Asian dramas like
Ai No Meikyu

Kamishima Michiko has been married to her husband Shunpei for two decades. Shunpei is the son and chef of a prestigious family that operates a traditional Japanese restaurant, and the couple has two children. Michiko lives a tranquil life as a stay-at-home mother. However, one day, Yahagi Tae, who claims to be Shunpei's lover, unexpectedly appears before Michiko and declares, "I have come to take your husband." Tae discloses that she and Shunpei have been involved in a relationship for the past six years. She presents Michiko with divorce papers signed by Shunpei and discloses that Michiko's late mother-in-law had approved of their affair. In addition, Michiko learns that her husband's restaurant is burdened with significant debt and is on the verge of going bankrupt. Faced with a series of startling revelations, Michiko negotiates with Tae to purchase her marriage rights to Shunpei for 60 million yen and resolves to take over the restaurant as the new owner to revive its fortunes.

In the upscale neighborhood of Gangnam, one mother stands out as an exception: Bok Dang Ji. She relocated to Gangnam and struggles to make ends meet, yet she feels fortunate, akin to Cinderella, because she married the man she once admired from afar. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Han Jung Wook, a prosecutor who enjoys a life of privilege and shares many similarities with her. Having risen from poverty to join the ranks of the affluent through relentless effort, he embodies determination. However, their lives take a downturn one fateful day. The series focuses on Bok Dan Ji, a mother in Gangnam, and Han Jung Wook, who experiences a fall from grace as a member of the elite, as they gradually cultivate a bond and discover genuine love. (MBC America)

The drama narrates the romantic relationship between Qiu Hai Tang, a renowned pupil in Yuzhen class, and Luo Xiang Qi, a female student from Normal University

Gong Soo Rae has loved her husband, Seo Bong Gook, since their teenage years. However, she discovers that he is involved in an affair with Choi Yi Kyung. At the same time, Park Chan Woo portrays a man who stands by her side.

The narrative centers around a young lady named Lu Yaqing in the era of the Chinese republic. She transforms her circumstances from poverty to marrying into a wealthy family, leveraging her embroidery skills to rise as a prosperous and influential figure, leaving a significant mark during her lifetime.

After Tong Si Jie loses her parents at a young age, she faces challenges and takes on various jobs to support her siblings. Her path crosses with the wealthy Yi Yi, and they fall in love against all odds. However, their plans for a future together are disrupted by Yi Yi's controlling mother, who manipulates the situation and drives a wedge between the couple.

A narrative centered around an adopted woman facing challenges in her quest to establish a family.

A familial narrative revolves around a woman who moves into her biological mother's boarding house alongside her stepmother following her father's death and the subsequent decline of his business. This challenged family navigates life's obstacles together, relying on love and empathy to achieve a joyful resolution. (MBC)

Despite facing financial hardships, Oh Bom remains optimistic and cheerful. She holds a part-time job at a factory. Kang Ma Roo is a gentle and uncomplicated young man, who possesses a certain naivety about life. An Tae Ho serves as the section chief at a corporation and is driven by ambition. He seeks out Choi Ah Ran for his own interests and eventually marries her. Choi Ah Ran is the heir to a substantial company. Although she is intelligent, she carries the burden of a troubled history; her younger sister has vanished, and her parents have abandoned her.

A theatrical piece centered on individuals confronting animosity and discord as they discover the essence of forgiveness, love, and true happiness.

This drama revolves around three women in their middle age: Cha Jin Ok, Oh Dal Sook, and Nam Mi Rae. They are friends who completed high school together and think they are living fulfilling lives; however, they encounter a significant turning point in their lives. (KoreanDrama.org)

Yeon Bun Hong finds herself as a single mother after being deceived by the man she cared for, yet she remains resolute in her decision to forge ahead with her life. Bun Hong became pregnant with Gi Seok's baby, but he expressed his disinterest in having the child and urged her to terminate the pregnancy, which she found herself unable to do. Tragically, her friends, Lee Ju Yeong and Lee Seon Hui, lost their lives in a boating accident; Bun Hong was on the boat as well, but she managed to survive. Seon Hui was in a relationship with Ju Yeong, but due to a series of misunderstandings, the Lee family mistakenly believed that Bun Hong was Ju Yeong's partner and that she was expecting his child. To escape her troubles, Bun Hong moved into the Lee household, allowing them to think that the baby was Ju Yeong's. Lee Ju Hyeok, Ju Yeong's elder brother, develops feelings for Bun Hong. What will happen when the Lee family uncovers the truth behind Bun Hong's deception regarding the child's parentage? How will Ju Hyeok react to her once he learns the reality?

