Asian dramas like
The Iron Empress

The plot revolves around Emperor Wang Gun, who established the Goryo Dynasty.

To ensure Koryo's independence, Gong Min Wang wed a woman he had no affection for. With Mongolian forces in control of Koryo, he took the Mongolian princess as his wife, believing this alliance might eventually lead to Koryo's liberation. Shin Don, a Buddhist monk, was a key advisor to both Queen Nokuk and King Gong Min in their governance of Koryo.

Chen Yu Lou, a tomb raider and leader of the Xieling Clan, teams up with warlord Luo Lao Wai to journey to Xiangxi and explore the tombs from the Yuan dynasty. Along the way, they encounter Zhe Gu Shao, who is seeking a magical bead to break a curse on his clan rather than treasures. Yu Lou and Gu Shao decide to work together to venture into the uncharted territory of the Yuan tombs.

The plot revolves around Kwangjong, who served as the monarch during the reign of the Koryo Dynasty from 918 to 1392.

This drama centers on a man born into the slave class during the Goryeo Dynasty, who ultimately overthrows a feudal government that had been established for more than 60 years, rising to become the most powerful individual in the nation.

Queen Insu (1437-1504), spouse of King Deok Jong and daughter of Hanh Wak, who served as the second state councilor, was designated as Queen Insu beginning in the second year of Sung Jong's reign. She is regarded as one of the most remarkable stateswomen in the history of Joseon. The television series illustrates the tragic fates and relationships of three women. During the reign of King Dan Jong, the sixth monarch of the Joseon Dynasty, Prince Soo Yang's son, Do Won, was wed to Han Jung. Distinct from other women of her time, Han Jung openly pursued her political ambitions. Ultimately, she opposed her mother-in-law, Queen Jung Hee, and maneuvered to place her son on the throne. The arrival of Deposed Queen Lady Yun escalated the tensions among the three women to a dramatic peak. (JTBC)

The tale of King Geun Cho Go, the warrior monarch of Baekje, unfolded during a time when the kingdom flourished. His leadership saw military victories that enabled him to dominate a substantial portion of the Korean peninsula, leading to a significant increase in political influence, which marked the pinnacle of Baekje's historical power.

A theatrical production that portrays the life of King Gwang Gae To the Great, who reclaimed the splendor of Goguryeo by regaining control from Baekje, which had invaded Goguryeo before Gwang Gae To's arrival and ruled over East Asia during the reign of King Geun Cho Go.

During a visit to a temple with his royal officials and Queen, Emperor Qianlong and his entourage are ambushed by rebels from the "Sun-moon cult," led by Zhong Liang and Zi Xia. Thankfully, no one is harmed, but the Queen, who is pregnant, becomes distressed and tragically dies after taking herbal medicine prescribed by a royal doctor. Outraged by this incident, Qianlong orders an investigation. Meanwhile, unrest in China and suspicions of conspiracy among his concubines and officials prompt Qianlong to travel to Jiang Nan with his bodyguard E Rong An, scholar Ji Xiao Lan, and Lian Er, the former maid of the deceased Queen.

A tale depicting the challenges faced by Huang Xiao Hua, a retired soldier and member of the Communist party, from her youth at 18 to her old age at 80. Following the Chinese victory in the Anti-Japanese Occupation war, Huang Xiao Hua settles down in a peaceful farming village. She attracts the attention of two young men - war hero Wei Shou Gen and party branch secretary Tan Shan Tang - who both vie for her affections. Forced to flee, Huang Xiao Hua disguises herself as a man and relocates to a different village. There, she meets military leader Zhao Jing Song and joins the military as a medical worker. The two develop a romantic relationship, but Huang Xiao Hua is injured in battle and falls into a coma. Upon awakening, she embarks on a quest to find her lover, only to discover that he has passed away. She then dedicates herself to caring for his children until they come of age.

