Dramas I Recommend
- My ranking system:
(dramas rated the same don't really have an order they are all in my heart e.g. all the 8.5s i couldn't pick a fav from etc)
A*
10 - would re-watch/ADORED/would die for
9/9.5 - loved but not as memorable/not as rewatchable as 10s
A
8/8.5 - very enjoyable but had issues with/don't have the same overall love for all aspects of the drama - probably would re-watch some episodes/scenes
B
7/7.5 - didn't enjoy all scenes/all aspects of the plot + wouldn't re-watch but mostly liked it
C
6.5/6 - liked some parts but wouldn't re-watch
D
5.5/5 - if it's ranked a 5.5 or below it's #1 not on this list and #2 i probably dropped it because I didn't like it.. I'm not one to finish a drama if I can't stand it
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1. Someday or One Day
Taiwanese Drama - 2019, 13 episodes
This was something else. I adored the main couple and rooted for them so much. I loved the ending and I recommend watching the extra ending on YT but honestly I loved both endings. I also adored the soundtrack and the open theme. I won't get into the time-travel aspect of this drama but I also enjoyed this aspect immensely.
This couple were meant to be.
I swooned, I cried, I felt heartbreak and happiness along with the characters. SO MUCH LOVE FOR THIS DRAMA.
I would have to try really hard to fault this drama, and even then it would still be a 10 in my heart
<3
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2. Love and Destiny
Chinese Drama - 2019, 60 episodes
I absolutely adored the romance in this. It was so heartwarming and ugh I would definitely rewatch scenes of the ML and FL (you could really feel the deep love between these two characters they were willing to sacrifice themselves over and over again whilst remaining as individuals who care about their duty) as well as the secondary love story (Yunfeng is such a babe bless him).
The soundtrack was wonderful, the storyline although tropey at times kept me engaged and surprised me at times. Although the start was slow I'm so glad I carried on with this drama. It dragged at times in the mortal realm but it was well worth it for the final stretch! I adored the ending - the romance was heart convulsions inducing. The highlight of this drama was by far Lingxi and Jiuchen (with a special mention to Yunfeng and Qingyao) - the acting was amazing and I was convinced by their love for each other.
The ending was perfect.
PS. I also loved the soundtrack
my only critique is the slow start and the drag around ep 30-40 (during FL's trial)
<3
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3. The Untamed
Chinese Drama - 2019, 50 episodes
I have so many words and not enough ways to say them. I just f*cking loved this so much I don't even know how to express what a perfect blend of everything this drama is. Soulmates, sibling love, action, adventure, fantasy, good vs evil, internal conflicts, right vs wrong *chefs kiss*.
I don't think another drama will come along like this in a while, which makes me sad but also tremendously happy that I got to witness all this genius. One of the few dramas on this list where I was such a state I didn't know what to do with myself for days after I had finished the final episode.
Don't get me wrong this drama is not perfect. There were slow bits, skippable bits, meh acting, I was confused for the first 5 episodes lol. But I'm going off how I felt throughout it.
UPDATE
after re-watching it I would say the 'first-time' watch feeling wasn't clouding my opinion. I love it, but you might have to overlook a few things to feel the same.
<3
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4. Lovely Us
Chinese Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
a sweet, heart warming drama. all the episodes conveyed beautiful messaged about life, family, love and friendship the episodes which discussed parental love had me crying. all the characters were loveable.
this drama ,in a few standout episodes, also didn't shy away from the reality of loneliness (that elderly people feel) and unrequited love and didn't glamourize them. some of the conversations and reflections the parents are children had about their feelings and relationships were so bittersweet and real and really solidified this drama's place in my heart.
regardless of what age you are you can take something away from this drama, be it a lesson learnt or be it lesson and mistakes we are well acquainted with.
there's no particular reason I took off 1 point, mainly the feeling I got whilst watching the drama wasn't as WOW. it was more like wow.
<3
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5. Just Between Lovers
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
A beautiful drama which I have re-watched since and loved just as much the second time around. I loved all the main characters, the cinematography is beautiful, the soundtrack is heartbreaking and romantic, the plot is poignant and the romance is GOLDEN. I cried many times and will always be a sucker for a healing, slow burn romance.