Hong Yun Shi was a naive and innocent young woman who maintained her cheerful disposition despite her upbringing in a life of poverty. Her challenging situation leads her to wed the wealthy Byung Joo, but she soon faces betrayal from both her husband and her mother-in-law. Upon learning that her mother-in-law played a role in her mother’s mysterious vanishing, Yun Shi begins to lose her once-pure nature and becomes consumed by thoughts of vengeance. Soo Ri, who has deep feelings for Yun Shi, can do little more than watch over her with affection and concern.

A story revolves around a woman who, after going through a phony divorce, partners with her husband's rival to rekindle the affection of her true husband, who has had a change of heart.

On the eve of the Korean War in 1950, a man is murdered, setting off a chain of events that affects three families as four young individuals navigate the complexities of love and forgiveness. Kim Eun Hee's father is wrongfully accused of the crime and meets a tragic end as a consequence. Since that incident, Eun Hee has faced ostracism from her community. Im Sung Jae has always harbored feelings for Eun Hee, but their shared history threatens to keep them apart. Following his father's death, Sung Jae was ironically taken in and raised by the actual murderer, Cha Seok Goo. Seok Goo's daughter, Cha Young Joo, is both intelligent and arrogant, and she has developed feelings for Sung Jae. Her jealousy motivates her to attempt to sabotage his relationship with Eun Hee. Meanwhile, Choi Jung Tae is also in love with Eun Hee but chooses to accept that her affections lie elsewhere.

A lively miniseries focused on family dynamics, showcasing a blend of various generations and their distinct perspectives on relationships. The central storyline revolves around the tensions that emerge between a mother and her daughter, primarily stemming from the men they are involved with, highlighting the struggles that single mothers and divorcees encounter in contemporary society. The portrayal of their lives, along with those intertwined with them, resonates with viewers, evoking a comforting sensation known as love. (MBC)

Set against a backdrop of hope in a challenging and disconnected society, this drama explores themes of filial devotion, family connections, and virtuous individuals. It uncovers the genuine essence of marriage and love by illustrating the modern dating landscape and societal perspectives, all while highlighting the contrasting traits of young individuals who seek a partner based on social standing and wealth rather than authentic affection. Life is filled with both joyful and difficult moments, but having cherished ones around will transform each day into a delightful spring. (MBC)

Oh Dan-Byul suffered the loss of her parents as a result of her own error. She enters into a marriage with Joon-Young, but he unfortunately dies. At the same time, her mother-in-law, Ho-Duk, ends her marriage due to her husband’s unfaithfulness, and her sister-in-law, Se-Sil, comes back to South Korea after separating from her Italian spouse. Now, these three women cohabitate, navigating their individual challenges and growing to be significant in one another’s lives.

Maeng Sun Yi dedicated her childhood and adolescence to caring for her father, who turned to heavy drinking after her mother left them when she was just 10, along with her two younger siblings. She even sacrificed her own education to work hard and pay for her siblings' schooling. Sun Yi is married to Ban Sung Moon, who is five years her junior, and they have two daughters together. Her life is filled with ongoing challenges, yet she perceives this as her version of "happiness." Eventually, her husband falls for a beautiful divorced woman and requests a divorce from Sun Yi. Meanwhile, her younger sister, Maeng Young Yi, has become a successful professional and is in a relationship with her first love, Lee Jung Do, who is now married to someone else and had ended their relationship in the past to focus on his career. Additionally, Sun Yi's younger brother, Chul Soo, achieves his doctorate in the United States and chooses to settle there, neglecting his duty to care for their father. To complicate matters further, Sun Yi receives a cancer diagnosis, which she views as akin to a death sentence. After discovering her illness, her husband begins to introspect and reveals to her the true essence of marital love.

