Asian dramas like
Starry Starry Night 2002

Go Bok Su had a challenging upbringing and was incarcerated for theft. Jeon Kyung, a brooding tomboy from a wealthy family, plays the keyboard in an obscure indie band. When the band's lead singer suffers a brain injury, the group struggles to raise funds for surgery, leading Bok Su to steal Kyung's wallet. Believing their encounter was destined, Bok Su leaves his girlfriend Mi Rae to pursue Kyung. As Bok Su learns of his terminal illness and limited time left, his life takes a new direction.

I Am Yu Huanshui tells the story of a man who endures hardships until he learns he has a terminal illness, transforming his outlook on life. This drama is based on the novel If There Is No Tomorrow. (DramaPanda)

The plot revolves around a young woman named Mo Zhen who is taken advantage of by her former partner due to her compassionate nature. She ends up shouldering the responsibilities of his family and bailing out his business.

Tang Yu Feng and Cheng Zi Yue are two individuals who are brought together by a bone marrow transplant. Yu Feng is grateful for the second chance he has been given and appreciates the generosity of his donor, Zi Yue. Meanwhile, Zi Yue is facing challenges of her own as her husband, Zhao Si Wen, not only abandons her for another woman but also steals money from her family, leading to their bankruptcy. Additionally, Zi Yue's daughter becomes estranged from the family. Witnessing Zi Yue's struggles, Yu Feng feels compelled to offer his assistance to the person who once saved his life.

During the summer in Beijing, a complex romantic situation arises involving Ke Lei, a young temporary worker performing various tasks, Su Yan, the nurse who Ke Lei has been harboring feelings for in secret, and Si Jia Yi, a lively young woman who is interested in Ke Lei.

Shin Na Ra, a nearly thirty-year-old woman, eagerly awaits the return of her boyfriend, who has been away on a business trip for seven years. During their dinner together, he reveals that he has not only been unfaithful but has also developed feelings for another woman. Consequently, their relationship comes to an end. To cope with her heartbreak, Na Ra consumes a significant amount of alcohol and accidentally drops the ring her former boyfriend gifted her into the cup of a stranger. This stranger, In Jae, unknowingly consumes the drink containing the ring, leading both of them to end up in the hospital. To make ends meet, Na Ra pretends to be her 20-year-old sister to get a job as a cosmetic clerk at the store of Mi Rae, the woman her ex-boyfriend has fallen for. Coincidentally, In Jae also finds himself at the same shop. Thus begins their unexpected journey of romance, as In Jae is also infatuated with Mi Rae.

Cheng Yue and Rui Shan are both talented musicians, with Cheng Yue being a pianist and Rui Shan a cellist. Despite being known as the most prominent couple in the music world, Cheng Yue's life takes a turn when he injures his arm while trying to save a girl named Xiao Lu from a car accident. This incident leaves him unable to play the piano, leading him to give up music and embark on a journey to escape his sorrow. Two years later, Cheng Yue finds himself living in Shanghai where he crosses paths with Xiao Lu, who is now his colleague. Through their work together, they develop a friendship that gradually deepens. Meanwhile, Rui Shan locates Cheng Yue and urges him to return to music, but it is Xiao Lu's encouragement and positivity that ultimately inspire him to rediscover his passion for life. Despite falling in love with Xiao Lu, Cheng Yue faces rejection from her, raising questions about the fate of their love story. Despite the challenges they face and uncertain future, Cheng Yue's love for Xiao Lu remains steadfast.

The series follows the journey of a young comic artist named Xiong Dun as she faces challenges in both her personal life and career. Despite encountering obstacles, she remains resilient in fighting her illness and spreading positivity with her infectious smile. Xiang Yang, a carefree woman with aspirations of becoming a manhua artist, moves to Beijing to pursue her dreams. Despite facing hardships, Xiong Dun eventually settles down in Beijing with the support of loved ones. However, she faces a series of setbacks including infidelity from her boyfriend and health issues. After being urged by a childhood friend to seek medical help, Xiang Yang discovers she has a tumor. Despite initially struggling to accept her circumstances, she gradually finds the courage to embrace life to the fullest.

