Asian dramas like
The Matchmakers

The tale of a magistrate's daughter who departed from her family and established a business specializing in matchmaking services.

This drama offers a unique take on the famous classic tale of The Legend of Chun Hyang. The central question posed in this narrative is: what if Lee Mong Ryong's true affection is directed toward Hyang Dan instead of Chun Hyang? Viewers can expect a fresh comedic approach from this production. (DramaWiki)

Jin Ling Long left her family behind to pursue a career as a matchmaker. She works closely with Li Yue Chen every day, bravely overseeing operations at a matchmaking establishment. (Douban)

In this tale reminiscent of "Ghostbusters," youthful watchmen from the Joseon Dynasty battle against demons. Against the backdrop of the royal palace, the heroes defeat these malevolent beings while the villains exploit them for their own agendas. The palace is filled with dark schemes aimed at seizing control and overthrowing the king. This narrative of young demon hunters beautifully illustrates the challenges and joys of life in all their richness. (MBC)

Set in the 17th Century, Jang Beo Jin is a young female diver residing on Tamra Island. She is not fond of her circumstances and aspires to escape the island one day. To her surprise, she stumbles upon a young man with blond hair lying on the beach. His name is William, and he is a British citizen who has been shipwrecked. Meanwhile, another young man, Park Kyu, arrives on the island disguised as one of the many convicts sent there. In reality, Park Kyu is an aspiring government official known as Seon Bi. This trio soon finds themselves entangled in a comedic love triangle. The series is available in two formats: 16 episodes (TV) or 21 episodes (Director's Cut DVD).

The versatile scholar Tong Bak Fu is on a journey across the country accompanied by his close friend Wat Gei. He is in search of the final beauty to include in his 'Nine Beauties Painting'. Along the way, he develops feelings for Chau Heung, a maid from the Wah family, and decides to paint her to complete his masterpiece. To get closer to her, he joins the Wah family as a servant. Initially, Chau Heung sees Tong Bak Fu as lacking in talent. However, as challenges arise that only Tong Bak Fu can overcome, their relationship becomes more complicated. Despite having different perspectives on life, Tong Bak Fu and Chau Heung find themselves at odds. The situation is further complicated by Princess Tin Yuk, who constantly bullies Tong Bak Fu and others but eventually falls in love with him. Adding to the drama, Tong Bak Fu becomes entangled in a power struggle involving the Emperor, Prince Ling, and others.

Crown Prince Yi Gak discovers that he has been whisked away from the Joseon Dynasty to contemporary Seoul. He encounters Hong Se Na, who looks remarkably like his deceased wife, and is resolved to uncover the truth behind her death, a mystery that has persisted for 300 years. Sharing a striking resemblance with the CEO's grandson at the company where Se Na is employed, Gak takes on the young man's identity to remain near her. Will the Crown Prince be able to maneuver through a modern corporation to gather insights that could lead him back to his own era?

King Lee Heon of Joseon has mourned the loss of his wife for seven years, rejecting all attempts to find him a new spouse. This led to the issuance of the geumhonryung decree prohibiting unmarried women from marrying. In the midst of public disapproval, a woman named Ye So Rang, who claimed to have contact with the spirit of the late queen, caught the king's attention. After being caught for her deception, Ye So Rang feigned possession by the queen's spirit to avoid punishment. Her charade continued as she was brought before the king, pretending to communicate with his deceased wife in order to survive, spinning a web of lies.

The story takes place between the 1920s and 1940s and focuses on Beile Ha Lan, a mischievous and timid individual from the former Qing Dynasty. Ha Lan's life takes a dramatic turn when he comes into possession of a confidential document detailing the treasures hidden in the imperial tombs. Born in a rundown palace in the capital city in 1909, Ha Lan shares a childhood romance with Xiao Yue Lou. While serving as a study companion in the palace, Ha Lan develops a passion for imperial cuisine and befriends the skilled Chef Xie. Despite being engaged to Tong Li Hua, the daughter of Marquis Tong, Ha Lan declines the arrangement and expresses his desire to marry Xiao Yue Lou instead. Elsewhere, Eunuch Wang steals the secret tomb records, but Chef Xie manages to swap it with a meal given to Ha Lan. Additionally, Eunuch Wang's godson, Wang Si Jai, is also on the hunt for the treasures.