Rebooted in 2011, the South Korean series Sparkling featured Kim Hyun Joo and Lee Yoo Ri in leading roles.

Lan Xiao Yi made the decision to leave her job in Nanjing and move to Shanghai with her boyfriend Tian Fei. Although she faces challenges with her low-paying job in Shanghai, Xiao Yi finds happiness in being with Tian Fei. However, Tian Fei's coworker Xiao Lu, a recent college graduate, develops feelings for him and is determined to win him over. In a complicated turn of events, Xiao Lu pretends to be pregnant in an attempt to pressure Tian Fei into marrying her. Tian Fei promises Xiao Yi that he will resolve the situation and return in 2 years. Despite learning about the pregnancy, Xiao Yi trusts Tian Fei and waits for him. After waiting for six months, Xiao Yi decides to re-enter the workforce as she grows tired of waiting for Tian Fei. Extracted from the novel "Fulfill Your Own Blue Sky."

Xie An Zhen, the ideal wife and mother, always put in her best efforts to create a happy family for her husband and young daughter. However, her world comes crashing down when her husband betrays her by having an affair with her cousin, who An Zhen had generously welcomed into their home. This betrayal leads to An Zhen separating from her husband and stepping out of her traditional role as a housewife to create a new life for herself and her daughter. Through this journey, she rediscovers her identity, strengths, and confidence. As she navigates the challenges of the outside world, the divorce turns into a battle of emotions and intelligence.

In contemporary society, academic performance among children has become a benchmark for what exceptional wives should possess. This drama illustrates a housewife's battle to enhance her child's academic standing within South Korea's competitive educational landscape while embracing her own humanity and capacity for love. Seo Rae is a self-accepting homemaker and mother, married to Sang Jin, a wealthy and highly educated individual. However, she is taken aback when she learns that her niece has been accepted into an International junior high school, prompting her to seek similar admissions for her son, Han Gyul. As he begins attending preparatory classes, his grades show marked improvement. Yet, after taking him to see a dentist named Tae Oh, she unexpectedly finds herself falling for him. Now, she faces a pivotal decision, torn between the possibility of an affair that could jeopardize her life and a future with her true love. (JTBC)

Fan Chen and Chen Xiao Wen are experiencing their second period of relationship challenges. Fan Chen, who works as the Director of the Editorial Department at a book publishing company, is known for his outgoing personality and great sense of humor. He often brings laughter to his colleagues at work. On the other hand, his wife Chen Xiao Wen, who is the Chief Physician in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, is known for being extremely rational and strict in all aspects of her life. Despite Fan Chen's efforts to create a warm and romantic atmosphere for them, Xiao Wen remains indifferent and critical of his attempts to revive their marriage. She even starts to suspect that he may be having an affair. Fan Xiao Guang, Fan Chen's younger brother, is a generous but idle individual. He often lends money borrowed from Fan Chen to help others in need. On one occasion, Fan Chen lends money to Xiao Guang so that he can purchase a new apartment and get married. However, Xiao Guang ends up selling the apartment at a low price to help a friend whose father is ill. This decision leads to a crisis in Fan Chen and Xiao Wen's marriage.

The tale of Tang Peng and Lin Jun, a previously childless couple, and their emotional journey towards parenthood, filled with both sorrow and joy.

In their marriage, Li Hai and Wu Ting have a strong bond. While Wu Ting looks after their daughter, Yingzi, in Canada for her schooling, Li Hai focuses on his career in China. However, Li Hai develops feelings for Zhao Xiaofei, a journalist. When Wu Ting discovers the affair, she quickly returns to China to try to salvage their relationship. Now, Li Hai is faced with a decision between these two women.