The only critique for me is that SML and SFL's scenes bored me at times/I skipped them.
<3
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6. 18 Again
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
This was so unexpectedly good! Every episode linked so well to the next, a great plot, great acting, great romance/friendship/family moments. Just great.
Was very enjoyable and teaches you a lot of messages about love and family.
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7. Casa Dulce Casa
Korean Drama - 2020, 10 episodes
so freaking good
can't wait for s2
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8. The Long Ballad
Chinese Drama - 2021, 49 episodes
really enjoyed!
Things i loved: the pairings (especially changge and a'sun and haodu and leyan, mujin and mimi were adorable too) . the ost . the brotherhood <3 between xiao zhan and a'sun. the plot! so many epic moments . the message and the ending <3
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9. City Hunter
Korean Drama - 2011, 20 episodes
This was my first k-drama, and I have to say that bias is part of the reason it's so high up on this list. It's cheesy, it's dramatic, it's romantic, it's got a goddamn addicting plot. It's got one of my favourite endings ever of all dramas (alongside The Untamed). THE SOUNDTRACK IS EVERYTHING and all the tropes made me swoon. It was a ride.
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10. Imawa no Kuni no Alice
Japanese Drama - 2020, 8 episodes
Literally can't wait for S2!!! What a mind f*ck omg so good
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11. Cruel City
Korean Drama - 2013, 20 episodes
One of my first k-dramas. It's gritty, it's badass, it kind of broke my heart and stomped all over it but that's fine by me. Just a really enjoyable plot with interesting characters and action-filled and intense scenes.
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12. Nebuni Unul după Celălalt
Korean Drama - 2021, 13 episodes
so funny and sweet. can't speak for the mental health rep but i did love the message of the show. there were some really heart-wrenching moments where I teared up a few times. Equally there were so many laugh out loud moments!
loved how they went from enemies to friends to lovers. in the first ep or so i was eh about the FL but quickly began to love her and root for her. Loved the ML from the start.
perfect amount of episodes, not one bit dragged.
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13. Love and Redemption
Chinese Drama - 2020, 59 episodes
Xuanji and Sifeng's romance.. *sigh*... Sifeng went through so much.. the revelations were wonderful, the angst was great.
The first 3/4 of the drama were 9/10 for me.. I just felt less attachment to the plot and world towards the end. However, there were many epic and sweet moments throughout.
Although I preferred the romance in this to Ashes of Love, I felt more attachment to some of the side characters and I had a clearer picture of the fantasy world in AoL.
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14. Love Your Bones Forever 2
Chinese Drama - 2021, 24 episodes
I HAVE ONLY TEARS. i'm so glad i stuck with this drama. it literally destroyed me like i think i cried for 3 episodes straight at the end. i can't wait for forever and ever to come out. i loved!!!! every side character, i enjoyed (and hated) the court politics, ugh i just love silent, loyal, unwavering angsty love. i can't stop thinking about this drama. some of the moments were so heartbreakingly, poetic and bittersweet and ahhhh life is so unfair.
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15. Stealth Walker
Chinese Drama - 2021, 24 episodes
cw
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16. Arsenal Military Academy
Chinese Drama - 2019, 48 episodes
I love the academy set-up, I love the side characters, especially Manting she's such a babe. I enjoyed the overall plot and adore the ML. The romance is cute and the flirtations memorable. The last several episodes were both heart-warming and heart-breaking.
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17. Cang Lan Jue
Chinese Drama - 2022, 36 episodes
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18. The Day of Becoming You
Chinese Drama - 2021, 26 episodes
when this couple mean business, they mean BUSINESS. omg the chemistry is insane. it wasn't really my vibe at first, but like some bits were just SO MY VIBE that like it averaged out to vibe lol.
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19. Numele Meu
Korean Drama - 2021, 8 episodes
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20. Vânătorii de Demoni
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
Really enjoyed! Looking forward to S2!
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21. The Legend of the Blue Sea
Korean Drama - 2016, 20 episodes
I loved the overall plot and found it super enjoyable. I found there was a nice balance between humour, angst and romance. I cried in some of the past live scenes. The last few eps lost momentum and although I found that the ending was kind of abrupt, I liked the way it wrapped up. I also liked the side romance between IT guy and the second FL.
