Better late than never. Before the first month of this new year concludes, let me summarize all the Asian dramas I've watched in 2024. I must confess, I probably viewed more C-dramas than K-dramas last year. However, I'm only listing dramas released in 2024 because I've binge-watched numerous C-dramas over the past two years and can't recall if I saw them in 2023 or 2024, with some being older dramas from many years ago. I could always compile a list of my favorite C-dramas in a separate post. Therefore, this list features more K-dramas, even though I've actually watched more C-dramas.
I prefer not to rate my dramas using specific criteria or numerical scores. I view each one as a unique creation with its own story, characters, and message. If a drama is on my list, it means I've watched it from start to finish without missing any episodes. I am not including the dramas that I’ve started but decided to stop watching either early on or halfway through. I can be somewhat selective, and it's not always about the production scale, the fame of the actors, or the complexity of the storyline. Sometimes, it's simply about the entertainment value and visual appeal. There's nothing particularly deep or profound about my reasons for watching Asian dramas.
That being said, here is the Part 1 of my recap with all the Chinese dramas.
Also, this this list is in no particular order.
Chinese Dramas
Are You The One?
How I Remember The Story
An incident had caused Liu Mian Tang to wake up without her memories. Good thing her husband, Cui Jui, was there to rescue her. He may not be the smartest guy out there, nor the most diligent and responsible, but he is very kind and good to her. However, things aren’t as what they seem. As Liu Mian Tian is about find out, the amiable Cui Jui is just pretending to be her husband and he is actually an enemy trying to keep her close.
What Made Me Kept Watching
There are quite a few moments in the early episodes that give the show a light, easygoing atmosphere. For instance, the way the neighbors’ conversations from behind the wall intersect with Liu Mian Tang and Cui Jui’s own dialogue highlights the drama's witty script and ability to mix serious situations with the whimsical side of the plot. The two characters’ reactions to the eavesdropping, along with their attempts to maintain a serious tone in their own discussion, provide a delightful blend of humor and charming awkwardness.
What makes this interesting is that viewers are aware of the characters' deceptions, and that their real identities would eventually be exposed. And yet, it is hard not wish they end up together because of how endearing the relationship turns out between Mian Tiang and Cui Jui.
If you want a drama with all the good trappings of an ancient Chinese lovestory, then this show is good watch.
Most Memorable Scene
Memorable scene: When Cui Jui couldn’t rip apart the divorce letter because he wrote it on high quality silk. That scene was just too funny because of the actor’s facial reaction - like he just realized then that it is not possible to rip it with his bare hands. The fact that it was a serious and dramatic moment made this blunder all the more hilarious.
Blossoms in Adversity
How I Remember The Story
The Hua family earned the suspicions of the emperor and ordered all their properties confiscated whist sending all the men of the family into exile. Hua Zhi, our resourceful and brave heroine, asserts herself to lead the rest of the family to safety as they try to rebuild life after their tragedy. Hua zhi encounters Yan Xi, a mysterious but kind man, and develops feelings for him. Little does she know that Yan Xi is the emperor’s nephew, and also feared commander of the security bureau who was behind the demise of her family.
What Made Me Kept Watching
Truthfully, the reason I began and continued watching this show was the lead actor, Hu Yi Tian. That's the main reason.
The show is a fairly decent costume drama, though not as grand in scale as some others. The plot isn't particularly unique, and I found the story started to drag towards the final episodes.
Most Memorable Scene
I guess the scene I remember the most is when Yan Xi first appeared. Frost bites and all.
Everyone Loves Me
How I Remember The Story
It all began with online games, virtual friendships, and secret crushes. Gu Xun and Yue Qianling each lead two separate lives: one, they are senior university students working at a gaming development company; another, they are teammates in an online combat game. But neither is aware of the other's dual identity. The twist in the story is that Gu Xun secretly harbors a crush on Sticky Dough Twist, Yue Qianling's online persona, while Yue Qianling quietly admires Gu Xun who is now her department boss.
