Asian dramas like
Almost Lover

Oh Hye Seong, who was skilled at skipping stones during his childhood, had a deep affection for Choi Eom Ji. As friends from a young age, Eom Ji brought warmth to Hye Seong's life. A decade later, Hye Seong has become a professional baseball player and encounters Eom Ji once more. She is now in a relationship with another childhood friend, Ma DongTa. One day, Hye Seong conceals an injury he sustained as a pitcher and manages to throw a flawless game. Following that performance, he mysteriously vanishes. Years later, Hye Seong reappears alongside other baseball players, each with their own melancholic tales, often regarded as misfits. They are collectively referred to as "Kyongpyoii Woeinjudan."

The narrative focuses on three young males attending Taiwan Hsinchu Senior High School during the Japanese occupation. Lin Qing Wen, Zhou Shao Zhen, and Zhuang Shi Geng are long-time companions who endured hardships together during the colonial period. The challenges they encountered and the harsh treatment they experienced at the hands of the Japanese authorities stirred up their patriotic sentiments, ultimately guiding them down separate journeys.

A tale about two university students, Huai Nan and Luo Zhi, who quickly form a strong connection upon meeting. However, their budding relationship is complicated by a message from an old flame. In addition, Huai Nan uncovers Luo Zhi's long-standing crush on him from their childhood days. Luo Zhi has been harboring unrequited love for Huai Nan for over a decade, expressing her feelings through a self-created monologue. Her emotions towards him are complex, blending genuine admiration for his talents with feelings of envy and resentment. As Luo Zhi follows Huai Nan's path to the top university, their relationship takes a new turn, but they face numerous challenges along the way. Will they overcome these obstacles and find happiness together? The mystery of Luo Zhi's missing diary adds another layer of intrigue. Ultimately, the story explores the age-old question of whether love can triumph over family obligations.

A love story blossoming between two friends who have known each other since childhood.

Lin Xi Chi, a veterinary student known for her cheerful demeanor, grapples with feelings of inadequacy. Xu Fang, her childhood friend studying national defense and skilled in archery, harbors a deep affection for her but has never revealed his true feelings. Their relationship takes a new turn after Xu Fang loses a bet, resulting in the forfeiture of a month's living expenses. One fateful evening, when Lin Xi Chi becomes intoxicated, long-suppressed emotions come to the surface, forever altering the dynamics of their friendship.

This tale follows the lives of four childhood companions - Qing Qing, Ruo Mei, Cai Zhu, and Ma Jun. Ruo Mei harbors affection for Ma Jun, yet her feelings are unreciprocated. Qing Qing and Cai Zhu have been romantically involved for a few years, but encounter difficulties when Cai Zhu's biological mother resurfaces. Disapproving of Qing Qing, she endeavors to sabotage their relationship.

Is a young woman able to find the bravery to approach a former high school crush? Xia Man Li was always well-liked in school and considered the most beautiful girl in her high school, yet she has never had luck in love. At a high school reunion, she reunites with Zhao Li Qi, a kind guy she once had feelings for. Man Li's younger sister, Xia ManAn, also harbors a childhood crush on Zhen Ying Jie, but despite her attempts to get close to him, he always appears to be involved with someone else. Ten years later, will the sisters be able to summon the courage to follow their hearts?

"Sometoon 2021" illustrates the experiences of young people in high school and college, featuring situations like blind dates, friendships, first and past romantic relationships, and other relatable scenarios. (Koreaboo.com) Based on the webtoon "Sometoon" by Mohito Mohikan.

Fang Tian Yi, the inn proprietor with a passion for filmmaking, along with Hu Yan Zu, a lesser-known actor, and Yuan Zhi Jie, a freelance screenwriter with a unique perspective, are three former college roommates who share a dream of creating movies and establishing an inn near a film set. They aim to build their own film fund by working on film crews to improve their skills. Nevertheless, they encounter challenges in running the inn and realizing their filmmaking aspirations. Additionally, Ye Xiao Xi, Fang Tian Zi, and Lin An Qi, residents of the inn, are also striving to achieve their dreams.

The storyline revolves around the romantic relationship between Han Xing Zi, a determined acting student, and Li Jun Tai, the heir to a media empire. Xing Zi is a talented young actress with a passion for spreading love and hope through her performances. In pursuit of her dream, she travels to America to study and showcase her acting skills on various stages. It is during her time in America that she crosses paths with Jun Tai, a rebellious young man seeking freedom from his controlling family. (CDramaBase.com) Based on the web novel "Love of Aurora" by Wang Qian He.

