Asian dramas like
Wave Makers

No matter how hard you try, you cannot avoid what is meant to be. Chen Yi Jun was raised in a family involved in politics, but she despised the field and was determined to pursue her love for music. However, after finishing college, she finds herself unexpectedly caught up in a political battle. She crosses paths with Jiang Ye Qing, a rising star in politics who embraced his family's political background. With the support of Huang Yao Yuan, an activist for student rights, and Sha Bing Na, a news anchor, will Yi Jun be able to navigate her accidental political journey?

The true political figures operating behind the scenes are engaging in a perilous risk. Currently serving as an assemblyman, Jang Tae Joon is striving to reach the pinnacle of authority while battling fiercely for his own survival.

Huang Jui Chieh, a man who had a thriving career and content family life, finds himself abruptly retired and then stricken with a sudden physical ailment

In a reimagined narrative set in Taiwan between 1995 and 1996 during the country's inaugural direct presidential election, the story unfolds with political conflicts, the emergence of criminal influences in the political sphere, and soldiers battling for survival during the Third Taiwan Strait Crisis. These elements collectively embody Taiwan's ethos of "One island, one destiny."

A solitary man envisions a future with his neighbor.

An emotional narrative that weaves together multiple tales from across the nation crafted into a dramatic presentation.

Tsunoda Miki, a graduate from a lesser-known university, secures a position at a prestigious company. However, she becomes a target of severe bullying from her bosses and colleagues after a small error. Despite the mistreatment, she decides to face the harassment instead of fleeing from it. (Tokyograph)

Kurotani Nanami was raised in a low-income farming family that did not receive enough support from the government after the earthquake. While attending university, she works at a club and sends money to her family regularly. One day, Shioda Yusuke, the young CEO of Naguri Construction, and his colleague Miyazato Kazuki visit the club where Nanami works. Intrigued by their involvement in ODA (official development assistance) work and the questionable money associated with it, Nanami becomes curious about the financial side of international aid. She forms a connection with Miyazato, who has connections to powerful politicians and is a key figure in his company. In exchange for a job at an ODA-related company, Nanami agrees to a relationship with Miyazato, fully aware of the corrupt nature of this world. Despite the risks, she is determined to leave poverty behind and explore this murky realm. Miyazato introduces Nanami to Gohongi Consultants, a company closely linked to his own, opening the door to a world of international aid filled with kickbacks, bribes, concessions, and political games.

To help his son grow into a mature and kind individual, a father embarks on a journey with him. The son quickly discovers his lack of knowledge about life and engages in various new experiences such as fishing, hiking, and gazing at the stars at night. These shared activities will shape their bond for years to come.

Seven years ago, Kazuki passed away when he was only 25 years old, leaving behind his wife Tetsuko and father Gifu. Although they live together as a family, their relationship is unique as Tetsuko is not biologically related to her father-in-law. Tetsuko finds solace in meeting individuals who were connected to her late husband through fate, which helps her overcome the grief of losing a loved one and allows her to move forward in life.

Six months later, Yoshinari Chinami starts her new job as a fashion designer in the competitive world of high-end luxury. Surrounded by cutthroat women, she relies on her intelligence and resilience to navigate the challenges she faces.

The narrative takes place in a women's massage parlor named "KIRAMEKI", where attractive therapists provide treatment with a touch of intimacy. The establishment is staffed by three therapists: Yamato, who works as a corporate employee by day and a therapist at "KIRAMEKI" by night; Ryuichi, the composed and charming therapist; and Cyan, the most sought-after therapist with his youthful and handsome appearance. Despite their constant smiles and dedication to helping women from diverse backgrounds, each of the three therapists had a unique past before entering this profession.

The global situation is often likened to a game of poker, where Taiwan finds itself unable to secure a seat at the table. Despite not being the focal point of world affairs, Taiwan serves as a battleground for various countries. "Island Nation" is a political drama set against a backdrop of historical events, following the stories of six young individuals who become entangled in Taiwan's political landscape. As they navigate through power struggles and make difficult choices regarding faith, life, and love, they use their ideals and youth to navigate through a turbulent era, showcasing the evolution of Taiwan's democracy during the presidency of its first elected leader from 1990 to 1994.

