Winter Dramas & Movies with Light Blue Theme 2023 Edition

Hello, dear MDL readers!

Another year swiftly passed by and 2023 is almost here, so I was thinking of making another gorgeous Winter article since so many of you loved my previous one.

So here we go again...1, 2, 3 and start!

I warmly welcome everyone to join me into a lovely and chilling journey!

Simply grab a cup of hot chocolate, latte or tea and relax!

Fair Warning: This article contains spoilers about the story, cast, and any other information already known to the public about the mentioned dramas.

This can be easily read in both light and dark mode!

_{(GIF images credit goes out to Zoe on Tumblr) 
(From Chinese dramas Immortal Samsara: Part 1 (2022), respectively Love Between Fairy and Devil (2022)}

Yonder (2022)

_{(Poster source: Namuwiki)}

Main Cast: Shin Ha Kyun and Han Ji Min 

"Set in the 2040s in the large city area of South Korea. It depicts the story of a man who lives in agony, unable to forget his wife who died of cancer. Then one day, he receives an unknown email and chooses to abandon his body to go live with his wife. It will portray a world where one can live forever without death, and will question the meaning of eternal life, death, memory and oblivion, and happiness and misery." (Source: Allkpop)

Set to air soon, sometime this October on TVING!

Bonus Pick: Cheer Up (2022)_{(Poster source: MyDramaList)}

Main Cast: Han Ji Hyun and Bae In Hyuk

"Do Hae-Yi is a student at Yeonhee University. She is a bright and diligent person. Because of her family's poor financial situation, she places a priority on making money rather than school. One day, Do Hae-Yi suddenly joins cheering squad Teyia. She only joins the club for money. The cheering squad has existed for 50 years at Yeonhee University. While participating in the cheering squad, Do Hae-Yi experiences the joy of campus life and meets various people from Teyia including Park Jung-Woo, Jin Sun-Ho, Tae Cho-Hee, Joo Sun-Ja and Bae Young-Woong. Bae Young-Woong was once a member of Teyia and he is an alumnus of Yeonhee University. He supports the cheering squad financially and emotionally." (Source: AsianWiki)  

Set to air soon, in 3rd October on Sbs!

Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022)

_{(Poster source: themoviedb.org)}

Main Cast: Park Eun Bin and Kang Tae Oh 

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"Woo Young-Woo is extremely smart and she also has autism spectrum disorder. She never forgets what she sees, but she lacks in social skills and empathy. Woo Young-Woo begins to work as a trainee lawyer at a large law firm. While working there, she faces prejudice and irrationality against her, but she solves cases with her own unique perspective and grows as a lawyer. " (Source: AsianWiki)

Available worldwide with various subtitles on Netflix!

Here you'll discover some interesting details from the director and writer of this amazing series, according to Soompi!

Here are some amazing cinematographic scenes from this drama:

_{(GIF images credit goes out to  moonlightsdream on Tumblr)} 

Good Job (2022)

_{(Poster source: Namuwiki)}

Main Cast: Jung Il Woo and Kwon Yu Ri 

"Eun Sun-Woo is extremely smart and surprisingly athletic. He owns and runs Eungang Group, which is the biggest company in Korea. He also secretly runs a private detective office as a private detective. He is gentle, but sometimes arrogant. Don-Se-Ra was born with hyperacuity. To hide her condition, she always wears glasses.She uses her ability to secretly help people. Even though she is poor, she is bright and doesn't hesitate to help others. Eun Sun-Woo and Don-Se-Ra get involved with each other. While they investigate cases together, their relationship develops romantically."

(Source: AsianWiki)

Here is what to look forward from this series according to the main cast and Soompi!

Starts to air since 24th August on Viu and Viki, with English subtitles!

Love All Play (2022)

_{(Poster source: themoviedb.org)}

Main Cast:  Chae Jong Hyeop and  Park Ju Hyun   

---

"Park Tae Joon, who naturally wound up in the world of badminton because of his parents’ badminton equipment business. Although he had begun to see the sport as work, his passion for badminton is reignited due to a desire to impress a woman. Park Tae Yang is a former aspiring Olympian who had to leave the badminton world for three years due to a bribing scandal. " (Source: Wikipedia; Naver)  

Here, the main actors picked early on main points from the premiere of this sportive drama. according to Soompi!

