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SCMP Reporters

TV drama addicts have never had it better, with digital entertainment streaming platform Netflix releasing some of its most popular titles yet (in Mandarin, Korean and Hindi), as well as one stand-out Chinese period drama series that had viewers glued to their TV (or mobile phone) the entire summer. Here is a recap of the hottest Mando- and K-dramas of 2018.

Story of Yanxi Palace
Chinese TV dramas never looked more slick than this super popular series (which Yazhou Zhoukan named the best TV drama this year). Story of Yanxi Palace charts the rise of Wei Yingluo from a servant girl in the Qing dynasty imperial court all the way to be Emperor Qianlong’s wife. Even the theme song is addictive.
The empress and the three concubines – bully, villain, victor: The Story of Yanxi Palace explained

Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace
This drama is basically Story of Yanxi Palace but told from the point of view of Emperor Qianlong’s “step empress” Hoifa-Nara (one of many Wei Yingluo’s rivals in the imperial harem). The focus of this series is more on Qianlong though and it stars Wallace Huo and Zhou Xun in the lead roles.

Mr Sunshine
Netflix scores big with this Korean drama set in late 19th century/early 20th century and stars veteran actor Lee Byung-hun. The creative team of this 24-episode drama – including screenwriter Kim Eun-sook and director Lee Eung-bok – are also behind the global smash hits Goblin (or Guardian: The Lonely and Great God) and Descendants of the Sun and the series was reported to be the highest-rated Korean cable drama of all time when it ended in September, according to Nielsen.

Memories of the Alhambra
Another Netflix title, this K-drama released on December 1 managed to generate much buzz within just a month, starring Hyun Bin (remember him from the 2005 hit My Lovely Sam-Soon) and Park Shin-hye. MyDramaList gives this “suspense romance drama” 8.4 out of 10 from more than 1,000 users.

The Flame’s Daughter
One more Chinese drama on the list, this martial arts fantasy series is based on a novel by Ming Xiaoxi and revolves around a sprightly girl named Lie Ruge, played by popular actress Dilraba Dilmurat. In fact, the success of this series is completely driven by its cast, which also includes Vic Chou, Liu Ruilin and Vin Zhang, and their fans.


2018 was not the best year for many, but hope lives on for 2019

From military might to nature’s wrath, these are the most memorable satellite photos of 2018

Four potential flashpoints for Hong Kong in 2019: national anthem law, mainland tourists, Lantau reclamation, and elections

US-China trade war dominates SCMP’s top 10 economy stories of 2018

2018 in review

Your favourite Chinese and Korean TV dramas from 2018

The Story of Yanxi Palace was one of the most popular Chinese and Korean TV series in 2018.

Lee Byung-hun and Kim Tae-ri in Mr. Sunshine. (Photo Courtesy of Hwa&Dam/Netflix)

Memories of the Alhambra launches worldwide from December 1, 2018. Photo: Netflix

Handout image shows Yingluo Wei - the heroine of the show Story of Yanxi Palace Played by Jinyan Wu. Career progression: Seamstress - maid - Guiren (a rank below Pin) - Pin - Fei - Imperial Consort (Guifei) - Imperial Noble Consort (Huang Guifei) from the Story of Yanxi Palace [FEATURES 2018]

How Netflix, Amazon, Hulu and other streaming services changed the way we watch TV

Kit Harrington in a still from HBO’s Game of Thrones. The past year has rewritten the rules for television content. Photo: Macall B. Polay

FILE - In this March 2, 2017 file photo, director-producer J.J. Abrams poses for a portrait to promote "The Play That Goes Wrong" at the Lyceum Theatre in New York. Abrams is returning to "Star Wars," and will replace Colin Trevorrow as writer and director of "Episode IX." Disney announced Abrams return on Tuesday, Sept. 12. (Photo by Christopher Smith/Invision/AP, File)

Hulu's ''The Handmaid's Tale'' Season 2 Premiere held at TCL Chinese Theatre on April 19, 2018 in Hollywood, Calif. (Birdie Thompson/AdMedia/Zuma Press/TNS)

This handout image shows Amazon Video Direct (AVD), a self-service programme to make video content available to Amazon customers, including tens of millions of Prime members. [2017 FEATURES FASHION & LUXURY Isabella Wren] Photo: Amazon

Lifestyle

Entertainment

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Lists


The favourites include two Chinese imperial stories from the Qing dynasty
The Korean dramas include a 19th century tale and an augmented reality story



The favourites include two Chinese imperial stories from the Qing dynasty. The Korean dramas include a 19th century tale and an augmented reality story.


K-drama news

Your favourite Chinese and Korean TV dramas from 2018

The favourites include two Chinese imperial stories from the Qing dynasty The Korean dramas include a 19th century tale and an augmented reality story

The empress and the three concubines – bully, villain, victor: The Story of Yanxi Palace explained

The favourites include two Chinese imperial stories from the Qing dynasty

The Korean dramas include a 19th century tale and an augmented reality story