In the intricate world of finance, Cheuk Yat Yuen mistakenly believes that con artist Sa Fu Loi is his long-lost half brother, Cheuk Yat Ming. This fortunate error propels the swindler into a prominent position within the banking industry. Yuen's affection for Fu blinds him to the true nature and intentions of the con artist. However, Yuen's life takes a dramatic turn when he is abducted by a group of rioters while overseas, leading to a significant shift in his personality. Despite the efforts of his wife, Ho Tseuk Nin, to comfort him, Yuen struggles to overcome the traumatic ordeal. Seeking solace elsewhere, Yuen rekindles a relationship with his former flame, Tung Ling Chi, devastating Nin upon discovery of the affair. Meanwhile, Fu finds solace in assuming the identity of Cheuk Yat Ming, experiencing a sense of familial warmth and even embarking on a romantic journey with Yuen's younger sister, Cheuk Yat Sum. However, Sum, under the mistaken belief that they are biological siblings, conceals her feelings for Fu and remains committed to her admirer, Ko Tok Man. This revelation deeply wounds Fu, torn between his love for Sum and the inability to disclose his true identity. Ultimately, faced with the choice between love and wealth, Fu opts for the path of fortune, navigating a complex web of money, love, and ethical dilemmas in a gripping tale of deceit and desire.

When Tamaki was young, her father passed away in a tragic accident and her mother disappeared, leaving Tamaki to care for her sick brother Ryota. Upon hearing of her mother's death, Tamaki hurries to the hospital only to discover that her mother had undergone a drastic transformation and had taken her own life. Finding solace in the hospital director's son, Kyosuke, Tamaki falls in love with him, only to later uncover that Kyosuke's father had an affair with her mother, leading to her mother's disappearance and suicide.

A humorous drama focused on four sisters. These sisters, along with their families, reside in a multi-level building that features a coffee shop on the ground floor.

The story revolves around Tae Hee and Yun Hee, siblings who lost their mother during Yun Hee's birth. Their father, who deeply cares for them, married their mother against the wishes of their paternal grandfather. With no family support, the sisters and their father face financial difficulties, especially as their father battles a serious illness. As they grow up, Tae Hee and Yun Hee find themselves living separate lives, unaware of each other due to unfortunate circumstances.

This story revolves around three different households. The Han family consists of Mr. Han, his second wife, and four daughters. While two of the daughters are from his previous marriage, the younger two are from his current marriage. The Choi family is made up of Mr. and Mrs. Choi and their two sons. Lastly, the Lee family includes Mr. Lee and his two sons. (Koreanwiz.org)

A tale centered around two families and the hidden truth they share. Kang Ji Hwan hails from a prominent and affluent background. He encounters and falls for Seo Dan Bi, who comes from a less fortunate family, prompting disapproval from both sides regarding their romance. Ji Hwan's younger sibling, Eun Hwan, and his spouse, Soo Ah, are fervently trying to conceive but have faced repeated failures. When Dan Bi joins the Kang household, she arrives already expecting, which creates friction between her and Soo Ah. This strain between the two daughters-in-law impacts the bond between the two brothers, who have always maintained a close relationship. Meanwhile, Lee Mi Jin, Ji Hwan's first love, reappears in his life with the aim of sabotaging his relationship with Dan Bi. She possesses a grave, hidden truth that could have serious repercussions for both families. How will Mi Jin leverage her knowledge of this dark secret to drive a wedge between Ji Hwan and Dan Bi? What enduring consequences will this have for both families? What is the nature of the dark secret?

A woman who craves constant affection in an everlasting romance. She finds it impossible to endure a day without love. Even after experiencing heartbreak and betrayal repeatedly, she continues to fall for men. (MBC)

U Jin is a driven physician who has lost faith in genuine love following past disappointments. He perceives marriage merely as a commercial arrangement. Hae Su is employed as a sous-chef, and she aspires to marry the right partner and build a family. Before long, U Jin finds himself falling for her, leading to a struggle between his feelings and his ambitions.

A dramatic story centered on a protagonist named Jeong Soon-geum, who flourishes in her ginseng enterprise along the Limjin River during the 1950s to 1970s.

