Asian dramas like
Small Town Stories

Moon Ha Won, a well-known innovator in artificial intelligence and the creator of the M&H portal site, is celebrated for his commitment, logical thinking, and compassionate demeanor

During the late 1990s, childhood sweethearts Xiang Yuan and Ye Qian Ze had to separate temporarily. Xiang Yuan received financial support from the Ye Family to study at a university in Shanghai, while Ye Qian Ze continued with his life. Following a misunderstanding, the two lovers went their separate ways, with one in Shanghai and the other in London.

Following a night of excessive drinking, three close friends Wang Ran, Lao Diao, and Guang Dong awaken on a yacht with splitting headaches and unexpected marriage certificates! Wang Ran, who is already engaged to her ideal partner, finds herself married to her former college sweetheart who vanished without a trace; young businesswoman Lao Diao is now wedded to a conceited heir who constantly irritates her, and the easygoing Guang Dong is now the husband of a materialistic and attractive model, a situation he surprisingly doesn't seem to mind. As the story unfolds, the trio becomes increasingly involved in the lives of their fake spouses, leading to changes in their initial perceptions as well as personal growth along the way!

Song Jiao Yang, a talented student in the field of fashion design, unexpectedly finds herself thrust into the world of supermodeling. As she navigates this new industry, she forms connections with Li Zhen (played by Godfrey Gao) and Zhao Yu Tian (portrayed by Jed Lee). Zhao Yu Tian, an established model, takes a tough-love approach with Jiao Yang but harbors hidden feelings for her. On the other hand, Li Zhen is kind and supportive towards Jiao Yang, though he conceals his past and origins. Feeling rejected by his family, Li Zhen's demeanor changes, leading him down a path of vengeance where he will go to great lengths, including manipulating his relationship with Song Jiao Yang.

Ning Meng has always aspired to be an investment director, however, she ends up in a stagnant role at an investment company post-graduation, working under Lu Ji Ming who questions her capabilities

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?

The ambitious decorator Ling Wu Fei joined "Myhome Property" founded by Ma Wong because of his admiration for real estate agent Yan Zhu. Along with 'Mang Gai', who claimed to be a science and technology expert, bronze medalist athlete A Luk, and the infatuated accountant 'fat turtle', Ling became a real estate trainee under the leadership of Yu Ge, a female branch manager disguised as a male. Their plan is to obtain a practicing license within three months and challenge the industry leader "Dragon Realty" to prevent Cat Lok, known as the 'industry's grandpa', and Deng's eldest son-in-law from carrying out forced relocations and reconstructions of old districts.

Suk Chul Soo and Na Young Hee are a recently married couple with a 14-year age difference. This drama explores the narrative of a couple who welcome a child following a brief encounter. It reflects the contemporary perspective on love and marriage, along with the obligations that come with parenting. Park Byung Ho, initially reckless, abandons his child in pursuit of a more prosperous life, only to later experience regret and discover the meaning of love.

During the 1930s, a group of young women from Sanshui, Guangdong, including Ouyang Tian Qing, migrated to Singapore to work in construction sites. They were easily recognizable by their red headscarves and were referred to as the "Red Scarf" group. Bai Wei, who traveled to Singapore to be a tutor for the Lu family, happened to meet Lu Xueting, the third young master of the family, during the journey. Tian Qing's sister, He Xiao Chan, also made the journey to Singapore in order to avoid an arranged marriage. Upon arrival, Xiao Chan fell victim to extortion by gangster Kuang Haisheng, but was rescued by Bai Wei. The three women developed a strong bond, leading to unexpected romantic developments for Kuang. As their lives intertwined, they encountered Nan Lan, a mysterious and affluent woman, in a story depicting the struggles and cultural richness of the Chinese diaspora.

Navigating adulthood can be overwhelming. A close-knit group of friends consisting of Song Nuan, Zhou Ge Ge, Ruo Han, and Ning Ba La are classmates and roommates embarking on internships as they approach graduation. Zhao Xiao Chuan, employed in the IT field, harbors feelings for Ge Ge, who is more interested in his close friend, Zhang Sheng. Zhang Sheng, the son of a wealthy family, is under immense pressure from his mother to gain real-world experience. However, he finds joy in teasing Song Nuan, who is resilient in the face of adversity. As they confront work and family obstacles, will the friends be able to support each other through the challenges of adulthood?

