Asian dramas like
Saimdang Lights Diary

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)

Where the Lost Ones Go follows the tale of a young art student's initial romance that blossomed into a lasting and profound love. Ye Zi, specializing in Chinese art painting, crossed paths with Xiang Ze Yi, an oil painting major, while studying in college. Their love was abruptly cut short when Xiang Ze Yi disappeared without a trace, leaving Ye Zi heartbroken. Years later, Ye Zi achieved success as a renowned manga illustrator. When Xiang Ze Yi returned with an explanation for his sudden departure, Ye Zi faced a difficult decision.

Sin Yun Bok is a skilled artist who masquerades as a male in order to track down her father's killer

"Dong Yi" is a historical series that tells the story of Dong Yi, who later became known as Choi Suk Bin. Initially, she served as a humble water maid in the royal palace. King Sok Jong chose Choi to be his concubine, and she later gave birth to Yeong Jo, his second son, who would go on to become the future king of Joseon. Following Yeong Jo's birth, Dong Yi would be elevated to the status of Suk Bin.

Crown Prince Yi Gak discovers that he has been whisked away from the Joseon Dynasty to contemporary Seoul. He encounters Hong Se Na, who looks remarkably like his deceased wife, and is resolved to uncover the truth behind her death, a mystery that has persisted for 300 years. Sharing a striking resemblance with the CEO's grandson at the company where Se Na is employed, Gak takes on the young man's identity to remain near her. Will the Crown Prince be able to maneuver through a modern corporation to gather insights that could lead him back to his own era?

Set during the Enlightenment period of 19th-century Joseon, this story features a protagonist who is the offspring of the kingdom's most renowned swordsman. Following the loss of his father and the sale of his younger sister into slavery, he exchanges his sword for a firearm as he sets out on a quest for vengeance. Throughout this journey, the drama aims to illustrate the struggles and bravery of the youth from that time.

Prince Yi In, who was taken captive by the Qing Dynasty, faces betrayal from his own brother, King Yi Seon, whom he once trusted. Despite his emotional turmoil, Yi In finds solace in a mysterious baduk player who captures his interest. As he rises to power, Yi In struggles with his emotional vulnerability. Kang Hui Su, a talented baduk player, falls in love with him but later becomes a spy with a mission to seek vengeance against the king.

During the 18th century in Korea, Prince Yi San is haunted by his father's murder and aims to become a compassionate ruler who reforms the kingdom's laws. He is next in line to the throne after his harsh grandfather, the current king, passes away. At court, he meets Sung Deok Im, a spirited and intelligent young woman. While Yi San falls in love with her and proposes she become his concubine, Sung Deok Im struggles with the limitations and duties of royal life. As their love grows, she sees the potential for positive change in the kingdom through their relationship.

A young woman from a rural area decides to pursue a career in acting, starting from the bottom. She encounters a cynical and egotistical celebrity who eventually develops feelings for her. Jian Xi relocates from her small town to Beijing in search of her birth mother. Through a twist of fate, she becomes involved in the entertainment industry and must compete against other up-and-coming actresses for a shot at stardom. Along the way, she captures the heart of the conceited top actor Tang Fei with her natural charm and dedication to her craft.

Fueled by a desire for retribution over her father's demise, Amu transforms herself into a man and manages to enter the Chiyin Manor. However, her true identity is uncovered by the young master Chu Jing Chen, who pretends not to know the truth and openly shows favoritism towards her while secretly ensuring her safety. Despite harboring intense animosity, Amu remains oblivious to her growing feelings for him. As they face various challenges together, they eventually unite forces and uncover the true adversary that has been lurking in the shadows all this time.

Zhu Ying Tai, a young lady, decided to conceal her identity as a female in order to enroll at a school in Hangzhou. During her journey, she encountered a fellow traveler and classmate named Liang Shan Bo. They developed a strong bond and made a pact to be sworn brothers. Over a span of three years, they shared living quarters and studied together, with Liang remaining unaware of Zhu's true gender.