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22. Yan Yu Fu
Chinese Drama - 2022, 34 episodes
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23. E Nebună, Dar E-a Mea
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
The romance was SIZZLING. The story was heart-breaking and original. I adored the main characters. The soundtrack and visuals were great. It also had a great ending.
Not one I would re-watch but dang it was good.
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24. The Romance of Tiger and Rose
Chinese Drama - 2020, 24 episodes
A fun, light-hearted romcom with heart.
The first few episodes I was on the fence but once I got into it I loved the main pairing and the comedy.
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25. Try the World
Chinese Drama - 2022, 40 episodes
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26. Make a Wish
Chinese Drama - 2021, 24 episodes
i would die for this CP. they are literally the fkin cutest non cringey cute couple i've ever witnessed. i was smiling my face off. the ML and FL an just swoooooonworthy.
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27. Vincenzo
Korean Drama - 2021, 20 episodes
we love a power couple. the plot was fast-paced and addictive and i loved watching them plot to take down babel. there were so many uplifting and heart-breaking moments. I enjoyed the message at the end that 'justice' doesn't always help take down the bad guy. sometimes you have to be a villain to take on a villain. The only thing I didn't vibe with was the subplots involving the plaza tenants. I'm juts not a huge fan of the slap-stick comedy vibe. But I could tolerate it for Fl cos she's a babe <3
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28. Bun Venit la Waikiki!
Korean Drama - 2018, 20 episodes
I loved all the main characters so much, they were charming and likeable. I'm usually not the hugest fan of comedy, but this drama had me hooked. I found it super enjoyable and liked the romances within it.
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29. Dali and Gamjatang
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
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30. Hotel del Luna
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
I just loved IU’s character and how they slowly revealed her past as well as her growing friendship/feelings for the ML. I love how the ML develops over the course of the drama.
I love the bickering, the right amount of angst, the humour. It also has quite an original or at least different storyline from a lot of the dramas I have watched before.
I watched it whilst it was airing and it managed to be one of the few dramas I watched in 2019, and thank God it was because it restored my faith in k-dramas.
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31. Greutățile Vieții
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
THE CHEMISTRY THO, CUTE AF. Amazing wrap up ending. The only reason it's not higher on the list is because after I re-watched I didn't like it as much as the first time around - that being said I still loved all of the character's and the romance. The only things I didn't like about the drama are that some parts dragged a little bit, but when they brought the cute the didn't hold back and it was awesome.
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32. Ancient Love Poetry
Chinese Drama - 2021, 49 episodes
it was xianxia doing xianxia things. it wasn't really what i was expecting tho. i iked the ML and FL respectively but i wasn't as invested as i was in L&R. but i'm still a sucker for xianxia lol.
i really enjoyed the secondary characters in this drama.
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33. A Tale of Thousand Stars
Thai Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
so wholesome, so warm. the right amount of angst. when they cried i cried. beautiful story, loved the message. first thai drama that i've managed to complete - and i've tried a lot lol.
I like how understated the romance was and i just really vibed with the overall plot. yes heart-transplant shenanigans we've seen it before - but i liked how it was done here and i thought Torfun was really sweet.
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34. Kai Duan
Chinese Drama - 2022, 15 episodes
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35. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
Korean Drama - 2016, 20 episodes
I cried for days during and after this drama. Wow.
I wouldn't re-watch it though.
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36. My Secret Roommate
Chinese Drama - 2022, 24 episodes
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37. Vara Noastră Iubită
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
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38. Cha-cha-cha la Malul Mării
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
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39. Ashes of Love
Chinese Drama - 2018, 63 episodes
I almost wish the middle part of this drama was it's own drama. I LOVED. My rating would probably be lower if not for this.
I had to push through the angst towards the end a bit, but overall a very enjoyable drama with a solid ending.
Update: after watching 'Love and Destiny' I would definitely say I prefer the romance/message/storyline and pacing of that drama a lot more.
This drama has an addicting factor especially in terms of the fight scenes etc but it doesn't have all of the heart and loveable characters that 'Love and Destiny' had imo.