The plot revolves around a messenger who encounters the rebirth of his former romantic partner. (DramaWiki)

Taking place during the Ming dynasty, the show pushes the boundaries of the mystery genre with a comedic twist. This marks Chung Shu Kai's second venture into period dramas, following his work on Lan Ling Wang and various other tvb productions.

The tale revolves around the 48th inheritor of the Yang Warriors martial arts technique, who battles monsters and enhances his abilities to emerge as a genuine hero. Yang Xiao Lang has never been fond of mastering martial arts. Disappointed by his lack of drive, his grandmother sends him to live with his uncle Liu Guo, who manages the Zhonghua restaurant in Jiangcheng. In this unfamiliar town, Yang Xiao Lang becomes entangled with the police, the Qinglong Clan, and foreigners. In order to defend Xiao Fan, the woman he loves, Yang Xiao Lang must rise to the occasion, relying on his intelligence to combat injustices and bring glory to his family.

Princess Sheng Ping is a determined royal who has a strong affection for Jiju. She escapes the palace to watch her favorite Jiju player, Chen Shao Tang, and amusingly crosses paths with Guo Ai, the sixth son of the Prince of Fenyang. Despite a rocky start, they eventually become close friends by helping each other and making valuable connections. Their bond deepens after failed romances lead them to marriage, although challenges arise due to Sheng Ping's royal status. Trouble brews when Guo Ai's ex-lover, Luo Xia, returns to cause discord. A drunken Guo Ai lashes out at Sheng Ping after she misses a family celebration, leading to a strained relationship between them. (DramaWiki; adapted from the Chinese folk tale "Zui Da Jin Zhi")

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.

The man from the Joseon era who traveled through time in search of genuine flavors! A captivating culinary drama featuring Joseon Diner Heo Gyun. Heo Gyun, a forward-thinking individual who envisioned a society free from status distinctions and discrimination, faced opposition in Joseon and eventually faced exile. In an unexpected twist, he found himself transported 400 years into the future, arriving in Seoul in 2024. Working alongside a mother and daughter who saved him, Heo Gyun initially enjoys his new life but soon finds himself embroiled in a mystery as he takes on the role of chef in the restaurant and investigates a murder.

Hong Gil Dong was the son of a prominent minister born out of wedlock. A local monk took him in and instructed him in martial arts. Driven by a desire to combat the societal injustices that separated nobles from commoners—where the former enjoyed privileges due solely to their lineage—Hong Gil Dong became a fighter for change. Meanwhile, the female lead, Heo Yi Nok, had recently returned to Korea from China alongside her grandfather. They made their living by showcasing performances and selling their distinctive medicines in the market. Lee Chang Hwi had been raised with the belief that he was the legitimate heir to the throne, which had been seized by his half-brother. Having just returned from exile in China, he was scheming to topple the emperor. The three characters found themselves caught in a web of love, animosity, loyalty, and treachery, with only one faction destined to prevail.

When the main actor is also the financial backer of the entire production and is frantically altering the script to achieve his desire of portraying a hero in different outfits, chaos is inevitable. The modest yet resolute scriptwriter is unable to resist the requests of the program's sponsor who insists on playing the leading male role in every possible scenario. Consequently, the storyline becomes chaotic and character development suffers. From royal battles and mystery to fantasy and time manipulation, it's a blend of historical dramas. Despite everyone perceiving it as a comedy, underneath it all lies an actor's unrestrained quest for redemption and fulfillment of his aspirations.

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)

Wong Fei Hung, a renowned figure of his era, is both a skilled martial artist and a revered hero. As a doctor at Po Chi Lam, a clinic in Canton, he has rescued numerous individuals, yet he is compelled to utilize his combat skills to protect the community.

