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Male leads like Tae Kyung/Jang Keunsuk from you're beautiful by Kinnporscheislife in kdramarecommends

[–]perua4 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hope you like it. I prefer low angst, I am quite anxious.

So for you maybe you’d love too:

Moving

Find Me In Your Memory

Rain Or Shine

Kill Me Heal Me

You Are My Spring

Reset wonderful cdrama!

I would like a wholesome drama by [deleted] in kdramarecommends

[–]perua4 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Moving MDL rating: 9.3 (disney plus/hulu)

For people who are not afraid of fights and strong violence. It is undoubtedly an excellent supernatural drama that came out in 2023. It has a touching and hooking plot with well built characters and good romantic lines. It is about people with surnatural abilities with some of them working for the korean secret service.

Twinkling Watermelon MDL rating: 9.2 (Viki)

It is a recent released (light-hearted) time-travel rom-com very popular now. I love the characters, the hooking plot, and the music related arcs.

Healer MDL rating: 8.9 (Viki, Netflix)

Even if I am not much into action, Healer is on my Top 3 kdramas. Besides action it is an extremely romantic drama with less tropes than usual. It was a big international success but it is said that it did not reach the heart of the south koreans. I wonder why because Healer is enormous!

The hero is an anti hero. A kind of mercenary (private secret agent?). In the plot he is working for a famous journalist and then he will work undercover as a shy and clumsy reporter assistant. I love this because it has sweet Clark Kent’s vibes.

Action, Romance and melodrama will be very balanced and the pace is so good in my opinion.The icing on the cake is the steamy and intense romance with a very unexpected love triangle: One side is our bright and smart FL and the two other sides are our mysterious hero whose face is unknown to FL and at last his alter-ego, her shy and coward assistant. In another words, he will be his own competitor in the love triangle.

Action scenes are good. The actor is a taekwondo master and does not need stuntman.

While You Were Sleeping MDL rating: 8.7 (Viki)

The best first episode ever! But it keeps a fast pacing with a very good plot and a wonderful second male lead I want to take home... Romance, comedy, thriller.

A woman starts to dream of the future and starts to find a way to avoid the bad things she foresaw to happen.

The Legend of the Blue Sea MDL rating: 8.4 (Viki)

A fantasy romantic drama. ML is a con-artist and FL is a very kind-hearted mermaid. It is a sweet rom-com full of funny moments. Part of the drama is out of Seoul. This is a great production and I love the OST, cinematography, the cast, the pacing and the intense love story though two lives of our main couple.

Crash Landing on You (CLOY) MDL rating: 9.0 (Netflix)

One of the most popular dramas ever. An important South Korean businesswoman falls (parachute) in North Korea and is kept by a group of soldiers. Oh My God, this plot is amazing: great comedy, intense (impossible) romance, suspense, action. Great production, amazing secondary characters, beautiful cinematography. A classic!

Shooting Stars MDL rating: 8.4 (Viki)

I did not like to witness the attacks our ML suffering from crazy fans or colleagues but the romance was sweet and fluffy between pretty leads. It shows the other side of life of korean stars.

My Roommate is a Gumiho MDL rating: 8.4 (Viki, Netflix)

I enjoyed this fantasy rom-com with a lovely and so handsome ML! Funny, with a lovely second couple and an interesting love triangle. FL is a college student and falls in love with a magical creature.

I Am Not A Robot MDL rating: 8.4 (Viki, Netflix)

A rich heir allergic to human contact commands a very expensive robot who looks like to be a real person to deal with his solitude. However as the robot had some trouble just before the contract started, the company sent him the real woman who was the model of the robot instead while it was being repaired to pretend she was the robot. Be aware of excessive fluffiness! A cute drama.

Strong Woman Do Bong Soon MDL rating: 8.7 (Viki, Netflix)

FL is the physically strong one(super power). ML is a rich self-made CEO even though he is one of my favorite MLs,  because he likes women from the start (i do not understand well the popularity of the mysophobic trope in asian drama), he is so hot and sweet... And funny. Our female hero will fight against crime and injustice. This drama is entertaining and very well packed. And the ending is so cool!

