Asian dramas like
Around 40

During her time in college, Wei Ying Ying, a young woman from a modest background, crossed paths with a young boy named Xin Zheng Zheng who would often trail behind her. Despite appearing to be only eight years old due to his PTSD, Xin Zheng Zheng was actually seventeen. Years later, Xin Zheng Zheng, still unable to forget about Wei Ying Ying who had graduated and started working, sought her out and pursued her using every possible means. However, numerous challenges stood in their way, including their disparate family backgrounds and Xin Zheng Zheng's arranged marriage. Would they overcome these obstacles and find happiness together in the end? (WeTv)

A woman in her forties working as a beautician catches the eye of a young man in his early twenties who works a regular job and soon they develop romantic feelings for each other.

December Fever narrates the perilous romance between a married woman and a man on the brink of death. The plot features a woman who finds herself drawn to another man, along with the young suitor attempting to win her over, and the individuals pursuing them. The story explores themes of hypocrisy and double standards, highlighting those who make sacrifices for their families. Additionally, it delves into the relationship between a father and his ailing son, as well as the tensions involving their mothers-in-law. With its engaging and comedic characters, the narrative reflects the nuances of everyday life. (DramaWiki)

Making changes in both personal and professional life requires a great deal of bravery. Luo Xiao Fei is employed as a television commercial director under the supervision of Xiao Ye Shi, who is not only the owner of the advertising agency but also her romantic partner of half a decade. Despite feeling unsatisfied and overlooked in her long-standing relationship with Ye Shi, Xiao Fei struggles to shake things up in her life that could potentially affect her career. When she encounters An Qing Hui, a recent college graduate with a background in design, will he inspire Xiao Fei to listen to her heart and make bold choices?

Did she take on more than she can handle? Bai Xin Xin (Elvira Cai) is a new medical intern who meets Shen Yi Zhen (Zhang Yi Shan), a man from a wealthy background. Xin Xin gets involved as Yi Zhen's personal doctor without realizing the challenges ahead. As Yi Zhen's seven unique personalities surface, revealing dark family secrets, Xin Xin faces the task of helping him heal from his troubled past.

Katagiri Shuichi, a university professor, has been through three divorces as a result of his extramarital relationships. While still married, he actively pursues new romantic interests and enjoys meeting women at a wine bar. To deepen his connections with these women, Shuichi collaborates on love theories with an attractive bartender. (DramaWiki)

Cindy Wang is a determined and disciplined individual with big aspirations of becoming a director before turning 35. Despite facing unexpected setbacks after offending someone, she ends up losing the director position to her rival, Gao Shuang Yun, and taking on the role of Gao Shuang Yun's secretary. Cindy Wang decides to use her new position to uncover the truth and regain the rightful position that was taken from her. This sets the scene for a dramatic workplace conflict filled with love and competition between two women.

Hashimoto Tomoko, aged 42, leads a mundane life as a typical homemaker. One fateful day, she crosses paths with Sugawara Yuichi, a part-time worker 15 years her junior. Yuichi is in a relationship with Suzuki Satomi, who lives with him, while Tomoko is married to Koji. Despite being fully aware of their respective partners, Tomoko and Yuichi engage in frequent encounters in a narrow street near the Chuo train line without any clear intentions, ultimately leading to a physical relationship. These rendezvous serve as a temporary escape from the relentless monotony of their lives, filling the emotional void within them. However, an unforeseen event begins to shake Tomoko and Yuichi, unraveling an incredibly harsh reality that lies ahead for them.