Kyoko Hasumi, a former lawyer, left her career to focus on motherhood. Her husband, a high-ranking prosecutor leading a specialized investigative unit at the Tokyo District Prosecutor's Office, is arrested on corruption charges and embroiled in a scandal with another woman. As her life as a devoted wife takes an unexpected turn, Kyoko decides to return to the legal profession to safeguard her children. After a 16-year hiatus, she secures a temporary position at a law firm, marking her reentry into the legal field. This story is a remake of the American TV series "The Good Wife" [2009].

When they went to obtain their marriage certificate, they were both left waiting by their partners. To address the household registration issue for her child, Lin Chu Xia decided to marry a stranger. Witness how she successfully convinced her ex-boyfriend's family to vacate the house and reclaim her own home! (Chinese social media platform Weibo, translated using Google Translate)

The Abe family resides in Manchuria, China. Following the Russian invasion and Japan's loss in World War II, they are forced to relocate to Japan and begin a fresh life on a farm in Tochigi prefecture.

Yoshinari Chinami, previously a seller of buttons and fabric in an old Tokyo neighborhood, unexpectedly transitions to working at the editorial division of a fashion magazine, feeling exhilarated by the new opportunity. The fashion industry proves to be a mesmerizing realm that she had never experienced before. However, she soon discovers it to be a cutthroat environment where women compete against each other relentlessly. From the bottom-tier worker handling menial tasks to the top-tier individuals controlling magazines and advertisements, the industry is marked by stark inequalities. It is a world where women constantly evaluate and rank each other, creating a volatile atmosphere. Survival in this unforgiving setting requires one to excel. Chinami's sole confidante is the assistant photographer Nishihara Itsuki. Can she navigate through this challenging fashion world and find happiness amidst the chaos?

Yuria, a 50-year-old woman, leads a peaceful life by teaching embroidery classes at her residence, where she resides with her spouse who is a writer, and his mother. However, her life takes a drastic turn when her husband suffers a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Upon reaching the hospital, Yuria is confronted by a sorrowful young man who reveals himself as her husband's partner.

Uemura Kotone is a student in middle school dealing with emotional trauma. Residing in an aged apartment, she overhears peculiar noises coming from her neighbor, Akutsu Isamu. Curious about the middle-aged man's mysterious behavior, Kotone follows him to a nearby park where she discovers the reason behind his odd actions. Intrigued by Isamu, she becomes involved with the Torasu Theater group, meeting individuals with their own emotional baggage. Through this experience, Kotone confronts her own issues while unraveling Isamu's quest for a woman from his past and his hidden history.

On a cold winter day, the four Takezawa sisters - Ikebana instructor Tsunako, homemaker Makiko, librarian Takiko, and server Sakiko - reunite after a long time apart. Takiko suspects that their father, Kotaro, may have a secret lover and child. Despite the disbelief from her sisters, they agree to keep this information from their mother, Fuji. However, this revelation leads to the uncovering of hidden conflicts and secrets within the women's lives.

Loy, a compassionate farmer's son, develops feelings for Kaew, the son of the village headman and his dear friend. Their love story encounters obstacles posed by Kaew's sister and Phat, both of whom have feelings for Loy. With Phat determined to ruin him, Kaew is faced with a dilemma: should he defend Loy?

Sato Tomoko, a 40-year-old wife and mother with a part-time job, faces unemployment after standing up against an unfair rule at work. With no formal education or certifications, Tomoko struggles to find a stable job to support her family. Upon discovering the high salaries of city council members, she decides to run for a seat in the current election, despite facing tough competition from candidates with political backgrounds. Tomoko is determined to represent working class families and challenge the norms that hinder Japanese women from working after having children. Todo Makoto, a seasoned politician, and Hirata Kazumi, a former journalist, are impressed by Tomoko's passion and leadership, and join her campaign team.

In the year 202X, Japan is facing a period of stagnation and is seen globally as a nation in decline. In an effort to break free from this situation, Prime Minister Washida initiates a unique project called Utopi-AI. Referred to as the UA concept, individuals are chosen by AI from various regions of Japan to govern cities that have fallen into disrepair. The belief is that young people lack the necessary experience to lead in politics, which is where AI can fill the gaps with its vast amount of data. As a demonstration of this, AI selects Maki Aran, a 17-year-old idealistic individual, to serve as Prime Minister, along with a group of young adults around the age of 20. Together, they utilize AI to implement reforms aimed at revitalizing the struggling regional cities as part of the experimental city UA.