Ko Sing possesses knowledge in both literary works and martial arts. Despite being an official, he is the person Emperor Kin Lung turns to for solving complex issues. Sing travels to Yangzhou in order to locate the emperor's beloved, Yu Yee. He discovers that Yee has been traded to the proprietor of a well-known brothel named So Sam. Unbeknownst to Sing, the brothel serves as a refuge for vulnerable girls. Misinterpreting the situation, Sing mistakenly believes that Sam coerces young girls into prostitution. Yee becomes entangled in a homicide case. Sam, also recognized as the "Chivalrous Prostitute", makes every effort to rescue her. It is only then that Sing comprehends the true nature of Sam.

Bao Zheng, a successful solver of numerous cases in Kaifeng, is admired by the devoted young woman Yu Rou. Meanwhile, Liu E, the cherished concubine of the Song Emperor, collaborates with Zhang De Lin in an attempt to increase her influence. This information was adapted from Shi Yu Kun's novel "San Xia Wu Yi."

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

Having grown tired of her younger sister An Qiao's spoiled behavior, Zhou Yu Qin leaves her at the Lantern Festival, much to the distress of their mother Ruo Lan. A decade later, Yu Qin is now the leader of the Zhou family, while An Qiao, now going by the name Liu Liu, makes a surprising return. Liu Liu quickly wins over the hearts of the Zhou family members, causing them to question their loyalty to Yu Qin. Liu Liu's reappearance also stirs up romantic feelings from both Yu Qin's husband, Dai Yong Cheng, and the Zhou family's son, Zhou Tian Qi. As suspicions about Liu Liu arise, Yu Qin decides to investigate and uncovers a shocking truth - An Qiao is actually deceased. The mystery remains: who is Liu Liu? (DramaWiki)

A dramatic story centered on a protagonist named Jeong Soon-geum, who flourishes in her ginseng enterprise along the Limjin River during the 1950s to 1970s.

After the passing of her father, Jo Bong Hee's family faces significant challenges. She navigates various hurdles to rise as the top fashion designer in South Korea.

During the era of Emperor Tai Zong, known as the period of Prosperity of Zhenguan, a former tailor named An is falsely accused and imprisoned. To protect her daughter Liu Li, An entrusts her to a trusted acquaintance in the palace. Raised within the palace walls, Liu Li becomes a skilled medical officer specializing in preventing epidemics, as well as inheriting her mother's talent for clothing design. Facing challenges from envious individuals, Liu Li encounters Pei Xing Jian, a highly capable individual who aids her in escaping danger. As they delve into uncovering the truth behind An's case, Liu Li and Pei Xing Jian form a strong bond and develop feelings for each other while working together.

This narrative centers around a woman groomed by her mother to serve as an instrument of vengeance, intertwined with her perilous romantic life. Carrie Jung has endured the loss of both her husband and child, and now her sole purpose is to exact revenge on those who caused their deaths. In pursuit of this goal, Carrie Jung trains Han Yoo Jin as a key player in her scheme for retribution. Han Yoo Jin is both intelligent and attractive, yet she finds herself in love with a man she should avoid.

The drama series takes place during the chaotic time between Japan's colonial rule and the split of Korea into North and South. Kang San hails from a disadvantaged background and fights to escape his impoverished circumstances. Through his passion for basketball, he achieves success and crosses paths with a girl from a wealthy family. He aspires for their romance to transcend the differences in their social classes.

Qing Lian is satisfied with a simple life and dreams of finding a partner who truly loves her. However, she ends up marrying into the royal family against her wishes. Surprisingly, she learns that her husband, He Lian Xin, is not as cold and aloof as he appears. She supports him in handling difficult situations and gradually earns his love and admiration. Based on the online novel "XiFei Zhuan" by Xie Yu.

The narrative follows Ok Nyeo, a gifted young woman who grows up in prison and acquires remarkable abilities and insight through her interactions with exceptional individuals from diverse backgrounds. She emerges as an advocate for the downtrodden peasant class and sets out on a quest to discover her rightful place within the caste hierarchy. Through Ok Nyeo's experiences, this television miniseries highlights Joseon’s esteemed tradition of human rights legislation, which she strives to implement across the realm. (MBC)

Taking place in Shanghai during the 1930s and 1940s, the plot centers around a dance hostess named Chin Zhao Li and her relationships with three significant men. Chin Zhao Li was compelled to work as a dance hostess at the well-known Paramount dance hall in Shanghai at the age of 18 due to her family's financial struggles. The narrative revolves around her encounter with her first love, Sheng Yue Ru, a young man from Shanghai's elite class who is passionate about painting and theater, having studied abroad. Despite facing opposition from their families, particularly Yue Ru's affluent banker father, the couple's love blossomed and they became romantically involved. This story is adapted from the short story "The Last Night of Taipan Chin" from the collection "Taipei People" by Pai Hsien Yung.