Whispers of a legendary map rumored to be hidden in Ximianqiao Prison from the ancient Shu Kingdom have caught the attention of different groups, putting pressure on General Wu, the governor of Chengdu. In order to protect the valuable treasure, students from a local school come up with a bold plan. Xu Jia Xing pretends to commit a crime to gain access to the prison, but his older brother, Xu Jia He, ends up taking his place instead. As Xu Jia He uncovers his brother's true motives, he becomes entangled in the quest for the map. Together, the brothers, along with other loyalists, face dangerous obstacles and hidden identities as they work together to find the treasure map and preserve their country's history.

The series carries on with the ambitious portrayal of a pivotal historical period, focusing on Ying Ji, the ruler of Qin, and his endeavors to subdue the six rival states, ultimately playing a crucial role in uniting the empire.

This play is set in the tumultuous Spring and Autumn Period and recounts the famous tale of Gou Jian, the King of Yue, who experienced a downfall and subsequent resurgence. Following his defeat, Gou Jian was taken captive and made a slave by King Fu Chai of Wu. Pretending to be obedient and loyal while secretly plotting his revenge during his captivity, Gou Jian eventually earns the chance to go back to his homeland of Yue. When he resumes his rule, Gou Jian strengthens his kingdom with the assistance of skilled advisers and politicians such as Fan Li and Wen Zhong, while also weakening Wu internally through bribery and strategic diplomacy. The phrase "Wo Xin Chang Dan" symbolizes Gou Jian's perseverance and self-imposed challenges meant to constantly remind himself of the humiliations he endured while under Wu's control. - Lady Zhuge.

The play is set during the seventeenth year of Ming Chongzhen, the first year of Qingshun (1644 AD), to the sixteenth year of Yongli in the Southern Ming Dynasty, and the first year of Qing Kangxi (1662 AD)

In the world of martial arts, there were two significant events that took place

Spanning more than 70 years, the series chronicles the rise of Kublai Khan and the events that led to the establishment of the Yuan dynasty in China. Born in 1215 as the son of Tolui, who was the fourth son of Genghis Khan, Kublai's ascent to power was met with treachery from T regene, the wife of Tolui's brother, gedei. T regene viewed Tolui as a threat to her husband's claim to succession, especially as Tolui gained more recognition for his military victories. Despite being favored by his grandfather, Genghis Khan, Kublai faced opposition from T regene who sought to eliminate Tolui's entire family. After Tolui's death by poison, his sons, led by M ngke, sought revenge. T regene accused M ngke and his brothers of plotting against the empire, but Kublai and his mother, Sorghaghtani, managed to mediate the conflict. Escaping from T regene's grasp, Kublai and his family regrouped and slowly expanded their influence. Following the deaths of gedei and G y k, M ngke entrusted Kublai with crucial duties. After M ngke's demise, Kublai engaged in a power struggle with his brother Ariq B ke, emerging victorious to secure his position as Khan and establish the Yuan dynasty in China.

In the era of the Ming Dynasty, there was a plot by the eunuchs and Japanese to seize control. To safeguard the emperor, three valiant individuals formed a bond as sworn brothers. Sadly, one of them succumbed to greed and ambition, betraying his comrades in pursuit of power and fame.

The Conqueror's Tale recounts the transformation of Liu Bang from a humble commoner to the inaugural Emperor, Emperor Gao, of the Han Dynasty.

In the 1930s, Guangzhou was facing a period of political unrest, with gangsters causing chaos and the illegal opium trade flourishing. To combat this, the government established the Anti-Smoking Bureau to crack down on opium, but it was actually controlled by Cheng Long Kwan, the leader of the gang. Cheng Kau Mui, Kwan's cunning eldest daughter, returned from Shanghai to capitalize on the profits. Mui carefully strategized her every move. Meanwhile, Lau Sing led the Criminal Investigation Team, working tirelessly to secure a better future for his family, especially his sickly sister Lau Ching. Despite his fiery temper, Sing valued loyalty and camaraderie above all else. He once risked his life to help his timid colleague, Pai Kuat. As the Japanese army invaded China and took control of Canton, Mui faced her darkest hour when her aunt Cheng Long Hei framed her.

