Asian dramas like
The Nice Guy

Han Eok Kwan, a gangster, unexpectedly discovers he has a 10-year-old son named Jae Su. He meets Hae Lim, a widow with two children, and instantly falls in love with her. Hae Lim, who recently moved to Busan and started a piano school, eventually reciprocates Eok Kwan's feelings and they get married. Tragically, Hae Lim dies in a boating accident shortly after. Years later, Eok Kwan raises all three children. Jae Su and Soo Ah develop romantic feelings for each other, but their familial bond prevents them from acting on it. Meanwhile, Kyung Ho becomes a rebellious gangster. The series depicts the challenges faced by the three children and Eok Kwan.

A theatrical piece centered around a woman who, through re-adoption, finally finds her place within a family, alongside a man who opts for love rather than familial ties.

This drama presents a poignant yet beautiful tale of first love. Fate grants the characters a love that is as elusive and distant as a star—so far away that it's almost unimaginable to grasp it. All they can do is admire it from afar. However, love possesses the ability to inspire hope and a will to live, much like a star that continues to glow in the darkness. The story begins by exploring the characters' school days, illustrating the pure love experienced by these young adults as they encounter it for the first time. Viewers are given a unique chance to relive the faint scent and dreams of their initial love, which until now have only lingered in their memories. (KBS Global)

In the upscale neighborhood of Gangnam, one mother stands out as an exception: Bok Dang Ji. She relocated to Gangnam and struggles to make ends meet, yet she feels fortunate, akin to Cinderella, because she married the man she once admired from afar. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Han Jung Wook, a prosecutor who enjoys a life of privilege and shares many similarities with her. Having risen from poverty to join the ranks of the affluent through relentless effort, he embodies determination. However, their lives take a downturn one fateful day. The series focuses on Bok Dan Ji, a mother in Gangnam, and Han Jung Wook, who experiences a fall from grace as a member of the elite, as they gradually cultivate a bond and discover genuine love. (MBC America)

The drama narrates the romantic relationship between Qiu Hai Tang, a renowned pupil in Yuzhen class, and Luo Xiang Qi, a female student from Normal University

Tae Soo is a committed family man in his personal life, yet he leads a ruthless existence as a mobster in his professional realm, struggling to balance his responsibilities to his family with the complexities of gang politics

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.

A young woman from a rural area decides to pursue a career in acting, starting from the bottom. She encounters a cynical and egotistical celebrity who eventually develops feelings for her. Jian Xi relocates from her small town to Beijing in search of her birth mother. Through a twist of fate, she becomes involved in the entertainment industry and must compete against other up-and-coming actresses for a shot at stardom. Along the way, she captures the heart of the conceited top actor Tang Fei with her natural charm and dedication to her craft.

Life's journey is full of twists and challenges, and no one is exempt from facing obstacles. This holds true for firefighters who risk their lives to save others. When firefighter Kei Tak Tin loses his wife, his dedication to his job wavers. Can he stay focused on his important mission in the face of personal tragedy? Experienced commander Tong Ming has battled many fires, yet struggles to manage his team effectively. Choi Nam Fung's girlfriend leaves him due to his lack of career prospects, prompting him to pursue a career as a firefighter. However, his new girlfriend worries about his safety. Will he sacrifice his dream job for love? Lifesaver Chung Yan Yee appears strong and composed, but carries a secret past that haunts her. Will her past affect her future in the lifesaving profession? Ming's wife, Kong Yat Ngor, relies heavily on him and faces added pressure in their relationship. After their separation, can she find the strength to move forward? Yip Heung Yeung is in love with her martial arts instructor, who also happens to be Fung's trainer. When Fung becomes her support after a tragedy, can they overcome their hesitations and find love together? Remember, life is precious, so rise stronger after every fall.

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

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.

This drama revolves around three women in their middle age: Cha Jin Ok, Oh Dal Sook, and Nam Mi Rae. They are friends who completed high school together and think they are living fulfilling lives; however, they encounter a significant turning point in their lives. (KoreanDrama.org)

Experience the heartwarming transformations of three families spanning different generations as they navigate the love story of a unique couple

Yeon Bun Hong finds herself as a single mother after being deceived by the man she cared for, yet she remains resolute in her decision to forge ahead with her life. Bun Hong became pregnant with Gi Seok's baby, but he expressed his disinterest in having the child and urged her to terminate the pregnancy, which she found herself unable to do. Tragically, her friends, Lee Ju Yeong and Lee Seon Hui, lost their lives in a boating accident; Bun Hong was on the boat as well, but she managed to survive. Seon Hui was in a relationship with Ju Yeong, but due to a series of misunderstandings, the Lee family mistakenly believed that Bun Hong was Ju Yeong's partner and that she was expecting his child. To escape her troubles, Bun Hong moved into the Lee household, allowing them to think that the baby was Ju Yeong's. Lee Ju Hyeok, Ju Yeong's elder brother, develops feelings for Bun Hong. What will happen when the Lee family uncovers the truth behind Bun Hong's deception regarding the child's parentage? How will Ju Hyeok react to her once he learns the reality?

