Asian dramas like
The Equator Man

Seven siblings, orphaned and bound by a bond stronger than that of biological relatives, are juxtaposed with a family related by blood that is fracturing due to its own avarice, prompting a reflection on the true essence of family and happiness. The narrative primarily follows Jang Ha Bin/Kim Baek Won, a girl who becomes a police officer, and Do Young, a boy who pursues a career as a prosecutor. He finds himself falling in love with her once more after she previously shattered his heart. (MBC, DramaWiki)

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.

"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.

“If I could turn back time, I wouldn't have fallen for you...” Individuals often find themselves in love with one person while committing to another. The girlfriend of one sibling happens to be the former partner of his younger brother, while the younger brother's fiancée has feelings for the older sibling. The younger brother struggles to move on from his ex-girlfriend, who is now openly dating his brother, but he must push those thoughts aside to seek vengeance and reclaim what he believes is rightfully his. More importantly, he needs to navigate the dangers surrounding him and avoid being killed. He tries to keep a respectful distance from his brother's girlfriend, who is also his past love, but he must do so subtly, as they may soon become family. Additionally, he needs to execute his revenge plan discreetly. “Reverse” is a psychological thriller that weaves together the lives of four individuals caught in a complex tangle of affection and hidden truths. (MBC)

The narrative follows the lives of Liu Su Zhen, Wang Guo Sheng, and Zhou Hong Wei, who were classmates during their middle school years in the early 1980s. Wang Guo Sheng and Zhou Hong Wei share a close friendship, but they both develop feelings for Liu Su Zhen. The plot unfolds with a sequence of events that occur after Liu Su Zhen unintentionally marries Wang Guo Sheng.

A clandestine group referred to as "Golden Cross" exerts significant influence over the Korean economy and market through its extensive connections and wealth. Prosecutor Kang Do-yoon becomes embroiled in their activities when one of their schemes leads to the murder of his cherished sister, for which his father is subsequently wrongfully accused. Determined to avenge his sister, Do-yoon sets his sights on Seo Dong-ha, the influential figure behind the organization. However, his mission becomes complicated when he discovers that Seo is the father of the woman he loves, his colleague Seo Yi-re. Yi-re is an honorable prosecutor dedicated to justice; she has always held her father in high regard, and her world is upended when she uncovers his sinister side. At the same time, Seo mentors businessman Michael Jang, whose insatiable ambition soon drives him to compete with Seo for supremacy. This sets the stage for a confrontation involving power, wealth, and personal conflicts.

This year's drama resonated with Chinese audiences, focusing on themes such as housing prices, love, and marriage. The storyline revolved around a group of young individuals striving to achieve their dreams despite facing harsh realities. Ma Xiaodong, born in the 1980s, faced challenges after getting married and securing a bank loan to buy a house without informing his girlfriend, leading to a series of unfortunate events. Meanwhile, Liang Meili, a white-collar worker, struggled to sell an apartment to support her family amid financial difficulties. Through ups and downs, the characters navigated through work-related issues, personal differences, and parental expectations, all while seeking love, stability, and a place to call home. Ultimately, their perseverance and mutual support helped them overcome obstacles and find happiness in creating a warm and loving home.

The narrative centers around a young lady named Lu Yaqing in the era of the Chinese republic. She transforms her circumstances from poverty to marrying into a wealthy family, leveraging her embroidery skills to rise as a prosperous and influential figure, leaving a significant mark during her lifetime.

After Tong Si Jie loses her parents at a young age, she faces challenges and takes on various jobs to support her siblings. Her path crosses with the wealthy Yi Yi, and they fall in love against all odds. However, their plans for a future together are disrupted by Yi Yi's controlling mother, who manipulates the situation and drives a wedge between the couple.

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.

A narrative centered around an adopted woman facing challenges in her quest to establish a family.