Here's  one iconic scene that will make you fall in love in 2 minutes:

_{(GIF images credit goes out to  devildrusje on Tumblr)} 

Alchemy of Souls (2022) and  Part 2 (2022)

_{(Poster source: themoviedb.org)}

Main Cast: Jung So Min and  Lee Jae Wook   

"Set in a fictional country called Daeho that does not exist in history or on maps, it is about the love and growth of young mages as they overcome their twisted fates due to a magic spell known as the "alchemy of souls", which allows souls to switch bodies. It follows the story of an elite assassin named Naksu, whose soul is accidentally trapped inside the weak body of Mu Deok—Jang Uk's servant from a powerful and noble family in the country. The young master of the Jang Family, Jang Uk, holds a dark secret about his scandalous birth. He wants the formidable assassin to help change his destiny." (Source: Soompi; The Korea Herald) 

Discover how their first encounter was like. directly from Soompi!

Available worldwide with various subtitles on Netflix!

 The second season will air this December, but with a slightly different cast member! 

Here's  one impressive scene that will make you fall 

head over heals for the story and special effects:

_{(GIF images credit goes out to  natahjikio on Tumblr)} 

Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)

_{(Poster source: themoviedb.org)}

Main Cast:  Kim Tae Ri and  Nam Joo Hyuk

"In 1998, Na Hee-do is a member of the school fencing team at Seonjung Girls' High School, but due to the IMF crisis, the team is disbanded. To continue pursuing her passion, she transfers to Taeyang High School and later manages to become a member of the National Fencing Team. Baek Yi-jin’s family goes from "riches to rags" and is separated due to the financial crisis. He is forced to take up several part-time jobs and later becomes a sports reporter.

In present day, Kim Min-chae, Na Hee-do's daughter, quits ballet and "runs away" to her grandma's house. During her stay, she comes across her mother's diary, through which the story is then told." (Source: Wikipedia)

Want to know more details on how the portiere of this show was?

 Then you could read my previous news article.

Available worldwide with various subtitles on Netflix!

Some of the most touching and memorable moments was this:

_{(GIF images credit goes out to  netflixdramas on Tumblr)} 

_{"I've missed you."}

Love in Contract (2022)

_{(Poster source: Namuwiki)} 

Main Cast:  Park Min Young   and   Go Kyung Pyo  &  Kim Jae Young   

“A helper service that provides wives to single people needing partners to take to gatherings for married couples and school reunions. The rom-com portrays the story that unfolds as Choi Sang Eun gets entangled with Jung Ji Ho, who is on a long-term exclusive contract for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and Kang Hae Jin who signs a new contract for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Choi Sang Eun is actually the “master of contractual marriages.” With an image that makes her appear as if she would have been perfect from birth, Choi Sang Eun is a multifaceted character with various certifications, an exceptional sense of judgement, and great life skills.“  (Source: Soompi)

Park Min Young becomes the perfect fake wife,

 according to Soompi and this teaser trailer!

Airing since 21st September on Viki!

Immortal Samsara: Part 1 (2022) and  Part 2 (2022)

_{(Poster source: MyDramaList, Weibo)}

Main Cast: Yang Zi  and  Cheng Yi   

"Ying Yuan is the Sovereign Lord and protector of a fantastic heavenly realm inhabited by deities and spirits who live long, peaceful lives above the clouds, thanks to a peace deal struck between a number of rival kingdoms. One day, however, that peace is at risk of shattering when an elder of the demon world attempts to steal a powerful treasure that has remarkable healing powers, the Four-Leafed Lotus. 

But fate separates the two for many years, until Ying Yuan (now Tang Zhou, and no longer aware of who he used to be) comes upon Yan Dan again by chance in the mortal realm. He has become a demon hunter. But neither he nor she recalls who they once were and what they may have once felt for each other. Yan Dan is now accompanied by her close male friend Yu Mo. Together, this duo has already traveled together and experienced no shortage of adventures. Tang Zhou joins them on the quest to find ancient, powerful artifacts. But will he and Yan Dan ever recall who they used to be?" (Source: Viki)

Now airing with English subtitles on Viki and Youku on YouTube!

This is one of those stories where the cinematography style 

is off the charts, in combination with powerful acting!

^{(GIF images credit goes out to  natahjikio on Tumblr)  (Images were transformed to JPG formart using ezgif.com)}

Worthy Mention: Lie to Love (2021)

_{(Poster source: themoviedb.org)}

Main Cast: Cheng Xiao and Luo Yun Xi

"Brought together by fate, Li Ze Liang and Su Xie Yi are quickly swept into an unforgettable romance; but the feelings they have for each other are soon overshadowed by the tragedy that strikes them both. Cruelly forced apart by the same fate that brought them together, the once lovers soon become distant strangers.