If you're struggling to move on from your ex-boyfriend, what's the best way to win his affection again? Seon Eun Woo has been heartbroken after her boyfriend, Baek Seung Gyu, ended their relationship. Despite this, she still harbors strong feelings for him and wishes to rekindle their romance. In a moment of inspiration, Eun Woo decides to recruit her childhood friend, Yoon Jae Won, to engage in a faux relationship aimed at making Seung Gyu feel envious. Jae Won agrees to move in with Eun Woo to execute her intricate plan, showcasing their supposed romance on her social media platforms. However, how will Kim Hye Won interfere with Eun Woo's ideal setup? Furthermore, what unfolds when the fake emotions between Eun Woo and Jae Won begin to develop into something genuine? (Viki) Two formats are available: 15 episodes (Oksusu) || 10 episodes (SBS)

Following her retirement as a national athlete, Nam Haeng Sun now runs a modest side dish shop. Choi Chi Yeol, a renowned and diligent private tutor known as the "Trillion Won Man", is intrigued by her cheerful demeanor and boundless energy. Despite his success, Choi Chi Yeol has become more distant and irritable. Their relationship faces challenges as they navigate the highs and lows of their personal and professional lives, confronting their weaknesses and relying on each other's strengths. Can their love conquer the obstacles they face?

A spirited 35-year-old homemaker, Yoon Gae Hwa, becomes the manager of the temperamental superstar Sung Min Woo to gather sufficient funds to reclaim custody of her child from her former husband. Comedic chaos and romantic misadventures arise when they end up in an uncomfortable living arrangement, as Min Woo hires Gae Hwa to look after his daughter, Ye Eun.

The story focuses on the bond between Tsukuyomi, a food enthusiast and skilled chef, and Soyogi, a 27-year-old personal trainer. They have regular meetings where Soyogi rejuvenates herself with Tsukuyomi's dishes, but they have mutually agreed to keep their relationship strictly platonic. (animenewsnetwork.com)

Morita Haruki is a dedicated surgeon known for his unwavering sense of fairness. He challenges the profit-driven and authoritative culture at the university hospital where he works, focusing solely on the well-being of his patients. Haruki's intense devotion to his work has caused him to neglect his personal life and forget how to love. However, everything changes when he encounters Kondo Chizuru, a fellow surgeon who is his senior. Chizuru, who has dedicated herself to her career and is now considered too old for marriage, captures Haruki's heart little by little.

Katagiri Sayo, an office worker at a prominent IT firm, is a firm believer in the idea that hard work will lead to success. Morimoto Miharu, a nurse, is beginning to lose hope in her long-standing relationship with her boyfriend Ryota. Yamashita Miwa, an office worker at a bank, struggles with low self-esteem and is quick to give herself up when asked. On the other hand, Matsuoka Akane, a confident company secretary with a mysterious past, exudes beauty that turns heads wherever she goes. These four women embark on a journey to find their life partners in pursuit of happiness. The government's covert organization, Peanut Butter Sandwiches, known for its matchmaking support, springs into action. Will these women, each with their own unique perspectives on marriage, find the encounters that will change their lives forever?

Choi Gi Chan is a professor of botany at the university, possessing what are considered "ideal genes." The narrative centers around Kim Dang Ja, an editor for a fashion magazine, who unexpectedly feels a desire to have a child, even though she is against the notion of marriage. The plot follows Dang Ja as she searches for a man with exceptional genes to fulfill her goal. Gi Chan becomes her chosen candidate for this endeavor. As the story unfolds, Dang Ja faces the challenge of convincing him to participate without any strings attached, which proves difficult since Gi Chan does not support the concept of premarital sex. This drama marks the third installment in SBS's "Bad" trilogy.

A unique love story unfolds between a charming carnivorous man and a woman passionate about cooking, who has decided to avoid romantic relationships

The main character, Fushigi Mai, works at a quiet café known as "Morning Glory," alongside her younger colleague, Kamishita Ryo, who has a knack for connecting with those around him. One day, they find themselves in a situation where they begin to "observe" one another. As they collaborate at the café, Mai becomes intrigued by Ryo; however, her past trauma from her first love and her complicated current relationship make things challenging. On the other hand, Ryo also harbors feelings for Mai, and despite his seemingly composed exterior, his emotions for her begin to surface. Will they be able to unlock the doors to one another's hearts?