During the early 2000s, Xie Qiao enrolls at Beiqing University, where He Xiao Zhou, the person she secretly admires, is a student. Qin Chuan, her childhood sweetheart who is studying overseas, has feelings for her but keeps them hidden while playfully teasing her. When Qian Xi, Xie Qiao's roommate, starts a relationship with He Xiao Zhou, Xie Qiao's unrequited love comes to an end. Qin Chuan returns home to start a business for her and encourages her to discover her life's purpose. Eventually, they end up together. As time passes, these young individuals embark on their own journeys in life, experiencing various challenges and triumphs. Although their paths diverge, the determination and vigor of their youth continue to propel them forward.

During their youth, a young girl and boy made a promise to reunite in the future. Now, at 45 years old, the woman known as Kasumi is a single mother to a teenage son. She works tirelessly at a high-end laundry service to support her family. One day, she crosses paths with a talented young designer named Yuri, who has gained global recognition. Despite her initial suspicions, Kasumi discovers that Yuri is sincere and finds herself drawn to him. As they come from different backgrounds, their unexpected love story unfolds. Kasumi wonders why Yuri has reappeared in her life - could he be the boy from their past pledge?

Yeo Gook Dae is a skilled chef known for his cheeky charm, yet he carries the emotional scars of a past divorce. Beneath his bold demeanor and passion for cooking lies a hidden sorrow. However, his heart begins to mend as he starts to experience love once more. Meanwhile, 28-year-old Park Song Ah finds herself at home without a job, feeling lost. At her brother's urging, she visits a homemade dosirak (lunchbox) shop and encounters three appealing men. The beautiful and delicious meals they prepare captivate her, and she finds herself drawn to one of them. This is a delightful and humorous tale of a couple who frequently argue, yet as time passes, their relationship evolves into a sweet, innocent love.

Three sets of couples navigate the pressures from society and their families to tie the knot. Ming Liang and Gao Jian are rivals at work, but both share a similar perspective on marriage - they prefer casual relationships over commitment. However, as their feelings for each other deepen, they embark on a secret romance that challenges their beliefs about marriage. Bao Nian Nian falls in love with the charming Fang SiQi and unexpectedly becomes pregnant. Despite pressure from their families to wed, Nian Nian experiences a miscarriage on the day they obtain their marriage license. With their original reason for marriage now gone, the couple must decide the fate of their relationship. Meanwhile, Yu Xiao Nuo is in a relationship with Cheng Lei, a struggling musician, but hesitates to marry him due to his financial situation. As Xiao Nuo seeks a wealthy partner, Cheng Lei's career takes off. Will these couples opt for marriage or pursue alternative paths to happiness?

'Sanctuary of Healing Hearts' is a workshop run by Li Xiao Ming, aimed at assisting individuals who have been through heartbreak to move forward and embrace a fresh start. An introduction by a mutual friend led An Ran to seek out Xiao Ming's guidance following a recent breakup with her long-term boyfriend, Zhu Yong. Struggling with the aftermath of the relationship and challenges in her career, An Ran found solace in the supportive environment of the workshop as she embarked on a journey towards healing and self-discovery. Surrounded by others who shared similar emotional wounds, An Ran found comfort and strength through their shared experiences, ultimately rebuilding her confidence in love and redefining her perspective on relationships. Through mutual support and encouragement, they each embarked on a path towards self-renewal and a brighter future... (iQiyi)

Following the end of their marriages, three men embark on a journey of healing in the same city. Bai Zhi Yong, Huang Jiu Heng, and Lan Tian Yu, all strangers from the city, decide to start fresh in a new place. There, they encounter the enigmatic Jiang Xiao Mei, who becomes a pivotal figure in their lives. Through their shared experiences, the group forms a strong bond and learns to lean on each other during difficult times. By the end of their journey, they emerge with a renewed perspective on family, love, and work.

Haru once realized his dream but eventually abandoned it. Now living in Nagoya, his hometown, he harbors a deep mistrust of others and lacks a clear sense of purpose. One night, on his way to work, he unexpectedly encounters his childhood friend Mako on the last train of the evening after 15 years apart. Mako used to look up to Haru, prompting him to fabricate a series of small lies to live up to her expectations. As Haru reconnects with Mako, his emotions start to shift, but what will become of this love founded on deceit?

Albee is a privileged, sophisticated young woman who has never faced any challenges in her life. On her birthday, she is shocked when her long-term boyfriend Huang Bo Cheng does not propose to her as expected. Her world is turned upside down when her father is forced to leave the country, leaving her without a home, family, or partner. To make matters worse, she discovers through the media that Huang Bo Cheng and her close friend Zhen Zhen have been having a secret relationship. As if that wasn't enough, she also realizes that a paparazzi is following her. What will Albee do in this situation?