In 1929, Japan saw the establishment of its inaugural law school specifically for women. Among the students was Inotsume Tomoko, who went against societal norms. By 1938, the first female lawyers, such as Torako, began to emerge, earning admiration nationwide. However, with the outbreak of war, opportunities for their legal expertise decreased. Fast forward seven years, Torako, who had lost everything during the war, utilized her legal knowledge to survive. With a goal of becoming a judge, she dedicated herself to creating a family court to aid children orphaned by the war and women facing difficulties, aiming to assist those facing challenges beyond politics and finance.

The plot unfolds during a chaotic period in Korean history, when a group of fighters including Jung Joong Bu, Lee Ui Bang, Lee Go, and Chae Won staged a revolt against King Ui Jong of Goryeo and his administration, which was controlled by intellectuals and officials, in order to institute a military-led governance.

The narrative revolves around the life of Dae Jo Yeong, who is recognized as the founder of the Balhae kingdom.

Chung Nyeong, born as the third prince, was far from being in line for the throne. His formative years were marked by turmoil as Korea dealt with political strife both internally and externally, and he even faced the threat of abduction during his childhood. As he grew, the young prince found himself residing in a private home outside the palace, experiencing the daily lives of ordinary citizens until he reached young adulthood. Upon eventually taking the throne, Chung Nyeong, who became known as King Se Jong, worked to stabilize the newly established nation and fostered the flourishing culture of Joseon. During this time, he also created Hangul, the writing system used in Korea.

King Mu Ryeong was a monarch of Baekje who presided over a cultural revival during his rule while transforming his realm into a maritime force. He had a concealed daughter named Soo Baek Hyang, who was unable to attain the status of princess because of her malevolent half-sister, Seol Hee. Nevertheless, Baek Hyang demonstrated profound loyalty to her father and a strong sense of patriotism. Eventually, she rose to become the leader of Bimun, a clandestine intelligence organization that supported her nation in times of conflict. Her contributions secured her a lasting place in the history of Baekje. (MBC)

A television series depicting the initial stages of western impact in Taiwan, the story is set in 1867 after The Rover shipwreck. It follows the efforts of William Pickering and Dr. Patrick Manson in mediating between the American Consul and the indigenous leaders of southern Taiwanese tribes to uncover the fate of the survivors from the shipwreck. (TVDb)

Bao Zheng, along with his loyal companions Gongsun Ce and Zhan Zhao, unravel different enigmas on their travels.

In the republican drama "A Detective Housewife," the main character is a housewife named Gou Ji Xiang who experiences a major transformation following her husband's unexplained death. Motivated to uncover the truth behind the murder, she embarks on a journey to become a detective with the guidance of Mao Ru Yi.

During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States Era, turmoil reigns as feudal lords engage in endless warfare, causing suffering among the people. To alleviate humanity's plight, the sixth daughter of the Jade Emperor, Zhong Li Wu Yan, descends to earth. Formerly a heavenly goddess known for her kindness and compassion, she cannot bear to witness humanity's downfall and volunteers to help them by incarnating into a humble family in a small village. Despite her unattractive appearance, Zhong Li Wu Yan possesses unparalleled skills. In the midst of this chaos, Qi Xuan Wang, the ruler of the powerful Qi State, ascends to the throne but shows no interest in governing. It is fate that brings Zhong Li Wu Yan to the palace, where she becomes a consort to Qi Xuan Wang.

