Asian dramas like
The Spies Who Loved Me

In the sixth century CE, the Qi Kingdom, located in present-day Eastern China, is engulfed in conflict. Prince Xiao Yan Zhi, a gifted young military leader, is tasked with repelling invaders. Despite his brave efforts, his army is ambushed and defeated in a crucial battle. Seizing the opportunity, a cunning individual at the imperial court forces Pei Yan Zhi to step down from his position as army leader and installs a submissive candidate as ruler. Feeling betrayed, Pei Yan Zhi resolves to uncover the deception by going undercover as a commoner to conduct a covert investigation. Along the way, he crosses paths with Su Ci, a clever and resourceful young female detective, and they form a strong alliance. Joining forces with two other sharp-witted sleuths, they embark on a mission to uncover the extent of the plotting that has infiltrated the Imperial Palace.

Ko Ae Rin is a single mother who, after the sudden death of her husband, becomes entangled in a conflict involving espionage

"Abyss" narrates the story of a man and a woman whose lives come to a tragic end, only to be given another opportunity through mystical marbles that revive their souls from a magical abyss. Go Se Yeon, a strong and exceptionally attractive prosecutor at the Seoul District Public Office, meets her fate in a devastating accident. Yet, her revival is accompanied by a peculiar twist, as the mysterious Abyss marble alters her appearance to a more average one, reflecting the goodness of her soul from her previous existence. Conversely, Cha Min, the intelligent heir to a prominent Korean cosmetics brand, is a clever, humble, and kind individual who grapples with low self-esteem due to his feelings of unattractiveness. Following his own tragic accident, Cha Min is brought back to life with an enhanced handsome look that mirrors the brightness of his former spirit. As they both navigate their second chances, Go Se Yeon and Cha Min collaborate as a lawyer and an administrator at a private law firm. Together, they explore the secrets of the enchanting Abyss and, throughout their investigations, discover love blooming in their shared path of self-acceptance.

“Catch the Ghost” is a romantic mystery drama centered around Yoo Ryung, a woman who tackles investigations driven by her strong sense of justice and remarkable spatial awareness. Despite her talents, her impulsive behavior often leads her into difficult situations. She crosses paths with the chief of the Wangsimni station, a man who prefers to steer clear of cases and seeks a calm life. Nevertheless, he frequently finds himself resolving the issues created by Yoo Ryung and possesses the crucial insight needed to crack the cases. (Soompi)

The play follows the journey of a group of young individuals as they embark on their careers at a bustling supermarket, progressing through the ranks to eventually become a source of inspiration for their fellow white-collar colleagues in the office.

Following the unexpected drowning of his girlfriend in a room with no water, Shi Jian founded a company named "Universal Brother" that specializes in investigating mysterious occurrences. In his quest to uncover the truth behind her death, he stumbles upon a magical key with the ability to unlock any door. Along with this key, there are other extraordinary objects such as a shape-shifting cream, manipulating fingers, and water-controlling pendants. Shi Jian soon realizes that his girlfriend's demise is intertwined with these fantastical items. As he delves deeper into the incident, he begins to unravel the true origins of the objects and the sinister conspiracy surrounding them.

Set in the current year of 2017 and the future year of 2037, this sci-fi mystery explores the concept that humanity's fate hinges on the management and regulation of emotions

Mang Lai Kwan defies her father's wishes and disguises herself as a man to attend school in search of knowledge. Along the way, she forms a bond with the royal grandson Tem r Khan and a brave young hero Wongpo Siu Wah, becoming like brothers. Despite Tem r's awareness of Lai Kwan's true identity, he keeps her secret. Lai Kwan harbors romantic feelings for Tem r, but her father arranges for her to marry Siu Wah. Complicating matters, a wealthy suitor named Lau Fui Bik also seeks her hand in marriage. As the wedding day approaches, Lai Kwan decides to reveal her true self, but Tem r is called back to court, prompting Siu Wah to stand in his place. When Siu Wah fails to show up, Lai Kwan flees. She later discovers that Siu Wah is her intended spouse and that Tem r has ascended to the throne as the emperor of the Yuan Dynasty.

