Top 10 Best Chinese and Korean Dramas of All Time

The drama "The Jade Lover" tells the story of a young woman struggling with her emotions due to a traumatic past, going from being a princess to a servant and eventually rising to become a goddess amidst countless challenges.

In the show, the famous Korean actor Lee Jong Suk plays the second son of a prominent jewelry family, a progressive and elegant man on the outside, yet with a tough and ruthless heart. Chinese actress "Zheng Shuang" stars as Shen Shen Xi, a woman who transforms from a princess into a servant. After facing numerous trials, she changes her fate and works to rebuild her family's legacy with the help of Bai Laohan.

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Directors: Jin Hyuk, Cao Yijun, Tan Langxiang

Cast: Zhang Hongsheng, Sun Jialin, Shen Dongjun, Cao Ren, Wang Yi, Zheng Shuang, Lee Jong Suk

Release Year: 2018

The movie "The Bounty Hunters" tells the story of five unlikely individuals who cross paths in the United States, united by their shared mission to rid the world of evil. Their unexpected meeting leads them to join forces and become a powerful team, overcoming challenges together. The characters—Li Son (Lee Min Ho), A Yo (Chung Han Liang), Cat (Tang Yan), Swan (Ngo Tian Yu), Tommy (Tu Zheng Xi), and Bao Bao (Fan Xiao Huang)—are professional bounty hunters who shift their focus to fighting for justice.

Produced by Star House Entertainment, Bounty Hunters earned 9 billion won (7.8 million USD) on its opening day in China. Not only was it a box office hit, but it also became a trending topic on China’s two major search platforms, Baidu and Weibo, upon release. This success showcases the immense popularity of international stars like Lee Min Ho, Chung Han Liang, and Tang Yan in the Chinese market.

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Director: Terra Shin

Cast: Lee Min Ho, Chung Han Liang, Tang Yan

Release Year: 2016

"The Legendary Warrior Zhao Zilong" is a collaboration between South Korea and China, featuring lead actors Yoona and Lin Gengxin. The film is inspired by the historical figure Zhao Yun, also known as Zhao Zilong, from the classic Chinese novel *Romance of the Three Kingdoms* by Luo Guanzhong. The plot fictionalizes Zhao Zilong’s relationship with a character named Xiahou Qingyi, who does not appear in history.

Zhao Yun, skilled in martial arts and military strategy, joins the forces of Gong Sun Zuan to fight the Yellow Turban rebels led by Zhang Jiao. Later, under Gong Sun Zuan's command, Zhao Yun forms a close bond with Liu Bei. Amid fierce battles between Gong Sun Zuan and Yuan Shao, Zhao Yun returns home after the death of his elder brother. Afterward, he searches for Liu Bei in Yipcheng and continues to serve him.

Xiahou Qingyi, a young woman from the Xiahou family, which is related to Cao Cao, is beautiful and innocent. Upon meeting Zhao Zilong, she falls deeply in love with him, only to later discover that he is the man responsible for her father's death during a battle.

The film was very popular, receiving much love from audiences not only in China but also in South Korea. The camaraderie between the Chinese and South Korean actors, especially with Yoona, is highly praised after their collaboration.

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Director: Ding Yuan Guo

Cast: Lin Gengxin, Yoona, Guli Nazha, Jia Qing, Cao Yitong

Release Year: 2016

The movie The Love Formula of the Tomboy stars Zhao Liying, Zhang Han, and Jung Il Woo. In the film, the determined and headstrong Ha Tu Wu (Zhao Liying) uses an electronic tracking device to find true love, and her search leads her to meet the artist Ye Suyue (Zhang Han).

The story follows Ha Tu Wu, a brilliant university student at the University of Sydney, who is the epitome of a nerd—she wears glasses, dresses in a tomboy style, and has a no-nonsense attitude. Despite her unremarkable appearance, messy hair, and violent temper, she eventually realizes that it’s time to settle down. Unable to find a suitable partner, she decides to use mathematics and advanced technology to find her destined soulmate.

This movie also marks the first appearance of the handsome actor Jung Il Woo in the Chinese market, where he received tremendous support from audiences. Jung Il Woo has become one of the most popular Korean actors in China, following in the footsteps of Bi Rain, enjoying great success and a high salary thanks to his large fanbase built from his roles in Korea.

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Director: Guo Dailui

Cast: Zhang Han, Zhao Liying, Jung Il Woo

Release Year: 2016

South Korean heartthrob Ji Chang Wook, known for his roles in dramas like *Smile Dong Hae*, *Empress Ki*, and *Healer*, was highly anticipated to be the standout in season 2 of the series *The Whirlwind Girl*. In this season, the character of Master Ruo Bai (played by Yang Yang) passes away, leaving Bai Tao (An Yue Xi) devastated and in despair. Unable to accept the harsh reality, she isolates herself in a martial arts temple, training tirelessly. During this period of confusion and loss, she unexpectedly meets her new coach, Cheng An (Ji Chang Wook), and their relationship begins to evolve.

To outsiders, Cheng An's training methods may seem harsh, but he only aims to push Bai Tao to her limits. Throughout the series, Cheng An becomes deeply moved by Bai Tao, a seemingly tough and determined girl, who is actually vulnerable and headstrong. Under his guidance, Bai Tao begins to rediscover the warmth of Master Song Bai and the spirit of the original martial arts philosophy, and a budding romance blossoms between the two.