Sheng Chu Mo, born into a life of privilege as the son of one of the Tang Empire's founders, initially lived a carefree existence with no goals or ambitions. However, everything changed when he met Fu Rou, a merchant's daughter. Inspired by her greatness, Chu Mo decided to improve himself and earn her love. As he dedicated himself to studying and growing, he also volunteered to defend the coast from pirates, following in his father's footsteps. Meanwhile, Fu Rou pursued a career as a master weaver in the royal palace, getting involved in dangerous palace intrigues. Despite facing numerous obstacles and enemies, Chu Mo and Fu Rou must rely on their intelligence and skills to overcome these challenges and save their country and their love.

The Great Seer is set during the rule of King Gong Min. While the series focuses on seers, geomancers, and diviners, it emphasizes the political influencers rather than the fantastical elements—individuals who had the clout to advise and manipulate kings. Mok Ji Sang, a talented seer and geomancer, possesses the unique gift of seeing into the past and future of individuals. Some people mistakenly believe he wields dark supernatural forces, thinking he is under the influence of spirits. Ultimately, he evolves into a "king-maker," playing a crucial role in the political upheaval that leads to the fall of Goryeo and the establishment of Joseon, as he supports General Yi and significantly impacts the course of Korean history.

Set against the backdrop of the Joseon Dynasty (during a tumultuous era marked by justification conflicts and espionage as the Ming transitioned to the Qing), the story unfolds during a time of heightened public demand for social change. This historical action-romance drama, structured in three arcs, depicts the lives of warriors and spies navigating the complexities of borders. It centers on Crown Prince So Hyeon, his loyal bodyguards Heo Seung Po and An Min Seo, and Park Dal Hyang, a yangban warrior who, despite his humble beginnings, possesses charm and good looks. Dal Hyang finds himself entangled in a love triangle involving Yoon Seo, the Crown Princess, and Crown Prince So Hyeon. Additionally, Jo Mi Ryeong, who was once the prince’s first love, transforms into his adversary, seeking vengeance against him. Loosely inspired by Alexandre Dumas's novel "The Three Musketeers."

The narrative centers around a crown prince named Lee Sun, who battles the Pyeonsuhwe organization that wields total control over the kingdom and monopolizes the water supply through privatization. This drama weaves together elements of romance, action, and courtly intrigue as Crown Prince Lee Sun valiantly fights for the welfare of his people, while Han Ga Eun unexpectedly finds herself falling for him instead of seeking revenge for her father's execution at his hands. In “The Emperor: Owner of the Mask,” there are palace conspiracies related to the true authority behind the throne, along with a surprising twist when the prince swaps identities with a commoner. Ultimately, the central theme of the series is love, which permeates the romance between the prince and his beloved, as well as their shared compassion for the nation and its citizens. (MBC)

After learning that his birth mother is not Empress Dowager Liu E but her servant Li Lanhui, Zhao Zhen decides to marry his daughter Princess Fukang to Li Wei, the son of the Li family, as a gesture of apology for his lack of respect. In the political sphere, Zhao Zhen works to maintain a delicate balance between the conservative and progressive factions following the backlash against the Qingli reforms. Within the palace, Emperor Renzong deals with the loyal Empress Cao, the troublesome Zhang Mihan, and the gentle Lady Miao.

The narrative takes place in the Ming Dynasty under the rule of the Jiajing Emperor. General Qi Jiguang recruits the assistance of warrior monks from Shaolin Monastery to protect China from the wokou (Japanese pirates) and other intruders.

A Chinese TV show inspired by the journeys of Zheng He, the adventurer who commanded seven voyages to Southeast Asia, South Asia, and East Africa during the 15th century. (Reference: Wikipedia)

The narrative follows Zhou Wen, a graduate of Whampoa Military Academy from a wealthy background. After engaging in a confrontation with Japanese forces, he was captured and sentenced to death. However, his father's significant political influence in the region allowed him to evade execution. Zhou Wen then adopted the name Zhou Wei Guo and made the decision to forsake wealth and renown, facing hardships as he enlisted in the military. He achieved great success in combat and established the groundbreaking "Snow Leopard" special operations task force to combat the Japanese during World War II. (DramaWiki)