I also wasn't overly keen on the FL in this drama -I didnt understand a lot of her actions and I didnt love her personality
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40. A Tale of the Wanderers
Chinese Drama - 2021, 36 episodes
this CP is SO GOOD, the drama just wasn't my vibe, don't kill me pls
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41. Ugly Beauty
Chinese Drama - 2021, 24 episodes
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42. Dance of the Sky Empire
Chinese Drama - 2020, 28 episodes
There were some wonderfully epic moments in this drama and a lot of great romantic scenes. Also the soundtrack *chefs kiss* it was so addicting and cheesy and great.
It's hard to judge it though because it was a lot shorter than the romantic dramas I have watched before so they almost trying to condense a lot into 28 episodes.
I loved the ML and I found his storyline addicting, equally I liked the FL and felt her actions weren't ridiculous and I felt they were realistic. There were some great dramatic moments involving the leads discovery of his powers/who he is and although they weren't fully fleshed out if you accept the drama for what it is it can be overlooked lol. Besides the under-development of those aspects, he was a likeable character and I weirdly rooted for both sides throughout.
If you don't expect a lot from this drama and go in just looking for those great cheesy fantasy moments (done right) you will thoroughly enjoy it. The only thing I would say is that the whole academy training concept felt a bit rushed and I didn't really care about most of the side characters, a lot of the plot in the academy just felt like a set up for the leads. However, they did this right because the first half of the drama was a very addictive forbidden romance/guy falls first romance. I did skip a lot but beside that... I couldn't stop watching this drama once I started.
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43. Alias: Healer
Korean Drama - 2014, 20 episodes
One of my first ever k-dramas. Loved the romance, the action, the typical k-drama cheese, the vigilante-ness. The first episode will forever be nostalgic.
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44. Catch the Ghost
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
Watched this drama whilst it was airing. Although I found the FL irritating at times, by the end of the drama I liked her. I enjoyed the romance and comedy.
Mostly the reason this drama has a high rating from me is because of the ML's storyline. I really rooted for him and enjoyed his character.
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45. Cititorul Gândurilor
Korean Drama - 2013, 18 episodes
Pretty addicting. I enjoyed the noona romance and it has some pretty great moments.
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46. Descendenții Soarelui
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
I got bored at some bits but it's probably because this isn't the type of drama I'd usually watch. I liked the ML though, and the chemistry was insane.
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47. Șeful Meu Timid
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
Was a bit weird but overall cute and quite heart-wrenching at times. I didn't like the FL at first but grew to love how she supported the ML. Will hold a special, nostalgic place in my heart. Also the soundtrack is amazing!
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48. Something About 1 Percent
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
YES to the chemistry. The banter was genuinely so enjoyable. I can't say the plot was very memorable lol, but I will definitely remember the 2 main characters and that I had a great time watching them play off of one another. Would probably re-watch for the romance.
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49. I've Fallen For You
Chinese Drama - 2020, 24 episodes
I loved the chemistry between the ML & FL, they had some really adorable and really heart fluttering moments. I thought the FL was lovely and I liked that she was intelligent as well as cute. The ML was also great, I loved many of his scenes and you could see he truly adored the FL. I liked that although they bickered and he 'bullied' her, he wasn't super mean to her or arrogant in a typical drama-world way.
The first quarter was adorably funny and I liked the conclusion of the drama. I did skip quite a lot of scenes not including the main cast but besides that it was an enjoyable, light hearted drama with charming romances. and many twists and turns. PS: I also liked the focus on friendship in this drama. PPS: I loved the soundtrack :)
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50. Witch's Court
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
I actually watched the cases without getting bored? I actually enjoyed a court drama with little to no romance?? I'm shocked too.
Overall, I enjoyed it and I loved the leads.
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51. Douăzeci și Cinci, Douăzeci și Unu
Korean Drama - 2022, 16 episodes
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52. Hospital Playlist
Korean Drama - 2020, 12 episodes
Not quite greys, but I enjoyed the characters and I can't really fault the drama. Just isn't my favourite genre.