The tale of three women with contrasting personalities who unexpectedly become friends and support each other through life's challenges, discovering their self-worth along the way. Kang Zi You, who recently returned to China from the United States, works as a sales executive director at an aesthetic medical clinic owned by her close friend Lin Qian Yu. Despite excelling in her career, Kang Zi You struggles with personal organization and relies on her daughter Kang Ni for support. Kang Ni, a skilled homemaker with a passion for cooking and table setting, cares for her mother while longing for independence. The arrival of a new doctor, Nie Yun Ze, disrupts the women's routine but also brings Kang Zi You and Nie Yun Ze closer despite their differences. Meanwhile, Lin Qian Yu's marital problems compel Kang Zi You to work with her ex-husband's wife, Meng Yu Shan, to find a solution.

In the import service company, Hayasaka Moe, a 30-year-old office worker, struggles to find time for romance. Meanwhile, her friend Murono Ruriko, who is focused solely on romantic relationships, ends up marrying Moe's ex-boyfriend for the third time. This drama explores the challenges faced by women in their 30s as they navigate marriage, divorce, infidelity, and professional life through the lens of love and friendship.

Fat Tin, a wealthy man's daughter in the Philippines, is concerned about her future due to her weight. Her father tries to arrange a marriage for her with Mak Ka Fai, but Fat Tin is uninterested and flees to Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, she faces criticism for her weight from Tai Hei, a successful designer. Despite their differences, they eventually grow closer due to unexpected events in the Philippines.

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.

Ma Young Hee has harbored feelings for her best friend Han Jin Woo ever since they first crossed paths in high school. Conversely, Han Jin Woo remains oblivious to Young Hee's affections and casually dates other girls in her presence. During a trip to Japan, Young Hee encounters a young man on the street who takes her back to his apartment when she becomes intoxicated. Although she mistakenly accuses him of assault, he flees before she can file a complaint, as Japanese authorities are in pursuit of him for having an expired visa. After returning to Korea, Jin Woo visits her apartment and introduces his younger brother, Han Sun Woo, who coincidentally is the same young man she met in Japan. Jin Woo requests if Sun Woo can stay with her, and Young Hee agrees out of her feelings for Jin Woo. The plot thickens as a former high school classmate of Young Hee, Jang Hee Won, begins to pursue Jin Woo.

Since childhood, he has harbored feelings for the girl next door, who is a decade his senior. However, despite the years that have passed, he remains trapped in the role of "the younger brother who feels like family." Just when he was ready to relinquish hope, a romantic rival emerges, reigniting his determination. He resolves to pursue her more assertively! After a decade of unreciprocated affection, things finally begin to change!

In "Love of the Heavens," the story revolves around a romance between a woman in her forties and men in their twenties. Itsuki Hanyu, a 41-year-old housewife, runs a used bookstore and is stuck in a troubled marriage, with her 14-year-old daughter being the only reason it hasn't fallen apart. One day, Itsuki's dormant desires are awakened when she catches Shida Motoharu trying to steal an erotic novel from her shop. Fueled by her newfound desires, Itsuki embarks on a love affair with the young man. Later on, she encounters Kunimoto Satoshi/Komato Shio, who bears a striking resemblance to a past love and brings back dark secrets from the past.

Tachibana Haruka is a new nurse who is known for her cheerful demeanor. Mihara Natsumi, on the other hand, is an experienced nurse who is facing challenges both at work and in her personal life. Despite working in a high-pressure environment, the two nurses find moments of joy and sadness as they navigate the complexities of life and death. Through their experiences, both women undergo personal growth.

Jian Bing, a renowned advertising director, and Sheng Yang, a newcomer in the industry, coincidentally met at a restaurant one day. While one had recently gone through a divorce, the other was anticipating the end of a relationship. Despite being strangers, they formed a strong bond and embarked on a journey of personal growth and budding romance. Sheng Yang's presence helped Jian Bing regain her confidence in life and love, while Jian Bing guided Sheng Yang from carefree youth to a more mature individual. They supported each other, grew together, and eventually fell in love. However, they faced challenges due to their differences in background, objections from their families, and workplace gossip. After three years of growth and change, they decided to let fate determine their future. Their shared experiences and trust brought them back together, leading them to rekindle their relationship.

