par Cryssy Anne, juin 16, 2021
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Hello, dear MDL readers!

This time, I've returned and prepared an article with Summer Drama

recommendations with a green theme.  

You'll understand what I mean once you see the posters I have selected.  


Note: This article can be read in both light and dark mode.


This article is a different sequel to my previous selections in Winter Dramas with Purple Theme. Here are other old and new classic stories that are gonna bring you inside a roller coaster of emotions, from pure happiness to heartfelt sadness, as a multi variety of genres will be included.

Want to write your own article? See this insightful article about writing, editing and more: The Editors' Guide to Writing for MDL (written by Jojo).

Without further ado, let's start!



Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo (2016)

(English poster source: themoviedb.org)

Main Casting: Nam Joo Hyuk and Lee Sung Kyung

"Kim Bok-Joo is a promising collegiate female weightlifter. Her father runs a small chicken restaurant and her uncle wants to become an actor. She has a bright personality and strong sense of justice. Kim Bok-Joo and her friends on the female weightlifting team are not popular with the guys and they don't have boyfriends. The weightlifting team and the rhythmic gymnastic team also don't get along at all. Meanwhile, Jung Joon-Hyung is a collegiate swimmer plagued with numerous false start disqualifications. He is 21-years-old and has a free spirit. One day on campus, Kim Bok-Joo bumps into Jung Joon-Hyung while he is riding his bicycle. Her face looks familiar to Jung Joon-Hyung. After he leaves, Kim Bok-Joo picks up a handkerchief left behind by Jung Joon-Hyung. The handkerchief is very important to him and he begins looking for it."  (Source: AsianWiki)


~~ This drama is inspired by the life of South Korean Olympic weightlifter gold-medalist Jang Mi Ran.

You wish to know more details about this drama? 

Then read further on in this review article from Soompi!


Love in the Moonlight (2016)

(English poster source: themoviedb.org)

Main Casting: Park Bo Gum and Kim Yoo Jung

"Hong Ra On disguises herself as a man and counsels men on dating. Due to a love letter she wrote for a client, she meets Crown Prince Hyo Myeong. Ra On is unaware that he is the Crown Prince and Hyo Myeong is unaware that Ra On is a woman. The Crown Prince becomes interested in Ra On. His eunuchs become aware of this and attempt to get Ra On to become one of them."  (Source: AsianWiki)

You wish to know more details about this drama? 

Then read further on in this Currently Watching article!

You can watch this with English subtitles on Netflix, WeTV Philippines, Kocowa, and Viki.


The Tale of Nokdu (2019)

(English poster source: themoviedb.org)

Main Casting: Jang Dong Yoon and Kim So Hyun

"The family of a young noble heir named Jeon Nok Du is attacked by a band of female assassins. During his pursuit of one of the members of this violent gang, Jeon Nok Du finds himself in a village that is populated entirely by widows! Jeon Nok Du is forced to go undercover, disguising himself as a woman in order to evade detection while he searches for clues. In the village, he encounters a woman named Dong Dong Ju, who discovers his true identity. However, Dong Dong Ju is also hiding a secret – she has also run away from home.

Dong Dong Ju is fleeing from an ill-fated gisaeng (courtesan) apprenticeship. Although she is very adept at practical tasks, she is hopeless at singing, dancing, and the other artistic skills required of the gisaeng. Will the unlikely duo succeed in keeping each others’ identities a secret? And what will happen when they begin developing romantic feelings for one another?" (Source: Viki)

You wish to know more details about this drama? 

Then read further on in this interesting recap article!

You can watch it with English subtitles on Netflix, WeTV Philippines, Kocowa, iflix, and Viki.


Youth of May (2021)

(Poster source: Hancinema)

Main Casting: Lee Do Hyun and Go Min Shi

"In May, 1980, during the turbulent times of the Gwangju Uprising, Hee-Tae and Myung-Hee fall in love. Their love seems destined by fate. Hee-Tae is a medical student, who entered medical school at the top his class. He seems like an easygoing person, but he also has an unyielding spirit and obstinacy. Myung-Hee has worked as a nurse for the past 3 years. She is a lovely person, who stands up against what is not fair." (Source: AsianWiki)

You wish to know more details about this drama? 

Then read further about what you can look forward to at Soompi!

You can watch this with English subtitles on Viki.


