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The romance is moving quickly (the leads share a passionate kiss that is mutual and not a peck, almost sleep together, or actually have a one…
1 - The leads have scars from the same incident.2 - The leads each give / gave each other scars. 3 - One lead gives themselves a scar to match…
Dramas where the writers felt the need to indulge in that frustrating cliche of having the leads separate for a long time (a year, three years,…
The ML or FL is the victim of harsh bullying and / or confronts a bully in a significant way (i.e., it isn't just a minor / quick moment from…
The ML or FL marries someone other than their true love and it's not a short ordeal that's quickly resolved.
The ML or SML is forced to marry or at least to agree to marry a female character other than the FL.
Royals (or generals with connections to prominent noble families) that left the palace / capital behind in order to have a happy life with the…
The mischievous one is fun loving and quick to laugh (and often quick to cry in a dramatic and over-the-top way too). The serious one is generally…
The ML has a second identity or separate version of himself. Either the FL has feelings for both versions or both versions have feelings for…
One or both of the leads uses a mask, hoodie, veil, or something similar to hide their identity while carrying out secret actions - i.e. NOT…
Multiple siblings (or the equivalent of siblings, like an uncle and nephew who are close enough in age that they could fall for the same girl)…
The ML (or FL in a WLW drama) can recognize the difference between the FL and her doppelgänger, or can tell when the FL is the FL or not when…
ML starts out as self destructive, cruel, rude, arrogant, rebellious, irresponsible, a womanizer, manipulative, or something similar, but reforms.
Dramas set in the 19th and early 20th centuries / Republican Era Chinese drama / etc.
Medical dramas or dramas with a doctor, medical student, psychologist, or physical therapist main character.
The ML is by the FL's side. He supports her and knows her better than many boyfriends know their girlfriends, but his "title" is something…
Romance Dramas where one lead has to stand in front of a target (or is otherwise close to the target) while the other lead shoots a gun or an…
They don't yell. They don't even speak that much. Some of them sometimes punch people or things. Loners or good listeners (or both).
The ML gets frustrated with the FL for not getting jealous. He wants to feel her affection and possessiveness, but she's acting in an opposite…
Dramas where there'd still be a complete story if you took out the romance.
In the broadest sense. These dramas have at least one scene where leaves fall and / or have changed colours.
One of the leads has a job that is very unusual, somewhat adult themed or slightly embarrassing from an immature mindset, or just jobs that…
Taiwanese dramas where (a) a second-generation mafia boss who loves their sister, (b) took over the organization after the previous boss was…
Recent dramas with good cinematography, a special feeling of softness, and varying degrees of melodrama that touch on trauma, loss, or separation.
The leads are adults dealing with adult problems. Not comedies, fantasy dramas or action dramas. There might be some crime but the drama is…
Dramas about adulthood without a big, dramatic sci-fi / crime / terminal illness / chaebol etc. factor, good cinematography, and an understated…