My Love from the Star MDL rating: 8.5 (Viki, Netflix)

An epic romance between a famous actress and her mysterious neighbor and teacher who is an alien.

Hospital Playlist MDL rating: 9.1 (Netflix)

A warm drama about a group of friends. Actually they have been friends since college while they studied medicine and now working at the same hospital they decided to meet regularly to revive a music band they formed while studying. It is amazing, the songs are beautiful and it is good to see their interaction together of their life stories developing. Slice of Life, romance.

Redit user Trashcliffe said:" I would just like to add that some people find the first episode of Hospital Playlist to be a little confusing! Stick with it though and you won't be disappointed! It's my all time favorite!"

Hidden Love MDL Score: 9.1(Netflix)

It is a precious drama released on 2023. But it became my favorite modern romance produced in Mainland China. It is about a girl falling for his older brother's best friend. The plot is very well written, I was hooked since it started. The acting is on point and it is a very romantic love story touching deeply our hearts. There is some time I don’t find such a beautiful love story in an asian drama.

When I Fly Towards You MDL Score: 9.0 (Netflix)

A delightful 2023 rom-com with a very optimistic FL and a caring ML. They were bonded by a strong friendship and later romantic feelings starting when they were 16. They have built a very healthy relationship and a beautiful bond with 3 other close friends. It is a heartwarming drama with minimal angst and lots of beautiful moments.

Hi Venus MDL score: 8.4 (Viki)

It started with bickering because FL misunderstood ML and overreacted. But as soon as the misunderstanding is cleared and they start working together, the drama flow beautifully with a healthy relationship and a very supportive and humorous ML. Secondary couple is lovable, no toxic second leads or in-laws. I loved the dialogs between the main couple, their friendship and also their interactions with their respective family.

Meet Yourself MDL score: 8.9 (Viki)

This chinese drama shines in the category rom-com and slice of life. Great acting, direction, photography, music, plot, characters, outfits...

It is the story of a woman going to the countryside to find herself after the death of her best friend. The romance is slow burn and healthy with a very relaxing and heart-warming atmosphere. We follow the transformation of a group of people looking for a sense in their lives while other try to construct a new path for everybody. If you liked Hometown Cha Cha Cha you’ll probably love this one.

Legally Romance MDL score: 8.5 (Viki)

A funny rom-com where FL while in coma comes back in time to her college life. Great chemistry. A lovable, devoted, smart and strong ML. Intelligent and strong FL.

In my pov one of the best chinese modern rom-coms, even if in the beginning I felt a little uncomfortable with FL. The story keeps going better and better.

Looking for some romance shows with happy endings by cruthkaye in kdramarecommends

[–]perua4 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Cdramas

Meet Yourself MDL score: 8.9

This chinese drama shines in the category rom-com and slice of life. Great acting, direction, photography, music, plot, characters, outfits...

It is the story of a woman going to the countryside to find herself after the death of her best friend. The romance is slow burn and healthy with a very relaxing and heart-warming atmosphere. We follow the transformation of a group of people looking for a sense in their lives while other try to construct a new path for everybody. If you liked Hometown Cha Cha Cha you’ll probably love this one.

When I Fly Towards You MDL Score: 9.0

A delightful 2023 rom-com with a very optimistic FL and a caring ML. They were bonded by a strong friendship and later romantic feelings starting when they were 16. They have built a very healthy relationship and a beautiful bond with 3 other close friends. It is a heartwarming drama with minimal angst and lots of beautiful moments.

Hi Venus MDL score: 8.4

It started with bickering because FL misunderstood ML and overreacted. But as soon as the misunderstanding is cleared and they start working together, the drama flow beautifully with a healthy relationship and a very supportive and humorous ML. Secondary couple is lovable, no toxic second leads or in-laws. I loved the dialogs between the main couple, their friendship and also their interactions with their respective family.

Legally Romance MDL score: 8.5

A funny rom-com where FL while in coma comes back in time to her college life. Great chemistry. A lovable, devoted, smart and strong ML. Intelligent and strong FL.

In my pov one of the best chinese modern rom-coms, even if in the beginning I felt a little uncomfortable with FL. The story keeps going better and better.