This series follows a unique team of investigators in a recently established unit dedicated to combating a surge in heinous crimes. Osawa Eriko, a stunning professional who has recently returned from training in the United States, is appointed as the leader of this unit. Despite her intelligence and skills, she struggles to comprehend matters of the heart and remains single. Her stint in the U.S. was actually a step down in her career due to a past relationship mishap. This raises the question of why she was selected to lead the new division. Although the detectives are highly skilled, each of them has their own personal issues or shortcomings, earning them the label of the "problem children" within the police force. Ultimately, it is revealed that the true intent of the division is to segregate these troublesome detectives.

Sakuraba Junko, a teacher at an English language school, has never had a boyfriend by the time she turns 29 and dreams of working in New York. One day, during a funeral service at a temple, she accidentally spills burning incense on a handsome monk while trying to steady herself. Despite thinking they won't meet again, Junko is surprised when she is set up on a matchmaking session with the same monk, Hoshikawa Takane.

Sosuke Hasebe holds the position of deputy editor-in-chief at the Japanese version of the global fashion magazine, 'The Most'. He is known for his reserved and logical demeanor, having been relocated from New York for a specific assignment. Sosuke, who was once a victim of bullying due to being overweight, has transformed into a handsome and successful individual with the goal of reconnecting with his first love. On the other hand, Ai Sato, Sosuke's former flame, is currently unemployed and residing with her best friend following the collapse of her previous company. Despite her setbacks, Ai brings a vibrant and sincere energy to her role as an intern at 'The Most'. Once a standout student, she now struggles with shyness and self-doubt. When Ai crosses paths with Sosuke once again, she chooses to conceal her true identity from him.

Formerly married into a prestigious law firm in South Korea, Kim Sa Ra was deceived by her husband and left with nothing

A young boy who accidentally discovered a crime and reported it found himself labeled a murderer instead of a witness, all because of the negligence in the legal system and the indifference of the police. His youth was squandered behind bars, while the nation devolved into a realm of brutality and chaos. Now, he aims to demonstrate that David defeated Goliath to regain his lost life, that conflicts can pave the way for a brighter future, and that while struggles leave their marks, genuine triumph is gauged by healing rather than vengeance. (SBS International)

The narrative centers on the egocentric Lee Young Joon, the vice president of a family-owned business

The professor handpicked three close friends to intern at the emergency clinic of a prominent hospital, where they would shadow three young doctors. Despite the unexpected pairing, the doctors and interns must bond and discover the deeper significance of life, not just their own but also that of others.

In the romantic comedy "Spy Myung Wol," the stunning North Korean agent Myung Wol travels to South Korea with the goal of abducting a well-known male entertainer from Korea.

The Hidden Team's confidential list was compromised by a traitor, sparking fear among its members. Shen Yi Feng, the leader of the team, was tasked by the emperor to uncover the mole. However, in order to protect the undercover agents still in the field, the stolen list needed to be recovered. Zhang Xiao Hua was assigned to gather intel and discovered that the list was in Nahezhai. She devised a plan to retrieve the list by pretending to be captured by Luo He, the second master, and offering herself to the leader of the Great Clan. Unbeknownst to her, the leader had a jealous wife, putting Zhang Xiao Hua's life in danger. In a twist of events, Luo He intervened and proposed to marry Zhang Xiao Hua, causing tension within the clan. Zhang Xiao Hua used this opportunity to instigate a conflict between the leader and Luo He in order to retrieve the list. However, Luo He saw through her plan, revealing his true intentions...

In this conflict, two main characters are at odds. Makoto sees the TV show as a commodity driven by audience ratings, and is willing to do whatever it takes to boost those ratings. On the other hand, Hiromi believes in living life to the fullest and views the show as a means to that end. Despite their contrasting personalities, they eventually find common ground and mutual understanding after a fateful encounter.

At the conclusion of season 1, Eriko Osawa receives a phone call on her cell phone while at Narita International Airport, just before departing the country. This call prompts her to come back to the special detective unit to tackle a case with far-reaching implications.