Kyung Chae is set to inherit a five-star hotel. She is in a romantic relationship with Ji Sub, the hotel's general manager. Her life takes a turn when she befriends Hee Soo. Driven by jealousy, Hee Soo seeks to take everything away from Kyung Chae. Now, Kyung Chae is ready to stand her ground...

A familial narrative revolves around a woman who moves into her biological mother's boarding house alongside her stepmother following her father's death and the subsequent decline of his business. This challenged family navigates life's obstacles together, relying on love and empathy to achieve a joyful resolution. (MBC)

Despite facing financial hardships, Oh Bom remains optimistic and cheerful. She holds a part-time job at a factory. Kang Ma Roo is a gentle and uncomplicated young man, who possesses a certain naivety about life. An Tae Ho serves as the section chief at a corporation and is driven by ambition. He seeks out Choi Ah Ran for his own interests and eventually marries her. Choi Ah Ran is the heir to a substantial company. Although she is intelligent, she carries the burden of a troubled history; her younger sister has vanished, and her parents have abandoned her.

A theatrical piece centered on individuals confronting animosity and discord as they discover the essence of forgiveness, love, and true happiness.

On the eve of the Korean War in 1950, a man is murdered, setting off a chain of events that affects three families as four young individuals navigate the complexities of love and forgiveness. Kim Eun Hee's father is wrongfully accused of the crime and meets a tragic end as a consequence. Since that incident, Eun Hee has faced ostracism from her community. Im Sung Jae has always harbored feelings for Eun Hee, but their shared history threatens to keep them apart. Following his father's death, Sung Jae was ironically taken in and raised by the actual murderer, Cha Seok Goo. Seok Goo's daughter, Cha Young Joo, is both intelligent and arrogant, and she has developed feelings for Sung Jae. Her jealousy motivates her to attempt to sabotage his relationship with Eun Hee. Meanwhile, Choi Jung Tae is also in love with Eun Hee but chooses to accept that her affections lie elsewhere.

A lively miniseries focused on family dynamics, showcasing a blend of various generations and their distinct perspectives on relationships. The central storyline revolves around the tensions that emerge between a mother and her daughter, primarily stemming from the men they are involved with, highlighting the struggles that single mothers and divorcees encounter in contemporary society. The portrayal of their lives, along with those intertwined with them, resonates with viewers, evoking a comforting sensation known as love. (MBC)

Set against a backdrop of hope in a challenging and disconnected society, this drama explores themes of filial devotion, family connections, and virtuous individuals. It uncovers the genuine essence of marriage and love by illustrating the modern dating landscape and societal perspectives, all while highlighting the contrasting traits of young individuals who seek a partner based on social standing and wealth rather than authentic affection. Life is filled with both joyful and difficult moments, but having cherished ones around will transform each day into a delightful spring. (MBC)

Oh Dan-Byul suffered the loss of her parents as a result of her own error. She enters into a marriage with Joon-Young, but he unfortunately dies. At the same time, her mother-in-law, Ho-Duk, ends her marriage due to her husband’s unfaithfulness, and her sister-in-law, Se-Sil, comes back to South Korea after separating from her Italian spouse. Now, these three women cohabitate, navigating their individual challenges and growing to be significant in one another’s lives.

Rebooted in 2011, the South Korean series Sparkling featured Kim Hyun Joo and Lee Yoo Ri in leading roles.

This tale follows the lives of four childhood companions - Qing Qing, Ruo Mei, Cai Zhu, and Ma Jun. Ruo Mei harbors affection for Ma Jun, yet her feelings are unreciprocated. Qing Qing and Cai Zhu have been romantically involved for a few years, but encounter difficulties when Cai Zhu's biological mother resurfaces. Disapproving of Qing Qing, she endeavors to sabotage their relationship.

Is it possible for two childhood friends to be compelled into marriage if they are unable to find other appropriate partners? Pei Zheng Xi and Mo Cheng Zhen have been lifelong friends, with their mothers also sharing a close bond. Despite their mothers' hopes for them to wed, Zheng Xi and Cheng Zhen only see each other as friends, lacking any romantic connection. However, their mothers have decided that if they fail to secure suitable spouses by their 32nd birthdays, Zheng Xi and Cheng Zhen will be wedded to each other. With just one day left, who will Zheng Xi and Cheng Zhen end up marrying?