Doom at Your Service (2021)

(Poster source: Hancinema)

Created by director Kwon Young Il of Search: WWW (2019), teaming up with screenwriter Im Me Ah Ri from The Beauty Inside (2018)

Main Casting: Park Bo Young and Seo In Guk

"When Tak Dong Myung finds out that she has only 100 days left to live, she angrily calls for the world to be “ruined”—which unexpectedly brings the supernatural Myul Mang, whose name is the literal Korean word for “ruin” or “destruction,” to her doorstep. The jaded Myul Mang had been living his life aimlessly for countless years, but after he and Tak Dong Myung strike up an unusual contract with life-or-death stakes, they wind up unexpectedly transforming one another as they seep into each other’s lives—and, against all odds, fall in love." (Source: Soompi)

You wish to know more details about this drama? 

Read my Premiere Recap article for this series and this article about 4 points to look forward to at Soompi!

Here is a lovely interview from tvN Drama on YouTube and reading compliments from fans: Viu Singapore on YouTube. With exciting and glamorous soundtracks according to MyDramaList!

You can watch this with English subtitles on Viki and ViuTv.


My Roommate Is a Gumiho (2021)

(Poster source: Hancinema)

Created by director Park Joon Hwa of Touch Your Heart (2019) and What's Wrong with Secretary Kim (2018), teaming up with screenwriters Baek Sun Woo and Choi Bo Rim 

Main Casting: Jang Ki Yong and Lee Hye Ri

"Based on a popular webtoon, “My Roommate Is Gumiho” tells the story of a 22-year-old college student named Lee Dam, who accidentally swallows the marble of a 999-year-old male gumiho (a mythological nine-tailed fox) named Shin Woo Yeo, who was close to achieving his goal of becoming human. If a human swallows a gumiho’s marble, they can only live for one year, after which the marble will break—preventing the gumiho from ever becoming human. As they attempt to figure out a way to extract the marble from Lee Dam’s body before the year is up, Shin Woo Yeo suggests that the two move in together."  (Source: Soompi)

You wish to know more details about this drama? 

Then read more about the intriguing character posters on Soompi!

Here's a fun interview about cohabitation from iQyi, and a sneak peak of their amazing chemistry in a stunning Summer photoshoot can be found here!

You can watch this with English subtitles on iQyi


So I Married an Anti-Fan (2021)

(Poster source: Hancinema)

Main Casting: Choi Tae Joon and Choi Soo Young 

"For potential news material, Geun-Young decides to attend an opening ceremony for a club. There, she witnesses top star Who-Joon's violent behavior and she also vomits on him by accident. This leads to Geun-Young losing her job. Geun-Young believes Who-Joon was behind her firing and she decides to do something about it. Every day, Geun-Young demonstrates in front of Who-Joon's management office. She begins to receive media coverage on her demonstration and soon Geun-Young becomes famous as an anti-fan. A PD approaches Geun-Young about participating in a reality TV show. The concept for the show revolves around a top star and their anti-fan living together. " (Source: AsianWiki)

~~Adapted from the Korean novel "Geuraeseo Naneun Antipaengwa Gyeolhonhaedda" by Kim Eun-Jung;  later made into a webtoon. 

You wish to know more details about this drama? 

Then read further on about the first impression of this series at Soompi!

You can watch this with English subtitles on Viki.


Monthly Magazine Home (2021)

(Poster source: Hancinema)

Created by director Lee Chang Min of Eulachacha Waikiki (2018), teaming up with screenwriter Myung Soo Hyun from A Poem a Day (2018)

Main Casting: Kim Ji Suk and Jung So Min

"Na Young-Won is the editor of Monthly House magazine. She has worked for 10 years, but she still does not own her own home. She currently lives in a monthly rental house. Nevertheless, Na Young-Won takes care of her rental place like it belongs to her. Her home reflects her personality and emotions. Things change when the new owner of her house, Yoo Ja-Sung, appears in front of her. She then becomes interested in buying her own home. 

Yoo Ja-Sung is the CEO of Monthly House magazine. To him, the house is just a means to increase his assets and a place to sleep. He grew up poor and he thought the only way to become rich was through real estate. While working at construction sites as a laborer, he began to study real estate investments by himself at night. He is now wealthy, because of his real estate investments. "  (Source: AsianWiki)

You can watch this with English subtitles on iQyi.


