Asian dramas like
Smile

Two decades ago, Yoon Ji Soo and Han Jae Hyun experienced a profound romance during their university years. Ji Soo, a first-year student at a music college, unexpectedly caught the attention of Jae Hyun, a determined and popular law student. Their initial romance was a captivating whirlwind, but, like many youthful infatuations, it eventually diminished. Now in their forties, Ji Soo is a single mother striving to make a living, while Jae Hyun has become a prosperous businessman driven by ambition and status. He is quite different from the passionate young man Ji Soo once knew. However, destiny brings them back together, and Ji Soo recognizes him immediately. With a renewed opportunity for love, they must navigate the considerable gap of years and life experiences that lie between them. Will they be able to reignite a spark that once burned so fiercely?

Filled with hidden truths about its characters' origins, the plot delves into the lives of the wealthy elite and the challenges faced by the innocent protagonist Yu Fei as she seeks to uncover the reality

In a naval military district located in Qingdao, the head of the Naval Artillery School, Cong, and his wife, Yang Tao, organized a social event for the officers to help them find suitable partners. Their main goal was to assist the senior officers in addressing their personal marriage concerns. One of the officers, Jiang De Fu, was highly respected by Principal Cong. Upon the recommendation of the couple, Jiang De Fu met a young and attractive woman named An Jie at the event, and they developed a strong affection for each other. Despite Jiang De Fu appearing older than his age, An Jie was not bothered by it at all. Due to An Jie's modest family background, Jiang De Fu provided continuous support to her and her family. Over time, An Jie realized that Jiang De Fu, despite his rugged appearance, was actually a charming and clever individual.

Is it possible to forget your first love? In this romantic drama, a woman who is set to marry unexpectedly encounters her former partner, prompting her to question whether her fiancé is genuinely the right choice for her or if the man she left behind long ago still occupies a special place in her heart. (AsianCrush)

The narrative unfolds as men and women in their 40s reunite after three decades, thanks to an event organized by a former classmate. While they keep their current lives concealed, they relish the gathering and subsequently return to their daily routines. However, two of the attendees start meeting regularly, reigniting past passions and leading to a perilous romantic entanglement. The story intricately explores the tensions within families and the weight of everyday life, yet as they unravel the enigma, the bonds of friendship and affection among them withstand numerous challenges and reconciliations. This tale captures the loneliness and struggles of middle age in contemporary existence, which imposes the obligations of parenthood and partnership upon them, offering a chance to reflect on the lives they inadvertently left behind long ago.

When Yoon Jung Won faces betrayal from those she held dear, including family and friends she fully relied on, she becomes aware of the harshness of human nature. This series centers on an insurance planner wrongfully accused of a crime she did not commit, as she seeks justice following her time in prison. The narrative carries a message of hope, highlighting that despite the suffering caused by those around her, she ultimately discovers solace and support from new individuals she meets along her journey. (MBC)

During the late 1950s, the Republic of China, which had endured over fifty years of war, celebrated its tenth anniversary. Yang Xiao Yi, Liu Shi Jun, and their peers are young individuals of this new era embarking on a path to leave their mark on the world. Raised in a single-parent household, Yang Xiao Yi is resolute in uncovering the true identity of her biological father. As she navigates through challenges with her family, friends, and loved ones, she learns valuable lessons and remains resilient in the face of adversity.

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.

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.

"Little Pity and Geer" narrates the tale of two sisters bound by love. Through their companionship and the complex emotions of grief and resentment, the play explores the characters' destinies and emphasizes the virtues of truth, kindness, and beauty while condemning falsehood and ugliness. Departing from traditional urban romance dramas, the story shifts its focus to the women themselves, celebrating the strength and independence of female characters.

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.

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.

In 1995, Imamura Nozomi, a 10-year-old girl, falls into a coma after a sudden accident. Twenty-five years later, in 2020, she wakes up to find herself 35 years old but still behaving like a child. Despite the changes in the world around her, she remains optimistic about her future. Yuto, who was Nozomi's classmate in elementary school and her first crush, had briefly worked as a teacher before leaving due to a troubling incident. He had a habit of criticizing others to mask his insecurities, but upon reuniting with Nozomi, he begins to reflect on his behavior.