Li Zi Yun assumes the persona of Shao Chun Hua and starts working as a servant in the palace, forming a bond with Bai Han Xiang. Despite her desire for a quiet life, her cleverness attracts envy, leading Ling Qi Qiao to make things harder for her. After Emperor Ying Zong's passing, the ascension of the Crown Prince as Emperor Xian Zong sparks a rivalry among the women in the Royal Harem.

Healer Qu Zhen and Prince Rong Jin Sheng collaborate to fight against a lethal toxin that is spreading throughout Dasheng. Throughout their journey, they encounter misunderstandings, assassins, and political plots, putting Qu Zhen's abilities and resolve to the test. Together, they travel through dangerous territories in search of a remedy while revealing sinister truths that pose a threat to the empire.

The plot centers on the "Feline Rental House" situated in Lin'an city during the Southern Song Dynasty. Zhang Qiao Er, the owner, acquired cat-training skills from craftsmen in her youth. Local families would rent cats from her establishment when they needed a feline assistant. Unexpectedly, Zhang Qiao Er becomes entangled in a significant case in the city, where she crosses paths with Ma Qing Shan, a sincere young constable from Lin'an Prefecture. As the case progresses, Zhang Qiao Er's hidden identity as the infamous "Cat Thief" gradually comes to light. She has been the subject of Ma Qing Shan's pursuit all along. Amidst their cat-and-mouse game, feelings develop between them, leading to a collaboration to uncover the mastermind behind the scenes and protect Lin'an city.

Due to a mysterious family curse, Chan Mung Kit, hailing from a family of lawyers, is compelled by his mother to engage in frivolous activities and dedicate himself to managing a brothel despite his exceptional abilities. Following a careless error, he becomes entangled in a legal conflict, leading to his acquaintance with the articulate Lap Lan Ching Ching, who was actually the cause of the legal dispute, despite Kit having known her previously, along with the adversary Fong Tong Gang from the government. Kit harbors a deep animosity towards Ching and Gang after being falsely accused.

Jang Joon Ha is a man driven by a desire for revenge. In a single day, he lost the two individuals who mattered most to him. His brother, Young Ha, was falsely accused of a crime he did not commit, and the woman he cherished was killed, with his brother being the main suspect. As an attorney, Joon Ha embarks on a quest to establish that another person was responsible for the crime.

This tale revolves around Seo Yeon, a woman who is gradually forgetting her memories, and Ji Hyung, a man who commits himself to loving her.

A shoe manufacturer in Taiwan will be caught in a dramatic feud within the industry due to the affection of Mu Dan, a young woman who sells vegetables at the local market. The company's master shoemaker, Huang Zheng Yi, has two apprentices - his son Huang Rong Can and an adopted son Liu Mu Cheng, whom he treats equally. However, when both brothers fall in love with Mu Dan, their relationship shatters and has long-lasting effects on the industry. The show originally aired with 80 episodes, each lasting 60 minutes. It was later rebroadcast with 40 episodes, each lasting 90 minutes.

The Secret Investigation Record draws inspiration from cases outlined in the Annals of Joseon History, featuring an unusual twist; these events include enigmatic, supernatural aspects that defy scientific explanation. Kim Hyung Do serves as a state inspector, whose unwavering dedication to uncovering administrative wrongdoings leads him to confront these peculiar mysteries directly. Heo Yoon Yi, a civil servant, supports him and seeks to comprehend these scientific anomalies with an open perspective, contrasting with his skepticism.

Due to her inability to conceive, Da Ma has always been neglected by her spouse, Rong Yao Hua. Upon discovering his passionate affair with Yan Hong, a courtesan, she takes matters into her own hands by projecting her desires onto Xiu He, a humble farmer's daughter who reminds Da Ma of her own youth. Da Ma arranges for Xiu He to become a concubine in the Rong family, hoping she will bear a child for them. However, Yao Hua's cousin Yao Hui ends up marrying Xiu He instead and falls in love with her.