Move to Heaven (2021)

(Poster source: themoviedb.org)

Fair Warning: Although this poster is lighthearted, this drama is not for everyone!

Main Casting: Lee Je Hoon and Tang Jun Sang

"Geu-Roo is a young man with Asperger syndrome. He works for his father’s business “Move To Heaven.” Their job is to arrange items left by deceased people. One day, Geu-Roo's own father dies. Gue-Roo is left alone, but his uncle Sang-Koo suddenly appears in front of him. Sang-Koo is a cold man. He was a martial artist who fought in underground matches. He went to prison because of what happened at his fight. Sang-Koo now becomes Geu-Roo’s guardian. They run “Move To Heaven” together."  (Source: AsianWiki)

 -- Adapted from nonfiction essay “Things Left Behind” written by Kim Shae-Byeol.

You can watch this with English subtitles on Netflix.



Use for My Talent (2021)

(Poster source: Weibo)

Main Casting: Shen Yue and Jasper Liu

"Because of his incomplete family, Gu Renqi has a closed up personality and mysophobia. Shuang Jiao used to have a happy family, but later lost her mother in a car accident, and became a slovenly person. The two became acquainted when Shuang Jiao becomes an employee in Gu Renqi's cleaning company. The two became closer as they get to know each other. Under each other's influence, they began to heal from their wounds. "  (Source: DramaWiki)
This is the Chinese remake of Clean With Passion For Now (2018).

You can watch this with English subtitles on Netflix!

You Are My Hero (2021)

(English poster source: themoviedb.org)

Fair Warning: Although this poster is lighthearted, this drama is not for everyone!

Main Casting: Bai Jing Ting and Sandra Ma

"As a new resident at the bustling metropolitan hospital, Mi Ka’s life is far from boring. With a steady stream of patients to see and a variety of training exercises to complete, Mi Ka has little time for anything other than work, but she doesn’t mind. The chance to help people and save lives is all she has ever wanted and she’s happy she has finally found a way to make that dream come true. Ever one to volunteer when a new opportunity to help others arises, Mi Ka joins in a joint emergency rescue training exercise between the hospital and the police SWAT team, a decision that will change her life forever. Despite their initial misgivings, Xing Ke Lei and Mi Ka have no choice but to put aside their differences to help those hit hardest by the recent earthquake. Working side-by-side, their feelings towards each other gradually begin to soften as they observe how tirelessly each works to save lives. " (Source: Viki)

You wish to know more details about this drama? 

Then read further on in this Currently Watching article!

You can watch this with English subtitles on Viki and WeTV.


Rattan (2021)

(Poster source: zhiyume.com)

Main Casting: Sally Jing and Vin Zhang

"An encounter leads to a lifetime of memories. On a journey to retrace his ancestry, young designer Qin Fang accidentally sets off a contraption that leads to him to a woman named Si Teng who is bewitchingly beautiful and powerful. Confused by the fragmented memories in her mind, Si Teng claims to be Qin Fang's new master and forces him to aid in her plans. Si Teng gradually opens up to Qin Fang and grows to discover the novelty and wonders of living. However, Bai Ying who has became crazed from her obsession becomes a roadblock in their relationship." (Source: ChineseDrama.info)

You wish to know more details about this drama? 

Then read further on in this Currently Watching article!

You can watch this with English subtitles on Viki and YoYo English Channel on YouTube.


Love Like White Jade (2021) 

(Poster source: A Virtual Voyage.net)

Main Casting: Wan Peng and Gala Zhang

"Shui Wuxia, a maid at Langya Paviliion, is commissioned by the Jiang manor to assist their young master Jiang Baiyu in learning literature and martial arts. Unfortunately, he is a hopeless case who simply makes her blood boil!
Meanwhile, Shui Wuxia meets Shen Qingli, the most charming chivalrous hero in Chong'an, during a chance encounter. She falls for him without realizing that he is also the man that she absolutely detests. Jiang Baiyu bears the world's misunderstandings towards himself alone. Even if he loves Wuxia, he can only pretend to be an ignorant fool as Jiang Baiyu while keeping distance from her as Shen Qingli in order to keep her safe." (Source: ChineseDrama.info)

You will truly be in for a sweet treat with this lighthearted historical production! The whole story is tremendously hilarious, with very few serious or sad moments.

You can watch this with English subtitles on MGTV Drama Channel on YouTube and MGTV's website.


