Asian dramas like
School 2021

Transfer student Jun Woo enters the school burdened by a troubled past, having faced expulsion due to his involvement in bullying

Mayu and Takuma have been friends since they were young children. They find out at the age of 8 that Takuma has a terminal illness and will not live past the age of 20. As they grow up, they develop romantic feelings for each other despite Takuma's efforts to keep Mayu at a distance. Their relationship is tested when new individuals come into their lives, causing both Mayu and Takuma to reconsider their emotions towards each other.

During the late 1970s, the Zhuang and Lin families resided in a small alley within the residential area of a cotton spinning factory in Suzhou. Zhuang Chao Ying, a teacher, and his wife, Huang Ling, made their children's exams a top priority as the college entrance examination resumed. Their neighbors, Lin Wu Feng and Song Ying, also began focusing on their son's studies under their influence. The Zhuang family appeared harmonious and respectable, with their son Zhuang Tu Nan being diligent and studious, and their daughter Zhuang Xiao Ting being well-behaved and sensible. However, Zhuang Chao Ying's cowardice and excessive filial piety led to problems within the family. On the other hand, the Lin family lived by their own rules, with their mischievous son, Lin Dong Zhe. Despite this, the couple supported each other, fostering mutual respect between parents and children, creating a lively and fulfilling family dynamic. Adapting to changing times, Lin Wu Feng and Song Ying relocated their family to Guangzhou in search of new opportunities. Separated from childhood friends Zhuang Xiao Ting and Lin Dong Zhe, they eventually realized their feelings for each other and decided to attend the same university. Despite facing obstacles from family and reality after graduation, they remained committed to each other. After overcoming various challenges, Zhuang Tu Nan and Li Jia also became a couple.

From a young age, Ruan Shi Zhi has always been a target for bullies. Now, at 18, he is determined to leave his troubled past behind and start fresh. However, as soon as he enters his summer class, he is faced with a group of classmates he usually tries to avoid. Just as he considers leaving, a girl who seems to radiate kindness enters the room. He is instantly smitten with her and decides to toughen up in order to win her heart. To survive in this challenging environment, he knows he must change himself and overcome any obstacles in his way.

Tomorrow's tale unfolds across a period of 8 years, delving into themes of love and friendship. The protagonist, Yuan Cheng Mei, is a high school athlete who sustains an injury during a practice session. It is during this moment of need that a stranger comes to her rescue, setting the stage for the beginning of this story. (DramaWiki)

High school student Yan Ze has a crush on her classmate Ji Xiao, who is known for being the most attractive and intelligent boy in school. Yan Ze, on the other hand, is not considered beautiful, lacks a good figure, and has average grades. Her best friend Gu Xi Ye, who is also her adopted sister, is the complete opposite - beautiful and an excellent student. Yan Ze feels like she will always be overshadowed by Xi Ye. When Yan Ze realizes that Ji Xiao may have feelings for Xi Ye, her negative emotions towards her friend intensify. Transfer student He Xin Liang is able to see through Yan Ze's facade and always manages to lift her spirits with his positive attitude. Xi Ye, however, is secretly in love with Xin Liang and becomes jealous of their growing closeness. Interestingly, Xi Ye has always envied Yan Ze's ability to easily connect with others, as she struggles to fit in due to being perceived as arrogant. Ultimately, both friends secretly wish to possess qualities of the other.

Qi Ming and Yi Yao are neighbors residing in the same lane. Qi Ming, being the older brother, always looks out for and supports Yi Yao. He plants a tree for Yi Yao in the rear of the lane, hoping to provide her with the family of her dreams and the warmth she desires. Over time, Qi Ming assists Yi Yao through a misdiagnosed illness, an emergency surgery, and various challenges, including love troubles and career transitions. Despite facing obstacles, Qi Ming and Yi Yao eventually overcome them after graduating from college and leaving the alley. However, they are forced to part ways again due to their professional pursuits. The story reflects the beauty and regrets of youth as each character strives to achieve their dreams and improve their lives.

