Asian dramas like
The King And I

A new piece of literature that offers fresh insights into the character of Lee Bang Won, a prominent figure who played a key role in the establishment of the country. (Naver)

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)

This series is inspired by the tale of Lu Bu and Diao Chan from the novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. (DramaWiki)

Troublemaking princes within the palace are causing headaches for the royal family and are on the verge of becoming proper crown princes. Their mother, Im Hwa Ryeong, is married to a distinguished king. However, instead of exuding elegance and grace, she is described as prickly, sensitive, and quick to anger. Once more composed, she has changed due to constant provocation. She is a queen who occasionally sets aside her pride and is even known to use strong language. Despite facing daily challenges, she endures them all for the sake of her children.

This show revolves around the story of Qin Shi Huang, the inaugural ruler who brought together China under the Qin dynasty in 221 BC.

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.

The drama will portray significant historical occurrences with a scholar at its core. Ryu Seong Ryong was a government official who served during the late 16th century under King Seon Jo. A distinguished Confucian scholar, he was appointed to oversee military efforts during the Imjin War and had a considerable impact on Admiral Lee Soon Shin. The narrative begins prior to the onset of the Imjin War and will track the characters through to the Battle of Noryang and the demise of Lee Soon Shin.

Si Young, the eldest son of Park Hee Chan, is aware of the reason behind his father's insistence on him succeeding the family business. He is known for his ruthless business tactics and gradually evolves into a formidable leader while managing the guild. On the other hand, Jae Young, his younger brother, forges his own path and refrains from adopting his brother's cutthroat business approach.

In a fictional historical drama, Lee Tae becomes the ruler of Joseon after his father, King Sunjong, removes the previous king from power with the assistance of Park Gye Won. Lee Tae aims to govern as a supreme monarch, but faces opposition from the powerful Park Gye Won. Amidst this power struggle within the royal court, Yoo Jung, a noblewoman believed to be Lee Tae's wife, gets caught in the middle.

In the midst of the Second Sino-Japanese War, Qin Chuan bravely stood up against oppressors and corrupt officials to protect his homeland, undergoing a transformation from a scholarly young man to a formidable warrior

Han Da Kyeong is a woman detective who bears the weight of her past along with its emotional scars.

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)

The narrative revolves around a woman entangled in a violent love affair with two princes

Queen Won Gyeong, born into a respected family of government officials during the Goryeo period, married Yi Bang Won (Prince Jeong An), the son of King Tae Jo who established the Joseon dynasty. Despite King Tae Jo choosing his second son, Yi Bang Gwa, as his successor, Lady Min and her husband conspired to have Yi Bang Won take the throne instead. After Yi Bang Won became King TaeJong, he took on several concubines which led to conflicts with Queen Won Gyeong. As their relationship deteriorated, King Tae Jong attempted to exert control over her and her family in order to consolidate his power.

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

The television drama depicts the story of Jang Yeong Shil, a scientist, inventor, and technician from the Joseon era. Born into the lower-class nobi, Jang Yeong Shil catches the attention of King Se Jong, who invites him to the royal palace. The king offers him an opportunity to showcase his talents. Throughout the series, he creates various inventions, including astronomical devices, an iron printing press, and a water clock.

A narrative depicting the challenges of establishing a business in Zhangjiakou centers around a trader named He Tian Bao, who remains steadfast in his convictions and practices the values instilled in him from a young age. (ChineseDrama.Info)

There are four different options to choose from: a DVD set with 42 episodes, a TV version with 53 episodes, an Uncut Version with 45 episodes, and a TV version with 52 episodes.

In 1934, during a conflict, the Shi family in Jingzhen, Shaanxi stumbled upon a bronze dagger believed to have been used by "Jing Qin Qin". The father of the Shi family hid the dagger to keep it safe from the infamous warlord Feng Xiang and his followers. The bronze dagger, which had been dormant for two thousand years after failing to complete an assassination in Jingye, awakened with a thirst for blood. The scramble for the dagger led to tragedy, as the Shi family's father and daughter-in-law, as well as the brothers Mu Shi, were killed by the bandit leader Ke Wen. The brothers, Shi Togo and Shi Youshu, embarked on different paths of revenge. Over the course of ten years, Shi Togo transformed from an angry young man to a skilled assassin, while Shi Youshu attempted to downplay the value of the dagger and fell into addiction. Their differing approaches ultimately led to tragic consequences, with Shi Youshu losing the woman he loved to his brother. Yun Meier, torn between the two brothers, ended up as Shi Youshu's wife due to a twist of fate. In a final act of defiance, she used the bronze dagger to resist her fate and honor her true love for Shi Togo.

