Where Dreams Begin (2023)

Xiao Chun Sheng along with his two buddies Ye Guo Hua and Chen Hong Jun, are children of military families and government workers who grew up in the same courtyard. They share many experiences like joining the army, taking the gaokao, going out to sea, and starting a business, while supporting each other the entire way. They also meet Tong Xiao Mei, a Beijing girl pursuing her dreams of becoming a doctor. This is an inspirational story of the growth and transformation of ordinary people during the 1970s reform era in China as the country was opening up to the world.

Both have xiao zhan as main and part of main couple, you can see xiao zhan's pretty smile show well on both of them.

On the one hand, their settings are very different--Korean historical versus Chinese 20th century--but both tell epic tales over years of the characters' lives and interweave the maturing of the country with the maturing of the characters.

Both take a bit of time to grow attached to the characters but then you become SO sympathetic with them that the feels are intense.

Both have some romance but it is not the only ingredient (it is definitely featured more in My Dearest). Both are very well acted and nicely paced.

Both leave you feeling like you experienced something meaningful.

Similarities:
-People growing up together trying to make a difference in their own lives and those of others.
-Not letting themselves be stepped on by bullies or others.
-Trying to bring in a new era of growth into their respective timelines.
-Mild romance and great friendships.

One takes place in the 70s, the other takes place in the 80s. Both are coming-of-age dramas about pursuing dreams and ambitions, with economic reform as backdrop. Both have Li Qin as the FL.

> Story of youths in Beijing Hutong
> Themes of entrepreneurship in lieu of China's 1970s Open Door Policy

Similarities:
-Same ML with similar starting time period.
-Tribute drama with slice of life, trials and tribulations of all characters.
-Rivals become friends.
-First love doesn’t always work for everyone.

Both dramas are set in the 70's and throughout different decades showing how their lives progress.
AOTM has a crime and investigation subplot while TYM has a business subplot.
The MLs in both dramas are well portrayed.
TYM FL is a girl boss.
Similar characters;
TYM has Yao Yu Ling and AOTM has He Hong Ling.
TYM has Ye Guo Hua and AOTM has Niu Da Li. (sort of)