In the spring of 1999, at a high school in Gyeongju, Dan Hui is well-known among her male classmates as an unusual girl who enjoys playing baseball, while Ha Jin is celebrated as the attractive class president who has triumphed over his past as an orphan. Conversely, Yu Gang is a solitary figure, shunned by her classmates due to her somber demeanor, yet she is constantly watching Ha Jin from afar. Fast forward to the spring of 2006, Ha Jin comes to the aid of Jae Myeong, leading to the formation of a close friendship. Jae Myeong, the son of the President of Mirae Chemicals, uses his influence to secure Ha Jin a position. The President then instructs Jae Myeong to train the company's softball team, hoping it will instill discipline in him. Dan Hui has long admired Jae Myeong as a baseball player and has great expectations for his role as a coach. Initially, Jae Myeong dismisses the softball team, having always played baseball, but as he engages with the team and is inspired by Dan Hui's enthusiasm and hard work, he begins to feel motivated. He sets ambitious goals to turn his team into champions and to elevate Dan Hui to become the top pitcher. Throughout this journey, he finds himself falling for her. Dan Hui, meanwhile, is drawn to Jae Myeong but struggles to open up due to the emotional scars left by her first love. Jae Myeong grows increasingly curious about the man who has caused Dan Hui such pain...

A contemporary play follows the journeys of six young individuals as they passionately pursue their dreams. (DramaWiki)

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)

Precious Youth narrates the story of Liu Ting, a diligent student, and Xiao Xiaojun, a passionate but troubled individual, and their bond of love and friendship from their university years in 1997 to the present day.

The narrative revolves around the experiences of four families as they navigate the challenges and triumphs of life. Lin Miao Miao, who was once cheerful and academically successful, secures a spot in a prestigious high school, bringing immense pride to her mother, Wang Sheng Nan. Eager to embrace dorm life and independence from her mother, Miao Miao soon finds herself struggling under the weight of intense academic competition. Witnessing her daughter's grades slipping, Wang Sheng Nan takes on the role of a tutor mother. As they progress into their third year, Miao Miao and her friends are faced with significant familial changes that require them to adapt.

During the summer break, four schoolboys discover that they are the only ones who have not yet lost their virginity at school. A girl from their past, who they remember as a "princess" from childhood, returns to the neighborhood after 11 years. However, they soon realize that she is not as perfect as they had remembered. This story unfolds in a typical shopping district, showcasing the awkwardness of children who are a bit behind their peers in development. It explores themes of love, friendship, school, family, adult hypocrisy, life challenges, and learning from mistakes. This bright romantic comedy appeals to both young and old audiences.

Sprout is adapted from a well-known manga created by Nanba Atsuko, which has been running in the magazine 'Bessatsu Friend'. The romantic tale in 'Sprout' unfolds as two high school classmates, Souhei and Miku, find themselves sharing a living space when Miku's parents transform their house into a boarding house.

This tale follows the journey of two young boys, Park Kwang Chul and Lee Jae Hoon, who come from different backgrounds but form a strong friendship under unexpected circumstances. As they grow older, they reunite and collaborate as bankers. Together, they assist Hee Kyung, who was raised alongside Park Kwang Chul, in locating her biological father, leading to the revelation of distressing truths from their shared history.

Freshman Lin Lan enjoys attending Prince of White Horse School due to his affection for a classmate. With the help of a friend's suggestion, Lin Lan agreed to participate in a "beauty challenging the hero" performance, which unfortunately resulted in a real injury and a trip to the hospital. Despite this setback, a romantic relationship blossomed between the two young individuals. Fast forward four years, Lin Lan was on the brink of graduation while struggling to secure employment. In contrast, Lin Lan's partner, Xiao Bei, faced challenges in finding a job due to his humble background. This discrepancy in their situations led to feelings of inadequacy and tension in their relationship. Unable to comprehend Xiao Bei's struggles, Lin Lan and Xiao Bei eventually parted ways.

The tale of a regular girl who becomes infatuated with the most popular boy in her high school. Xia Miao Miao, a reserved and creative student, finds herself attracted to a charming and skilled senior at her school, leading her on a path of self-discovery during her time in college. Inspired by Liang You Nian, Xia Miao Miao resolves to make some changes in her life. With the support of her friends, she delves into the world of fashion, joins various school clubs, and dedicates herself to improving her grades. Each day, her once mundane existence becomes more vibrant and exciting.

