Recommendations

The characters are not black or white but grey. Everyone is clever, not only the leads but also the villains. Twists and turns, but no real romance.

In both dramas fire investigation department, criminal investigation division & forensic doctors working together to solve criminal cases.

Unhinged guy comes back to 'get his girl,' but she's already married and has a kid so he makes it everyone's problem (with lots of hot forced kisses and a mediocre political intrigue plot).

-It does feel like a short version of the TV drama series.
-protecting a kid against an abusive family.
-found family.

It does feel like a short version of the TV drama series.
-protecting a kid against an abusive family.

Unlicensed Doctor and who had to flee the country but returned later. A few differences is that the main character is a young girl working with her father's student to solve the mystery of her parents death.

Unlicensed Doctor doing surgery with a few differences being that one is a small girl being about the age of 8.

Both dramas are about religious fanatism. In one there is a sect as its core, the other focuses on a single pastor, but both argue their actions through the power of their believe. In both people investigate the cases that have a personal connection to a past case related to it.

All I can really say is that if you could make it through all of the ups-and-downs and all the emotional turmoil of time travel in Lovely Runner, then you will be able to handle the more fantastical elements of Alchemy of Souls.

I will say though, that the romance is slower to start in this one, but reaches big heights and continues onto the sequel as well.

The plot's aren't very similar, but the tones are alike. They're both dark, show the horrors of small towns, have truly traumatic stuff happen to characters, and the cases of The Embers remind of some of the experiences the characters in Tender Light go through.

Both series are cleverly written, complex, detailed, deal with psychological aspects, and were made with passion by their creators.

Same actress. But the difference is that in miss devil shes confident and strong boss and in muno no taka shes a newbie who is slow and dumb but has aura of confidence.

Both are about rescue and firefighters. But 119 is more focused on the call cammand and blue moment on weather forecast helping in rescue.

The drama tells the story of a fallen princess forced into a political marriage with a corrupt prime minister. She faces numerous dangers but strives to survive to protect herself amidst the conflicts of national loyalty, personal vengeance, and true love. Meanwhile, the prime minister, outwardly ambitious to become a treacherous official, secretly harbors a desire to serve his country, its people, and the world.

(Source: Your Drama Jiejie on Facebook)

-~~ Adapted from the web novel "Tao Hua Zhe Jiang Shan" (?????) by Bai Lu Cheng Shuang (????). Edit Translation

Prince Murong Jing He of the Great Yan Dynasty reclaims Qingzhou, but after his victory, a fire destroys the city. Accusations spread that he ordered the destruction in retaliation for a perceived betrayal, earning him the title of "Butcher General." In the chaos, Mei Lin loses her family and vows revenge. She joins the Shadow Works, enduring harsh training to become an assassin. Her first mission is to kill Murong Jing He, and she infiltrates his court disguised as one of the Xiyan beauties. However, she discovers that the mastermind behind her mission is none other than Murong Jing He himself.

(Source: MyDramaList)

~~ Adapted from the novel "Chun Hua Yan" (???) by Hei Yan (??). Edit Translation

Both shows are set in the 20th century, WLGYT starts from 50s and RITA starts from the 70s. Both are serious family dramas that are heavy on realism. If you are looking for another slice of life, realistic and emotional drama, RITA is the perfect choice.