The story revolves around Cheung Yee Fai, a cautious and observant salesman, who is tasked with supervising Ng Sin Yu, his confident secretary. Unbeknownst to him, Sin Yu is actually the daughter of the company's owner. As they spend more time together, their relationship evolves into a doomed romance between a man of modest means and a wealthy woman. Meanwhile, Dr. Geung Sum Yu, a dedicated professional, rediscovers her compassion and emotions as she falls in love with Yee Fai.

The series follows the story of Dai Siu Leung, played by Bobby Au Yeung, and the residents of Apliu Street in Hong Kong, known for their collection of valuable secondhand items referred to as "Hidden Treasures." Leung is a seller of electronic goods and also serves as the leader of the community. However, his leadership is challenged when a rival convinces the townspeople to elect him instead by spreading negative rumors about Leung. As a result, Leung faces financial difficulties and struggles to manage his electronics store, especially with his competitor opening a similar store right next to his.

Crafted in honor of the 10th commemoration of Hong Kong's handover to China, this series delves into the intertwined past of these regions. The storyline will center on the expansion of China's automotive sector, a prominent car production corporation, and the family at its helm.

Yuko Amano, employed at a food company and the daughter of rice shop owners, does not have much luck in her life. At the same time, the group of men that Sachiko instantly fell for began appearing weekly, each one trying to establish a romantic connection.

"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.

Kim Kyung Sook, Kyung Ku, and Kyung Min's father, a widowed farmer, wed Keum Shil's mother when Keum Shil was just six years old. The union was far from joyful, as Keum Shil's mother maintained an affair with Park Byung Sam, a wealthy landlord in the village who was campaigning for a parliamentary seat. Following the election, her body was found in the river, and Kyung Sook's father was falsely accused of her murder. The police coerced him into confessing, and he tragically died in custody before facing trial. In reality, Park Byung Sam was Keum Shil's biological father and instructed his brother-in-law to adopt her, securing him a position at the Intelligence Office in Seoul. Meanwhile, Kyung Sook relocated to Seoul, dedicating herself to raising her brothers. She promised to exonerate her father and track down the true murderer. Despite her love for Park Jong Kyu, Park Byung Sam's son, he was not the culprit. Who was responsible, and what were their motives?

In the city of Xing Hai, Meng Hao is a prosperous young billionaire who leads Kun Peng Real Estate. Despite being admired by many women, he has never shown any interest in romantic relationships. However, everything changes when he unexpectedly falls in love with Lin Yu Xin, who happens to be the girlfriend of his brother Meng Wei's best friend. Meng Hao's pursuit of Yu Xin causes tension with her boyfriend, Hao Liang, ultimately strengthening their bond. Tragically, Hao Liang suffers a severe injury at work and slips into a coma. Desperate to cover the medical expenses, Yu Xin turns to Meng Hao for assistance after exhausting all other options. He agrees to foot the bill on one condition: Yu Xin must be his partner or spouse for a year.

Shiomi Eiji works as a florist and is raising his young daughter, Shizuku, on his own. One rainy day, he kindly invites a blind woman seeking refuge under his shop's awning to come inside. As their relationship blossoms, a twist of unexpected events reveals a tangled web of deceit and hidden agendas. Each character carries their own concealed truths and burdens, adding layers of complexity to the unfolding story.

The series "In the Realm of Love" is captivating due to its compact size, capturing the essence of young urban individuals in various stages of love. Despite being only 5 minutes long, each episode presents a unique love story, showcasing the power of storytelling within a brief timeframe. The show explores themes such as fortune and regret in love, reconciliations after arguments, and the intensity of passion, offering a glimpse into authentic urban life and crafting a microcosm of love within the "love apartment" setting.

The narrative is described as an authentic portrayal of individuals in their twenties navigating relationships, career challenges, and personal obstacles while residing in Shanghai.

Shogo, a man who has gone through a divorce and has a daughter, used to be part of a band when he was younger. However, the band disbanded quickly, leading him to start working at a record company. At 60 years old, he develops feelings for Kaede, who is 35 years old, but they have differing careers and beliefs. To complicate matters further, Kaede is already in a relationship with an attractive man.