The setting of the drama takes place in the 1970s, a time dominated by poverty but also filled with hope and happiness within families. The main characters are Suk Jin and Chul Jin, two brothers full of youth and spirit, along with Min Joo, Yun Shil's love interest, who face various challenges in life. As they navigate through these obstacles, the drama explores the endless potential of youth, considered the most beautiful phase of life. (SBS)

Genetic abnormalities cannot be undone, but maintaining a positive mindset can lead to a fulfilling life. Grace, a music enthusiast, has always been a cheerful individual. However, a failed marriage caused her to hit rock bottom. It wasn't until she volunteered for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts that she was able to overcome her inner struggles. She then met and fell in love with Johan, a physicist from Sweden. Despite being diagnosed with parotid gland cancer and blood cancer due to a defect in the P53 gene, Grace chose to undergo treatment optimistically to spare her loved ones from sadness. Even while battling illness, Grace continued to contribute to public welfare through the Internet. Her 36 years of life were a ray of sunshine, bringing warmth to the lives of many.

A theatrical piece that explores the emotional turmoil and complexities arising from a love triangle involving three people residing in Hong Kong. The talented interior designer Han Jung Yeon is set to marry affluent entrepreneur Choi Kang Hyuk. However, her sense of happiness is shaken when she unexpectedly encounters her former flame, Kang Min Soo. Adding to the drama, both Kang Hyuk and Min Soo are entangled in illicit activities in the shadows and could potentially be linked to a homicide.

Peng Xiao Qian works as a tour guide and sometimes resorts to deceiving people to make ends meet. In order to help her father settle his gambling debts, Xiao Qian agrees to pose as Shao Feng's missing cousin to grant his grandfather's dying wish of reuniting with his granddaughter. As Shao Feng's ex-girlfriend, a pianist, tries to win him back and his friend Xu Kai develops feelings for Xiao Qian, their lives become increasingly complicated. Despite the challenges, Xiao Qian and Shao Feng find themselves growing closer to each other.

Ah Xun and her sister Yi Cheng both have heart conditions, which leads to Ah Xun being bullied at school. Qing Chuan, her only friend, gifts her a glass bottle with a lavender sprig before moving away. They make a promise to reunite on Ah Xun's 20th birthday. A decade later, Qing Chuan, now a well-known singer named Leo, returns to Taiwan. Despite facing challenges, Ah Xun and Leo rekindle their friendship and begin a romantic relationship. However, their love faces obstacles such as Ah Xun's illness, Leo's girlfriend Maggie, and Ah Xun's suitor Xiao Tong.

He Tan, a college student facing the possibility of leaving school, finds himself smitten with the popular Wang Dan Sui. Determined to win her over, he boldly declares in front of his peers that he will graduate with top honors and then ask her out. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he begins to see ghosts and befriends seven spirits of various ages, personalities, and appearances that haunt the campus. Initially disruptive, these ghosts eventually become his companions.

A tale of optimism and disappointment unfolds in the lives of a mother and her son in a small town in Subei. Ding Xiao Jun, an 18-year-old who resides with his mother Ding Bi Yun, secures a spot at a university in Beijing. Despite facing mockery from his peers upon starting university, Ding Xiao Jun rebels until receiving a warning about his graduation prospects. Fortunately, his mother intervenes just in time for him to turn things around and successfully graduate. After entering society with enthusiasm and hope, Ding Xiao Jun falls victim to a scam in Japan, leading him to wander as a vagrant for months. Realizing the sacrifices his mother made for him, he reaches out to her and decides to return home. By New Year's Eve of 2010, Ding Xiao Jun lands a job in Beijing, only to receive devastating news about his mother's terminal illness. Now faced with a difficult decision, he must choose between advancing his career in Beijing or returning home to care for his mother in her final days.

Although Shiratori Sadami is a well-regarded anesthesiologist at a renowned hospital in Tokyo, his personal life is in shambles. Following his affair that led to his wife's tragic death, he has been estranged from his two children for seven years. Now facing a terminal cancer diagnosis, he decides to return to his hometown of Hokkaido to reconnect with his children and spend his final days.

Raised in a funeral home, Ha Na has become desensitized to the spectrum of human feelings. Her true passion lies solely with money. One day, she devises a plan: she intends to locate a wealthy man who is terminally ill, marry him, and secure his fortune after he passes away. However, things take an unexpected turn, and instead of encountering a rich man whose wealth she can claim, she meets Ho Sang, who has his own hidden agenda. Desperate and evading gangsters, he has assumed the identity of a deceased affluent individual. Upon learning that Ho Sang is suffering from an incurable form of cancer, a misled Ha Na decides to take him on as her fortunate find. The catch? She is unaware that he is even more destitute than she is, and he remains oblivious to his cancer diagnosis.