A tale involving a car crash, encrypted messages, and concealed mysteries from earlier times. Su Yan appears lively and upbeat externally, but internally she harbors many doubts and insecurities. Due to her reluctance to share her feelings, she frequently finds herself in conflicts with her loved ones. Encouraged by her boyfriend Lu Jin Yu, Su Yan decides to write letters to her friends before her wedding to express her true emotions and disclose a long-hidden secret. These letters trigger old memories, but a sudden accident disrupts everything at an unexpected moment...

Ryo, a former professional boxer, transitions into a debt collector for a loan shark. He was raised in an orphanage in Okinawa Prefecture alongside Haru, Natsumi, an aspiring actress, and two others. One of them is now a lawyer who has helped Ryo out of trouble, while the other was fortunate enough to be adopted by a wealthy family. Haru, also adopted, has never ventured beyond the island where she was raised. After her adoptive mother passes away, she decides to travel to Tokyo in search of their old group. Unfamiliar with the ways of the modern city, she narrowly avoids falling victim to the sex industry upon arriving in Tokyo, but Ryo intervenes just in time to rescue her.

Kang Bo Ram is a dedicated public servant employed in Ulsan's tourism sector. She takes on the responsibility of organizing the 'Go Bok Soo' Song Festival and sets out to identify a worthy contestant for the grand prize. Bo Ram reconnects with her childhood friend Kyung Seok, who has returned to intervene in his parents' divorce. Together, they formulate a strategy to assist Kyung Seok's father in participating in the song festival. (K-Plus)

The narrative follows the lives of Liu Su Zhen, Wang Guo Sheng, and Zhou Hong Wei, who were classmates during their middle school years in the early 1980s. Wang Guo Sheng and Zhou Hong Wei share a close friendship, but they both develop feelings for Liu Su Zhen. The plot unfolds with a sequence of events that occur after Liu Su Zhen unintentionally marries Wang Guo Sheng.

A tale of a compassionate woman with multiple personas and her dedicated partner. Hai Can, the CEO of a entertainment firm, comes back from overseas and unexpectedly meets Yu Tong, a school teacher. A childhood friend of his, Yu Tong's hand scar confirms her identity. As Hai Can tries to bond with her, he uncovers her two alternate personas - a skilled martial artist named Ah Jian and a stunning woman named Kaili. Their relationship grows closer, but complications arise due to Hai Can's former girlfriend and Yu Tong's other personalities vying for control.

High school student Yan Ze has a crush on her classmate Ji Xiao, who is known for being the most attractive and intelligent boy in school. Yan Ze, on the other hand, is not considered beautiful, lacks a good figure, and has average grades. Her best friend Gu Xi Ye, who is also her adopted sister, is the complete opposite - beautiful and an excellent student. Yan Ze feels like she will always be overshadowed by Xi Ye. When Yan Ze realizes that Ji Xiao may have feelings for Xi Ye, her negative emotions towards her friend intensify. Transfer student He Xin Liang is able to see through Yan Ze's facade and always manages to lift her spirits with his positive attitude. Xi Ye, however, is secretly in love with Xin Liang and becomes jealous of their growing closeness. Interestingly, Xi Ye has always envied Yan Ze's ability to easily connect with others, as she struggles to fit in due to being perceived as arrogant. Ultimately, both friends secretly wish to possess qualities of the other.

Six young individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives navigate life in the bustling city

A group of young city dwellers are on a quest for love and romance, but with a unique twist: their characters possess animal-like traits. Chu Zhi He, a goody two-shoes, and Wang Da Shu, with a rigid and sturdy personality akin to a tree, discover how to develop together as they fall in love. Just like the title suggests, animal behavior mirrors human nature in the show. For instance, the giraffe and the squirrel serve as a symbol of two very different individuals finding a way to coexist. Made in collaboration with China.

After completing college, a group of friends went their own paths only to be brought back together in the future. Fang Hui, Qiao Ran, Lin Jia Mo, Zhao Ye, Shen Xiao Tang, and Zeng Wen Hui have each followed their own journeys and strived to achieve their goals. However, upon reuniting, both past and present conflicts arise, along with resurfacing old emotions that had been buried. What lies ahead for these friends now?

After a fire leaves Su Yi with amnesia, she embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about her past. Along the way, she crosses paths with Li Jia Cheng, who is closely connected to the incident. Li Jia Cheng is known for his icy demeanor, shaped by his wealthy and powerful family background. Raised to inherit the family business, he is focused on meeting their high expectations. Despite their initial differences, Su Yi and Li Jia Cheng eventually form a mutually beneficial partnership. Through their relationship, Su Yi challenges his beliefs and helps him overcome obstacles in the pursuit of true love.