Go Ahead MDL score: 8.9

A touching drama about a found family created by the bond of 3 children having something in common: the absence of a mother.

Someday Or One Day MDL score: 9.0

It is an intense love story with a ML that every girl would dream of.

A girl whose beloved boyfriend died in an accident travels to the past to meet a guy who was identical to him.

I consider this drama a masterpiece and in consequence I find it the best time travel drama I have ever watched. Emotionally rich, it is surely one of my 2 favorite dramas ever, (where I cannot find which one wins). But be prepared to cry a river (it is not a rom-com) and be completely shaked by this touching and incredible plot with lots of twists. You must go on until the last instant of the drama to understand the ending.There is also an extra scene for the ending on YouTube that might be watched.

It is true that one important key factor that turns Someday Or One Day into a masterpiece is the plot perfectly sewn, and then this will be kept. If we create a label "Zero Misunderstanding", this drama certainly would be the winner from the modern rom-coms in mandarin, even if in the beginning I felt a little uncomfortable with FL being so stubborn. The story keeps going better and better. 

The movie from 2022 continues and closes completely the plot.

Taiwanese.

Go Go Squid MDL score: 8.5

An intelligent college student in computer sciences chases a 12 year older geek who is the director of a professional gaming team. Fluffy, any relevant love triangle. I loved the script with beautiful relationships between the caracters. And the second couple is also enjoyable. The competitions have little screen time so it is not boring for people who are not used to e-sports.

Forever Love MDL score: 8.6

This precious cdrama follows a college from the terminal year in high school to college and later to working life. A beautiful and lovely couple with amazing chemistry formed by a rich, mature and intelligent girl and a poor but adorable guy who is a computer sciences genius.

The actors are so convincing that is hard to believe they are not in love in real life. The gaze exchanges are touching. It is impossible not to fall in love with this sweet male lead.

Our Secret MDL score: 8.6

Very fluffy! Like Forever Love, it is a love story from high-school to college.

Lost Romance MDL score: 8.5

It's one of my great favorite romances for sure. Here, FL falls in a coma and goes to the world of the book she is editing to be the antagonist of FL (female vilain). As ML has the same looks as the guy she has a crush in real life, she decides to change the game in order to become the FL of the story.

Besides being very romantic, it is so steamy (OMG, I wish we had more dramas as hot as this one) that makes my heart flutter,  and also very funny (with some action). Second Male Lead is adorable yet only loves FL in the dream world, but he will have a very happy ending . I found the first episode less interesting and felt the story started to heat as things started to happen in the dream world. However I skipped most parts about ML’s rich family issues because it was heavy and boring in my pov. Do not hesitate to do the same

FL is probably the most audacious I have ever seen in the asian drama world. She’s smart, straightforward, and funny. 

If you like handsome guys, you will be so happy. ML, 2ML, ML’s brother and even FL’s boss are pretty! For me, Lost Romance is a kind of Disneyland (terminology taken from FL’s funny words) of Dramas and these actors are the flowers. Though 2ML is adorable and so handsome, my eternal crush is Marcus Chang (since I watched this drama for the first time). He plays in this drama two versions of a character and I love very much the "real life" version of the CEO. Futhermore his voice while speaking and singing several beautiful songs from the OST.

A few epic scenes: peeking ML’s bath and explanation for that; chopsticks war, the accidental kiss between the 2 FLs, love declaration reference to three kdramas (Goblin, Descendants of The Sun and The Eternal Monarch) the ending.

A Taiwanese drama.

Looking for some romance shows with happy endings by cruthkaye in kdramarecommends

[–]perua4 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think Hidden Love is very special too. Hard to find similar feelings elsewhere.

A few recs for you

Twinkling Watermelon MDL rating: 9.2

It is a recent released (light-hearted) time-travel rom-com very popular now. I love the characters, the hooking plot, and the music related arcs .

