K-Dramas like No Pain No Gain

12 shows with a similar feel

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  How Dare You!? (2026)Also drama · comedy

  Rookie office worker Wang Cuihua is suddenly pulled into the world of a novel, where she meets Xiahou Dan, a powerful king hiding his true identity. Both outsiders to this world, they join forces to survive a twisted fate, facing political intrigue, ancient prophecies, and life-or-death choices. As they fight to change their destiny, a powerful bond forms, one that could reshape the future of the kingdom.

  2 tracking it here
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  Only for Love (2023)Also drama · comedy

  Zheng Shuyi, a reporter who excels at her job and is determined to land a front-page story, has tried very hard to earn an exclusive interview with top financial executive Shi Yan. Their love story then blossoms due to a mistake. Zheng Shuyi has written numerous reports through her in-depth research of various industries while Shi Yan is constantly looking for socially responsible start-ups to invest in as he hopes to give back to society as much as he can. Shi Yan finds that Zheng Shuyi's opinions conveyed through her reports coincide with his own, so he agrees to let her write a series of reports on their company. The two eventually open up new opportunities in their career and also find love.

  2 tracking it here
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  Falling Into Your Smile (2021)Also comedy · drama

  After joining an all-male e-sports team, an amateur gamer tests her skills and leads her team to the world championships.

  3 tracking it here
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  Three-Body (2023)Also drama · sci-fi & fantasy

  Nanotechnology researcher Wang Miao is taken to the Joint Operations Center by police officer Shi Qiang, who's investigating the mysterious suicide wave among scientists worldwide. He is recruited to sneak into an organization called the Frontiers of Science to help the investigation. When Wang Miao is contacted by the leader of the organization, Shen Yufei, she introduces him to a sophisticated VR video game called Three-Body, but soon he discovers that it's more than just a game.
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  My Heroic Husband (2021)Also drama · comedy · sci-fi & fantasy

  Ning Yi, a determined woman from a cold background, grows through poetry, business, and martial arts, taking on increasing responsibilities and, with the help of her friends and family, using courage and wisdom to protect Lin An.

  1 tracking it here
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  Love O2O (2016)Also drama · comedy

  When campus heartthrob and gaming genius Xiao Nai spots Bei Weiwei dominating a guild battle with unmatched skill and calm, he’s smitten. Determined to win her heart, Xiao Nai pursues her both online and offline, leading to a charming, slow-burn romance between two brilliant minds.

  1 tracking it here
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  The Immortal Ascension (2025)Also drama · sci-fi & fantasy

  Han Li, an ordinary, poor boy from a mountain village, joins a small martial arts sect by chance. Despite his mediocre talent, he eventually cultivates himself into an immortal through hard work and careful planning.

  1 tracking it here
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  Blue Box (2024)Also drama

  Taiki Inomata loves badminton, but he has a long way to go before he can reach nationals. When Taiki sees upperclassman Chinatsu Kano practicing her heart out on the girls’ basketball team, he falls for her hard. After an unexpected turn of events brings the two closer together, sports might not be the first thing on their minds anymore!
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  Yoshimaho: Yoshi Yoshi Magic (2021)Also comedy

  The protagonist is overworked and always exhausted by daily life, and yearns for comfort and solace. They want to be kindly praised and healed. They think, "Children have it nice because they're spoiled." The protagonist wants to escape from reality, and so they go to a store and purchase a blue pacifier. When they put the pacifier in their mouth, it emits a strange light, and it magically transports the protagonist to another world. The protagonist is now in the body of a five-year-old child, and spends time at a day care center where there are many handsome men who are caregivers there. The caregivers use the "There, There Magic" to soothe the children at the day care center.
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  Way Back Love (2025)Also sci-fi & fantasy · drama

  After losing all hope to live, Jeong Hee-wan unexpectedly reunites with her first love, Kim Ram-woo, who is now a grim reaper, opening a new chapter in her life.

  1 tracking it here
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  Love Unseen Beneath the Clear Night Sky (2025)Also drama

  A bittersweet love story between a college boy who has given up on enjoying life and a blind woman who tries her best to live her life to the fullest.
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  Yokohama Neighbors (2026)Also drama

  After losing his father in a tragic accident, a young man joins forces with a detective from Kanagawa Prefectural Police’s First Investigation Division. Together, they confront the harsh realities and pressing challenges of modern society, uncovering truths that test their courage and resolve.