Jang Tae Joon, who previously served as a detective and is an alumnus of the Korean National Police University, takes on the role of chief aide to a lawmaker who has been elected four times after shifting his career to the political arena. Fueled by his aspirations, he successfully positions his lawmaker as the representative of the party but seeks to acquire greater influence. Kang Sun Young, a newly elected lawmaker and party spokesperson, came into office through proportional representation. With a background as a lawyer and television host, she is both ambitious and capable. Her dynamic with Jang Tae Joon is complicated, as her supervisor is a competitor of the senior lawmaker who assisted her in her political journey.

Meen, a fifth-year medical student, enjoys a dedicated academic lifestyle enriched by the delightful presence of friends such as Bon, Flint, Kim, Baikhao, and Pokpong. One day, Meen's mother sends Tul, the son of a close friend who has recently passed the entrance exam for engineering at Chiang Mai University, the country's premier institution, to stay with Meen and tasks him with looking after Tul. Meen views this as a favorable chance for Tul to move into a dormitory close to the university, allowing Tul to take care of Nirand instead. However, before the move, Meen discovers that beneath Tul’s academic success lies a battle with depression. Motivated by his medical knowledge and empathy, Meen selflessly decides to forgo the dormitory arrangement to support and care for Tul. As they share living space for a time, their bond evolves from mere “brothers” into something deeper. Both face the dilemma of whether to pursue a romantic relationship or to remain just “brothers” in order to achieve their personal aspirations.

Mewika, the sole heiress of the Superior Group—one of the nation’s top department store conglomerates—exudes confidence and poise. However, her self-assurance is shattered when she faces defeat against Aiwarin, the only heir of the Orianna Group, a prominent hotel empire in the country, during a joint school project competition. As the years go by, they find themselves leading their respective businesses and vying for the lucrative Greater Duty-Free concession, a project worth billions. Their circumstances force them to work closely together, shifting their rivalry into a reluctant partnership. For Mewika, this proximity is a tactical move to uncover Aiwarin's secrets and secure the bid. Meanwhile, for Aiwarin, it presents an opportunity to draw nearer to the woman she has quietly admired since their first encounter.

Now in their twenties, Hong Cheng Yi and Wang Ding Zhu continue to grapple with the repercussions of their past experiences and are facing challenges in finding their purpose in the world

Ayumu Ichinose aspires to become a professional shogi player. Following his father's passing, he takes on part-time jobs to support his family while working towards his dream. At 22 years old, he is presented with his final opportunity to pass the professional exam. Unfortunately, he falls short once more when his mother suffers a breakdown from overworking. In a bid to assist him, his mother secures an internship at a trading firm. Despite lacking social skills and formal qualifications, Ayumu is met with skepticism. Undeterred, he persists, understanding that giving up would mean losing everything.

The series follows the lives of individuals who have fallen out of love. Matsuo Ryo is employed at a landscaping company and holds a negative view of women. During a visit to a client's office, he encounters Satogawa Akane, a secretary to a CEO who is highly regarded by male colleagues for her beauty and intelligence. However, Akane, disillusioned by a past relationship, is not interested in pursuing romantic relationships and only engages in sexual encounters with married men. A new colleague named Kinosaki Haruto shows interest in Akane. Meanwhile, Ryo is approached by his boss with a proposal to marry his daughter Tanno Ayaka and eventually take over the company, but Ryo sees Ayaka as a sister figure and feels embarrassed by the suggestion. Ayaka, who works at a construction site by day and a girl's bar by night, struggles with her own sexual identity. One night at the girl's bar, she is approached by a female customer named Kuroda Azusa.

At the age of 40, Usui Arata finds herself facing a difficult situation after being betrayed by her fiance and demoted to work in the logistics warehouse. Feeling hopeless about her future with no dreams, savings, or partner, she comes across an elderly woman in need of help one morning. Little does she know, this encounter will have a significant impact on her life. As she navigates through unwelcome events at work, she is shocked to come face-to-face with her ex-fiance, who is now her new section chief. Feeling lost and stressed, Arata stumbles upon a job opportunity as a hostess at a retro bar for women over 40. Despite her initial doubts, she decides to take on the job in hopes of turning her life around. Joining a team of mature hostesses, she rediscovers her forgotten values and begins to blossom in this new environment as the youngest member of the group.

