Recommendations

Both look at a couple divorcing with unexpected consequences. Narita Rikon is more slapstick and retro but it still has a lot of heart

Both dramas focus on student's problems and how they overcome them cooperating (or not) with each other. Expect a love triangle and an evil student who only cares about marks and reputation.

Secret Love Affair is an amazing show. Definitely on par with Master's Sun. So if you already watched MS 2x and would like a change of flavor. Try Secret Love Affair which also portrays a strong female lead - a very smart mature relationship that will warm your heart and brighten your days.

About fortune tellers and love. Strong women that know exactly what they want from their lives

Both dramas share similar themes, they both contain supernatural elements.

Women that need to be saved? Check. Masked heroes ? Check. Sexy main leads ? Check. Fighting scenes ? Check. Secret agents and revenge? Double Check.

In both movies there are dysfunctional teenage girls that causes problems to their surroundings. Both are rather slow paced and and not an easy watch.
However, there is no romance in Gaichu and it's set around a school.

The story unfolds really nice and slowly. One step after another. There are many surprises during the drama, but they are solved slowly, step by step. Also, great character developing and acting. Be sure to have tissues right next to you.

It is the same concept, these are both movie about a group of young friends. It's funny and easy to watch.

both include stories about starcrossed lovers. In the beginning we find out one of characters died and then go on a trip down memory lane. In Love Letter it's more of a side story while in Rainbow Song it's the main focus. Shunji Iwai was involved in the making of both films.

In both dramas, family and friends are the sole focus here. Don't be put off with What Happens to My Family's number of episodes (there's only 53 one hour each). WHTMF will make you laugh, cry, smile, and value the importance of family just like Reply 1988. Like Reply 1988, the romance for WHTMF is well balanced out and not the sole focus. Only difference is that 1988 has the husband hunt while WHTMF doesn't. I highly recommend both if you're interested in one or the other. Actually, please do watch both, you won't regret it :D

Another Chinese historical romance story only this time it's in a form of a movie.

- wronged guy seeking for revenge
- good vs evil
- smart strategies
- kinda melo and angsty

The stories and themes are very different, but I like the two for the same reasons -- these dramas portray what it's like to be young in a way that feels very real (although they're 2 different age groups: R1997 is more highschool whereas CIT is college), their female leads are extremely relatable, and both are "slice of life" dramas that still manage to have heart-fluttering, yet realistic, romance. Also I love the female lead's best friend in both :^p ! The two dramas use flashbacks in a way that makes the story more intruiguing, instead of redundant. Finally, both dramas are tvn, so they have that slightly indie, less polished vibe, and target a young audience without being too fluffy or flaky.