A narrative centered on the romantic lives and marriages of six couples, each categorized into one of six distinct types of marital dynamics!

Cha Ki Joon is a highly educated young man who embarks on his career with an impressive entry-level position at a major company. However, he finds himself dissatisfied with his life. In a spontaneous decision, Ki Joon chooses to resign from his job and launch a new venture alongside his childhood friends, Yoon So Dam and Go Tae Ra. So Dam has been juggling various part-time positions while pursuing her dream of becoming an illustrator. Tae Ra, a former competitive cyclist, opts to join Ki Joon in his entrepreneurial endeavor, which involves creating rickshaws of all things. As the trio navigates the challenges of adulthood, evolving friendships, and emerging romantic connections, can their unconventional business thrive?

Chen Xiao Man has been diligently working in the city to save money for investing in her family's porcelain business. Unfortunately, she loses her job and is forced to return to her hometown. Around the same time, Chen Xiao Man's boss, Ke Yan, faces a major setback. In an attempt to turn their situations around, Ke Yan travels to Chen Xiao Man's hometown to seek advice from a renowned investor who has been living in seclusion. This leads to a reunion between Chen Xiao Man and Ke Yan, where he encourages her to pursue entrepreneurship under his guidance.

In today's society where the concept of "truth" is questioned, people still hold onto their beliefs and live their lives accordingly. The upcoming drama follows the tumultuous journey of Mutsuko, a woman who remains true to her convictions despite the challenges she faces, and the impact it has on those around her. Living in accordance with the "truth" means being genuine and sincere in one's beliefs. Mutsuko's unwavering commitment to her values, even if it appears self-centered at times, sets her apart as a woman who prioritizes her principles above all else, navigating life with integrity and determination. Raised as the only daughter in a merchant family, Mutsuko falls in love with Maruyama Keigo, an employee at her father's company. However, their love is tested during wartime, leading Mutsuko to marry her senior, Morikawa Yoshihira, out of obligation to raise Keigo's child. Twelve years later, Mutsuko is reunited with Keigo, believed to be deceased. The story delves into the choices she makes to reignite their love.

The narrative follows the experiences of a cost engineer working in an architectural company and her development in a predominantly male-dominated field in China. Su Xiao, at the height of her professional success, falls in love with Xia Ming but faces setbacks that lead to her suppression and demotion. With the support of her father, she rebuilds her self-assurance, endures immense challenges, and advocates for her career advancement. (Baidu)

Yaeko Kogure, a 27-year-old working woman, left her job to marry her fiancé, only to discover he was in love with someone else

The play explores the life dilemmas of three women, focusing on the changing trends in marriage and childbirth. These women are confronted with the decisions of getting married, having children, and dealing with infertility alongside their partners. The storyline delves into various female-centric issues such as marital dynamics, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship, and the significance of starting a family. (Wikipedia) Inspired by actual events.

Zhao Jiang Yue is the firm's assertive leader who is known for her straightforward business approach. The company launches a dating app that guarantees users a partner within three months. Despite her lack of romantic experience, Zhao finds herself in an awkward situation when Gu Jia Xin, the heir to the company's owning family, is brought in as her temporary assistant. While Gu's mother expects him to take over the business, he prefers his career as a successful racing driver. Initially, Zhao and Gu clash due to her intimidation tactics and his clumsiness. However, as they team up to win over Xu Ning Yuan's affections, Gu starts to realize his growing feelings for Zhao may be reciprocated.

This is a tale of adult romance centered around a woman in her forties who is a television producer. Focused solely on her retirement plans and uninterested in love, her life takes a turn when she relocates to a new town. There, she encounters a 46-year-old widower with a child, sparking a romantic connection between them.

The plot of this television show explores the difficulties faced by couples who are in a long-distance relationship. Fang Zuo, a professor who has recently returned from studying in England, encounters Shi Nan, a 29-year-old woman who defies traditional gender norms. As they spend more time together, Fang Zuo discovers that Shi Nan was the one who rescued him from a car accident in the past. Over time, their relationship evolves from being adversaries to becoming romantic partners. (CdramaBase)

In the story "Muse no Kagami," Rino Sashihara portrays a regular girl from a rural area without any remarkable attributes. Her life changes when she meets Okita Ryu, a once-popular actor, who recognizes her talent for quickly memorizing lines and her hidden acting skills. Impressed by her abilities, he guides her towards pursuing a career in acting.