The Long Ballad (2021)

(Poster source: Huaceinfo on Twitter)

Fair Warning: Although this poster is lighthearted, this drama is not for everyone!

Main Casting: Dilraba Dilmurat and Leo Wu

"The year is 626 C.E, and the realm and its political center Chang’an, are shaken to its core by the Xuanwu Gate Incident, a successful palace coup to take charge of the Tang Dynasty.  A scheming prince leads the bloody coup and kills the family of Li Chang Ge during the raid, although she manages to escape. Li Chang Ge has her mind firmly set on revenge – and musters a powerful army intent on overthrowing the new Emperor. But her plans are thrown into disarray when she suffers an unexpected defeat against the armies of the Eastern Turkic Khaganate. The victorious General, Ashile Sun, decides to keep her in his service, making her his military strategist as he looks to pursue his own military goals. " (Source: Viki)

You wish to know more details about this drama? 

Then read further on in this Currently Watching article and this recap article!

You can watch this with English subtitles at China Huace TV on YouTube and Viki.


Fall in Love with a Scientist

(Poster source: dramapotatoe on Twitter)

Main Casting: Jasper Liu and  Zhou Yu Tong

"Yang Lan Hang is a black-bellied genius scientist, the dream boyfriend of all the girls in school. Bai Ling Ling, a confused PhD student slowly falls in love with him without realizing it." (Source: Wikipedia) 

~~ Adapted from novel 当爱情遇上科学家  by Ye Luo Wu Xin.


Airing on iQiyi in 2021 or 2022.


Sweet Teeth

(Poster source: iQiyiofficial on Twitter)

Main Casting: Bi Wen Jun and Betty Wu

"A love story between a librarian and a dentist who overcome misunderstandings to slowly walk into each other's hearts. The 28-year-old Zeng Li who works as a librarian crosses paths with dentist Ai Jingchu when she had to get her teeth straightened. They experience many things together - a snowy night, hide-and-seek at the orphanage and spending New Year's aboard a pirate ship."  (Source: ChineseDrama.info)
~~ Adapted from the novel of the same name by Mu Fu Sheng.


Airing on iQyi sometime soon in 2021!


Crush

(Poster source: iQyiofficial on Twitter)

Main Casting: Wan Peng and Evan Lin

"Sang Wuyan, a college senior who's about to graduate, dreams of becoming a broadcaster. She works as an assistant at a radio station and likes a mysterious songwriter with the name "Yijin." Sang Wuyan fell in love at first sight after a chance meeting with Su Nianqin. She later discovers that he is visually impaired. Layer by layer, Sang Wuyan peels off Su Nianqin's arrogant and indifferent shell and realizes that he is none other than "Yijin." Their interactions lead to a sweeping romance but the couple find themselves in a tug of war between their hard earned happiness and a fear of loss. Mounting pressure eventually leads to a breakup. Three years later, the two people who have gone down different paths meet again. Sang Wuyan has become a radio host. Su Nianqin's have healed and he takes on the family responsibility to learn the ropes of managing a business." (Source: ChineseDrama.info)

~~ Adapted from the novel "So I Love You Very Much", originally titled "Qin He Yi Kan", by Mu Fu Sheng (木浮生).

Airing on iQyi sometime soon in 2021! 


My Deepest Dream

(Poster source: Weibo)

Main Casting: Li Yi Tong and Jin Han

"Wu Yu is a math major while Tan Jiao writes mystery novels for a living. The two fall in love on a cruise ship yet end their trip afflicted with varying degrees of memory loss. Wu Yu and Tan Jiao were swept into a whirlwind romance after meeting each other on a cruise ship. However, they both experience some form of memory loss afterwards. Wu Yu has no recollection about the few days after his trip while Tan Jiao lost nearly a year and a half's worth of memories." (Source: ChineseDrama.info)

-- Adapted from a novel of the same name by Ding Mo.

Airing on WeTV sometime soon in 2021!


The Silence of the Monster

(Poster source: Weibo)

Main Casting: Bi Wen Jun and Annie Sun 

"In the urban jungle, "beasts" overcome their loneliness to find warmth. In learning to heal themselves, they also heal each other. It's a story that follows four individuals - He Chufeng is a young man who can unlock hearts. Luo Bin can appraise anything. Sui Yi is a lawyer with a strong sense of justice while Fang Qi is a headstrong auctioneer." (Source: ChineseDrama.info)

Airing on Youku sometime soon in 2021!