During a summer day, Sorayoshi saw Miyako leaving Kyoto station with a stranger, instead of going to Tokyo as planned. Curious about her companion, he continued with his usual home visits. At a lantern shop, Sorayoshi came across the same carry-on bag he had seen earlier, suspecting Miyako of dating Atsuhiko, the lantern shop's heir. Meanwhile, Miyako was returning from her part-time job delivering tofu when Sorayoshi spotted Sachiko, a woman he once liked, by the Kamo River. Sachiko, who was believed to have moved after remarrying, was actually still in Kyoto.

After a tragic incident, three former classmates from art school come together after a long time. They each have a unique connection to the deceased man, including his ex-girlfriend, the manager of a rugby club he belonged to, and his ex-boyfriend. As they navigate their own struggles, the trio starts meeting up and sharing meals. Oda Chiharu had landed her dream job as a designer but left due to workplace bullying. She now finds joy in cooking for others, while indulging in convenience store meals when alone. Nakamura Seiko works in the PR department of a cosmetics company and feels pressured by her family's belief that marriage is a must. Her engagement is abruptly called off by her fiancé, who also works in the same company. Amagai Eiji, who used to work as a designer in an advertising agency, is now feeling lost after being transferred to the sales department. He grapples with his identity as a gay man, which he has not yet disclosed to his parents.

Two college students with contrasting personalities and boundaries attempt to coexist in the same living space. (r/GirlsLove Reddit)

This drama showcases the fierce and passionate rivalry between three avaricious characters, all vying to claim the most magnificent sources of wealth and influence in the city that never slumbers. Seo Yi Kyung is a cunning and relentless businesswoman, ready to go to any lengths to achieve her goals. Park Gun Woo, the heir to a prominent corporation, was deceived by his love, Yi Kyung, over a decade ago. Meanwhile, Lee Se Jin is a hired individual who is captivated by Yi Kyung's charisma and aspires to emulate her.

Shintaro, with hard work and dedication, there is a possibility of achieving nobility in the future. A town situated in the heart of the world during the night, known as the night ring. In this town controlled by hosts, clubs compete fiercely for dominance. They compare sales, drinks, and conflicts to determine the winner. In this place, winning is everything, regardless of the game being played. There is no influence of law enforcement or police. In a different part of the world, there lived a man who did not partake in the extravagant night ring lifestyle. Shintaro, the president of the civil engineering company "All-day Civil Engineering" passed down from his parents, toils in mud and sweat every day. He leads a modest yet fulfilling life with his employees. One day, the representative of the top night ring club "Texas" and Shintaro's brother make an appearance. Meanwhile, at St. Brilliant Academy following the Prince Championship, Kouki Tendo, Kyogoku Ryu, Hiura Kaiji, and Riku Odajima exhibit unusual behavior. A connection forms among the four students before the basketball tournament. And who is the individual linking the Night Rings to St. Brilliant School? Brothers, friends, best friends. Each one prepares for a battle strengthened by their familial bond in order to protect what is important to them.

Youko was adopted at a young age and never got to know her biological parents. Despite this, her adoptive family had always shown her warmth and love. However, things took a drastic turn when her mother, who had always been the most loving towards her, began to mistreat and despise her. Youko couldn't help but wonder why this sudden change had occurred. Taken from the book titled Freezing Point by Miura Ayako.

Kotoha Ninomiya is employed in the general affairs division of a sweets company. Unexpectedly, she is instructed to switch to the public relations department, where she struggles. To add to her troubles, Kotoha Ninomiya discovers that Atsushi Imagawa, whom she has hidden feelings for, is preparing to wed another woman. The two have been close friends since childhood. Devastated, she attends Atsushi's wedding ceremony. During the event, she is touched by Kumi Kuon's congratulatory speech. Kotoha Ninomiya is renowned for her exceptional skills as a speechwriter.

Shun is a cosmic civil engineer tasked with an unusual job: to destroy Earth in order to create a new intergalactic expressway. Unsurprisingly, the inhabitants of Earth are completely unaware of their looming fate. On his initial day on the planet, Chondan, the proprietor of a charming Thai eatery, captivates Shun with his delectable home-cooked meals. As a result, Shun discreetly delays his apocalyptic plans, seduced by the allure of more scrumptious dishes from Chondan. If he ever finds himself weary of the cuisine, he can always revert to his original objective.