Aurora is a 25-year-old woman whose family runs Chunwang Foods, a significant food enterprise. Her parents are both in their seventies, and there is a 20-year age gap between her and her three older brothers: Wang Sung, Geum Sung, and Su Sung. Initially, many perceive her as a privileged and spoiled individual, but there is much more to her than that. She steps in to rescue her 50-year-old middle brother’s marriage by eliminating his mistress, who falsely claimed to be pregnant with his child. As the youngest in a wealthy household, she has managed to avoid becoming a self-indulgent materialist. Aurora exudes confidence and expresses her thoughts freely to those around her. One day, she finds herself infatuated with Hwang Mama, a temperamental novelist known for his perfectionism. Aurora is full of charisma and self-assurance—nothing seems to rattle her. Hwang Mama possesses striking good looks that set him apart from other men, but he has one significant flaw that could jeopardize his relationship with Aurora. Will they be able to overcome it? (MBC)

Is a young woman able to find the bravery to approach a former high school crush? Xia Man Li was always well-liked in school and considered the most beautiful girl in her high school, yet she has never had luck in love. At a high school reunion, she reunites with Zhao Li Qi, a kind guy she once had feelings for. Man Li's younger sister, Xia ManAn, also harbors a childhood crush on Zhen Ying Jie, but despite her attempts to get close to him, he always appears to be involved with someone else. Ten years later, will the sisters be able to summon the courage to follow their hearts?

The narrative revolves around Zhou Zhen Hua, a medical oncologist facing a life-threatening disease, who plans to create a joyful conclusion for his cherished wife

After a car accident at the age of 36, Ling Ming Yu finds herself in her 22-year-old body with the opportunity to start her life anew. Unhappily married to Chen Yi in her previous life, she is determined not to repeat the same mistakes. However, things get complicated when she becomes entangled in a love triangle with Chen Yi and Qu Hao.

In their marriage, Li Hai and Wu Ting have a strong bond. While Wu Ting looks after their daughter, Yingzi, in Canada for her schooling, Li Hai focuses on his career in China. However, Li Hai develops feelings for Zhao Xiaofei, a journalist. When Wu Ting discovers the affair, she quickly returns to China to try to salvage their relationship. Now, Li Hai is faced with a decision between these two women.

During the 1980s, two siblings from a rural farming community decide to leave their impoverished village and seek a better life in the bustling city of Haizhou. Liu Xing He, a kind and eager individual, sacrifices his own chance at education so that his younger brother, Liu Xing Chen, can pursue his studies. However, Xing He also makes his way to the city, following the village beauty Hao Yi Duo. When Hao Yi Duo falls victim to a fraudulent investment using all her wedding dowries, Xing He comes to her aid and crosses paths with Su Zi Tong. Grateful for Xing He's previous assistance, Zi Tong recommends him to her father for a job opportunity. Meanwhile, Xing Chen grows envious of his older brother and causes trouble repeatedly. Despite this, Xing He remains determined to guide his brother onto the right path.

During a chilly Christmas in 1996, Fong Kin Choi, a dedicated worker, fell ill and expressed his final wish to reunite with his youngest son, Ka Him, from whom he had been separated for 12 years following a divorce. It was revealed that Ka Him had been struggling with mental health issues due to his mother's drug addiction and involvement in illegal activities since childhood. After Kin Choi's passing, his eldest son, Ka Fai, took Ka Him under his wing and helped him overcome his challenges to live a fulfilling life. Ka Fai discovered Ka Him's hidden talent for music, particularly the piano, and with his support, Ka Him rose to fame as a pianist, proving that despite his mental health issues, he could achieve success and lead a normal life like anyone else. The journey to success for Ka Him was marked by setbacks and discrimination due to his disability, but in the end, his perseverance was recognized. The narrative of the show conveys a powerful message that individuals with disabilities can thrive, and that discrimination only hinders their progress.

After leading a typical life as a high school educator, Hideo Nakamura is devastated to learn that he has just one year left to live. Struggling with a deep fear of death and mental turmoil, he finds himself consumed with regret over his past actions. Despite this, Hideo resolves to make the most of his remaining time and embrace a positive outlook, choosing to focus on creating a memorable final year rather than dwelling on the 28 years that have passed.