Qu Yuan, a gifted child from a respectable family, finds himself in an unexpected romance with Mo Chou Nu, a slave. Their love is hindered by their social differences, leading them to face numerous challenges as they navigate through political intrigues and palace schemes in their quest to be together. The narrative also chronicles Qu Yuan's gradual efforts to protect his nation.

Taking place in Beijing during the early 1900s, three apprentice friends experience tumultuous lives

In Wangsha Village, Macau, a determined young man named Lin Wei Liang courageously revolted against colonial authority by assassinating Shavard, the Portuguese colonial governor of Macau, thus symbolizing Macau's fight for independence

The final years of the Ming dynasty were a dark period in Chinese history marked by deceit and conspiracy. Emperor Xizong, who reluctantly held the throne, was more interested in carpentry than ruling. This allowed the manipulative eunuch Wei Zhong Xian and his allies to abuse their power through blackmail and torture. When Yang Lian, a close associate of Qian Jia Yi and Murong Qiu, fell victim to Wei Zhong Xian, the two friends sought revenge with the help of others. However, their plans became complicated when they discovered a plot to assassinate the emperor, leading them into a tangled web of betrayal. As they delved deeper into the situation, they realized that appearances could be deceiving.

A notorious femme fatale, So Yong utilizes her innate beauty, charm, and intelligence to capture the affection of the King and secure her position among his royal concubines. King In Jo becomes infatuated with So Yong, allowing his royal responsibilities to fall by the wayside. Capitalizing on King In Jo’s weaknesses, So Yong seizes his authority and wields complete control over the nation. She even aligns herself with a rebellion led by her stepfather. When Crown Prince So Hyeon returns home after seven years in captivity, he aims to modernize his country by introducing advanced scientific methods and cultural practices. Nevertheless, the young prince poses a danger to So Yong, prompting her to scheme against him and persuade the King to poison his own son. Following Prince So Hyeon’s demise, Kang Bin, the Crown Princess, uncovers So Yong's treachery. Collaborating with the courtiers, Kang Bin seeks to overthrow So Yong and reclaim the kingdom. However, So Yong is cunning and determined to maintain her grip on power. Thus begins the ruthless saga of the Bloodied Palace. (JTBC)

A century after the establishment of the Communist Party of China, Faith Makes Great showcases various historic tales depicting the relentless efforts of the people to achieve their goal of revitalizing the nation. The main themes include: "Ice and Fire" focusing on Shougang workers transitioning to ice-surfacing for the Winter Olympics, "173 meters" highlighting the Lanyu Railway Construction, "Rock Sugar" narrating Deng Jia's role as the chief commander of atomic bomb theory design, "The Next Hundred Years" showcasing the restoration of cultural relics in the Forbidden City, "Family" following a Medical Aid Team, "Button" exploring the first small private business, "Time Train" depicting high-speed rail construction, and "Your Eyes" portraying the protection of the Yunnan Golden Monkey. (ChineseDrama.info)

Following the confrontation at Xuan Wu Gate with his siblings Li Jian Cheng and Li Yuan Ji, Li Shi Min ascended to the throne as the second emperor of the Tang dynasty, adopting the era title Zhen Guan. Despite facing obstacles and internal disputes, his rule ushered in a period of stability and prosperity for the nation and its citizens.

Lee Lin Yin and On Tak Hoi, who both came from humble backgrounds, were sold into servitude as palace eunuchs when they were young. Under the guidance of senior eunuch Lau Dor San, they formed a strong brotherly bond and rose to prominent positions serving Empress Dowager Ci Xi. However, Tak Hoi's greed strained his relationship with the cautious Lin Yin. As the head eunuch, Chan Fuk felt threatened by their rising influence and began scheming against them. Fortunately, Lin Yin received support from palace maid Sin Yung and eunuch pharmacist Yiu Seung Hei. Meanwhile, tensions rose as Emperor Tong Zi prepared to select his empress, causing concern for Empress Dowager Ci An that Ci Xi would gain more power. To counter this, she allied with the Grand Prince to weaken Ci Xi's position.