Passionate about literature, Su Can Can forms close bonds with her best friends during her teenage years. Xu Mei Li is known for her lively and cheerful nature, while Lan Tian Ye is described as handsome and carefree. Lin Jia Ze is gentle and refined, and Tao Ya Ting is noted for her beauty and melancholy demeanor. Throughout high school and college, they confide in each other, share happy moments, and navigate challenges together. Now at 28, Su Can Can looks back on the treasured memories they have made and realizes that the companions she held dear at 18 remain by her side, embodying the warmth of love, friendship, and kinship.

Jiang Jun, a talented and optimistic woman holding degrees in economics and psychology, starts working for a charitable organization post-graduation

In the past, Yan Ke harbored a secret admiration for his classmate Xiong Yi Fan, which she was unaware of

Princess Chen Lang Yue, favored by the former emperor, grew up freely within the palace walls. She is not only beautiful but also skilled in various arts like poetry and music. Driven by a passion for learning, Chen Lang Yue escapes the palace to join a team of craftsmen led by Li Qing Feng and his childhood friend Luo Ye. Li Qing Feng, a talented architect from a noble family, struggles with his identity as an illegitimate son. Together, these eight young individuals with diverse personalities work together to create fascinating architecture.

"22 Flower Road" is an online drama that explores the lives of young individuals as they navigate adulthood by sharing both their possessions and their struggles. It aims to evoke genuine empathy by showcasing the authentic experiences of five young characters. (HanCinema)

A tale about deceit impacting two close friends in the workplace as they navigate their past and new romantic opportunities. Shu Fei and Lin Fei share a bond similar to that of sisters. During their time in college, Lin Fei caught the attention of their senior Qi Ran, although she did not reciprocate his feelings. Wanting to spare Qi Ran from heartache, Shu Fei pretended to be Lin Fei in their correspondence. After graduation, both friends landed jobs at a television shopping network. Shu Fei's misunderstanding with Director Lan Tian led her to believe he was inappropriate, while she also discovered that Qi Ran was their boss, causing tension as he focused his attention on Lin Fei. Shu Fei chose to concentrate on work and grew closer to Lan Tian. Meanwhile, Lin Fei remained dedicated to her job and seized an opportunity stemming from Shu Fei's lie.

Ye Han, a dedicated editor-in-chief of a magazine, continuously comes to the aid of the cheerful yet clumsy gym teacher Li Xiao Xiao in various tricky situations. Despite their past wounds, a deep affection begins to grow between them. At the same time, publisher Xu Jia Cheng is reunited with his former model sister Tong Yi Wen, and they navigate the delicate balance between love and ambition. Complications arise when Xiao Xiao harbors a secret crush on Jia Cheng, but ultimately, all four individuals undergo personal growth and healing through emotional challenges. Their circle of friends also face their own struggles: lawyer Xu Yan grapples with his feelings for the lively Xu Jia Lin, while the long-term married couple Lu Zheng and Guo Sheng Lin confront underlying issues in their seemingly perfect relationship. Despite life's trials, each character ultimately finds a renewed sense of joy and connection.

At the age of 17, Minase Akari visited Uki Island for a family trip and developed feelings for Morita Ikumi, the son of the guesthouse owner. They both confessed their love for each other while witnessing a rare meteor shower that occurs every four years. They made a pact to reunite at the same location four years later. However, on the agreed-upon day, Ikumi was nowhere to be found despite Akari's arrival. Instead, Hoshino Aritoshi appeared with a camera. Aritoshi is known for his charm with women, but he is also likable. Akari has had a passion for drawing since childhood and continues to maintain a sketchbook. Although she has secured a job offer from a design company, she struggles to determine the specific type of work she desires. Her childhood friend, Inui Yamato, advises her to take her time and discover her true calling. The question remains: which of the two men will Akari choose? (Jdrama Weblog)

Miwa, Motoaki, Ritsu, Aoi, and Satoru have been neighbors in the same apartment building for many years and have been friends since childhood. Although they used to play together when they were younger, now as high school students attending the same school, their relationships have evolved. Miwa has developed feelings for Motoaki, but she has not been able to confess her emotions to him. Motoaki remains unaware of Miwa's feelings and considers her only a friend. Aoi, who pretends to be close to Miwa, actually harbors feelings of inferiority and jealousy towards her. Aoi is currently in a relationship with Satoru. In contrast, Ritsu observes the dynamics among the group and chooses to keep his distance from the others.