A young woman aspires to become the top entrepreneur during the Song Dynasty, yearning to break free from the constraints of marriage and pursue a life of independence. (Douban)

Lin Sui Sui finds herself in the fragmented narrative of My Fair Princess, where she takes on the role of a maid in the Empress’s palace. In order to go back to her own world, she is tasked with mending the storyline, but unforeseen challenges posed by an enigmatic guard jeopardize her efforts.

Jin Hyuk is an exceptionally skilled neurosurgeon whose interactions with others are marked by a cold and stern demeanor, driven by his relentless quest for perfection. Through an enigmatic force, he is unexpectedly sent back to the year 1860 in the Joseon Dynasty. As he begins to provide medical care in this era, he realizes that the absence of essential tools and the primitive understanding of medicine compel him to discover innovative methods to help the ill. This arduous journey ultimately transforms Jin Hyuk into a true physician.

In the era of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Zhu Yuan Zhang abdicated in favor of his frail grandson, Zhu Yun Wen. Subsequently, Zhu Yun Wen was deposed by his own uncle, who then ascended to the throne as Emperor Yong Le.

Li Bing He and Li Yu Fan are fraternal twins who have shared identical dreams since childhood. When Li Yu Fan falls into a coma following a car accident, Li Bing He attempts to utilize their shared dream world to bring her back. In this dream, Li Yu Fan becomes the esteemed Wu Mei Niang, her admirer Da Gang transforms into the court jester, and Li Bing He takes on the role of the Lord of Nan Chang. Together, they navigate a world filled with palace conspiracies where only the most cunning can survive. (DramaWiki)

In Tokyo in 1935, Yanagi Etsuko, a 10-year-old girl with a passion for music, is concerned for her father Kantaro. Kantaro, a struggling songwriter still grieving for his late wife, is not living life to the fullest. Etsuko decides to help her father find a new partner and mother figure. She initially tries to set him up with her teacher, Muraoka Masako, but the plan does not work out. Etsuko then meets a salesgirl named Ikebe Kyoko and is captivated by her simple nature, growing to see her as a mother figure. However, Kantaro's sister, Tsuruyo, intervenes by arranging a meeting with Kusakabe Kaoru, the daughter of a bank owner who has ties to the family business. (jdramas.wordpress)

At birth, three sisters are separated and raised by different families, leading them to develop distinct personalities and skills. Lai Ji Di is carefree and open, Yun Yian is polite, knowledgeable in medicine, and Chu Yua excels in combat despite her cold exterior. Lai Ji Di becomes the bodyguard of Cheng San Liu, a studious young man unaware of his father's identity until he turns 20. Raised by his mother, San Liu's life takes a drastic turn when he learns the truth about his father's identity.

The play follows the story of Tang Doudou, a young woman determined to remain unmarried until she finds a suitable partner who truly understands and loves her. When the Tang family faces difficulties due to a mistake with the officials, the Zhuang family steps in to offer their assistance. Madame Zhuang proposes that Doudou marry her eldest son, a handsome, principled, and cultured man - but on the day of the wedding, he inexplicably regresses to the mental capacity of an eight-year-old. Despite her initial anger and confusion, Doudou is compelled to return to Madame Zhuang when faced with financial difficulties. As she uncovers unsettling truths about her husband's condition, Doudou realizes there is more to the situation than meets the eye, even as her mother-in-law remains mysteriously unconcerned.

A humorous retelling of the romance between Liang Shan Bo and Zhu Ying Tai. (DramaWiki)