Cheng Miao Miao, 17, and her brother Cheng Ya Ya, 16, were both born in the primary oil production facility of Linqi Oilfield. Their family has worked in the oilfield for three generations. Their father, Cheng Peng Fei, works as an ear, nose, and throat specialist, while their mother, Jia Dai Yu, is in charge of team logistics. The family relocated from the northwest to the coastal base of Heping Town in the late 1990s. Miao Miao, eager to explore the world beyond, convinced her childhood sweetheart Li Si and best friend Hu Qiu Min to join her on a summer adventure to "welcome Hong Kong back to the motherland," but the plan fell through. Meanwhile, Ya Ya ventured into the back mountains for an archaeological expedition, where he was nearly mistaken for a grave robber. Their mother, Jia Dai Yu, fretted constantly as the siblings navigated the tumultuous waters of high school life. Miao Miao found herself embroiled in a friendship dilemma with Li Si, while Ya Ya encountered Yuan Shan Qing, a new transfer student in his class who happened to be the daughter of a wanted criminal. Ya Ya bravely defended Shan Qing against the hostility from their classmates. Through these challenges, the siblings experienced significant personal growth and maturation.

Is it possible for these 8 young men to conquer their apprehension of conversing with females?

Upon completing her freshman year of high school, Yoshioka Futaba reunites with Tanaka Kou, her former crush. They were classmates in middle school before he abruptly switched schools. Now, three years later, he reappears as Mabuchi Kou with a different demeanor - distant and aloof. As Futaba delves into Mabuchi's past, she finds herself developing feelings for him once again.

Ban Hikari has recently been diagnosed with a genetic illness and has been told she only has a year left to live. Instead of dwelling on her fate, she decides to bid farewell to her loved ones while secretly documenting her dreams in a notebook. Hikari is determined to make the most out of her remaining time by turning each day into a memorable adventure, earning her the nickname "Positive Monster" from those around her. Known for her daring pursuits and unique personality, Hikari not only attracts people to her but also captivates them with her charm. Along the way, she forms a special bond with Fujiwara Taishi, a student whom she greatly admires and loves from Class 3D.

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)

In an effort to persuade an old acquaintance to stop bothering her, Kim Yeon Do posts a picture of an unfamiliar guy, asserting that he is her boyfriend. Unbeknownst to her, the image she selected features the rebellious student Ji Hyun Ho. As she spends more time with him to rectify the situation, she discovers that individuals have much deeper layers than she initially perceives.

As graduation approaches, a group of high school students comes together to start a band. However, their musical harmony is soon disrupted by romantic entanglements. Yoo Ha Young, the lead singer known for her popular YouTube cover songs, desires to showcase her original music. Yet, both her close friend and guitarist, Lee Ji Hoon, and the older keyboardist Gong Chan Young develop feelings for her. Meanwhile, the bassist Lim Seo Eun and drummer Shim Tae Young also discover a mutual attraction between them.

Dream High narrates the journey of six students at Kirin Art High School as they strive to fulfill their aspirations of becoming stars in the Korean music scene. Go Hye Mi, a classical music major, is forced to abandon her dream when she enrolls at Kirin Art High School to help settle her father's debts. To gain conditional admission, she must recruit two other students to join her at the school. These students are Song Sam Dong, a country boy, and Jin Guk, whom she encounters by chance while trying to escape from a loan shark. Yoon Baek Hee, once Hye Mi’s loyal friend, turns into her competitor at school after Hye Mi betrays her during an audition for admission.

Childhood friends Shao Xue, Zheng Su Nian, and Zhang Qi have all grown up together, brought together by their parents' shared passion for preserving cultural artifacts in the antique and museum trade. However, as they mature, their paths diverge and their relationships evolve. When Zheng Su Nian's influential mother falls seriously ill, it forces both him and Shao Xue to reevaluate their futures. While Zheng Su Nian must step into his mother's shoes, Shao Xue feels inspired to explore new opportunities outside of their familiar neighborhood. Despite harboring secret feelings for each other, they are also unaware of Zhang Qi's affection for Shao Xue. As Zhang Qi prepares to study abroad, the trio faces a crucial moment in their lives. Can love be ignored so easily, or will fate intervene?