What Kept Me Watching
I love how this drama is light and easygoing. There’s no overly complicated plot that makes me overthink or overhyped. As a viewer, I can just relax and enjoy the romcom without stressing about how things will turn out. It's one of those shows you can count on for plenty of sweet couple moments and a guaranteed happy ending.
I also really enjoyed waiting for the moment when Gu Xun would finally realize that Yue Qianling is the same person he’s been crushing on in the game. Those scenes where they start to get suspicious of each other’s identities were so much fun, especially when they almost get exposed but managed avoid getting caught.
Most Memorable Scene
Ah, this part when Qianling confesses her feelings to Gu Xun in front of everyone during the graduation ceremony. It is so dramatic how she walked all brokenhearted into the rain, but at the same time there was so much relief that she finally said her feelings out loud.
Amidst A Snowstorm of Love
How I Remember The Story
A young man, Yin Guo is pursuing his Master's degree in the bustling city of Hel. One snowy evening, while walking through the storm, he spots a beautiful woman, Lin Yi Yang, through the window of a sports bar. Lin Yi Yang, a snooker player, has just arrived in town with her cousin for a tournament, but the blizzard leaves them stranded with no place to stay. When the two are unable to find a hotel room, Yin Guo steps in to help, offering them transportation and a safe place for the night.
As the days leading to the competition went on, the connection between Guo and Yi Yang deepens, fueled by their shared passion for snooker. Yin Guo, once a snooker prodigy, finds himself drawn to her both professionally and personally. With their paths continually crossing, what begins as an unexpected encounter in a snowstorm slowly blossoms into a love story neither of them saw coming.
What Kept Me Watching
The first half of the story does an excellent job of building the tension around an uncontrollable attraction. Leo Wu’s performance as Yin Guo is especially convincing—his portrayal of the character’s subtle yet intense wooing feels authentic and pulls you right into the story. Zhao Jinmai’s portrayal of Yi Yang is equally genuine, with her responses to his advances feeling so real. It’s not that she tries hard to resist him, but she does attempt to avoid him. However, how do you escape someone who’s so determined? Yin Guo’s efforts to be with her are endearing—imagine the exhaustion of constantly traveling long distances, sacrificing time and energy from his other responsibilities, just to be with her.
It’s refreshing to see a love story centered around characters who are just regular people - no rich CEOs or over-the-top gestures, just genuine emotions and pure effort. However, I did feel that the second half of the story shifted more towards sports drama, especially when the characters return to China. We’re introduced to more characters, delve into Yin Guo's backstory, and follow the pursuit of making their country proud through a series of tournament victories. Overall, this is a wonderfully executed drama with stellar performances and a heartfelt story that will definitely tug at your emotions (and give you occasional butterflies).
Most Memorable Scene
The moment when Yin Guo first sees Yi Yang through the glass window during the snowstorm is the epitome of love at first sight. The way he stands there, transfixed by her in the blizzard, is such a beautifully crafted scene.
However, that’s not my most memorable moment. At one point in the story, Yi Yang is getting something from the fridge when, out of nowhere, Yin Guo is standing right behind her. She turns around, and they’re face to face, so close that you can feel the tension. He’s breathing heavily, and she’s visibly nervous. The moment is so intimate and intense that I found myself blushing and wanting to look away. It honestly felt like I’d stumbled into something private. And I couldn’t help but think, "You two are in the kitchen! Can you just go to your room already, please?"
You Are My Secret
How I Remember The Story
Bound by family pressure, Xiao Ning and Yu Heng agree to a fake relationship that leads to a marriage of convenience. But then, Xiao Ning learns that Yu Heng is her manager at the bank where she works. As her immediate supervisor, Yu Heng’s position complicates their personal and professional lives, forcing them to keep their marriage a secret. What begins as a practical arrangement gradually transforms into a real relationship, where love, respect, and personal growth blossom in the most heartfelt romance.
What Kept Me Watching
This drama is light and easy to watch, without any overly complex conflicts or characters you really want to dislike. The main characters are simply good, relatable people leading ordinary lives. Sometimes, watching dramas can be emotionally draining, especially when you become too involved. But this one offered me a sense of comfort, as it doesn’t stir up too many negative emotions, allowing me to just enjoy it.