Yan Xiao Chen grew up in a happy family but faced a major change in her final year of high school. To cover her school fees, she takes on a part-time job at a bar where she meets Cheng Jin Yuan, a wealthy man. This makes her boyfriend, Shen Hou, feel jealous. After graduating from university, Xiao Chen and Shen Hou face challenges in their careers but eventually find success and decide to marry. However, Xiao Chen discovers that Shen Hou's mother was responsible for her father's death. She calls off the wedding and escapes to America, where she encounters difficulties and turns to Cheng Jin Yuan for help. During her struggles, Jin Yuan supports her, and she begins to rely on him. Shen Hou reappears in Xiao Chen's life, bringing Jin Yuan's hidden secrets to light. Through these events, Xiao Chen learns what truly matters to her and decides to forgive instead of holding onto hatred. She follows her heart and makes a final choice in her relationships.

Kang Chil, born into a low-income family, endures 16 years of imprisonment after being wrongfully convicted of a crime. Just before his release, he accidentally kills a prison guard and receives a death sentence. In his final moments, he is given a chance to return to his past and alter his choices. A fellow inmate, Guk Soo, asserts that he is Kang Chil's guardian angel, informing him that two more miracles will occur, and he should learn from these experiences. Once released, Kang Chil encounters Jina, an enthusiastic veterinarian. They sense the pain in each other's histories and develop a romantic bond. However, their happiness is short-lived when Kang Chil discovers that the victim of the murder from 16 years prior was Jina’s uncle. Simultaneously, the individual responsible for framing him continues to pose a threat to his life. Confronted with peril, time rewinds once again. Kang Chil comes to understand that despite the darkness he has faced, there were individuals who made sacrifices for him. Ultimately, he acknowledges that regardless of his circumstances, the moments shared with those people were truly miraculous. (JTBC)

Feeling weary of her life in Seoul, Hae Won, a cellist who has shielded her heart from past traumas, makes her way back to her roots in Bookhyun Village. In this quaint town, she encounters Eun Seob, the proprietor of "Goodnight Bookstore." As their paths cross, his usual rhythm of enjoying coffee, reading, and blogging begins to change.

The epic tale follows the aspirations of a Korean immigrant family spanning four generations as they venture away from their native land in a relentless pursuit of survival and prosperity.

The story follows a young woman's transformation into a North Drifter. Chen Ke relocates from Sichuan to Beijing in pursuit of a new beginning, but her relationship with her high school sweetheart ends abruptly. She soon realizes that achieving success in her professional and personal life necessitates both hard work and strategic networking with affluent men, whom she will eventually move on from. Inspired by the short story "Tokyo Women's Guidebook".

Miyuki, a shy flower shop owner, is feeling discouraged about her lack of romantic prospects

A woman is involved in a romantic relationship with a man who is already married. Her name is Lee Hwa Young, and she experiences no remorse for taking her friend's spouse.

An ill-directed aspiration results in the loss of everything a woman cherishes. Rather than seeking vengeance, she chooses to forgive and make peace with her adversary. This choice prompts audiences to reevaluate their perceptions of revenge. It suggests that genuine revenge may not involve retribution against those who have harmed you, but instead providing your tormentor an opportunity for remorse, which is the highest form of revenge. (MBC)

A narrative about an intelligent young girl who, having lost her family during the Korean War, navigates the swift transformations of Korean society in the 1970s. It is a tale that explores themes of ambition, love, grief, forgiveness, and the reconciling of two generations who endured the chaotic times of the first and second Korean Wars, spanning from the 1950s to the 1970s.

A 10 billion won insurance murder scandal leads Oh Ha Naui to lose everything she holds dear. In response, she embarks on a quest for vengeance against Chun Mi Ja, the person responsible for her tragic circumstances.

The series effectively narrates the journey of a girl named Hyo Rin, who is perpetually troubled by matters of the heart

She confronts poverty, which feels even more daunting and unfamiliar to her than sorrow. However, she confidently reclaims her former position by believing in herself. Many individuals view the accumulation of wealth as life's highest purpose. Yet, we have arrived at a moment where we must reflect on our life objectives. This drama series focuses on a young woman in her twenties who, after her father's unexpected death in an accident, is thrust into a harsh reality alongside her immature siblings. In a remarkably short time, she encounters both the extremes of existence. Confronted with poverty, which is far more frightening and alien than sadness, she also endures a psychological decline that proves to be more challenging than losing her financial stability. Fortunately, a man stands by her side, offering quiet support. With the help of this kind-hearted man and his family, she navigates her crisis and ultimately regains her former status through her own resilience and efforts. Through the experiences of this young woman and the people in her life, the drama series aims to explore the genuine and valuable ideals we should pursue to enhance the meaning of our lives. [MBC Global Media]