Witnessing her father’s death, Xie Yi is so shocked, she suffers temporary amnesia. Unable to remember much, Xie Yi sits helplessly on the sidelines as her entire world crumbles around her. With the death of her father, the family business fails and her home life is destroyed. Just as Xie Yi’s life falls apart, so too does Ze Liang’s , after the untimely death of his father. Working together against a common enemy, it doesn’t take long for small sparks of romance to rekindle old flames. But will love be enough to take down the villains who tore them apart so many years ago?" (Source: Viki)

^{(Logo source: themoviedb.org)}

Now also available with English subtitles and high quality on Viki!

Bonus Pick: A Romance of the Little Forest (2022)

_{(Poster source: Weibo, MyDramaList)}

Main Cast: Vin Zhang and Yu Shu Xin (Esther Yu)

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"Fashion blogger Yu Meiren relies purely on makeup to maintain her appearance. Wanting to use her beauty to retaliate against the man who once rejected her, marks the start of a sweet love story that takes the two from the campus to the countryside. Botany professor Zhang Yu is completely devoted to his life's work and has been researching the cultivation of sweet wormwood. Indifferent to any otherworldly desires, he unintentionally hurts the feelings of Yu Meiren, a girl from the countryside who has had a crush on him for a long time.

Years later, Yu Meiren graduates with honors and received her Ph.D. in Ornithology. Not wanting the pressures of being in the field of scientific research, she becomes a fashion blogger instead. Yu Meiren and Zhang Yu get off on the wrong foot when they meet again." (Source: ChineseDrama.info)

Set to air on 15th September on Youku and Viki!

Love Like the Galaxy: Part 1 (2022) and Part 2 (2022)

_{(Poster source: MyDramaList, Weibo)}

Main Cast: Leo Wu and Zhao Lu Si

"Cheng Shao Shang  is a young woman who was forced to grow up alone after most of her family had to leave to fight in a bloody war. As a result, she has grown up alone, in an unforgiving environment, and has become tough and resourceful – but also stubborn and untrusting. One day, a talented, powerful, and highly influential general named Ling Bu Yi comes to the town – and falls in love with her at first sight. He resolves to marry her, even though it will cause him no end of problems if he decides to pursue this union. She also warns him that she doesn’t trust him, and that her stubborn personality might not be suitable for the wife of a general. But Ling Bu Yi also has deep secrets, and there are facts about his true identity that even he does not know. " (Source: Viki) 

 Aired with English subtitles on Viki, WeTV and Fresh Drama on YouTube!

A true hidden jewel in terms of acting and cinematography!

^{(GIF images credit goes out to  smittenskitten on Tumblr)} 

Till The End of The Moon : Part 1 (2023)

_{(Poster source: MyDramaList, Weibo)}

Main Cast: Bai Lu and Luo Yun Xi

"In an era when the demons are in power, they are the masters of the despicable cultivators and mortals. The cultivator elders deem it necessary to send someone back in time, to determine the origin of the demon lord and to prevent his awakening. Li Su Su accepts the mission, becoming the mortal Ye Xi Wu, General Ye's third daughter who is married to Tantai Jin, the hostage prince and future demon lord. She is determined to destroy Tantai Jin, who in the future will massacre many. But as a witness to Tantai Jin's past life and rise to power, an unexpected tale emerges, one complicating her quest." 

(Source: RedLotusPavilion at MyDramaList) 

Tentatively set to air by the end of 2022 or first half of next year, in 2023 on Youku!

Falling Into You (2022)

_{(Poster source: MyDramaList, Weibo)}

Main Cast: Gina Jin and Wang An Yu

"Duan Yucheng is a high-spirited young man who loves high jump but is limited by his height, met his talent scout, the experienced athletics assistant Luo Na. Pursuing this dream is a very cruel thing, you have to experience injuries, failures, and loneliness that none can understand. But pursuing dream is also very sweet, because every bit of joy of improvement can transcend the pain of the body and the doubts of others. Starting from the school-level competition, then to the municipal, provincial, National University Games, and the National Athletics Championships, Duan Yucheng climbed step by step. No matter how far he goes, there is only one thing that will never change - the blazing track is his only belief." (Source: Youku Official on YouTube)

Announced to be ready for airing since 29th September 2022 on Youku!