Xiao Nai is known for his expertise in gaming, as well as his success in basketball, academics, swimming, and running a game company, making him the most popular student on campus

Former swim champion Tang Yi Bai, who was falsely accused of doping, decides to make a comeback after a hiatus of four years. He enrolls at South Physical Education College alongside his close friend Qi Rui Feng, aiming to take on their rival Heng Ou Yang from North Physical Education College. During the competition, Tang Yi Bai forms a bond with Yun Duo, a novice sports journalist who has a fear of water due to a previous near-drowning experience. As Yun Duo moves into Tang Yi Bai's family residence, their friendship deepens. Will they be able to assist Tang Yi Bai in proving his innocence and reclaiming his status as a swimming sensation?

The narrative follows Nan Qiao, a professional woman who discovers her partner cheating on her. After ending their relationship, she also loses a key business ally. Seeking a new opportunity, she encounters potential financiers at a bar where she clashes with the establishment's owner, Shi Yue. He suspects a connection to his past and decides to approach her to uncover more, eventually developing feelings for her.

In the prosperous Tang Dynasty, Moyun Academy stands as the most prestigious educational institution in the land

Ju Mu Er, a musician, faces a tragic turn in her life when her music mentor, Shi Bo Yin, is killed and she loses her vision. Determined to seek justice for her teacher, she delves into the investigation of his murder. Along the way, she encounters Long Yue, the wealthiest man in the city, who is cunning, haughty, and known for prioritizing money over everything else. Simultaneously, Ju Mu Er is being pressured into a marriage by a married man, a proposal she vehemently opposes. To ward off her unwanted suitor, she suggests a contract marriage to Long Yue, who surprisingly agrees. As they work together to uncover the murderer's identity, their pretend marriage blossoms into a genuine relationship. (Chinesedrama.info)

Ling Long is torn between her gentle human side and her wild wolf personality. After being mistaken for a thief by aristocrat Yan Qing, she ends up investigating a theft at his estate. Yan Qing, fascinated by her wolf-like characteristics, decides to assist her in the search. Together, they uncover a complex conspiracy that poses a threat to their world. As Ling Long's wild side grows stronger, Yan Qing must help her keep it in check. They must work together to overcome external dangers and internal struggles, racing against time to prevent Ling Long from losing her humanity.

The Su family consists of twin daughters who have contrasting personalities. While one pursued a career in geology and became a doctor, the other made a name for herself in the entertainment industry. However, things take a drastic turn when the entertainment industry star suddenly disappears, leaving behind a resignation letter and a trail of chaos. In a desperate attempt to fill her sister's shoes, the geology doctor is kidnapped and forced to take her place on a popular TV show. As she navigates the cutthroat world of show business, she must also pretend to be her sister, including maintaining a relationship with her sister's affluent and attractive vice president boyfriend. The interactions between these two characters are bound to ignite some interesting dynamics.

Jeon Nok Du resides on an island with his father and elder brother. He is intelligent and skilled with a sword. From a young age, his father prohibited him from studying or visiting the mainland. One day, a group of female assassins assaults his father and brother. Jeon Nok Du pursues one of the assassins to the capital. During this pursuit, he encounters Dong Dong Ju, who intends to shoot the King with her arrow, but Jeon Nok Du intervenes to help her avoid trouble. Meanwhile, the assassin he is trailing infiltrates a village of widows. To uncover the reasons behind the attack on his family, Jeon Nok Du disguises himself as a woman and enters the widow's village. There, he reunites with Dong Dong Ju, who is training to become a gisaeng.

Song Yao possesses a unique talent: the power to captivate affluent men and make them fall in love with her simply by gazing into her eyes. She has utilized this gift to manipulate wealthy individuals and guide them towards positive change. However, when she encounters Ji Cheng Chuan, also known as Qin Hao, a fraudulent pretender to a prominent business empire, a battle of intelligence ensues. The question remains: who will emerge victorious in this clash of hearts and minds? (Viki)

Luo Ling Yu, a former noblewoman, journeys to Jianye with her sister in search of safety. Along the way, she saves a poor man named Lu Yun, but eventually compels him to leap into the water due to societal expectations. Unaware that the man she pushed overboard is the third young master of the Lu family, she attempts to gain his favor but faces constant obstacles. Despite observing her struggles and exposing her actions, he refuses to let her move on when she seeks solace in someone else.