The series follows the lives of individuals who have fallen out of love. Matsuo Ryo is employed at a landscaping company and holds a negative view of women. During a visit to a client's office, he encounters Satogawa Akane, a secretary to a CEO who is highly regarded by male colleagues for her beauty and intelligence. However, Akane, disillusioned by a past relationship, is not interested in pursuing romantic relationships and only engages in sexual encounters with married men. A new colleague named Kinosaki Haruto shows interest in Akane. Meanwhile, Ryo is approached by his boss with a proposal to marry his daughter Tanno Ayaka and eventually take over the company, but Ryo sees Ayaka as a sister figure and feels embarrassed by the suggestion. Ayaka, who works at a construction site by day and a girl's bar by night, struggles with her own sexual identity. One night at the girl's bar, she is approached by a female customer named Kuroda Azusa.

This narrative follows the life of a young man in Tokyo spanning two decades. Shota enrolled in a prestigious private university in the city. Upon discovering his girlfriend's infidelity with wealthy older men, he concluded that women prioritize money above all else. Determined to elevate his social standing in Tokyo, Shota secured a position at a prominent trading company after graduation. Despite enjoying a life filled with wealth and romance, his values began to shift as he competed for success alongside his colleague Kojima and navigated his relationship with Minami, who sought a partner earning at least 30 million annually. It wasn't until Shota reconnected with his former classmate Kazuma, now a CEO of a startup company, and his employee Ruriko, that he started to discover a fresh sense of purpose in his life.

Two close friends from the post-90s generation have taken divergent paths in life. Following graduation, one friend remained in Shanghai to focus on her career, while the other returned to their hometown to get married. Over time, they both face unprecedented challenges. Yuan Ge has prioritized her career over relationships for many years, leading to a decline in her health and prompting her to make lifestyle changes. On the other hand, Gu Qiao has continuously made sacrifices for her husband, only to be served with divorce papers after eight years. Determined to restart her career, Gu Qiao is now focused on her own growth. Despite their differing personalities, both women demonstrate resilience and courage. In a bustling city full of opportunities, they navigate their struggles together, refusing to give up and embracing the journey of transformation as they enter a new phase of life in their thirties.

Tying the knot is an excellent method to deepen your feelings of love.

A dramatic portrayal that examines the dynamics of age disparities in romantic relationships. Woo Joo Young and Jang Woo Bin navigate the complexities of a relationship involving an older woman and a younger man, while Jang Woo Jin and Joo Young's younger sister, Joo Mi, confront the significant age difference that exists between them.

Kohei Kamishiro, portrayed by Masaharu Fukuyama, was once a musician who had a single successful song before his record deal was terminated. This setback led him to abandon his music career and live a mundane life for the next two decades. Despite distancing himself from music, his love for it remains strong. His past experiences have made it challenging for him to form relationships with women. However, his life takes a turn when he encounters a woman with a troubled past who lives a solitary existence. Despite her complexities, she possesses an extraordinary singing voice. This encounter reignites Kohei's passion for music and inspires him to create music once again.

Ding Ke Mang is a skilled and well-known theater performer, while Song Yang, his pupil, is a beloved public figure. To boost ticket sales, the theater group decided to cast Song Yang alongside Ding Ke Mang in the production "Father and Son". With Ding Ke Mang's mentorship, Song Yang was able to conquer his impulsiveness and resist the allure of fame, developing a deeper appreciation and respect for the art of acting. Through dedication and hard work, Song Yang's acting abilities improved, transforming him into a talented actor with a strong fan base.

Based on the novel by Du Mu Zhou, the series depicts the romance between a wealthy man and a financially struggling woman. The man, who serves as the general manager of a prestigious jewelry company, recognizes the woman's design skills and offers her a job. Despite being the sole provider for her family and her boyfriend, she joins the company with her burdens in tow.

The plot revolves around a devastating tragedy experienced by three charming women in their thirties, forties, and fifties, as well as the conflicts within marriages where partners are searching for genuine love.