A well-known online content creator, Danny, experiences a growing disturbance in his routine due to anonymous harassment. Unexpectedly, a mysterious individual named Jeong Hun shows up at his home, leading to a series of questionable events. "Are you truly the one behind the stalking?" "Is this your intention? Then make a move." Is it merely a mix-up or a deliberate tactic? (flyingpenguinKR YouTube)

The Sleep God became infatuated with a charming shepherd and bestowed upon him the unique ability to remain awake with his eyes open, allowing him to continuously captivate the Sleep God with his attractiveness. However, for individuals struggling with insomnia, could this gift be seen as both a blessing and a curse? Renowned social media influencer Wan Xiong unexpectedly grapples with insomnia one fateful night, initially hoping it would pass, only to realize it marks the start of a challenging physical and mental ordeal. As Wan Xiong sets off on this difficult journey, he encounters five young men who may hold the key to unlocking the mystery behind his sleeplessness. Can Wan Xiong discover the underlying cause of his insomnia through his interactions with these individuals? (BLtai)

A husband, who has established himself as a successful prosecutor, seemingly has a promising future ahead. However, he becomes embroiled in a political scandal and is arrested for corruption. Meanwhile, his wife, who practiced law before their marriage, decides to return to her profession after taking a 13-year break. In doing so, she starts to discover her authentic self.

Four police officers from Hong Kong, namely Kan Yiu Yeung, Chan Yan Bo, San Si Lam, and Koo Ka Keung, share a close connection through both their professional and personal lives. They were once close friends in the Counter Terrorism Response Unit (CTRU), but their friendship is tested when a mission goes awry. During an operation, Ocean injures Nui Nui in order to save him from a gunman, resulting in the amputation of Nui Nui's leg. While Nui Nui forgives Ocean, his sister Yan Bo and Ka Keung blame Ocean for using Nui Nui for personal gain. This event triggers Ocean's PTSD and leads to his expulsion from the CTRU. He subsequently joins a new team, the Phantom Operation and Tactic Team (POTT), where he handles high-risk cases.

After failing to pass the entrance exam for her desired high school, Nao Yoshino decides to attend a technical high school known as Kenritsu Asuka Kougyou Koukou, also called "Asukou". Among the 148 new students, only three are girls, with Nao being the sole female in her class. Feeling frustrated and isolated in a predominantly male environment, Nao struggles with the tough technical classes she is required to take. However, as her male classmates gradually show support and encouragement, Nao begins to realize that her new school may not be as bad as she initially thought.

In 1494 and 1529, Catholic Spain and Portugal signed agreements that split land in the New World between them. Concerned about a potential invasion from Catholic Spain, England, a Protestant nation, allied with the Dutch, who shared the same faith, in a conflict against the Spanish Empire. Together, they dispatched a fleet of five ships to challenge Spain and Portugal's control over trade in Asia. The story of "Shogun" commences with the arrival of the Erasmus, the lone surviving vessel from the fleet, in feudal Japan in 1600. The crew of the Erasmus, led by British navigator John Blackthorne, were the initial Dutch and English sailors to reach Japan. Despite the language barrier, Blackthorne (later known as Anjin) was able to communicate in Portuguese and Latin. The formidable warlord Yoshii Toranaga met his match in Nakamura, the future Taik. Toranaga eventually joined forces with Nakamura, aiding in the unification of Japan and the cessation of years of civil conflict. As the Taiko lay on his deathbed, he appointed Toranaga to the Council of Regents, charged with ruling until his heir reached maturity. While initially loyal to the Council, Toranaga found himself at odds with the other members, who viewed his influence as a threat. The Erasmus arrived in Japanese waters during a critical moment for Toranaga, offering him a chance to leverage the crew's hidden knowledge. Following a tragic event, Mariko, the esteemed wife of one of Toranaga's top vassals, embraced Catholicism and became proficient in Portuguese and Latin. Toranaga instructed Mariko to act as a translator for Blackthorne, leading to a deep bond between the two. Their destinies intertwined as they navigated a perilous political landscape, embroiled in a power struggle between influential daimyos.