Hong Yun Shi was a naive and innocent young woman who maintained her cheerful disposition despite her upbringing in a life of poverty. Her challenging situation leads her to wed the wealthy Byung Joo, but she soon faces betrayal from both her husband and her mother-in-law. Upon learning that her mother-in-law played a role in her mother’s mysterious vanishing, Yun Shi begins to lose her once-pure nature and becomes consumed by thoughts of vengeance. Soo Ri, who has deep feelings for Yun Shi, can do little more than watch over her with affection and concern.

A story revolves around a woman who, after going through a phony divorce, partners with her husband's rival to rekindle the affection of her true husband, who has had a change of heart.

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.

Childhood sweethearts Cha Song Joo and Hang Jung Suh's relationship becomes complicated when Jung Suh's father remarries, bringing a new stepmother, an introverted stepbrother named Han Tae Hwa, and a scheming stepsister named Han Yuri into their lives. Despite Tae Hwa falling in love with Jung Suh and Yuri pursuing Song Joo, the bond between Jung Suh and Song Joo remains unbreakable, even when Song Joo leaves to study abroad in America. Upon his return, Jung Suh is mysteriously hit by a car and loses her memory, leading Tae Hwa to take her in and give her a new identity. Five years later, on the eve of his engagement to Yuri, Song Joo spots someone who bears a striking resemblance to his lost love, Jung Suh.

Kang San is a hardworking single father who juggles running a side dish store with working as a nursing care worker to support his daughter, Jan Di. Jan Di, a middle school student with dreams of becoming a K-pop idol, often finds herself at odds with her father due to their generation gap. Things take an unexpected turn when Mi Rae, the adopted daughter of the Hwang Dong Food Group, enters their lives. Despite being adopted, Mi Rae is an art instructor with a no-nonsense attitude and sharp intellect. The arrival of Mi Rae's first love, Ju Hyuk, adds a new layer of complexity to their developing story.

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

The compassionate female teacher from the fishing village Hai Niang defies all odds and takes in eight street children. Qi Guo Lin, the boyfriend of Xiang Lan, assists Hai Niang in her endeavors. Just before her wedding, it is revealed that Hai Niang is terminally ill. Despite this, she orchestrates the marriage of Xiang Lan and Qi Guo Lin and entrusts the care of the eight homeless children to Qi Guo Lin. She quietly departs with a sense of fulfillment, leaving behind a legacy of boundless love. A tombstone inscribed with the word "mother" stands as a symbol of the children's and world's longing. The story is full of twists and turns, evoking tears and admiration for the unwavering love that permeates throughout.

Wild Duck and Yang Shun decided to leave the city and return to the countryside to start a duck farm. As they were preparing for their upcoming wedding, the delicate issue of "acknowledging their birth mother" resurfaced. This topic triggered tensions among the Yang, Zhou, and Fang families, leading to conflicts and disagreements. Despite facing challenges like mother-in-law and daughter-in-law disputes, pregnancy, childbirth, and an ex-girlfriend, Wild Duck's perseverance, hope, and optimism inspired and uplifted everyone around them.

The plot revolves around Chen Xi, a woman in her middle age residing near Yingkou Xiongyue Wang'er Mountain. Unable to have children of her own, she adopted three girls named Tang Guo Er, Fang Xiao Fei, and Zhang Tian Ai. Despite not sharing the same last name, Chen Xi raised them single-handedly with affection. Two decades later, a man appeared claiming to be the biological father of her daughters. Simultaneously, her ex-husband returned, hoping to reconcile with her. The story unfolds as to whom Chen Xi will choose as her future spouse, showcasing a tale of a non-biological family navigating life's ups and downs together.