After the passing of her father, Jo Bong Hee's family faces significant challenges. She navigates various hurdles to rise as the top fashion designer in South Korea.

Individuals who belong to the baby boomer generation often find themselves caring for aging parents while also sacrificing their own needs to fund their children’s education. This series explores the dynamics of a couple in their fifties alongside their children and elderly parents, representing three distinct generations. Information spreads rapidly through social media, societal concerns become trending topics almost instantaneously thanks to smart devices, and young adults can easily find a coffee shop on nearly every corner of the city to enjoy a bitter Americano in the 21st century. The one constant throughout these changes is the importance of family ties. Those in their fifties face the challenge of an increasing elderly population while often failing to save for retirement, as they allocate their finances towards their children’s education in a job market that offers fewer opportunities. Younger generations frequently use language that their elders may not comprehend, and the concept of casual dating has evolved significantly for today’s youth. By examining three generations within a family, we highlight various aspects of society. Additionally, we delve into the everyday life of Lady Cha, a resilient figure in the family, to illustrate elements of a typical, nurturing family environment. (MBC)

Chi Hwan values wealth and power over following the law and aspires to be at the top of society. He faced tragedy at a young age when his mother died under suspicious circumstances, leading him to endure poverty and war on his own. Determined to escape his hardships, he climbed out of poverty to achieve great success as the chairman of Shine Cosmetics. Se Na, who is actually Yi Chang's biological daughter, grows up believing she is Chi Hwan's daughter and dreams of inheriting his fortune. She longs to be with Jin Woo, but soon realizes he is in love with Hae In, Chi Hwan's biological daughter. In a twist of fate, Hae In lost her mother as a child and was adopted by Yi Chang. How will the destinies of these fathers and daughters unfold?

A tale of a strict female boss and her kind-hearted boyfriend navigating the challenges of their relationship in pursuit of a happy ending. Gu Jia Nan is a member of the group that is against marriage, while Xu Shuang Shuang is known for her strong and intimidating demeanor. Despite their contentious interactions at work, they have been secretly dating. When Jia Nan is considered for a promotion, Shuang Shuang ends up receiving the opportunity instead. As Jia Nan faces the risk of losing his home and judgment from his girlfriend's critical mother, will they be able to overcome these obstacles and tie the knot?

The narrative unfolds as men and women in their 40s reunite after three decades, thanks to an event organized by a former classmate. While they keep their current lives concealed, they relish the gathering and subsequently return to their daily routines. However, two of the attendees start meeting regularly, reigniting past passions and leading to a perilous romantic entanglement. The story intricately explores the tensions within families and the weight of everyday life, yet as they unravel the enigma, the bonds of friendship and affection among them withstand numerous challenges and reconciliations. This tale captures the loneliness and struggles of middle age in contemporary existence, which imposes the obligations of parenthood and partnership upon them, offering a chance to reflect on the lives they inadvertently left behind long ago.

The setting of the story is a bustling city in China, where a wealthy family and a less fortunate family are the main focus. The narrative kicks off with a mother who devotes herself to caring for her autistic son. Despite being the head of a prominent department store and having immense wealth and influence, she harbors deep-seated sorrows and anguish that she keeps hidden. Her husband is unfaithful, her son is autistic, and her daughter is rebellious. When her son falls in love with a nurse nursing a broken heart from a past relationship, the mother goes to great lengths to bring them together. This decision leads to a merging of the affluent and humble families, setting the stage for a web of intricate relationships to unfold.

A deadly yet pure love tale about a man who relentlessly chased success for the sake of his family, and a woman who lost everything after discovering her husband's wealthy parents.

A woman finds her life shattered when her closest friend betrays her by taking her husband. This frenemy causes chaos in her world, all in the name of her own daughter. What fate awaits them as justice seeks to restore balance in their lives? (MBC)

The story explores the attitudes and daily lives of two families connected through marriage, showcasing how seemingly insignificant details reveal the dynamics of their relationships within the family and marriage

The drama depicts the heartfelt tale of a woman left by her husband due to their child's severe illness, alongside the romantic journey involving four men.