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.

In 1627, Emperor Chong Zhen took over the leadership of the Ming dynasty following his brother Emperor Tian Qi, with assistance from Wang Cheng En, a eunuch. Despite his best efforts, Emperor Chong Zhen struggled to revive his declining empire due to widespread corruption inherited from his predecessors and a rebellion led by Li Zi Cheng. Meanwhile, Huangtaiji, the ambitious ruler of the Qing dynasty, was preparing to invade the Ming Empire from the north. Emperor Chong Zhen appointed Yuan Chong Huan and Hong Cheng Chou as military commanders to counter the threat, but their outcomes differed - Yuan was falsely accused of plotting against the emperor and executed, while Hong surrendered to the Manchus after a defeat at the Battle of Songjin and later aided them in fighting against the Southern Ming dynasty. In 1644, Li Zi Cheng's rebels seized Beijing, leading Emperor Chong Zhen to take his own life. Shortly after, Wu San Gui, a Ming general, defected to the Qing dynasty, allowing them to conquer the rest of China. Wu's betrayal was driven by the loss of his concubine, Chen Yuan Yuan, who was taken by a rebel general after the fall of Beijing. Wu joined forces with the Qing against the rebels in retaliation.

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.

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.

This drama portrays the story of Kim Man Deok, a woman from Jeju Island who rose above her humble beginnings as a gisaeng and the limitations imposed by her isolated birthplace, which was viewed as a distant exile at that time. She emerged as a prosperous female trader during the Joseon Era. Eventually, she gained recognition as a paragon of virtue and nobility by donating her entire fortune to assist the people of Jeju during a famine, thereby saving numerous lives.

Baek Dae Gil and King Yeong Jo face off in a high-stakes game. Baek Dae Gil wagers his life, while King Yeong Jo stakes the entire Joseon Kingdom on the result. Renowned as the greatest gambler of the Joseon period, Baek Dae Gil harbors intense bitterness within, yet maintains a composed facade. King Yeong Jo is a ruler who never bows his head without a compelling justification. At the same time, Dam Seo is driven solely by a desire for vengeance against the king.

This story revolves around Lady Kim, a cunning concubine, and the turbulent events that occurred during the reign of King Seon Jo to Prince Gwang Hae, marked by immoral acts and violence all in the name of safeguarding the throne. Prince Gwang Hae's immoral actions were not unique to the Joseon dynasty. In the pursuit of protecting the throne, a parent murdered their offspring, a brother killed another brother, and a wife assassinated her husband. However, their deeds were not simply immoral acts. It is conceivable that other kings would have behaved similarly to Prince Gwang Hae if faced with the same imminent threat to their rule.

This drama narrates the tale of Jang Hee Bin, a renowned royal concubine during the Joseon Dynasty, who played a significant part in the ousting of King Sook Jong’s spouse, Queen In Hyun. However, in contrast to the numerous dramas and films that depict this infamous antagonist, this series will explore the life of Jang Ok Jung prior to her rise as concubine Jang Hee Bin, highlighting her contributions as a fashion designer and cosmetic creator in the Joseon period.

During the chaotic downfall of the Great Ning Dynasty, Pei Shen Zhi uses the late emperor's decree to install Ning Jin Yi as a figurehead ruler. Despite her compliant facade, Ning Jin Yi quietly consolidates her authority and advocates for change within the regime. Pei Shen Zhi is captivated by her cleverness and gets caught up in her ascent as she eliminates dissent in the royal court.

