent in Chinese history, the story unfolds of the love affair between Zhen Fu and Cao Cao, as well as his sons Cao Zhi and Cao Pi.

In ancient times, there was a mystical being known as Hu Xiao Li, who could transform into a human form. She experienced a heartbreaking love story during the Han Dynasty. Originally tasked with protecting the prince, Gong Hao, who was targeted for assassination, Xiao Li's mother intervened and saved him, living in obscurity as a commoner. When the Emperor discovered Gong Hao was his son, he brought him back to the palace. The Emperor's rage towards his consort, Concubine Shu, who had ordered the prince's assassination and killed his mother, the Empress, led to his demise. Gong Hao then assumed the throne, with Xiao Li becoming Empress. However, their love faced challenges when Tang Shi Shi came between them and won Gong Hao's heart, becoming his consort. Tang Shi Shi falsely accused Xiao Li of plotting to harm her, prompting Xiao Li to reveal her true form as a nine-tailed fox. Gong Hao, devastated, sentenced her to death. Just before her execution, he reminisced about their joyful marriage. Tang Shi Shi, fearing Gong Hao's forgiveness, urged her execution. Xiao Li escaped using her powers but was punished by her mother with a thousand years of imprisonment in ice for using her abilities in the mortal realm. Years later, Gong Hao, facing personal turmoil, inadvertently freed Xiao Li while hiking in the mountains. They reunited and married, but Tang Shi Shi's interference threatened their happiness once again. The question remains: will Xiao Li endure another tragic love story or fight for Gong Hao's love?

In the Tang Dynasty, Eunuch Ju murders five government officials to cover up his crimes, but Prime Minister Mu discovers the evidence. When Prime Minister Mu's daughter, Mu Fu Rong, rejects a forced marriage and attempts suicide, she is rescued by a mysterious hero. Eunuch Ju now sees Mu Fu Rong and her family as his enemies due to the rescue incident.

The drama narrates the tale of Pu Yi, the final emperor of China

The narrative revolves around a cohort of enthusiastic youths during the 1940s who set aside their writing pursuits to enlist in the military during a time of national peril

In the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty, the counties of Yellow River and Chaocheng experienced devastating floods, leading to widespread poverty and illegal salt trading. Despite the challenges, the court appointed Zheng Ban Qiao, a 50-year-old veteran, as the county magistrate of Fang County. Zheng Ban Qiao took swift action to address the issues, including cracking down on illegal salt trade, repairing dikes, and aiding disaster relief efforts. His dedication to serving the people and upholding justice earned him a reputation for diligence, honesty, and compassion.

The narrative focuses on Tong Jia Ru, an instructor of Mandarin, as it chronicles the transformation of an average individual who evolved from apathy towards the conflict to utilizing his intelligence to resist the adversary throughout the Anti-Japanese War. (Baidu)

In the period of unrest between 1915 and 1921, Chen Du Xiu and Li Da Zhao, along with a group of individuals who shared their beliefs, established the Magazine La Jeunesse, which sparked the New Culture Movement. This publication advocated for science and democracy, reshaping the mindset of the public and urging them to resist the deeply rooted imperialism. The story revolves around a diverse group of individuals, including renowned authors, politicians, and revolutionaries, who each strive to protect their nation in their own unique ways.

The Conquest depicts the struggle between the territories of Wu and Yue in ancient China's Spring and Autumn Period.

In Beijing, during the Qing dynasty, a formidable empress ascended to the throne. The narrative revolves around four distinct households. One of them is the Chai family, led by Chai Hok Yan, who was betrayed by fellow officials resulting in the family being condemned to death. The sole survivor, Chai Pak Chuen, managed to escape thanks to the loyal assistance of a trusted aide who swapped identities with him. Renamed Fan Chi Chai, Pak Chuen relocated to a different city to start afresh. It was there that he crossed paths with the Kiu family, headed by successful business banker Kiu Bun Yip. Despite his prosperity, Bun Yip faced adversaries, including the Cho family. Bun Yip welcomed Pak Chuen to his banking establishment, Ding Fung Shing, to impart knowledge about banking. Simultaneously, Pak Chuen forged a close friendship with Cheung Shung Man.

Yip Yeung is intrigued by the ancient practice of using "tui bei tu" diagrams to glimpse into the future. These diagrams have the power to foresee upcoming events, enabling individuals to either attract good fortune or avoid calamity. Yuen Hei deceives Yip Yeung into purchasing counterfeit diagrams, but his scheme is exposed by Lee Sing Tin. Recognizing potential in both Yip Yeung and Yuen Hei, Lee Sing Tin takes them under his wing as apprentices to impart his knowledge of the mystical diagrams. Yip Yeung later learns of his royal lineage, descending from the last ruler of the kingdom. He endeavors to use his divination skills to seize the throne but is met with visions of tragedy at every turn, foreshadowing the futility of his attempts to alter fate.

The narrative is set during the Qing Dynasty and focuses on the Sung and Leung clans. Kwan Wai Lan runs a small enterprise with her eldest son, Leung Jing Yiu, her second son, Leung Jing Hong, her third daughter, Leung Sau Man, and her youngest daughter, Leung Sau Yin. Yiu used to work at the Jiujiang brewery before a calamity drastically changed the destinies of both the Leung and Sung families.