Kazuko, a skilled yet unliked manager in the entertainment industry, faces challenges in mentoring Ryo, a fresh male actor she discovered, to reach stardom. Initially lacking drive, Ryo starts to appreciate the joys of performing. As they develop a close friendship, their relationship evolves into a romantic one over time.

"The allure of cosmetic procedures" consists of one installment among a total of 16 episodes, each featuring a unique plastic surgery narrative. The series maintains a lively and inviting pace, delving into the diverse stories and mindsets of various plastic surgeons in a tasteful manner. The character Li Meili, an intern in the field of cosmetic surgery, undergoes personal and professional development throughout a series of cases.

"A Glimpse of Young Love" narrates the tale of Sun Wei Yi, who faced financial ruin and shared a complicated bond with mechanic Bai Ze Liu

"Family Style" is a medical clinic operated by three siblings from the Chai family following the passing of their parents. The eldest sister, Anna Chai Chuen, manages the administrative aspects of the clinic. The second sister, obstetrician Anita Chai Sam, holds high standards for everyone and everything. The youngest brother, pediatrician Andy Chai Cheung, is carefree in nature. The three siblings treat their colleagues like family, along with their retired surgeon oldest brother-in-law, skilled plastic surgeon who is infatuated with the second sister, discreetly attractive nurse, and the younger family physicians and clinic staff. The intricate relationships lead to various personal stories. As the saying goes, "doctors cannot treat themselves," the team of skilled physicians must confront their own flaws and weaknesses. What effective strategies will they employ to find a cure?

The story revolves around the humorous challenges and development of a young intern doctor named Usako. On her way to her first day of work, she encounters a sick child and rushes to bring the child to her hospital. However, upon arriving, she is overwhelmed by the crowded environment and becomes flustered. Fortunately, a competent and beautiful doctor named Mikako steps in to provide the necessary treatment. Despite feeling relieved, Usako realizes she is late for work and rushes to the pediatrics department, where she faces criticism from her supervising doctor, Itabashi, and disdain from young patients. Usako even volunteers her arm for a nurse trainee to practice giving injections, adding to her challenges. As she battles a high fever of 40 degrees Celsius, Usako must navigate through various obstacles while fulfilling her duties as an intern doctor. Will she be able to prove herself and become a successful doctor? The tumultuous journey of intern doctor Usako has only just begun!

A daily series that explores the challenges faced by a middle-aged couple. Lee Hae Joo is a devoted housewife who has long since lost sight of her aspirations and self-worth after years spent married to her salaryman spouse, Park Dae Sung. Their personalities, preferences, habits, and life perspectives are in constant conflict, leaving her wishing she had recognized these differences earlier. As if Dae Sung's indifference, laziness, and lack of enthusiasm weren't difficult enough to handle, he is also involved in an affair with his colleague, Bae Yoo Mi.

Miura is set to portray the intricate character of Shio's ex-husband's younger brother, Gai, who harbors feelings for his former sister-in-law. Yada stars as Shio, a seemingly content and accomplished owner of an aroma aesthetics salon. However, Shio battles insomnia as a result of her unfaithful ex-husband. To assist women in similar situations, she initiates a "co-sleeping" service with four attractive young men.

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?

Gu Da Hai's youngest daughter, who is in her thirties, develops romantic feelings for her graduate instructor, a man who is around the same age as her father, leading to significant complications

Moriyama Shino, aged 30, enjoys her job but is lacking a romantic relationship. She desires to find a partner her age to date and eventually marry. Unexpectedly, Sato Mayuki, who is 9 years younger, confesses his feelings to her. Impressed by his honesty, she agrees to date him temporarily while she continues her search for a potential spouse. This story is adapted from a manga with the same title.