With the backing of the head of the Police Authority, the notorious Ho Kei-Kin (Dayo Wong) of Guangzhou has been dominating those around him. Despite his initial kind-hearted nature, Kin's transformation into a manipulative individual stemmed from his childhood mistreatment by his father. After a confrontation with his father, who denied Kin's paternity and left town, Kin harbored deep resentment. Following a series of events, including a failed attempt to redeem himself by challenging the town's crime lord, Kin spiraled into chaos and destruction. However, a revelation about the demise of his father and family members led Kin to embrace a new persona as Gan Yan-Kin (Bully Kin). He adopted a ruthless attitude, believing that he must treat others poorly to survive. Tsui, the owner of a house sought by Kin, found solace in meeting the honorable Wong Fei-Hung (Dominic Lam). Kin, in an effort to recruit students for his kung-fu school, fabricated stories of his heroism. When faced with a contest against Fei-Hung, Kin resorted to deceit to secure victory. Disillusioned by Fei-Hung's integrity, Kin eventually decided to emulate his honorable ways. Despite criticism from others, Fei-Hung appointed Kin to manage Po Chi Lam, a decision met with skepticism. Kin's attempts to help his peers backfired, leading to further chaos. An incident involving the drugging of Fei-Hung during a lion dancing competition prompted Kin to reconsider his actions and strive to uphold Fei-Hung's legacy. As the story unfolds, Kin's journey towards redemption and acceptance within the community takes unexpected turns.

Master TAI YAU KUNG, also known as Gordon Liu, is an experienced official advisor who assists his foster son CHOW BING, portrayed by Kenneth Ma, in securing a position in the government. Despite Bing's resourcefulness, he struggles with the strict rules and practices of the officials, leading him to often idle away his time. During his adventures at a tavern, Bing encounters the charming owner CHONG SIU HAN, played by Leila Tong, which causes jealousy to arise in his wife CHIU YUK HING, portrayed by Kate Tsui. Yau Kung suggests Bing work as an advisor to the new government official SHUM GWUN BOK, portrayed by Matthew Ko, leading to a close friendship forming between Bing and Gwun Bok. However, Bing is taken aback when he learns that his respected master Yau Kung is actually Gwun Bok's father. As Gwun Bok begins to use Yuk Hing to scheme against Bing, Bing is shocked to discover that his wife is a spy sent by the Imperial forces.

This tale delves into the ethical principles of a merchant and the significance of wealth. Renowned author Choi In Ho narrates the legend of Im Sang Ok, a celebrated Korean trader during the Joseon Dynasty (1779-1855).

The tale commences with the birth of a daughter to the Emperor's concubine Zhang. Hoping to secure the birth of the Emperor's first surviving son, Zhang agrees to Eunuch Liu's proposal to swap her daughter with the son of the Lin family. However, Lin's wife was outraged by the forced exchange and left the baby princess at a brothel in Yang Zhou named Bai Hua Lou, where she was taken in and named Qian Qian. Fast forward 18 years, Qian Qian had grown into a playful young woman who often found herself causing mischief. By twist of fate, she crossed paths with the crown prince Zheng De during one of her escapades, capturing his attention.

In the era of Renzong in the Northern Song Dynasty, Mrs. Li, originally from a prosperous family in Luoyang, relocates to Bianjing along with her daughters, each with their own distinct personalities, in order to reunite with her second daughter and address a family issue. Despite being both beautiful and talented, her daughters face challenges when it comes to finding suitable marriage partners, leading Mrs. Li to search for new suitors in Bianjing. However, their journey is filled with obstacles, including societal barriers and difficulties in settling into their new surroundings. Ultimately, after facing adversity and unexpected turns of events, the Li family manages to secure suitable husbands for the daughters, resulting in a lighthearted tale of marriage during the Northern Song Dynasty.

During the Joseon era, a prolonged period of prohibition demonstrated that laws against alcohol could not suppress human desire. The restrictions on drinking, purchasing, and producing alcohol presented various challenges for individuals such as Inspector Nam Young from The Office of the Inspector-General, who sought recognition in Hanyang and aimed to elevate his family's status. Likewise, Kang Ro Seo, a noblewoman facing financial difficulties, resorted to making moonshine to pay off her debts and afford her mother's medicine and her brother's education. Even Crown Prince Lee Pyo was known to sneak out of the palace in pursuit of alcohol. These three individuals crossed paths and stumbled upon a hidden supply of alcohol, the revelation of which would likely lead to severe consequences.