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Director: Sheng Chi Chao

Cast: Ji Chang Wook, An Yue Xi, Bai Jing Ting, Tan Song Yun, Chen Tang, Zhao Yuan Yuan

Release Year: 2016

Graduation Season, known in English by the same name, is a refreshing project featuring Krystal and the talented young actor Deng Lun, promising to bring a fresh breeze to the screen. In Graduation Season, Deng Lun portrays An Jing Shen, a young man born into wealth, inheriting a design company, yet always striving to prove his own abilities. Krystal plays Ye Nian, a naturally gifted designer with a unique personality—strong, yet sweet and lovable.

The story follows a group of students determined to work hard and pass their 'gateway exams' to venture into the real world and chase their dreams. It all begins with An Jing Shen, a privileged young man who inherits his family’s business but is eager to establish his own identity. He meets Ye Nian, a smart and sharp-witted girl working at his company. After spending time together, their initial friction gives way to developing feelings for each other.

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Director: Lin Helong

Cast: Deng Lun, Krystal

Year of Production: 2017

The drama The Stubborn Princess, produced by CCTV (China Central Television), features the popular duo Jang Na Ra and So Hyeok Byung. Jang Na Ra is well-loved by Chinese audiences for her charming performances. In this series, she plays Si Duo Jing, while So Hyeok Byung takes on the role of Emperor Chu Yuan. The cast also includes veteran actor Wang Qiang, famous for portraying He Shen.

Teaming up with the Chinese actor So Hyeok Byung, the South Korean beauty Jang Na Ra captivates the audience with her natural, genuine acting style, blending humor, depth, and elegance. One moment, she plays a lively, mischievous young girl, and in the next, she transforms into the intelligent, quick-witted Princess Si Duo Jing. Throughout the series, Jang Na Ra brings joy to viewers with her playful antics and clever exchanges with So Hyeok Byung, portraying the role of the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty.

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Director: Dang Jian Guo

Cast: Hong Han, Jang Na Ra, So Hyeok Byung

Year of Release: 2006

The Diamond Lover stars a talented ensemble of actors, including the pop sensation Bi Rain (Xiao Liang), Tang Yan (Mei Duo), Dilraba Dilmurat (Gao Wen), and La Zhen (Luo Yi Ming), all of whom have captivated a wide audience with their performances.

With his intelligence and wealthy background, Xiao Liang (Bi Rain) becomes the CEO of a successful diamond company, making him the dream man of many women. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Mei Duo. Mei Mi Le, who weighs over 200kg, is constantly mocked by her colleagues. Unfazed by society's judgment, Mei Le remains deeply in love with Xiao Liang, her “prince charming.” A fateful accident prompts Mei Le to undergo plastic surgery, transforming her into a confident, beautiful woman who is ready to pursue her love.

In The Diamond Lover, Mei Duo (Tang Yan) finds herself drawn to Xiao Liang (Bi Rain) while her loyal friend Luo Yi Ming (La Zhen) stands by her side. Throughout the series, their love story faces numerous obstacles, misunderstandings, and complications. As the romance between the leads falters, Mei Duo decides to study abroad, only to return later and finally confess her feelings, leading to a happily-ever-after with her best friend, Luo Yi Ming.

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Writer: Li Jian

Directors: Chen Mingzhang, Wu Qiang

Cast: Bi Rain, Tang Yan, La Zhen, Dilraba Dilmurat

Year of Release: 2015

Royal Guard is an adaptation of the novel by Yue Guan. The story follows the time-traveling adventure of Ha Ten, who journeys back to the early Ming Dynasty to assist Chu Lei in ascending the throne. Ha Ten, portrayed by the renowned actor Zhang Han, brings his signature cold, intelligent persona to the role. The female lead, Park Min Young, plays the character of Ta Wu Fei, whose personality contrasts sharply with Ha Ten's.

The plot centers around the young man Ha Ten, who, after a fateful event, replaces a deceased scholar and becomes a pawn in the Imperial Guard. Here, he meets Ta Wu Fei, and the two begin as adversaries but eventually develop mutual affection. Later, Ha Ten's true identity is revealed, leading to his pursuit by enemies. Thanks to the help of kind-hearted people, they become loyal companions and ultimately excel as members of the Royal Guard.

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Directors: Chung Chu Gai, Liang Sheng Quan

Cast: Zhang Han, Park Min Young, Wu Thiens

Year of Release: 2015

"I Married An Anti-fan" premiered in 2016, starring Chanyeol, a member of the famous EXO group. With its popular cast, the film has been highly anticipated by fans, especially those following the main characters.

The film is based on a comic of the same name and tells the story of Phuong Mieu Mieu (Yuan Shan Shan), a young reporter who accidentally captures a scandalous photo involving the star Hou Zhun (Chanyeol) and intern Ngai Lin (Seohyun). As a result, Mieu Mieu is fired and becomes a bitter anti-fan of Hou Zhun. However, over time, the two develop feelings for each other while uncovering the secret relationship between Ngai Lin and Cao Tường (Khuong Trieu).

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Director: Kim Jae Young

Cast: Chanyeol, Seohyun (SNSD), Hoo Joon, Yuan Shan Shan

Release Year: 2016