The narrative follows Luo Shu, whose life has been filled with challenges. After aiding Han Mu Zhi, the county magistrate, in resolving a significant case, she decides to remain at the county government to work as a detective and aid in various investigations. Along the way, she crosses paths with Qi Meng Lin, a spirited young man with a desire to explore the world. Together, they collaborate on solving a series of peculiar cases, ultimately developing a deep bond and evolving together.

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?

Yoo Seol Ok has dreamed of being a police officer for as long as she can remember. One day, she meets an enthusiastic detective who offers her a chance to fulfill her aspiration. Together, they tackle intriguing cases. (KBS World)

Bong Sang Pil, a former criminal who has transitioned to a legal career, is on a quest for revenge following his mother's murder, targeting corrupt people who think they are untouchable

A specialized police recovery team made up of a con artist, a brawler, a top-notch hacker, and a skilled driver is tasked with reclaiming assets concealed by criminals

Shin Woo, a man filled with regret, reflects on how he lost his first love a decade ago due to his inability to express his feelings. His fortunes change when he unexpectedly travels back in time, now equipped with the realization that she had feelings for him as well. As he attempts to guide his younger self in winning her affection, he inadvertently becomes a rival to his past self, as the girl begins to develop feelings for the older Shin Woo. The story becomes increasingly complex as he uncovers the reasons behind their separation.

Set in the early 19th century, the narrative follows Goo Hae Ryung, an apprentice aiming to become a palace historian. During this period, societal norms did not permit women to document history. Determined to carve out her own path in a Joseon society steeped in Confucian values, she is resolute in her mission to serve as a historian and demonstrate that equality exists for all. The drama intertwines her struggle alongside other female palace historians with her romantic involvement with Prince Yi Rim, who harbors his own secrets. (Koreandrama.org) Available formats include: 40 episodes of 35 minutes each (TV) or 20 episodes of 70 minutes each (Online).

Dong Baek is a single mother residing in the quaint town of Ongsan. She manages the bar-restaurant known as Camellia while also raising her son, Pil Gu. The townspeople often engage in gossip about Dong Baek. Having grown up as an orphan, she faces scrutiny as a single mother who operates a bar frequented by many local men. Despite the whispers among the residents, Hwang Yong Shik, a local police officer, is genuinely in love with her. Complicating matters, Dong Baek’s former boyfriend, Kang Jong Ryeol, unexpectedly reenters her life. He is a well-known baseball player who had previously kept their relationship a secret. As Dong Baek seeks her own happiness, an ominous threat looms nearby. A serial killer is on the loose in Ongsan, and Dong Baek could be in danger.

In the made-up land of Daeho, youthful sorcerers face challenges in dealing with unforeseen destinies brought about by the illicit "soul alchemy" ritual, which involves switching souls between individuals. Naksu, a skilled killer, discovers herself stuck in the feeble body of Mu Deok, a servant to the esteemed Jang Family. Jang Uk, the heir to the Jang Family, holds a hidden truth about his origins and enlists Naksu's assistance in altering his fate.

Jung Hae Seong, a skilled NIS operative at risk of being demoted, infiltrates Byeongmun High School in search of King Gojong's vanished gold bars. Disguised as a student, he crosses paths with O Su A, a temporary Korean history instructor aspiring to secure a permanent position. Their bond strengthens as Hae Seong exposes the school's sinister misconduct. Supported by allies, he initiates a battle against the influential entities involved.

KO One is a specialized class catering to troublemakers and outcasts rejected by other schools. Despite their reputation, the students in this class are fiercely loyal to their leader, Da Dong (KO.3), willing to go to great lengths for their friends. When Ya Se and Xiao Yu, ranked #3 and #4 respectively, join the class, their lives become intertwined through a series of fortunate events, forming a strong bond of friendship. The return of Lei Ke Si, a seemingly harmless student who had been absent for a semester, raises suspicions among the group, particularly from Ya Se who believes Lei Ke Si may be KO.2 based on rumors about the top two students concealing their true identities. As mysterious incidents unfold, Ya Se finds himself at the center of the blame. Will the class survive the internal politics, or will they be torn apart by distrust?

