Our round-up of recommended Asian productions is here, and it’s nothing short of exciting. From Resident Playbook that calls to mind the heart-warming Hospital Playlist, to Caster starring legendary Hiroshi Abe that unearths a truth long buried in darkness, to blood-pumping Rabbit On The Moon that brings the chemistry of Bright and Kao to life, here’s what you need to add to your watch list.
Resident Playbook
If you are a fan of Hospital Playlist, this one is for you. Starring Go Youn-jung and Shin Si-ah as asobstetrics and gynecology residents at Yulje Medical Centre, the medical drama follows the rookie doctors as they navigate the hectic world of hospital life. The series explores life-altering experiences that strike a chord — welcoming newborns into the world, beginning a career and enduring awkward early workplace moments.
Karma
When a Korean filmmaker makes a thriller drama, you know it’s going to be a masterpiece. In the Lee II-hyung production, veteran actress Shin Min-a delivers one of her most stellar performances, playing a doctor haunted by childhood nightmares. Alongside a powerful supporting cast — including Lee Hee-joon, Kim Sung-kyun, Lee Kwang-soo and Gong Seung-yeon — the tension-packed drama unfolds a thrilling tale of karma and crime. Each character must confront their own dark truths and hidden connections. While it’s not an easy watch, the drama is a modern parable that provokes thought and delivers a powerful message.
Caster
Seeking the truth and punishing the evil form the central thread of Caster, a Japanese drama from TBS Television. Set in the commercial television station JBN, the story centres around Newsgate, a nightime news program losing its popularity due to its staid reporting system. To revive its ratings, the president of JBN recruites Shindo Soichi — a heavyweight news anchor played by the legendary Hiroshi Abe — along with Sakikubo and Motohashi Yusuke. Will they succeed in bringing it back to life?
Madder: Sono Jiken, Watashi ga Hannin desu
The Japanese drama follows Nakano Akane, a genius but disillusioned high scool student who begins causing minor incidents at school out of boredom. But when a real murder occurs, what began as harmless mischief spirals into a series of murder that throws the world into chaos.
Rabbit on the Moon
Mix modern romance with a dash of sexiness and you get Rabbit On The Moon. Produced by One 31, the drama tells the story of Jira — an attractive bar host played by Bright Norraphat — who falls for Phitcha, a high-society lady portrayed by Kao Supassara, who is only looking for a no-strings-attached fling. When she finds out Jira is the star of the bar, she uses him to negotiate a million-dollar deal with Annita, a VIP businesswoman. Prepare to be swept away by the onscreen chemistry between Bright and Kao.
Love in Pavilion
The obsession with Chinese fantasy dramas continues with Love in Pavilion, the second instalment of Fox Spirit Matchmaker. The follow-up to the debut series, Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact, stars Liu Shishi and Zhang Yunlong as the leaders of two powerful families. Set in a time when humans and demons are at odds, the two team up to defeat evil and rescue the Unity Alliance from a malevolent force. Liu Shishi, fresh off her success in A Journey to Love, once again turns heads with her brilliant fight choreography, making it a must-binge drama of the month.
Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins
Legendary actor Saif Ali Khan returns to the screen in Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins, a heist thriller that — ironically — echoes a recent real-life incident involving the actor. Directed by Kookie Gulati and Robbie Grewal, the film follows Rehan, a con artist played by Saif Ali Khan, who sets out to steal the legendary African Red Sun diamond. But what begins as a meticulously planned heist soon turns into a tense battle of intelligence and power when he crosses paths with Rajan, a ruthless mafia kingpin played by Jaideep Ahlawat. Shot across Budapest, Istanbul and Mumbai, the film promises both stunning visuals and a pulse-pounding storyline.
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