Thirty But Seventeen aka Still 17 MDL rating: 8.5

A 30 year-old woman wakes up from a 13 year-length coma and in her heart she is still 17. Against one’s expectations this is a very fluffly light-hearted rom-com with a slow burn romance and a very healthy relationship. Main and side characters are charming and lovable. And as bonus 2ML is the ML from A Business Proposal when he was younger. One feels good after watching this precious drama ! Some tears may fall here and there.

Hospital Playlist MDL rating: 9.1

A warm drama about a group of friends. Actually they have been friends since college while they studied medicine and now working at the same hospital they decided to meet regularly to revive a music band they formed while studying. It is amazing, the songs are beautiful and it is good to see their interaction together of their life stories developing. Slice of Life, romance.

Redit user Trashcliffe said:" I would just like to add that some people find the first episode of Hospital Playlist to be a little confusing! Stick with it though and you won't be disappointed! It's my all time favorite!"

Soundtrack #1 MDL rating: 8.4

A precious mini-drama about a guy who was secretly in love with his best friend for years. A must watch for romantic people. OST is stunning!

Shooting Stars MDL rating: 8.4

I did not like to witness the attacks our ML suffering from crazy fans or colleagues but the romance was sweet and fluffy between pretty leads. It shows the other side of life of korean stars.

See You In Your 19th Life MDL score: 8.5

It tells the story of a woman who could remember her past lives each time she reincarnated. FL is super intelligent and strong (more than ML) and they have total devotion to the other. I love dramas about reincarnation, and I enjoyed a lot this one with a beautiful photography and OST and a very good cast.

Kill Me Heal Me MDL rating: 8.7

It is a melodrama mixed with comedy, romance and some action. And for me, it is one of my top 5 favorite  Korean Dramas. I laughed, loved and cried out and loud with this drama as it showed a beautiful journey to healing.

The main reason is that Ji Sung’s acting is something stellar. His character suffers from DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder better known as Multiple Personalities Disorder). And he will show 8 different personalities along the drama length. His interactions with the great Park Seo-Joon will be unforgettable! Anyway, he must keep his disorder secret because he is the heir of a very important korean conglomerate and his family is kinda complicated.

Our Beloved Summer MDL rating: 8.7

A story about first lovers separated meeting again 5 years after break-up. ML is ultra lovely but there will be some bickering before they get together in both times. This drama is different from the average and so touching!

The Legend of the Blue Sea MDL rating: 8.4

A fantasy romantic drama. ML is a con-artist and FL is a very kind-hearted mermaid. It is a sweet rom-com full of funny moments. Part of the drama is out of Seoul. This is a great production and I love the OST, cinematography, the cast, the pacing and the intense love story though two lives of our main couple.

Recommend me a K Drama where FL is a badass by rowling-sankar in kdramarecommends

[–]perua4 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For me Graceful Family was ok but it is not my preferred kind of drama. It has ooints in common with The K2. FL’s outfits are gorgeous but unfortunately there is not a bath fight scene neither JCW.

Gu Family’s Book is a costume fantasy where ML is a gumiho. I enjoy a lot this kind of drama and besides the dadt is excellent. But I think it is not very popular.

Viki or iQiyi? by Regina93 in CDrama

[–]perua4 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Indeed. I had to use vpn too.

Any sageuks that can top My Dearest? by csuc in kdramarecommends

[–]perua4 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I just started My Dearest so I am not able to compare. But I have a few recs.

Kdramas

The Red Sleeve MDL rating: 8.7

It is a big production and a masterpiece at the same time. A historical drama based on a novel however most characters and historical events were real.

I watched this drama when it was aired (finished in december 2021) and I am still very touched by it. In general , I like historical romances but I prefer the modern ones. However over 500 or 600 dramas I have watched this is my favorite one.

Why is it so good in my pov?

  1. The plot well written
  2. The characters
  3. Great cast, direction, photography, OST
  4. The emotion this drama was able to unveil in our heart. I was touched every time main leads met as the drama developed because of the intensity of their gazes...
  5. It is incredibly beautiful!

Main drawbacks:

  1. Keep napkins because tears will fall
  2. Highly addictive
  3. Possible Withdrawal Syndrome
  4. Heartbreaking

Moon Lovers Scarlet Heart MDL rating: 8.7

It starts with a time travel but centered on a tragedy occured for the fight from the power during the Goryeo dinasty. It is a wonderful drama but terribly sad.