If you're considering giving this a shot, be advised that it's just your typical office romance drama, so don't be too disappointed if the story doesn't offer anything new.
Most Memorable Scene
Unfortunately, I do not think there is any scene that particularly stands out to be memorable.
The Princess Royal
How I Remember The Story
The king's sister, Li Rong, is wed to the Prime Minister, Pei Wen Xuan. They have been married for over twenty years and have grown estranged, yet remain political allies. Despite their vow to support each other, distrust and suspicion arise as they find themselves on opposing sides of the succession debate. Political tension mounts with the emperor's declining health. One tragic night, after a final meeting, they both meet an untimely end, each believing the other orchestrated their demise. In a twist of fate, death does not claim them. Instead, they awaken in their younger days before marriage. Armed with the knowledge of their tragic future, Li Rong and Pei Wen Xuan decide to marry again and be each others allies in order to amend past mistakes and regrets.
What Kept Me Watching
Unlike most dramas with a plot involving rebirth and a second chance at life, this story does not focus on revenge. Instead, it emphasizes changing things so that everyone can live a happier life. When the characters awoke in their younger bodies, they were simply overjoyed at the opportunity to redo their lives. Initially, both seemed unwilling to engage with each other, yet they couldn't help but become involved in each other's lives. The story is ironic because it suggests an uncontrollable destiny, yet it is always Li Rong and Pei Wen Xuan's conscious decisions that ultimately shape the outcome.
This is an intricate story with multiple dimensions. It not only explores the romance between the princess and her husband but also delves deeply into politics and palace intrigues. Viewers are left in suspense about who truly murdered Li Rong in the original timeline. Additionally, the mysterious figure of the princess' "domestic companion," Su Ronqqing, plays a significant role. More about his character and his relationship with the princess is unveiled later in the story, shedding light on the sequence of events that ultimately led to the deaths of the main characters in the original timeline.
It’s also refreshing to see character development for Li Rong and Pei Wen Xuan. Li Rong, in particular, evolves from being merely the emperor’s daughter, caught in the web of political manipulation, to a powerful royal who takes control of her position and uses her influence to shape the kingdom’s politics. We also see that while Pei Wen Xuan comes from a scholarly yet modest background, he is very intelligent and cunning. We witness his ascent up the political hierarchy to become the most powerful politician in the kingdom.
In the end, the person behind Li Rong and Pei Wen Xuan tragic deaths was not exactly what viewers would expect. The last stretch of the series was politics heavy and drama heavy but it led to an amazing reveal as to what truly happened in the original timeline. It gave me chills me on that episode when all the parts of the story are finally falling into place.
Most Memorable Scene
The pavilion scene, where they play a game of weiqi, was truly captivating. The moment when both characters realize that their opponent is playing exactly like they did in their last game together, back when they were older versions of themselves, was beautifully portrayed. A lightning flashback took us through their years together - from a young, newly married couple to the distant, estranged couple they had become - always on the opposite side of board as the play the game together. The way this swift memory recollection was executed on screen was simply exquisite.
Lastly, this drama is just visually stunning and the main actors are just beautifully paired together. As far as historical romances / time travel dramas go, this one is easily one of my top favorites, and it’s definitely my pick for the best Asian drama of 2024.
Unfinished Dramas
Additionally, here are the Chinese dramas released in 2024 that I started but for some reason did not get to finish:
Smile Code
19th Floor
Blossom
My Boss
The Double
Our Interpreter
Melody of Golden Age
I will probably resume watching some of these dramas eventually. A few are quite intriguing, but I lost track of them because I started watching while they were still being released weekly, and the wait can be frustrating. Sometimes, a new drama catches my attention while I'm waiting, and I never return to the previous ones. Nevertheless, I am keeping note of them for the future.
As I wrap up this recap of the Chinese dramas I watched last year, it’s clear that 2024 was filled with captivating stories and great performances. Let me know what you think about them and leave comments and suggestions.
As my recap does not end here - stay tuned for the second part of this list, where I'll be delving into all the Korean dramas I indulged in, which will be featured in my next post.
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