Love can be both delightful and painful. These urban love stories are thought-provoking and clever, challenging our perception of relationships by exploring themes of faithfulness and betrayal, purity and darkness, closeness and isolation in the modern world. Episode 1: Letting Go Episode 2: A Joyful Single Christmas Episode 3: Two Hearts That Never Change Episode 4: Love on a Rollercoaster Episode 5: The Hidden Language of Marriage Episode 6: Our Love Story Episode 7: The Evolution of Love Episode 8: A Beautiful Daydream Episode 9: Saying "I Do" Episode 10: When a Favorite Sweater Meets an Old Scarf

The drama depicts the heartfelt tale of a woman left by her husband due to their child's severe illness, alongside the romantic journey involving four men.

The narrative of the anguish caused by deceit and disloyalty experienced by city-dwelling individuals in romantic relationships and marriages.

The plot of Wonderful Life follows Xu Tian (portrayed by Zhang Jia Yi), as he faces challenges in both his personal and professional life. After enduring setbacks, he decides to leave the United States, where he has resided for a decade, and return to his homeland. However, upon his arrival at the airport, an old illness resurfaces, necessitating a heart transplant to save his life. Following the surgery, he resides at his mother Dao Mei Lan's (played by Song Dan Dan) matchmaking agency, where he crosses paths with his former blind date Liang Xiao Hui (played by Li Xiao Ran). Initially exchanging banter, they eventually develop a friendship. Xiao Hui is taken aback, as Xu Tian bears a striking resemblance to her late husband. Seeking guidance, she turns to Psychologist Bian Zhi Jun (portrayed by Xin Bai Qing).

At 42 years old, Bian Liang finds himself in a state of uncertainty as he enters his forties, a time that is typically associated with stability and success. Despite being a proactive father seeking new opportunities, he is faced with challenges in his reserved and unresponsive son, as well as a career standstill. Previously believing that his family life was running smoothly, Bian Liang is now surprised to find them in crisis. His decades of wisdom and experience no longer seem sufficient to tackle the various obstacles he is encountering, leading him to question his previous methods. Despite feeling lost and powerless, Bian Liang, as a responsible middle-aged man, is determined to push forward and search for solutions. As he navigates through shattered past experiences, he learns to mend relationships with his wife, son, relatives, and friends, ultimately discovering a new path to follow.

The story centers around Amelia Wong, a secretary who decides to start fresh following the conclusion of a lengthy romantic partnership. Upon returning to work, she encounters new individuals and forms a romantic connection with her supervisor, Matt. Like others in her circle, Amelia proactively embarks on a quest for love, self-discovery, and pursuing her aspirations.

Tae Seok, Ji Yoon, and Min Soo were close friends during their high school years. Tae Seok, who comes from divorced parents, harbored a secret crush on Ji Yoon, unaware that Min Soo also had feelings for her. However, Ji Yoon did not reciprocate Min Soo's feelings. When Min Soo witnessed Tae Seok and Ji Yoon kissing, he tried to take his own life in their presence, causing both Tae Seok and Ji Yoon to feel guilty for betraying him. Fast forward 7 years, Tae Seok has matured into a successful CF producer, leaving behind his troubled past as a student. He now has a new best friend named Dong Hwa. Coincidentally, Dong Hwa's love interest happens to be Ji Yoon, who was Tae Seok's first love. Fate brings Tae Seok face to face with Ji Yoon, who is now dating his best friend. Additionally, Tae Seok discovers that Min Soo's sister, who loves him and considers him a friend, is also part of the equation. Torn between the three of them, Tae Seok is determined not to repeat the same mistakes he made 7 years ago. However, when Dong Hwa learns about Tae Seok and Ji Yoon's past from Min Soo's sister, who reveals Ji Yoon's lingering feelings for Tae Seok, he feels betrayed once again, just like in the past.