Road to Home (2023)

_{(Poster source: MyDramaList, Weibo)}

Main Cast: Tan Song Yun and Jing Bo Ran

"A story about former lovers reunited after ten years to find their road home follows investment director Gui Xiao and Explosive Ordnance Disposal police Lu Yan Chen. Gui Xiao and Lu Yan Chen were each other's first love. As Lu Yan Chen left to join the police academy, Gui Xiao's family experiences drastic changes. Their relationship from their school days simply comes to an end. When they meet again after eight years, the words "I'll recognize you even when you turn into ashes" make them realize that they still miss each other. Two years later in a snowy border town, Gui Xiao and her friend are stranded. In desperation, Gui Xiao dials Lu Yan Chen's number." (Source: ChineseDrama.info) 

Tentatively set to air by the end of 2022 or first half of next year, in 2023 on iQIYI!

First Love (2022)

_{(Poster source: MyDramaList, Weibo)}

Main Cast: Wang Xing Yue and Tian Xi Wei

"Lu Wan Wan is a sophomore student in the Clinical Department of Tsingyao University School of Medicine. After getting drunk she got into a scandal with Ren Chu, a bright student of the same school. To curb the raging scandal, the two agreed to a strategy to eliminate the gossips. In the process they discover each other's shining points and gradually developed a good impression of each other. With the help and guidance of Ren Chu, Lu Wan Wan overcame her timid personality, and strived to become a qualified medical student. Unconsciously, the two influenced each other and became their better selves." (Source: Baidu) 

Tentatively set to air by the end of 2022 on iQIYI!

Who Rules the World (2022)

_{(Poster source: themoviedb.org)}

Main Cast: Yang Yang  and  Zhao Lu Si

"Hei Feng Xi is handsome and elegant while Bai Feng Xi is majestic and unrestrained. Opposites attract as both are unrivaled in skill and intellect. Caught in the warfare and chaos of the martial arts and political worlds, the flowers of love begin to bloom amidst the blood that has been sacrificed within the last ten years. Trying to keep their identities hidden, they constantly have to be three steps ahead when dealing with much political unrest, betrayal, infighting, and the ultimate battle for the imperial throne. They join hands, seeking justice, while trying to calm the ever growing uncertainty brought on by an unseen malice. But will their love bring peace to a chaotic time and who will ultimately rule the world?"  (Source: ChineseDrama.info; edited by MyDramaList) 

Aired on WeTV, Tencent and worldwide on Netflix!

Don't worry because I saved the greatest moments for last...

The colorful world of Martial Arts is here!

^{(GIF images credit goes out to  zhoufeis on Tumblr)} 

One Week Friends (2022)

_{(Poster source: MyDramaList, Weibo)}

Main Cast: Zhao Jin Mai  and Lin Yi

"Lin Xiang Zhi suffers from a strange amnesia. Her memory of her friends can only last for a week, and she has become withdrawn as a result. That is until the arrival of a transfer student named Xu You Shu. His kindness and persistence make Xiang Zhi gradually open up. The two are determined to face the past together, find the truth in their memories, and redeem each other's future." (Source: MyDramaList)

Available in theaters since 18th June! 

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    Suzume no Tojimari (2022)   

_{(Poster source: themoviedb.org)}

"Suzume, a 17-year-old girl who lives in a quiet village in Kyūshū, comes across a young boy who is on a journey in search of a door. Suzume, who follows after him, finds an old and grubby door standing all by itself up in the mountains, as if only it had been left behind in the ruins. As if drawn in by something, Suzume outstretches her arm to the door… One after another, the door starts to open up to various different places in Japan. But, due to misfortunes falling upon those on the other side, this door must now be closed. The stars, and the sunset, and the sunrise. In those places that she gets lost in, as though all of time had disappeared, and guided by a strange door, this is where Suzume’s journey of closing doors — “Tojimari” — begins." (Source: themoviedb.org)

Makoto Shinkai's new animation masterpiece will be released in 

Japan's theaters starting 11th November!

^{(Last photos used were found here ,here, here, here)
(GIF images credit goes out to  mostlyfate on Tumblr and here, from drama  Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022)}

_{(Last photo source is from upcoming series Nothing But You)}

I truly hope from the bottom of my heart you've enjoyed this long article!

Which story did you love most or which one intrigued you more?

With this occasion, I wish to all of you, a "Happy New Year" in advance! 

All the best and good health! See you soon, once again. Goodbye for now!