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53. Find Yourself
Chinese Drama - 2020, 41 episodes
I didn't LOVE the main couple and I found them quite frustrating at times with their behaviour. Despite this I liked the social commentaries this drama made and I enjoyed the discussions that were had.
I enjoyed the friendship between Prof Song and Prof He and the sibling relationship between Fanxing and Canyang. The romances I enjoyed the most and felt were the most entertaining were the secondary couple Canyang and Minmin, as well as Congxiao and Chang huan's office romance,
Although this show was light-hearted, funny and enjoyable most of the time, the drag I felt and the many conversations felt like filler towards the middle part of this drama, which is where I inevitably started fast-forwarding certain scenes (especially with the SML)
Overall I enjoyed the message of the show and rooted for most the characters, but I found the main focus of the show (the main romance) to be lacking/not to my personal taste.
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54. The Legends
Chinese Drama - 2019, 56 episodes
A whole lot of fantasy fun (for the first 40 eps). I love Moqing :') I kind of wish they'd shown us more of their interactions when he was a dark guard though. Lu Yaozhan is great as well. I like a strong female lead. I really enjoyed how the romance developed and how she disguised herself and tried to trick Moqing. The actors have undeniable chemistry so honestly I could just watch them staring at each other for hours. We love a power couple.
Overall, I could care less about the villains but I do enjoy the romance and I like some of the side characters. I liked the build up but the ending was meh.
I probably should have stopped watching after they got married.
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55. Love like White Jade
Chinese Drama - 2021, 32 episodes
I really like the low budget rom-com style lol. this doesn't beat out 'I've fallen for you' though because that pairing watered ALL OF MY CROPS and tbh i think I found it funnier than 'Love like white jade'. This drama is fun in it's own right tho, and I enjoyed the double-identity cheese. i also just really love the actress who plays the FL lol. she's so cute! oh and i love Gala Zhang's smile lol. oh also the SML doesn't bother me like in other dramas.
however it isn't as highlight rated as that drama, because althought it's cute it drags so much towards the end and the plot becomes very unexciting towards the 2nd half. also i hate ******spoiler******* amnesia plots
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56. Dragoste sub Clar de Lună
Korean Drama - 2016, 18 episodes
GAAAH PARK BO GUM is what i live for. I got bored about half-way through, but i appreciated the lovely romance and pretty aesthetic and PARK BO GUM MAN
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57. Douluo Continent
Chinese Drama - 2021, 40 episodes
some cool stuff happened, i liked the fantasy world set-up and i liked the friendship dynamic, but skipped quite a lot of the scenes and was bored quite a lot. the main leads were okay but not super memorable. was a bit underwhelmed by some of the fight scenes and how certain scenes played out
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58. Lucky Romance
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
I love the ML & MF’s relationship and personalities - they’re super cute! I couldn’t stop smiling the whole time. the ML is super loveable and my fav character. I like the ML’s relationship w/ his parents and their subplot. However I’ve given this drama 6/10 based on the main character’s relationship and developments mostly as I didn’t enjoy many of the subplots and the secondary characters - I found them slightly annoying (the second leads) or just didn’t enjoy their personalities/storylines and I found myself skipping a lot of their scenes. Overall a cute dramas which was nice to binge over summer.
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59. Gold Spoon
Korean Drama - 2024, 16 episodes
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60. Di Jia Qian Jin
Chinese Drama - 2024, 40 episodes
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61. Yu Feng Xing
Chinese Drama - 2024, 39 episodes
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62. Fake It Till You Make It
Chinese Drama - 2023, 14 episodes
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63. Casa Dulce Casa 2
Korean Drama - 2023, 8 episodes
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64. Sweet Home Season 3
Korean Drama - 2024, 8 episodes
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65. Zhu Yan
Chinese Drama - 2023, 40 episodes
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66. Bian Liang Meng Hua Tu
Chinese Drama - 2022, 40 episodes
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67. Chen Xiang Ru Xie
Chinese Drama - 2022, 38 episodes
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68. Till the End of the Moon
Chinese Drama - 2023, 40 episodes
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69. Xing Han Can Lan
Chinese Drama - 2022, 27 episodes
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70. Jiao Cang
Chinese Drama - 2024, 40 episodes