This drama seeks to illustrate that every individual possesses beauty simply by being present in this world

The Zhang family consists of four daughters. After their mother's passing, she left behind unique gifts for each of her daughters: a Shawl, Reflective Surface, Luggage, and Writing Utensil. The daughters are puzzled by the meaning of these gifts. Their father revealed that their mother said they would only comprehend the significance of these gifts when they experience joy. However, what exactly is joy? This is the enigma that the daughters are determined to unravel. Hardworking queens strive in their careers, but how can they find a resilient man who is deserving of being their life partner?

Ah Xiang and Xi Fan meet in prison, showcasing their impressive skills and fierce energy. A young drum instructor presents them with a new challenge, leading to a clash between three boys over two girls. The intense emotions at the intersection reveal deep wounds within each individual. The competition escalates as the boys vie for ruthlessness, handsomeness, loyalty, and fairness. Now, they compete in drumming, breath control, focus, and showing devotion to a girl. The outcome remains uncertain as Ah Xiang and Xi Fan hear their master's drumming, motivating them to hold onto their beliefs and reach for the sky.

Park Si Hyeon’s little sister is deeply immersed in her video games and computer, creating a fantasy realm that is uniquely hers

Ren'ai Shinden explores various forms of forbidden love through four distinct tales: Tsubasa no Kakera, Sayonara no Melody, Seifuku no Eve, and Unmei no Kodou.

Tsubasa Hikoichi is a member of a criminal organization who manages a lending business in Roppongi. Known for his ruthless efficiency, Hikoichi has no qualms about taking advantage of vulnerable individuals to make a profit. After his superior passes away, the new leader, Takayama Gensuke, instructs Hikoichi and other lower-ranking members to work at a nursing home as part of their training for higher positions. However, the job turns out to be quite different from what Hikoichi had anticipated.

Working at a pet grooming salon in Shirogane, Nogami Meiko caters to a clientele of celebrity dog enthusiasts. Known for her attentive service and proven skills, Meiko is highly respected by both customers and colleagues. Despite her seemingly tranquil life, Meiko harbors a hidden agenda of seeking revenge for a past incident. At the age of 19, she faced imprisonment for a murder charge, but there are layers to the story that have yet to be uncovered. As she prepares to carry out her plan, Meiko crosses paths with a man named Mashima Takuro. His presence brings out a different side of her, sparking a sense of intrigue and mystery. Will he prove to be an unexpected complication in her quest for vengeance, or a necessary reckoning?

Family serves as our sanctuary. We would go to great lengths, even reaching for the stars and moon, for them. In this drama, a family that has been torn apart by disagreements comes to the realization that it is one another who can best shield them from life's challenges. Seo Jin U, a surgeon, struggles with a trauma from his past that has led to a fear of performing surgeries. Han Chae Won, who is dedicated to food research, is deeply in love with Jin U. The ambitious Gyeong Ju chose Min Hyeok over Jin U. Together, they explore a narrative filled with both love and animosity.

The story centers on Bong Seon Hwa and her family's involvement in a confectionery business. Despite a difficult upbringing, she overcomes challenges with her resilient and optimistic attitude. Seon Hwa, who grew up in the same neighborhood as Moon Sang Hyuk, had a deep connection with him. However, after experiencing a tragic loss of her family caused by uncontrollable greed, she vows to seek revenge amidst a complex mix of fate and love.

Mayuko, a young woman with autism struggling to comprehend human emotions, crosses paths with Shinichi, a former psychiatrist mourning the sudden loss of his girlfriend. Despite his own emotional turmoil, Shinichi decides to assist Mayuko in improving her social skills. Through their interactions, Shinichi realizes that Mayuko is also helping him rediscover the love he had buried deep within his grief.

Over the last six months, Nagata Kazuo has faced losing his job, his wife Miyoko has expressed a desire for divorce, and their son Hiroki has been engaging in violent behavior at home. Additionally, Kazuo harbors resentment towards his father Tadao, who is suffering from terminal cancer. Feeling lost and defeated, Kazuo finds himself sitting on a bench in front of a train station when a wine-colored wagon unexpectedly appears. The driver, Hashimoto Yoshiaki, and his son Kenta, who both should have passed away five years ago, invite Kazuo to join them on a journey to revisit significant places from his past. Through this experience, Kazuo begins to understand the root of his marital and familial issues.

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.

The narrative follows Ju Zi, a woman whose life is marked by tragedy, and the individuals in her midst amid a Japanese invasion