A distinguished academic unexpectedly finds himself as the guardian of a playful princess. Gyeon Woo enjoys the reputation of being “Joseon’s National Treasure,” celebrated as one of the leading scholars of his era. When the king requests that he properly instruct his spirited daughter, Princess Hye Myung, Gyeon Woo realizes he faces a significant challenge. However, as rebels threaten Hye Myung and jeopardize her future rule, Gyeon Woo unwittingly steps into the role of her protector. What starts as a job he never anticipated transforms into a mission to save Hye Myung from a dire fate and secure her throne. (Viki)

In the fictional land of Dongbangguk, Hwa Ri is the youngest princess in the royal family. Raised with a strong sense of independence, she decides to take matters into her own hands when it comes time to marry. Venturing outside the palace, she meets potential suitors while also searching for the artist behind a series of provocative paintings featuring her likeness. Among the candidates is Choi Hwan, a wealthy merchant known for his good looks and charm. Despite his reputation for enjoying the finer things in life, he harbors a mysterious secret.

This story delves into the intense power struggle among imperial consorts during the Qing Dynasty. The Forbidden Palace is divided into two factions: Chuan Fei and Xiang Bin. Fearing the loss of the emperor's favor, Chuan seeks a replacement in the imperial concubine selection to rival Xiang for the position of Empress. Si Lin Chun escapes on her wedding day to participate in the selection and encounters a man named Ding An along the way. Jing Zhen and Lord Yi Hui, who have been close since childhood, are in love, but Jing decides to become a beloved concubine for the sake of improving relations with Mongolia. Desperate, Lord Yi Hui constantly seeks out Jing, while Si finds comfort in Lord Yi Hui. The complicated love triangle adds further chaos to the Forbidden Palace.

Season 4 of The Eloquent Ji Xiaolan includes the stories: Xiaoyue's Homecoming, The Revolution that Wasn't, The Written Conversation Case, and Loyalty Temple. Ji Xiao Lan, a wise scholar who upholds justice fairly, Emperor Qian Long from the Kangxi-Qianlong era, and the corrupt He Shen, who accepts bribes and twists the law, once again engage in hilarious yet profound tragicomedies. (Ruyi Films)

"Severe Winter" takes place during the Second Sino-Japanese War and follows Deng Zi Hua, a spy undercover for a resistance group against the Japanese. His loyalties are tested when he finds himself falling for two women from contrasting backgrounds: a stunning Russian woman and Luo Hai Qiong.

Taking place during the Warring States Period, the narrative centers on a remarkable prodigy with a mysterious background. Similar to a chess grandmaster, Wang Chan orchestrates events during turbulent times to suppress rebellion and bolster his nation's power, eventually earning the revered title of Gui Gu Zi. In 390 BC, Wang Cuo aids the Crown Prince of Wei in thwarting a coup, leading to the exile of Wei Huan and the escape of Wu Qi to Chu. Following a momentous victory, Wang Cuo faces retaliation from Wu Qi, who seeks to claim Sun Tzu's The Art of War for himself. Surrounding the manor with five hundred soldiers, Wu Qi massacres all within. Despite the tragedy, Madame Wang gives birth to Wang Chan, who grows up to become a skilled political strategist.

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.

Inspired by a historical figure, Ji Xiao Lan narrates the tale of an intelligent scholar serving as a top official under Emperor Qian Long in the Qing Dynasty. Ji Xiao Lan, known for his modesty and integrity, strives to aid the people affected by unfair treatment from heartless and dishonest government officials. He often clashes with the corrupt yet affable He Shen, a fellow official of the same rank but with more connections and resources. The series delves into various challenges faced by the Qing Dynasty government, such as famine, natural disasters, rebellion, censorship, murder cases, and widespread corruption. While the show primarily offers humor with wordplay, jokes, and absurd arguments, it also includes moments of serious and emotional drama. Emperor Qian Long occasionally joins the duo as their "third brother" during his secret travels across the country. Each season features loosely connected storylines comprising five to six narratives or arcs.

Dik Yan Kit was a renowned chancellor in ancient China, serving during both the Tang Dynasty and Zhou Dynasty. He earned the trust of Mo Chak Tin, who was the ruler at the time. Unfortunately, Mo Sing Chi, the Empress's nephew, harbored jealousy towards Dik and falsely accused him of plotting with his son-in-law, Sung Ting Yuk, to take over the throne. As a result, Dik's family was captured, but he managed to escape amidst the chaos. In a bid to further harm Dik, Mo Sing Chi threatened to harm Dik's wife, Cho Yuet. The question remains - will Dik Yan Kit emerge victorious against his adversaries?