A brief unconventional romantic drama centered on love and relationships.

Three friends, each with unique preferences, found themselves enamored with the same woman!? A delightful and captivating romance filled with allure. (콬TV)

The Li family was fortunate to have four cherished daughters, who have all matured and pursued their own paths. The sisters - Li Lian Qing, Li Yi Wan, Li Qing Qing, and Li Xiao Xi - are brought back together under one roof. They support each other through challenges like divorce, career choices, and college, demonstrating the strength of their bond in this touching portrayal of contemporary family dynamics.

Since birth, Wu Pei Pei and Li Yu Xuan have been in constant competition with each other. Raised as neighbors, their parents always compared them. Despite their fathers' rivalry, Pei Pei and Yu Xuan managed to form a secret friendship until a tragic event tore them apart. Now adults, they continue to live side by side but struggle to move past the past incident that drove them apart. With their fathers still pitting them against each other, Pei Pei and Yu Xuan maintain their competitive spirit, pushing each other to new heights. Despite their ongoing rivalry, there is a hidden bond between them that could bring them together. Can they set aside their differences and let love prevail, or will their rivalry keep them apart forever?

In his forties, Ahn Goong Chul epitomizes the blissful middle-aged man. He enjoys a fulfilling family life, maintains a close-knit circle of college friends, and excels in his profession. However, a shocking event will profoundly alter his existence. When the local golf instructor is found dead, he, along with his wife Jung Hae and their friends with their partners, become potential suspects. As the investigation unfolds, the bond between Goong Chul and his wife begins to deteriorate due to growing mistrust. Additionally, this murder case echoes a similar incident from two decades prior, in which Goong Chul and his friends were also involved. Will hidden truths resurface? Feeling threatened, Goong Chul is determined to safeguard his family, but can he maintain what he holds most dear?

Throughout their time from high school to university, Ding Xian and Zhou Si Yue's young romance endures for eternity. Zhou Si Yue, the brilliant and rebellious campus idol, is a prodigy. He shares a desk with the spirited and charming "Cinderella girl" Ding Xian. Despite their initial dislike for each other, they learn to value each other's abilities through their daily interactions, ultimately becoming lifelong partners in their youthful journey. (ChineseDrama.info) Based on the book "Secrets in the Lattice" by Er Dong Tu Zi.

A heartfelt romantic drama that centers around the romantic entanglements of high school best friends Min Joo, Kang Chan, Bang Hee, and Hyun Beom. The story kicks off when Min Joo, who has harbored unreciprocated feelings for Kang Chan for quite some time, finds her late brother Dae Yeon’s spirit taking over her body. In an effort to help his sister with her unreturned affection, Dae Yeon strives to capture Kang Chan’s heart. (Soompi)

A series featuring talents from Johnny's Entertainment Inc

After the passing of Zhang Zi Jun's parents, she took on the role of older sister to her brother and sister. Despite facing numerous challenges, she displayed resilience and eventually achieved success as a businesswoman. (Wikipedia)

The Zhou family had high expectations of having a son, but were disheartened when Zhou Ji Wei was born as a girl, becoming the third daughter in the family. Due to being seen as a disappointment, she only received hand-me-downs from her older sisters. Despite feeling unloved by her own family, she found comfort in the love and care shown by her neighbor, Dai Nai Nai. It was through Dai Nai Nai that she met Dai Yao Qi, who she tried to bond with as a sister, even though he had never desired a sister. Through her efforts to be close to him as a sister, she gradually realized that her feelings for him were not sibling love, but something more.

One day, a handsome and enigmatic young man unexpectedly shows up at Mochizuki Nayuki's residence and decides to stay

Jiang Mei Shan and Tian Chuan have been close friends since they were in third grade cram school. Despite facing many obstacles that prevented them from confessing their feelings, they managed to maintain a strong bond for five years. Eventually, they took a bold step to confess their love for each other, transitioning from friends to lovers. As a new couple, they encountered typical challenges faced by young pairs, such as dealing with jealousy, past relationships, and unwanted attention.

A tale follows the journey of an artist and a chef as they bravely pursue their aspirations despite facing various challenges. Their ambitions become entangled in a family conflict over inheritance. Gao Xing, a skilled artist who sells his artwork online, remains unaffected by his billionaire parents' wealth as he dedicates himself to perfecting his skills. Yang Xiao Rou, a culinary prodigy, joins forces with Gao Xing from different backgrounds and temperaments to navigate the power struggles within the Gao Family while working towards opening a top-tier restaurant. (ChineseDrama.info) - Two versions available: 36 episodes (TV) // 42 episodes (DVD)