Seven years ago, two men were informed that the women they both had relationships with had vanished after having a baby girl. Unsure of paternity, the duo decided to co-parent the child. Tang Xiang Xi, a charismatic lawyer, and Wen Zhen Hua, a sensitive florist, along with the young Tang Wen Di, form an unconventional family unit. Their unique living situation catches the attention of the girl's stubborn teacher and their introverted neighbor. (DramaWiki) Inspired by the American television show "My Two Dads" [1987].

Lee Na is an emerging vocalist on the verge of her debut when misfortune befell her as she was diagnosed with leukemia. In her absence, another girl performed her debut song at the concert, leading everyone to mistakenly believe that the other girl is actually Lee Na. Meanwhile, Jung Tae narrowly escaped a department store collapse, only to learn that he has cancer. Fate brings Lee Na and Jung Tae together, and they develop a deep love for one another.

Feeling confined in a stagnant four-year relationship and hesitant to move towards marriage, Lee Jeong In stumbles into Yoo Ji Ho's pharmacy one morning, nursing a hangover from a night out with her friend. As she attempts to pull herself together before heading to work, Jeong In realizes she has left her wallet behind and is unable to pay. Despite her abrasive demeanor, Ji Ho graciously assists Jeong In. What starts as an ordinary daily encounter gradually evolves into a stronger bond as the two become increasingly attracted to each other. They embark on a clandestine friendship while navigating the complexities of family and societal expectations.

Li Mu Jia, a determined young woman from Beidiao, rose through the ranks from an assistant to a successful attorney at a prestigious law firm in Beijing

"Our Blues" follows an anthology-style narrative, showcasing a range of characters whose lives are intertwined in various ways. Lee Dong Suk, a native of the picturesque Jeju Island, makes a living by selling goods from the mainland out of his truck. He encounters Min Sun Ah, a mysterious young woman seeking refuge on the island. Meanwhile, Park Jung Joon, a ship captain, develops feelings for Lee Young Ok, a cheerful and lively diver. Jung Eun Hee, a fishmonger, reconnects with her former flame Choi Han Soo, who returns to Jeju Island after realizing that city life is not meant for him.

The well-respected CEO of GOTOP Education, No Go Jin, is known for his exceptional intellect and expertise in mathematics, as well as his good looks, high IQ, and wealth. Despite his lack of formal education beyond high school, his achievements are attributed to his remarkable intelligence and self-absorption. One day, he receives a warning about a looming threat on his life. Lee Sin A, his reserved and introverted secretary, goes unnoticed by her boss and colleagues despite her hard work. After more than a year of working for No Go Jin, she realizes that her time is running out.

Ha Dan A possesses a graceful beauty, but her life has been marked by sorrow. In her twenties, she married, only to tragically lose her husband in a car accident on their honeymoon. Two men vie for her affection: Lee Gang Seok, a member of a newly wealthy family, and Jung Hyeon Gyu, who is younger than she is. The story explores how the Ha Family maintains their noble standing after Dan A's older brothers, the reserved and serious Su Yeong and the reckless Tae Yeong, choose to divorce and eventually discover new romantic interests, while their widowed father decides to marry his partner, Lee Yeong In. (DramaWiki)

Chinami Aizawa, a 46-year-old homemaker, left her position at a bank after getting married. When her husband decides he wants a divorce to be with his first love from Facebook, Chinami takes a job at an upscale hotel to secure custody of her son and start anew. At the hotel, she crosses paths with Yusuke Takaoka, the young and attractive heir to the chain known as "The Prince" by staff. However, beneath Yusuke's perfect facade lies a hidden side that few see. Together, Chinami and Yusuke support each other through their struggles and discover themselves in the process.

Taking place in the 1990s, Ayu is a high school student residing in Fukuoka with her mother and grandmother. Although she works as a model, her true passion lies in acting. In pursuit of her dream, Ayu travels to Tokyo with her grandmother. While balancing high school studies, Ayu manages to secure minor acting roles. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she meets Masa, the executive director of A Victory record label, who sees potential in her as a singer. With Masa's guidance, Ayu begins preparing for her debut as a singer despite facing jealousy from her peers at the record label. Despite the challenges, Ayu trusts Masa and finds herself developing feelings for him, reciprocated by Masa himself.