Takeda has been diagnosed with cancer and is struggling to find a reason to continue living. He has already lost his wife to cancer and his daughter has been missing for fourteen years. As he contemplates suicide, he receives a call from the police informing him that his daughter's body has been discovered, the victim of a homicide. Devastated by the news, Takeda decides to dedicate the rest of his days to seeking justice for his daughter. The clock is ticking for Takeda to find the killer before time runs out. This poignant tale follows a father's determination to uncover the truth.

Hoshino Mamoru, also known as the "Gentleman Bachelor," is the talented and skilled CEO of a film production company established by his father. His younger sibling, Hoshino Sumoru, known as the "Separation Strategist," is a shrewd negotiator navigating a divorce while managing a hectic dating life. Haruno Yuki, referred to as the "Matrimonial Wanderer," once aspired to be a scriptwriter but now works part-time as a homemaker, disenchanted with romance and matrimony. As their paths converge, unforeseen events start to reshape their destinies.

Following the passing of his mother, Ji Hun relocates to Mr. Seo's residence. Upon arrival, he experiences an instant attraction to Mr. Seo's daughter, In Hye. Additionally, he forms a strong friendship with Seok Hyeon. However, one day, In Hye makes the decision to leave for Seoul in pursuit of her aspiration to become a renowned cellist, doing so without informing Ji Hun. Meanwhile, Seok Hyeon opts to move to Seoul as well after discovering that he is the illegitimate son of President Kang, a wealthy hotel tycoon. When Ji Hun learns that In Hye departed for Seoul without saying farewell, he resolves to follow her there. During his subway ride, he catches the attention of Jung U, who decides to pickpocket him as a means of striking up a conversation. This encounter leads Ji Hun to become acquainted with Jung U, and he decides to settle in Seoul by enrolling in the same bodyguard training school that Jung U attends. The school helps Ji Hun and Jung U secure a part-time job, which involves a one-day assignment to protect President Kang. At an evening event hosted by Kang, Ji Hun safeguards the president and unexpectedly encounters both In Hye and Seok Hyeon. This chance meeting intertwines the destinies of these four young individuals in ways they could never have anticipated.

Upon his release from a reformatory, Xin Xiong decides to join a gang in order to support himself. Over time, he rises to become the leader of the gang, collecting protection fees from local vendors and striving to uphold a sense of order in the community. Through his efforts, Xin Xiong establishes a positive rapport with the local law enforcement. Complications arise when Gui Zhu, a teahouse owner, falls for Xin Xiong despite his affection for Yue Gui, leading to a tangled love triangle filled with jealousy. (Dimsum)

Six years in the past, Yuan Fei left her immature boyfriend, Hao Jian Ren, on their wedding day when he failed to appear. After six years, they cross paths once more. Yuan Fei is now a single mother focused on her career, and she is also Jian Ren's superior at work. Their relationship becomes complicated when a flirtatious man named Wen Hao Ran enters the scene. Yuan Fei is faced with a decision between her former immature boyfriend, Jian Ren, and Hao Ran, who may be prepared for a serious relationship.

In the play, Zu Xiong portrayed the character "Ye Junshen" and is known for his expertise in marketing and makeup as the director of a cosmetic brand. Despite his reputation as a ladies' man, he is actually very genuine. Ye Junshen had a difficult breakup in the past which made him hesitant to love again until he met Yan Yongxi. However, his inability to end things with his current girlfriend led to a tragic outcome. Zu Xiong mentioned that the character of Ye Junshen is meant to provoke deep thoughts among viewers about making choices when faced with love at the wrong time.

Upon learning that he is in the advanced stages of lung cancer, Jang Young Chul reflects on his life and starts to grasp the significance of family, affection, and career. This drama explores the roots and truths of the ongoing struggles between spouses and between parents and their children.

Lee Ji Yeon possesses an inherently positive and cheerful demeanor and works as a jewelry accessory designer. She is wedded to Choi Joon Ho. Meanwhile, Kim Tae Seop, a detective known for his reserved nature, becomes deeply attached to Ji Yeon after falling for her. Ji Yeon finds herself in a dilemma involving two men.

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.

A Chinese adaptation of "1 Litre of Tears" tells the story of Gu Yihang (played by Liu Enyou) who hires He Tongyao (played by Jin Sha) as their tour guide during a vacation with his girlfriend. Unfortunately, a car accident occurs, revealing that Tongyao has spinocerebellar ataxia, an untreatable degenerative illness. Following the breakup with her boyfriend due to her condition, Yihang and Tongyao are unexpectedly brought together once more by fate, leading to a blossoming romance. This adaptation is inspired by the real-life diary of Kito Aya, who battled a degenerative disease and passed away at the age of 25.