Special Lady

(Poster source: dramapotatoe on Twitter)

Main Casting: Shane Xiao and Zhai Zi Lu

"Song Zhu, the third young miss of the Song family, rebels against arranged marriages in pursuit of true love. She is the odd one out in a family of intellectuals. Meanwhile, the black-bellied Xiao Yu hides his identity to study at the academy. Song Zhu and Xiao Yu develop an immediate dislike for each other upon meeting that eventually blossoms into a sweet romance. Aside from being a pretty face, she has not inherited any of her parents' good qualities. The more it seems to be the case, the less Song Zhu seems to care about learning. Wanting to escape from everyone's shadow, Song Zhu has been trying to get herself married, that is, until she met "the womanizer" Xiao Yu who has completely disrupted her plans." (Source: ChineseDrama.info)

Airing on iQiyi possibly in 2021 or 2022.



Broker (2021)

(Poster source: Twitter)

Main Casting: Victoria Song and Leo Luo

The most awaited modern office romance coming sometime soon in 2021 at Viki and iQyi!

Official information can be found on Twitter.

Rumored to be aired in Q2 (from April to June) or in Q3 (from July to September).

~~ Adapted from the novel "Fallen Angel" by Claire Miao Juan.


You Are My Glory (2021)

(Poster source: WeTV Official on Twitter)

Main Casting: Yang Yang and Dilraba Dilmurat

There is always a sweet exception in the rules of love! The most awaited modern gaming romance.  

Major visual spoilers ahead: First official trailer is at WeTV English on YouTube!

Tentatively scheduled to air this 27th June!

~~ Adapted from the novel of the same name by Gu Man.


The Day of Becoming You (2021)

(Official posters source: Huaceinfo on Twitter)

Main Casting: Steven Zhang and Liang Jie 

From screenwriter Wang Xiong Cheng of Go Ahead (2020) and Find Yourself (2020)

That's right, everyone, a modern switcharoo comedy romance is also coming soon, this 17th June on iQyi


The unforgettable scenery in Goblin (2016) is fit for every season, all year round!

Location: Fontaine De Tourny, in Québec City, Canada.

(Photo source: tvN 드라마 on Twitter)


One gorgeous teaser from Nevertheless (2021) with love floating in the air and behind the scenes footage! Airing from 19th June on Netflix.

Main Casting: Song Kang  and  Han So Hee 

{English subtitles are included. Simply click on the "CC" button in the video}.

(Photo and oficial video source: JTBC Drama on YouTube)


The most healing drama of the summer is airing from 5th of July!

You Are My Spring (2021)

Main Casting: Seo Hyun Jin  and  Kim Dong Wook

(Official photo and video source: TvN DRAMA on YouTube)


The song I selected for this theme: 

Missing You by G.E.M (feat. Lu Han

{English subtitles are included. Simply click on the "CC" button in the video}.

(Official photo and music video source: GEM鄧紫棋  at YouTube)


The final touch: Li Yi Tong,in lush green colors with freshness fit for Summer participating in a special program titled "I Dedicate My Youth to You" on Hunan TV.

(The last photos source: Weibo)


(GIF image source: komunyoung on TumblrFrom drama Doom at Your Service (2021))


That's about it for my 2021 summer selections! I truly hope you enjoyed reading this long article. 

Many thanks to all the editors, who work tirelessly each day for the writers and MyDramaList as volunteers! Goodbye, until next time! ^^


Sources: MyDramaList (various older articles), Wikipedia, Soompi, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, Viki, Netflix, JTBC, YouTube, WeiboiQyi, ChineseDrama.infozhiyume.com, A Virtual Voyage.net, AsianWiki, here, here, here, here, here, DramaWikiMost of the English posters are from themoviedb.org, here, here, here, herewhile the others are from Hancinema, here, here, here, herehere, Twitter, here, here and hereWallpaper for banners is from here, while the main cover picture is hereAll the banners were edited by Cryssy Anne with an online tool called Pixlr X. The last photos are from here and here. This article was loosely inspired Inspired by my previous winter editorial. Last posters are from herehere and here. GIF image is from Tumblr.


Edited by: devitto (1st editor)

chinese dramas korean dramas recommendations cryssy summer theme green theme