This drama narrates the tale of a woman who discovers her true love during a time of great despair. Yoon Mi So, an orphan raised by an adoptive family, is married to Lee Min Jae. Lee Min Jae's mother is discontented that Yoon Mi So is unable to have more children besides their daughter, Hae Ram, and wishes for him to find a new partner, such as Lee Sun Hee. Seo Kyung Soo, a lawyer working for the unscrupulous Oh Tae San, is stuck in an unhappy marriage with Oh Rae Young, who is the daughter of Oh Tae San. When Yoon Mi So and Seo Kyung Soo's lives intersect, it leads to significant changes not only for them but also for those around them.

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.

Lin Pin Ru marries Hong Shi Xian, who later cheats on her with Ai Li, Lin Pin Ru's closest friend. Lin Pin Ru is pregnant with Hong Shi Xian's child at the time. They both end up stranded on a boat at a beach, where Lin Pin Ru tragically drowns along with her unborn child while Hong Shi Xian survives. On the same day, Gao Shan Shan commits suicide by drowning herself in the same beach. Gao Wen Yan, Shan Shan's brother, attempts to save his sister but ends up rescuing Lin Pin Ru instead. Renaming herself as Gao Shan Shan, Lin Pin Ru seeks revenge on Hong Shi Xian and Ai Li for their betrayal.

Yoo Ga Eun is a kind-hearted young woman who was in a relationship with her boyfriend, Park Jeong U, which eventually led to marriage. However, she later uncovers the painful truth that her husband had been unfaithful with her close friend, Mi Ran, and that their adopted daughter is in fact the result of Jeong U and Mi Ran's affair. In a bid for revenge against them, she decides to marry Maeng Ho Geol, a prosperous clothing businessman, and meticulously devises a plan for their downfall. Meanwhile, Ga Eun also encounters Ha Jae Beom, a man who falls deeply in love with her and vows to stand by her through all her endeavors.

The tale of Tang Peng and Lin Jun, a previously childless couple, and their emotional journey towards parenthood, filled with both sorrow and joy.

A humorous drama focused on four sisters. These sisters, along with their families, reside in a multi-level building that features a coffee shop on the ground floor.

The drama narrates a tale of family, romance, companionship, and retaliation set in 20th century Shanghai. Following the demise of Huo Yuanjia, the northern and southern martial arts masters, Huo Yuanjia and Huang Feihong, along with heirs Zhai Feng and Yan Ying Yuan, sought to uncover the true perpetrator and clear their names. As their friends and loved ones turned against them, they faced betrayal and disgrace, biding their time for vengeance. Amidst adversity and the quiet anticipation of retribution, their characters underwent significant transformations. Whether lost in hardship or simmering with unspoken rage, their intertwined stories created a powerful narrative amidst the bustling Shanghai.

This story revolves around three different households. The Han family consists of Mr. Han, his second wife, and four daughters. While two of the daughters are from his previous marriage, the younger two are from his current marriage. The Choi family is made up of Mr. and Mrs. Choi and their two sons. Lastly, the Lee family includes Mr. Lee and his two sons. (Koreanwiz.org)

A woman who craves constant affection in an everlasting romance. She finds it impossible to endure a day without love. Even after experiencing heartbreak and betrayal repeatedly, she continues to fall for men. (MBC)

U Jin is a driven physician who has lost faith in genuine love following past disappointments. He perceives marriage merely as a commercial arrangement. Hae Su is employed as a sous-chef, and she aspires to marry the right partner and build a family. Before long, U Jin finds himself falling for her, leading to a struggle between his feelings and his ambitions.

