Exploring the Best Asian Dramas of 2023

What a thrilling year it has been for Asian dramas,  2023 gifted us with a myriad of captivating series that left us on the edge of our seats, experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions. This year saw an array of dramas spanning various stories and genres, showcasing the rich tapestry of Asian storytelling.

Let's continue embracing the diverse and profound world of Asian dramas, appreciating the layers that make them a compelling and enriching viewing experience. Cheers to the cinematic journeys that await us in the coming year.

Here are my Top Dramas of 2023

1. I Feel You Linger in the Air

There is a reason that this Thai Period Drama took home three awards at the Y Universe Awards 2023, including “Best Series. A love story between a young master and his butler spanning over a 100 years teaches us to always stay true to ourselves and to love with all that we have. This series did a beautiful job and showing how love can blossom, and that there are some connections that can never be severed no matter how much time has passed.

2. The Eighth Sense

This series was such an emotional journey. Usually Korean BL’s are a little more on the light and fluffy side, but The Eighth Sense explored some darker themes of depression, guilt and conforming to societal and familial pressures. The writers and the actors did a great job of portraying the struggles of each character and bringing the audience into both their despair and their happiness.

3. Laws of Attraction 

This series gave you great acting and storyline, Ja and Film chemistry was great and they brought dimension and relatability to their respective characters. This series did a great job of teaching you never to judge a book by the cover as you never know the story as to why a person is the way they are, or why they do the certain things. And just because someone presents as one thing that does not mean that is their true self.

4. Doctor Cha

Doctor Cha reminds us that everyone has  a breaking point, even for the most good-natured people. This drama portrayed that it is good to stay true to yourself in what you want and also that it is never too late to follow your dreams. This series did a great job at covering the different aspects of a woman's life and the challenges pertaining a woman's rights as a wife, a mother and a daughter in law. Uhm Jung Hwa did an amazing job bringing her character to life, and bringing the audience into feeling and going through everything her character does.

5. Perfect Marriage Revenge

This was really the perfect revenge. What I liked most about this drama was that they did not drag out the plot, which is often times the case with most revenge plot dramas. This series moved quickly to its conclusion all while still having you on the edge of your seat filled with suspense as to what will happen next. The chemistry between Jung Yoo Min and Sung Hoon was a great compliment to the series as they just naturally draw you into their characters story. You could feel all that they go through and couldn't help but route for them throughout the series.

6. Moving

Moving for me is one of those extremely good dramas that doesn't come around very often. Within the first week of being aired, this webtoon adaptation became the most watched series and with reason. Not only boasting an all-star cast giving great performances, each character's backstory was skillfully told, and the action scenes were beautifully and graphically choreographed adding great production value. The plot is not your typical story surrounding people with special abilities, they way to story started to unfold, leading up to the build up, and then the climax was so well done, it certainly had you glued to your screen anticipating what will happen next.

7. Hidden Love 

This series became a gateway show for many people who never watched a Chinese Drama before. Hidden Love is a captivating and heartwarming romance that explores the themes of love, friendship and personal growth. The series beautifully captured not only the challenges of the character's relationship, but it also did a good job striking a balance between the tender and romantic moments, comedic moments and more serious moments. The entire cast brought a good range of different personalities that added to the overall storytelling.

8. When I Fly Towards You

This adorable coming-of-age romantic comedy follows the journey of the two leads getting closer, despite their opposite personalities and how they help each other grow and heal over time. This drama is something to watch when you need something cute and uplifting knowing that there is no unnecessary drama and no dull moments, and any problems will be solved.

9. Till The End of the Moon

The sweeping love story, the immaculate acting, and the impressive visuals ensured that this drama became a fan-favorite. This series is more than just enemy to lovers, it is star crossed lovers spanning three different lifetimes over ten thousand years. It is a story of love, pain, sacrifice, betrayal and destiny. Last episode will make you understand the title for this series, be prepared with a box of tissues because this series will really have you crying.

10. Hyakumankai Ieba Yokatta

For those who can’t get enough of Takeru Satoh, including myself, this mystery romance series is a must watch. This series really shows us that we should always live in the moment and speak what is in our hearts as we never know how much time we have with our loved ones. This is one of those dramas that you start watching knowing that you are in for a lot of pain, especially with how beautifully the series portrays love and loss. Though for me the last episode is a little questionable, it didn't take away from the rest of the series and was able to still enjoy the series.

11. My Demon

The visuals of this series are so beautiful and I’m not just referring to the cast. The series offers a refreshing and funny take on the typical contract marriage trope with the added fantasy and mystery. It has an engaging fast-paced plot with a good balance of romance, comedy and suspense.

12. The Sign

This fantasy Thai drama has me so hooked, I couldn't wait every week for a new episode and ended up purchasing the novel it is based on and while the adaptation has made some changes, it so far is doing a good job. I am looking forward to see what other changes will be made, and how much more of the novel they will follow. But this drama is giving forbidden love, supernatural and suspense.

13. The Last Immortal

Is there any series that stars Zhao Lu Si that isn’t just amazing. This is one of those series where you have to be patient especially after the first episode, but once you have given the series a chance it does become really captivating as you discover the beautiful moments the series has to offer. There are ten episodes left and I know they are going to very painful, but I am here for the ride.

What were your favorite Asian dramas of 2023? Share your thoughts and let's delve deeper into the captivating world of storytelling.