After losing her parents at a young age, Liu E journeys to the capital city of Kaifeng where she attracts the attention of Zhao Heng. Despite being a concubine, Liu E displays a keen understanding of political matters and frequently engages in discussions with Zhao Heng. This dynamic persists even after Zhao Heng ascends to the throne in 997. Following the adoption of a concubine's son (who later becomes Emperor Renzong), Liu E is named empress and assumes the role of regent for the Song Dynasty during the final two years of her husband's rule. Liu E continues to govern until her passing in 1033, twelve years later. This account draws inspiration from the remarkable life of Empress Zhangxian Mingsu, also known as Liu E of the Song Dynasty.

The Rain-Ceasing Sword and the Cloud-Ruling Sabre are known as the most powerful weapons globally, carrying the weight of ethnic conflicts. Despite being guarded by four monks, they were defeated by Pong Ban, leaving only one monk alive to escape with the sword. Long Fan Wan intervened to stop Pong Ban as the monk fled, eventually being discovered by Hon Pak and presented to Yin Wong. The story takes place during the first Ming dynasty following the fall of the Mongolian Yuan Dynasty. Fung Heng Lit, a Mongol Prince, lost his memories during a massacre by Emperor Zhu and was raised in China. Pong Ban, the leader of the Mongolian clan, attempts to restore Heng Lit's memories and train him to become the Mongolian Prince, hoping to lead a rebellion against the Ming Dynasty. However, Heng Lit envisions a world of equality, where Mongols and Chinese coexist peacefully.

A tale of a talented swordsman who encounters various challenges instilled in him a strong sense of righteousness and genuine compassion for common people. Sakazaki Iwane is a masterless samurai spending his days leisurely in Edo. Previously, he was a promising heir to a prominent family in Bungo until tragedy struck in their domain, resulting in the deaths of his two close friends. One of his friends was killed by Iwane on the orders of the domain lord's top retainer. Distraught, Iwane left his hometown for Edo, leaving behind his fiancée who was the sister of the friend he had to slay. As he delves deeper, Iwane uncovers a plot behind his friends' deaths and works towards reforming his domain. (NHK)

The narrative centers on a criminal investigation and forensic methods set in the late Joseon period, tracking the efforts of a covert special task force formed to address the rising tide of crime stemming from the political instability of the time. Kang Seung Jo and Kim Kang Woo head a group of top-notch investigators as they delve into the details surrounding enigmatic fatalities and various offenses.

This drama explores the journey of Kim Soo Ro, the famed founder of Geumgwan Gaya, the leading city-state within the Gaya confederacy that excelled in maritime trade and iron production during the Three Kingdoms Period. Kim Soo Ro relies on his passionate nature, charm, and intellect as he navigates the protracted political conflicts he faces, including rivalry for the throne from his half-brother and longtime adversary, Ijinashi, his former ally Suk Tal Hae, and the menacing ambitions of Shin Kwi Gan.

The drama takes place in 1925 and follows the life and romantic relationship of a woman named Chun Mei during the Japanese occupation of Taiwan. Through Chun Mei's story, the audience is exposed to the emotional narratives of the Taiwanese people during this historical period.

During the Yuan dynasty, a destitute peasant named Liu Bing Ji roamed the streets as a traveling Buddhist disciple. When the emperor encountered him, a duel ensued, revealing Bing Ji as the true emperor. However, a eunuch devised a plan to overthrow Bing Ji, resulting in his kidnapping and disfigurement. The eunuch found a lookalike to take Bing Ji's place on the throne. Suspicion arose among court officials as the imposter committed wicked acts. Meanwhile, Bing Ji led a group of beggars in rebellion against the fake emperor. A conflict ensued as the impostor and his conspirators faced opposition. The question remained - could Bing Ji, also known as Iron Rooster, reclaim his throne and convince others of his true identity as a beggar?