Seo Jeong Hu is a unique type of nighttime delivery specialist, referred to as "Healer" by those who hire him. With the right financial incentive and assistance from an exceptionally skilled hacker, he can procure anything for his clients, provided it doesn't involve taking a life. His most recent assignment brings him into contact with the underachieving tabloid journalist Chae Yeong Sin and the accomplished reporter Kim Mun Ho. As he delves deeper, he starts to unravel the enigma of his own intertwined history with both journalists, putting all of them at risk.

A homicide takes place, and Hong Yi Young, a timpanist who struggles with insomnia and has a straightforward mindset, cannot recall the events of that day

Renowned for his fervent and remarkably efficient detective skills, Jin Gang Ho will go to any lengths to apprehend the criminals he is tasked with tracking down. Employing all possible methods, Gang Ho exceeds the expectations of his role to capture wrongdoers. Although his spirited approach makes him an exceptional investigator, it complicates his interactions with teammates. With a fervor for cracking even the most challenging cases, Gang Ho has come to prefer working solo. That is, until he encounters Kang Mu Yeong. An overly eager producer of a low-rated investigative show, Mu Yeong shares Gang Ho’s fervent dedication to solving crimes and apprehending offenders. United by their shared zeal for their work, they decide to join forces to improve the world around them. Before long, they are accompanied on their mission by a former criminal profiler, a bar CEO and renowned fighter who has turned over a new leaf, as well as a funeral director who once led the premier autopsy team at the National Forensic Service. This eclectic group quickly evolves into a formidable force in the realm of crime-fighting.

Tang Ying, an inexperienced young woman who has had little success in acting, relocates to South Island to work as a surrogate shopper

Li Xin Yue, a professional worker, attracts the attention of law enforcement when she goes to great lengths to purchase a famous painting called Dear. Jin Xiao Tian, an undercover police officer, is assigned to monitor her activities closely. As they journey to the protagonist's hometown of Shangri-La City together, they develop romantic feelings for each other.

This drama explores the struggles and victories of contemporary women who prioritize their careers over conventional family expectations. Bae Ta Mi, a driven director at a leading web portal firm in her late 30s, reflects on the compromises she has made to achieve her career goals. At the same time, Park Mo Gun, a gifted composer in his 20s, meets Ta Mi at an arcade and is drawn to her intense competitiveness, leading to an extraordinary bond between the two.

Taking place in the Ryukyu Kingdom towards the end of the Tokugawa shogunate, a woman defies gender norms to pursue her education. Seizing the opportunity presented by her stepbrother's disappearance, she masquerades as a Eunuch named Son Neion. Continuing her ruse, she successfully passes the examination to become a royal government official.

In the year 2020, Lin Miao, a skilled events coordinator, finds herself transported back to 2010 through a mysterious time-traveling incident. She is given a task: to assist Jiao Yang, the Vice President of Hong Yu, in becoming the company's president within a tight timeframe of 3 months if she wishes to return to her own time. Failure to do so will result in her permanent disappearance. Along the way, a heartwarming love story unfolds between Jiao Yang and Lin Miao.

Liang Yu Fang, the son of a prominent hotel owner, is set to inherit the family business. However, he is more interested in pursuing his passion for design art than taking on the responsibilities of running the hotel. Upon returning from studying abroad, he is pressured by his father and sister to start learning about the hotel operations. Around the same time, he crosses paths with Tian Wei, a hardworking young woman who supports her alcoholic father and autistic brother. Tian Wei works tirelessly to make ends meet due to her father's struggles with depression and addiction. Despite facing financial difficulties, she remains determined to care for her brother and honor her late mother's memory. Tian Wei aspires to become a singer, but is unable to pursue her dream. Unaware of Yu Fang's true background, she finds herself drawn to his genuine personality.