Childhood friends Chen Mu Guang and Shi Fan Tuan have been each other's pillars of support since they were young. Despite facing numerous challenges over the years, they eventually end up together. Chen Mu Guang has had a tough life but remains a principled and sincere individual. Although he may appear distant, he is actually quite sensitive and caring. On the other hand, Shi Fan Tuan is known for being a bit scatterbrained. Growing up with such contrasting personalities inevitably leads to misunderstandings between them.

Portrays the heartfelt romance of a cluster of adolescents during the 1980s amidst a shifting societal landscape

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)

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.

A man who trades love for financial gain becomes enamored with a gentle and pure flower arranger. Meanwhile, the arranger's close friend has harbored feelings for her for quite some time. Whom will she ultimately pick as her partner?

Chae Won is an enchanting woman with a remarkable talent for the arts. She specialized in sculpture during her college years and now imparts her knowledge at her own art academy. One of her most treasured possessions is a pair of paddy birds that were a gift from her boyfriend during middle school. Whenever Chae Won gazes at the birds, she is reminded of her youthful romance. However, she struggles to determine whether her emotions for Jeong Woo, her current boyfriend from a middle-class background, stem from genuine affection or merely nostalgia. What is certain, though, is that she is presently involved with a man named Kang Jae Sup. Yet, when Jeong Woo unexpectedly reappears, both men find themselves caught in a complex love triangle.

This is the tale of three cousins who face various challenges in the real world and each find love along the way. The first cousin, Zhao Qing Chu, is a determined young lawyer with big dreams who falls for Zhou Jin, a wealthy man with a mysterious past. Qian Xiao Yang, the second cousin, is striving to make a life for herself in the bustling city, despite her mother's wishes for her to stay in their small town and pursue a career in nursing. Xiao Yang soon learns that city life is more challenging than she anticipated, especially when she meets Fang Yu and a string of misunderstandings and adventures ensue. Lastly, Li Pi Li is the youngest cousin who was sent to England by her hopeful mother in hopes of attending Cambridge. However, Pi Li shatters her mother's expectations by choosing to pursue a career as a chef instead, even going as far as obtaining a fake acceptance letter from Cambridge. What lies ahead for these three young women? (DramaWiki)

Do you recall our initial meeting? Hyun Jin - a girl who finally encounters the guy she's always desired

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.

"Sometoon 2021" illustrates the experiences of young people in high school and college, featuring situations like blind dates, friendships, first and past romantic relationships, and other relatable scenarios. (Koreaboo.com) Based on the webtoon "Sometoon" by Mohito Mohikan.

Seung Jae was a high school student whose life was abruptly cut short in a traffic accident. At the time of his passing, he was in a relationship with Su Ah, another student at the school. A year later, Su Ah begins to receive emails that unveil hidden truths about Seung Jae. It is revealed that he had been unfaithful to Su Ah, as he was also involved with Eun Ho, the sister of his friend Du Hyeon. Furthermore, Dong Cheol, a classmate aspiring to be a football player, stopped participating in his extracurricular activities following Seung Jae's death and has since ceased attending school. As Su Ah reads the emails, more of her own secrets gradually come to light.

Fang Tian Yi, the inn proprietor with a passion for filmmaking, along with Hu Yan Zu, a lesser-known actor, and Yuan Zhi Jie, a freelance screenwriter with a unique perspective, are three former college roommates who share a dream of creating movies and establishing an inn near a film set. They aim to build their own film fund by working on film crews to improve their skills. Nevertheless, they encounter challenges in running the inn and realizing their filmmaking aspirations. Additionally, Ye Xiao Xi, Fang Tian Zi, and Lin An Qi, residents of the inn, are also striving to achieve their dreams.

On December 20, 1999, China regained control of Macau. The members of the music group Lotus Rain - Qiao Zi Liang, Tong Jie, and Lan Yong Ren - all graduated from high school that same year. Tong Jie went to England for further studies, Qiao Zi Liang attended university in Guangzhou, and Yong Ren enrolled in a police academy in Macau. When Tong Jie returned to Macau four years later, he was surprised to learn that Yong Ren had switched careers from a police officer to a bartender. Zi Liang reconnected with classmates from Macau and Guangzhou, including Tong Zhen and Xiao Yao. Tong Jie's twin sister, Tong Zhen, and Xiao Yao both developed feelings for Zi Liang without realizing they were both interested in the same person. Yan Ming Ming, the daughter of Hong Kong's Yan Enterprises, visited Macau and purchased a significant amount of property owned by Tong Shan He. Tong Shan He arranged for his son, Tong Jie, to interact with the Yan family, only to discover that Yan Tian, the head of Yan Enterprises, had a longstanding feud with him from 20 years ago. Tong Shan He realized that Yan Tian's real motive for buying property in Macau was to seek revenge against him.