Sachiko, a 17-year-old girl, is the daughter of Professor Oshima, who works as a radiotherapist. Unfortunately, Sachiko develops leukemia after being exposed to radiation at the hospital. Adding to her troubles, she learns that Oshima is not her biological father and that her boyfriend is actually her half brother.

Former nursery school teacher Sugisaki Momoko faced challenges with communication due to difficulty smiling, resulting in the termination of her contract after just one year. However, she found a new opportunity at Little Snow, a service providing care for sick children. In her new role as a caregiver, Momoko would step in when parents were unable to take time off work to care for their feverish child. As she navigates through different families and situations, Momoko receives support from her coworkers and occasional assistance from her best friend, Yumika, as she learns to navigate work, relationships, family, and friendships.

Jin Ae shares a complicated relationship with her mother, San Ok, filled with both affection and resentment. She aspires to break free from her family ties, particularly those with her mother. After falling in love with Hoon Jae, she marries him. However, Jin Ae soon finds herself facing the challenges posed by her new mother-in-law. During these trying moments, she starts to gain insight into her own mother, San Ok, for the very first time.

Yang Yi Ru, known for her dedication to work, rarely took time off for vacations. Upon being deceived by her relatives and friends into believing she had cancer with only six months to live, Yi Ru was encouraged to go on a holiday overseas to unwind from her busy schedule. Still reeling from the shocking news, Yi Ru met Lan Shi De while he was on a business trip. When Yi Ru confided in Shi De about her limited time left and her desire to marry and have children, he proposed to her. Unaware that Shi De had actually met and fallen for her years ago, Yi Ru accepted his proposal.

Yeon Woo experienced a joyful childhood in a caring family. However, tragedy struck when her father died under mysterious circumstances, leading her mother to marry a man a decade younger than herself. Unfortunately, bad luck continued to plague them; her mother passed away from Wilson’s disease, and her stepfather absconded with their money. During these tough times, Min Ho, a long-time friend, consistently offered her support. Determined to bring her father’s murderer to justice, Min Ho chose to pursue a career in law enforcement. Meanwhile, Eun Sup returned to Korea with the intent of stopping his girlfriend, Soo Ah, from marrying someone else, but she firmly rejected him. To complicate matters further, his father dispatched individuals to his hotel to apprehend him. In his attempt to escape, he fell onto the subway tracks and lost consciousness. Yeon Woo witnessed the entire incident from the platform and came to his rescue. Afterward, Eun Sup requested to stay with her temporarily, as he had nowhere else to turn. Consequently, Yeon Woo, Min Ho, and Eun Sup ended up living together in the same household.

Zhou Jun and Duan Rong are a couple of young adults who recently got married. Soon after their marriage, Zhou Jun's mother moved from the countryside to the city, causing tension due to differing life perspectives. This led to conflicts within the family, impacting their relationships and morals. Following Zhou Jun's mother's sudden death in a car accident, their marriage began to deteriorate. Despite Duan Rong's efforts to save their relationship with love and dedication, Zhou Jun struggled to move past his mother's death and failed to acknowledge his wife's true feelings. Additionally, Zhou Jun's career was under threat from his competitor Luo Zhi Ming.

Following a decade of separation due to the father living overseas, a father and daughter face the challenge of healing old wounds. The daughter, who has been residing with her aunt since her parents' divorce and abandonment, struggles to forgive and reconnect with her father upon his return. Despite their turbulent relationship, the aunt's nurturing support helps the father and daughter navigate their emotions and come to terms with their familial roles.

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 series Black Cat is characterized as a lighthearted romantic comedy with Im Si-wan portraying the enigmatic protagonist Ji-baek. L stars as the popular actor Ho-yeon, known for his warm demeanor and attentiveness towards the female lead, Mi-oh. Chae Soo-bin will take on the role of Mi-oh, who finds herself entangled in a love triangle between the two male characters.

A tale of rivalry and romance unfolds between Jianwen Emperor Zhu Yun Wen and his uncle Zhu Di as they compete for power and the affections of the same woman. Despite his impressive abilities and bravery, Zhu Di was never able to become crown prince due to the rules of succession. When the crown prince unexpectedly dies, Zhu Yun Wen is named emperor by Zhu Yuan Zhang, creating a barrier for Zhu Di. Both men become enamored with Xu Miao Yun, setting the stage for her tragic dilemma of being torn between two rulers.