Once an unremarkable blacksmith, Lee Soo unexpectedly ascends to the throne of Joseon at the age of twenty-three. Constrained by the limitations of royal life, particularly regarding his romantic aspirations, Lee Soo finds his hopes of marrying his childhood sweetheart, Gae Ddong, dashed by his newfound position. Undeterred, he enlists the help of the esteemed Flower Crew to elevate Gae Ddong into the ranks of nobility. Led by Ma Hoon, Do Joon, and Go Young Soo, they embark on the daunting mission of refining Gae Ddong, but the process proves to be more difficult than they anticipated. Will they manage to achieve their goal, or will the undertaking overwhelm them?

Yoo Se Poong is renowned for his exceptional medical skills within the royal palace, but was banished after his involvement in a plot against the royal family was exposed. He relocates to the unique and picturesque Gyesu Village, where he meets Kye Ji Han, a gruff but kind-hearted elder doctor from Sorak Village. Kye Ji Han is inspired by Yoo Se Poong to become a healer of hearts. In the village resides Seo Eun Woo, a widow from a noble background known for her sharp observations and deep empathy. She relates to the stories of heartbreak, feeling trapped in a marriage she never wanted and bound to honor a deceased husband.

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."

In the midst of a high-speed pursuit on a motorboat, local police officer Wong Tai Mui is swept up into a waterspout that serves as a portal through time. She finds herself transported back to 19th century Hong Kong during the Qing dynasty. There, she encounters a Cantonese pirate named Cheng Yat, along with his wife Shek Giu and their adopted son Cheung Po Tsai. Despite their skepticism about her sudden appearance, Tai Mui uses her knowledge of the future to help them escape a dangerous naval battle against the Qing fleet led by Prince Man Ho. Meanwhile, in Beijing's Imperial Palace, Consorts Yim and Shun scheme to increase their own power while manipulating Prince Man Ho. Disillusioned with the political intrigue and family conflicts, Prince Man Ho decides to leave the palace and abandon his aspirations for the throne. As a waterspout forms over the Canton Sea during a solar eclipse, Po Tsai assists Tai Mui in accessing the time portal that will return her to the 21st century. In a selfless act, he joins her on the journey back to the future.

Concerned about her husband leaving her because she hasn't borne a son, Mrs. Wu decides to pass off her tenth daughter as a son named Wu Shi Lang. Shi Lang is encouraged to excel in martial arts competitions to please her father. Complications arise when she falls for her childhood friend, Li Ya Shou, who is set on marrying into wealth. In order to prevent Ya Shou from marrying Lei Xiao Yu, a wealthy woman, Shi Lang defeats him in a martial arts contest. Impressed, Xiao Yu insists on marrying Shi Lang. Things get more complicated when Xiao Yu's brother, Lei Sheng Da, falls for Shi Lang while she is disguised as a man. Feeling overwhelmed, Shi Lang flees the town after revealing her true gender. Sheng Da pursues her to the new town. Despite growing closer to Ya Shou, Shi Lang begins to develop feelings for Sheng Da due to his persistence.

During their childhood, Huai Yu, Zhi Gao, and Dan Dan made a pact to be as close as siblings and visited a mysterious old eunuch for fortune-telling using divination sticks. However, the sticks were accidentally shuffled by the eunuch's cat before they could be interpreted. One stick mentioned preferring death over birth, another suggested life was better than death, and the third talked about dying and being reborn. The meaning behind these messages remains a mystery.

The biography of Huang Dao Po, a trailblazing woman who transformed the Chinese textile sector amidst the Mongol invasion of the Song dynasty and the rise of the Yuan dynasty.

Qin Yue Xiang, a former housekeeper, unintentionally causes the death of her husband who was a builder while trying to protect her 9-year-old daughter Sang Cai Qing from being forced into marriage with an elderly man. Facing punishment by the local official Xiao Ru Zhang, Yue Xiang arranges for Cai Qing to seek safety with her biological father, wealthy businessman Chen Yuan. However, Chen's envious wife, Yu Ru, forces Cai Qing to work as a servant in their mansion. As Cai Qing grows older, she becomes entangled in a series of romantic entanglements.