Taking place during the Tang dynasty, the plot centers on Chun Tu Mi, the daughter of a military family, who embarks on a mission to vindicate her father, who was unjustly imprisoned. She rises to fame as a lawyer, advocating for the underprivileged against the wealthy and influential, tackling a variety of complex cases, and willingly entering the political arena as a pawn for the Emperor. Along the way, she captures the admiration of Crown Prince Han Wu Wei, Dali Temple's official Zheng Yuan, and A Su Rui, a prince from a different ethnic realm. Who will she ultimately select as her partner?

During Korea's historical period of feudalism, the deposed Crown Prince Lee Heon is banished following his ruthless brother's seizure of the throne. His safety constantly at risk, his sole supporter is his faithful guard, Geum. In the present day, Eun Ho, a high school student with a talent for art, agrees to finish an enigmatic incomplete painting. Transported back in time, he encounters Lee Heon and develops a romantic relationship with him. As the interim ruler schemes to eliminate Lee Heon, Eun Ho recognizes that he may be the prince's last hope for survival.

Tamamori is an author, while Miyata works as an editor. Collaborating on a picture book, they are close to completing it. They retreat to a charming seaside villa to work on their project, surrounded by love. However, fate intervenes to disrupt their happiness. Their tale delves into topics like envy, matrimony, and loss. This narrative is inspired by the songs 'Be Love', 'Hoshi ni Negai wo', and 'Unmei' by Kis-My-Ft2 members Miyata Toshiya and Tamamori Yuta.

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...

This narrative revolves around Hwang Jin Yi, a dancer, musician, and poet from the Joseon era, who tirelessly strives for excellence in her craft while confronting the challenges that women endure because of their marginalized social standing.

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.

A female teacher, who was new to the school, found herself the victim of bullying from a gifted troublemaker student. However, their clashes took a romantic turn, leading to a secretive affair where emotions were toyed with carelessly.

In the Longhua era, eunuch Xiao Duo conspired with Fu Wang to help him claim the throne. Bu Yin Lou, a lady-in-waiting who was supposed to be buried with the late Emperor, is saved by Xiao Duo. Despite her status as the emperor's companion, she is spared death because Fu Wang is interested in her. Bu Yin Lou then resides at Xiao's residence, where their bond deepens over time. However, they must keep their feelings hidden due to the many challenges ahead. What lies ahead for their destinies is uncertain. (ChineseDrama.info)

In a chance meeting, Xiao Yan Zi made a promise to Zi Wei to assist her in reuniting with her father, the Emperor. Following an unexpected turn of events, Xiao Yan Zi found herself becoming the Emperor's daughter and was bestowed with the title of Huan Zhu Ge Ge (Returning Pearl Princess). With her unschooled upbringing and spirited nature, she disrupts the palace's rules and causes chaos. Will her true identity be revealed, will she find love, and will she succeed in reuniting Zi Wei with her father?

A tale of young individuals who bravely defend their nation unfolds as the Japanese military launches an attack on China in 1937. (DramaWiki)

In the year 637 AD, a young maiden named Wu Ru Yi from Jingzhou County was chosen to join the imperial harem of the Tang Dynasty. Ru Yi displayed exceptional dancing skills that set her apart from the other girls. One day, during a practice session, she captured the attention and affection of Emperor Tai Zong Li Shi Min, who gave her the nickname Meiniang, meaning graceful lady. At that time, she was 14 years old while he was 39. On the same evening, a fellow girl was found dead, leading to accusations against Meiniang as the culprit. She was subjected to torture in order to extract a confession and was subsequently banished to the Cold Palace. There are four versions of this story available: 96 episodes lasting 30 minutes each on Hunan Satellite TV, 82 episodes lasting 45 minutes each on DVD, 75 episodes lasting 60 minutes each on TVB, and 86 episodes lasting 30 minutes each on Zhejiang Satellite.

During the prosperous era of the Tang dynasty, a youthful individual by the name of Di Ren Jie traveled to the capital to participate in an imperial examination. While in the midst of the assessment, he thwarted an assassination plot aimed at Empress Wu. Impressed by his courage and cleverness, the empress tasked him with delving into the incident.

Mu Zhuo Hua, a woman born out of wedlock, challenges societal norms by running away from her wedding and pursuing a career as a female government official

The tale of a magistrate's daughter who departed from her family and established a business specializing in matchmaking services.