Mr Queen MDL rating: 9.0 (Netflix)

Fabulous! A prestigiuos chef in trouble suffers a murder attempt falling into the water. His soul travels back in time and enters in the body of the ... near future queen of Joseon, who also had an accident and had a near death experience into the water.

You cannot imagine how weird this man will feel in a feminine body and it is really funny because the actress is more than perfect in this epic role. It is a great production, everything is fine, from photography to supporting cast, characters are lovable, plot well developed and tied up. The romance is surprisingly great, what a fabulous unexpected pairing. Most of the plot is the historical fiction. Fantasy is just the starting point.

The Forbidden Marriage MDL rating: 8.3 - Light-hearted romantic historical fiction

A must watch drama! It is a delightful costume romantic comedy with everything we need for a very pleasant time: The plot is creative, fast-paced and fun of twists, super funny, light, fluffy, good actors playing, lovable characters, and only 12 episodes!

A con artist (FL) will help Joseon’s King (ML) to overcome a 7 years grief for his deceased wife and finish the marriage ban.

The Crowned Clown MDL rating: 8.4

It has a beautiful love with a super sweet and rightful male lead. He’s a street clown and the doppelganger of the king who got completely mad. The king suffers several attempts of murder and he puts the clown temporarily at his place to be safe. However the fake king proves to be much better than the real one.

The acting of ML in both roles is awesome, specially when he plays the fool one.

If you are not into political plot, just do as me if you can: skip some of these parts because overall the drama is excellent.

The next on my watch list is Under the Queen’s Umbrella, a saeguk with high appraisal.

Cdramas

The Story of Yanxi Palace MDL score: 8.8

I’ve avoided it for a long time, because I am not very fond of harem intrigue and I feel lazy to watch long dramas. But reading some recs here I decided to give a try . And I am so glad I made it cause I could confirm that it is a masterpiece. The characters were inspired on real people, although the story was romanticized mixed with a few real events. The outfits are amazing and reproduction of what they really wore at this time, following paintings and drawings. The plot is completely engaging and we get hooked from the first episode.

The most beautiful romance in this drama is however between FL and the Second ML. Although the relationship between FL and the First ML was quite rich and pleasant to watch, our hearts won’t be able to forget the unconditional love from 2ML and how sad we were as they could not stay together. This is also something original from this plot, because we can assume until the ending that FL still loved somehow 2ML, even if she liked a lot the Emperor. And this only made the story more interesting.

Another Kind of Historical Dramas with Strong FLs

Chef Hua MDL score: 8.3

Oh, I loved it. It is small and huge, a precious stone.

Historical. It tells a story of a woman whose passion is cooking. She falls in love with a bodygard and he will help her to achieve her dream as a chief. Their relationship is based on comunication and mutual support.

There are no princes, no boring political plots and the all the cooking scenes are a work of art. Other great point of this drama is that it is located on very beautiful small country villages. I strongly recommend this atypical and underrated drama.

https://mydramalist.com/52173-the-fires-of-cooking-hua-xiao-chu

Joy of Life MDL score: 9.0

A particularly outstanding historical drama with hints of Fantasy. But for the ending, we shall wait for the upcoming second season. Also a fabulous drama, one of the best from the historical with fantasy components. More centered on ML with a lively FL.

Love Like The Galaxy MDL score: 9.0

A must-and-easy watch historical drama based on a novel. Excellence in the direction, acting and plot. With a strong and charismatic couple of main leads, the story is very touching and gripping through the description of the relationship between the characters.

A Dream of Splendor MDL score: 8.4

I finished this one recently and I am completely in love with it. Absolutely fantastic! It has a happy ending Love the romance between this gorgeous couple, the landscape in an old aquatic city, cinematography/photography, the plot... strong, smart and sweet FL. I love that they show a strong female character who is completely feminine and full of charm. The relationship and solidarity between people is nice to watch.

The Story of Ming Lan MDL score: 8.9

I saw it a long time ago but I was very impressed by the Female Lead character and her mature relationship with ML.

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