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

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

Individuals who belong to the baby boomer generation often find themselves caring for aging parents while also sacrificing their own needs to fund their children’s education. This series explores the dynamics of a couple in their fifties alongside their children and elderly parents, representing three distinct generations. Information spreads rapidly through social media, societal concerns become trending topics almost instantaneously thanks to smart devices, and young adults can easily find a coffee shop on nearly every corner of the city to enjoy a bitter Americano in the 21st century. The one constant throughout these changes is the importance of family ties. Those in their fifties face the challenge of an increasing elderly population while often failing to save for retirement, as they allocate their finances towards their children’s education in a job market that offers fewer opportunities. Younger generations frequently use language that their elders may not comprehend, and the concept of casual dating has evolved significantly for today’s youth. By examining three generations within a family, we highlight various aspects of society. Additionally, we delve into the everyday life of Lady Cha, a resilient figure in the family, to illustrate elements of a typical, nurturing family environment. (MBC)

Hyun-Soo is a bright and intelligent university student who has faced significant hardships in her life. Her father was killed in a motorcycle crash, and her mother sustained brain injuries as a result of that incident. She is in a relationship with Yoon-Ho, and they decide to tie the knot. Initially, his mother, Young-Ae, is against their union, but eventually she changes her mind. After they are married, Yoon-Ho and his father are involved in an accident that claims his father's life, and Yoon-Ho goes missing. Unbeknownst to her, Hyun-Soo is pregnant, and her mother-in-law relocates to another country without informing her. Years later, Hyun-Soo encounters Young-Ae once more.

Chi Hwan values wealth and power over following the law and aspires to be at the top of society. He faced tragedy at a young age when his mother died under suspicious circumstances, leading him to endure poverty and war on his own. Determined to escape his hardships, he climbed out of poverty to achieve great success as the chairman of Shine Cosmetics. Se Na, who is actually Yi Chang's biological daughter, grows up believing she is Chi Hwan's daughter and dreams of inheriting his fortune. She longs to be with Jin Woo, but soon realizes he is in love with Hae In, Chi Hwan's biological daughter. In a twist of fate, Hae In lost her mother as a child and was adopted by Yi Chang. How will the destinies of these fathers and daughters unfold?

What are the desires of women in their thirties? They aspire to maintain their integrity and not settle for less in life

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.

The setting of the story is a bustling city in China, where a wealthy family and a less fortunate family are the main focus. The narrative kicks off with a mother who devotes herself to caring for her autistic son. Despite being the head of a prominent department store and having immense wealth and influence, she harbors deep-seated sorrows and anguish that she keeps hidden. Her husband is unfaithful, her son is autistic, and her daughter is rebellious. When her son falls in love with a nurse nursing a broken heart from a past relationship, the mother goes to great lengths to bring them together. This decision leads to a merging of the affluent and humble families, setting the stage for a web of intricate relationships to unfold.

Pi Seon Ju, a passionate interior designer, is in a marriage with driven architect Jeon Nam Jin. Unfortunately, Jeon Nam Jin becomes involved with Jin Sang A, who is the heiress to an architecture firm, and requests a divorce. Following their separation, Pi Seon Ju begins a fresh chapter in her life. On the other hand, Jin Sang A's husband, Kim So U, values stability more than ambition but decides to end their marriage upon learning about her affair. Encountering Pi Seon Ju marks a significant turning point in Kim So U's life.

A woman finds her life shattered when her closest friend betrays her by taking her husband. This frenemy causes chaos in her world, all in the name of her own daughter. What fate awaits them as justice seeks to restore balance in their lives? (MBC)

"Bachelor Vegetable Store" focuses on the romantic endeavors and achievements of six single young men. Han Tae Yang is an ambitious young man with aspirations for his small vegetable shop, and he unexpectedly finds himself in love. His friend, a rich heir raised without a father, takes a job at the shop and becomes enamored with a pampered young heiress. However, complications arise when she becomes interested in Tae Yang instead. This narrative is inspired by the true story of a young man who transformed a modest vegetable shop into a well-known brand.

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?