The narrative centers around Lu Xiao Nan (played by Tina Tang), an independent woman who harbors a fear of marriage due to the complexities involved in merging two lives and families. However, she meets Kevin (portrayed by William Chan), a university professor who is unfettered by familial ties and possesses a warm and adaptable nature. Despite her initial reservations, Xiao Nan marries Kevin and supports him in his quest to reconnect with his estranged family. As they navigate the challenges of blending into his family, Xiao Nan finds solace and purpose with the help of her supportive husband. Meanwhile, Kevin unravels the mysteries surrounding his childhood amnesia. The series is available in two versions: 66 episodes lasting 35-55 minutes each for TV viewing, or 70 episodes of 45 minutes each for DVD watching.

The narrative follows the journey of two elderly friends who find solace in each other as they navigate the challenges of letting go of earthly concerns. Through the eyes of Gu Jia Yi, we gain insight into the lives and hardships faced by her mother and her mother's companions.

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 film club was established by a collection of students attending an art institution. They engage in learning, socializing, residing, and maturing on a daily basis. Although each individual possesses unique traits, when they unite, they become an unstoppable force. (DramaWiki)

"Season" Sum Si Sun's lawyer license is revoked due to an error, leading her to transition to a role as an insurance sales representative at MIG. While working there, she encounters "Queenie" Yu Chi San, her supervisor known for using deceitful tactics to reach her objectives, "Johnny" Hon Ji Kin, a colleague who ignites something within her, and "Charles" Kwan Cheuk Hong, the former boyfriend of her mentor. As Season becomes more involved with MIG, her relationships become more complex, causing her to gradually adopt a cold and manipulative demeanor. The question remains: will she accomplish her ultimate goal?

Gong So, a pawnshop proprietor in Hong Kong, marries a female employee Dung Ji Su from Guang Zhou, China, in a typical cross-border marriage of the 1980s. However, they do not stay together post-marriage and continue with their separate lives. Meanwhile, Ji Su gives birth to two adorable daughters, Gong Hoi Chiu and Gong Hoi Lan. After several attempts, Ji Su and her daughters finally receive approval to relocate to Hong Kong. Just as they are preparing to make the move, Ji Su is robbed at the train station. Robert Chui Chi Man, the gang member Ji Su encounters at the station, assists her in pursuing the robbers, leaving Hoi Lan under the care of her older sister Hoi Chiu. The situation takes a turn for the worse when Hoi Lan is kidnapped amidst the commotion! Hoi Chiu chooses not to seek assistance, despite being able to prevent the unfortunate incident.

In the winter, Yuichi was hospitalized for hepatitis and would occasionally attempt to escape, only to be stopped by a nurse. One day, he met Rika, a girl his age in a neighboring building. Despite being initially drawn to her beauty, he discovered she was selfish. As he got to know her, he realized her behavior was due to a terminal illness, which made him develop feelings for her.

The show focuses on affluent individuals in their twenties living in China

This marks yet another season of the Nonstop sitcom, which portrays the daily experiences of students residing in a dormitory.

In the unique tale of two close friends discovering love, The Essence of My Life is a charming and humorous story about a pair seeking their ideal partners. With intermittent musical interludes, this cheerful production showcases singing and dancing as it narrates the journey of two perfectionists who fail to see each other's potential. Eun Young and Gyung Soo cross paths in their early twenties during a local election campaign. Despite being complete opposites in personality, aspirations, and demeanor, they clash and go their separate ways. Fast forward 12 years, they are now in their thirties, still seemingly different in every aspect except their shared goal of finding true love. As friends, they decide to assist each other in this pursuit. A contemporary comedy revolving around love, marriage, and societal expectations, Bean Chaff poses the question: can two individuals who never envisioned a romantic future together finally mature and grasp the essence of love?