During the late 1970s, the Zhuang and Lin families resided in a small alley within the residential area of a cotton spinning factory in Suzhou. Zhuang Chao Ying, a teacher, and his wife, Huang Ling, made their children's exams a top priority as the college entrance examination resumed. Their neighbors, Lin Wu Feng and Song Ying, also began focusing on their son's studies under their influence. The Zhuang family appeared harmonious and respectable, with their son Zhuang Tu Nan being diligent and studious, and their daughter Zhuang Xiao Ting being well-behaved and sensible. However, Zhuang Chao Ying's cowardice and excessive filial piety led to problems within the family. On the other hand, the Lin family lived by their own rules, with their mischievous son, Lin Dong Zhe. Despite this, the couple supported each other, fostering mutual respect between parents and children, creating a lively and fulfilling family dynamic. Adapting to changing times, Lin Wu Feng and Song Ying relocated their family to Guangzhou in search of new opportunities. Separated from childhood friends Zhuang Xiao Ting and Lin Dong Zhe, they eventually realized their feelings for each other and decided to attend the same university. Despite facing obstacles from family and reality after graduation, they remained committed to each other. After overcoming various challenges, Zhuang Tu Nan and Li Jia also became a couple.

In the intricate world of finance, Cheuk Yat Yuen mistakenly believes that con artist Sa Fu Loi is his long-lost half brother, Cheuk Yat Ming. This fortunate error propels the swindler into a prominent position within the banking industry. Yuen's affection for Fu blinds him to the true nature and intentions of the con artist. However, Yuen's life takes a dramatic turn when he is abducted by a group of rioters while overseas, leading to a significant shift in his personality. Despite the efforts of his wife, Ho Tseuk Nin, to comfort him, Yuen struggles to overcome the traumatic ordeal. Seeking solace elsewhere, Yuen rekindles a relationship with his former flame, Tung Ling Chi, devastating Nin upon discovery of the affair. Meanwhile, Fu finds solace in assuming the identity of Cheuk Yat Ming, experiencing a sense of familial warmth and even embarking on a romantic journey with Yuen's younger sister, Cheuk Yat Sum. However, Sum, under the mistaken belief that they are biological siblings, conceals her feelings for Fu and remains committed to her admirer, Ko Tok Man. This revelation deeply wounds Fu, torn between his love for Sum and the inability to disclose his true identity. Ultimately, faced with the choice between love and wealth, Fu opts for the path of fortune, navigating a complex web of money, love, and ethical dilemmas in a gripping tale of deceit and desire.

When Tamaki was young, her father passed away in a tragic accident and her mother disappeared, leaving Tamaki to care for her sick brother Ryota. Upon hearing of her mother's death, Tamaki hurries to the hospital only to discover that her mother had undergone a drastic transformation and had taken her own life. Finding solace in the hospital director's son, Kyosuke, Tamaki falls in love with him, only to later uncover that Kyosuke's father had an affair with her mother, leading to her mother's disappearance and suicide.

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.

The story revolves around Tae Hee and Yun Hee, siblings who lost their mother during Yun Hee's birth. Their father, who deeply cares for them, married their mother against the wishes of their paternal grandfather. With no family support, the sisters and their father face financial difficulties, especially as their father battles a serious illness. As they grow up, Tae Hee and Yun Hee find themselves living separate lives, unaware of each other due to unfortunate circumstances.

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 tale centered around two families and the hidden truth they share. Kang Ji Hwan hails from a prominent and affluent background. He encounters and falls for Seo Dan Bi, who comes from a less fortunate family, prompting disapproval from both sides regarding their romance. Ji Hwan's younger sibling, Eun Hwan, and his spouse, Soo Ah, are fervently trying to conceive but have faced repeated failures. When Dan Bi joins the Kang household, she arrives already expecting, which creates friction between her and Soo Ah. This strain between the two daughters-in-law impacts the bond between the two brothers, who have always maintained a close relationship. Meanwhile, Lee Mi Jin, Ji Hwan's first love, reappears in his life with the aim of sabotaging his relationship with Dan Bi. She possesses a grave, hidden truth that could have serious repercussions for both families. How will Mi Jin leverage her knowledge of this dark secret to drive a wedge between Ji Hwan and Dan Bi? What enduring consequences will this have for both families? What is the nature of the dark secret?

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)

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?

After Lu Guo Hao, a criminal, is gravely wounded in a murder plot and lapses into a coma, his associates opt to conceal the attack to avoid additional complications. While seeking a method to obscure the facts, they come across Zou Kai, a regular individual bearing a striking resemblance to Guo Hao, making him an ideal temporary replacement. Zou Kai quickly becomes entangled in the complexities of leading two disparate lives.

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