Haneda Riku, a 20-year-old university student with dreams of becoming a novelist, is surprised by his older sister Ayaka's sudden marriage. However, his attention is piqued when he comes across a flyer advertising a New Writer Discovery Contest with a grand prize of 1 million yen. Despite his lack of experience in love, Riku decides to participate in the contest. Seeking advice, he turns to his friend Mochizuki Rei, known as the most popular guy at school, who suggests he try a matching app to help him with the theme of love.

In order to honor her deceased father's wishes, BIN KWAI WOR established a unique coffee shop where she crossed paths with BAO CHI TAI, known as "Tai Chi Bao" (Raisin Bread). TAI, a single father with an 8-year-old son, dreams of becoming the coffee king of Hong Kong. As TAI learned the art of latte-making from WOR, their feelings for each other blossomed, despite facing numerous obstacles. The biggest challenge they faced was overcoming the disapproval of WOR's two mothers, her biological mother MA SZE NGA and stepmother SO MEI, who were against their relationship. With so many hurdles to overcome, how will TAI and WOR navigate their love story and brew a strong and fragrant cup of coffee together?

Tajimage Shu meets Bessho Fumiyo, a former high school senior, by chance. Fumiyo is a popular guy who has to end his relationships for certain reasons. Upon hearing his story, Fumiyo accidentally mentions that the situation is similar to Dazai Osamu's incomplete novel "Goodbye". Tajimage is touched by this strange coincidence.

After a challenging divorce, Xiao Qiang loses hope in love until she encounters Bao Jia Ming, a passionate young computer engineer. Bao Jia Ming embodies all the qualities Xiao Qiang feels she has lost - he is idealistic, driven, and ambitious. The narrative follows their love story as they navigate through numerous challenges together.

Hwang Ji An is an accomplished footwear designer whose existence is centered around her profession. She is highly protective of her creations, even as they are frequently replicated, inundating the market with inexpensive imitations. Park Tae Kang is a gifted young designer, yet he often appropriates Ji An's concepts for quick profit. After a particularly challenging day for both, they find themselves sharing drinks, which leads to a brief romantic encounter. They vow to avoid each other in the future, but their situation becomes more complex when her company brings Tae Kang on board as a new hire, and Ji An realizes she is expecting his child!

The plot centers on Ryo, who enters into a secret marriage with an older single mother. He must keep their union hidden to protect his career as an idol. (Aramatheydidnt.livejournal.com)

During her high school years, Baek Su Jeong harbored feelings for an online gamer known as "Black Dragon," only to discover he was actually a socially awkward middle school student. A decade later, Su Jeong finds herself working at Yongseong Department Store, where the new head of strategic planning, Ban Ju Yeon, is revealed to be none other than "Black Dragon." With unresolved feelings from the past, Su Jeong must navigate their complicated history and consider the potential for a new relationship.

When Shan Wu Shuang, a 33-year-old single woman known for her beauty and work ethic, crosses paths with Lucas, a 25-year-old regular worker with a romantic charm, a unique story unfolds. Despite their 8-year age gap, their meeting promises to bring about a tale filled with laughter and tears. With a determined spirit, Shan Wu Shuang declares, "I'm not defeated! I'm the Queen!" (Official Blog) Available in two versions: 21 episodes (Taiwan) || 34 episodes (online)

Inspired by the Japanese manga "Ai No Memai Ai No Kizu" (Love Scar) by Ichijo Yukari, this story introduces a family reunion with an unexpected twist: your brother-in-law is actually your former lover. Four years prior, she met Zi Lin while traveling in Japan with her college friends. Their romance was unforeseen, but their age difference posed a challenge. They surrendered to their feelings and stayed together until his mother intervened, leading to their separation. Zi Lin considered her his first love, and after believing she had betrayed him, he turned into a womanizer, seeking revenge on all women, yet she never left his heart. Determined to win her back, he was willing to hurt his brother, particularly after learning the truth about his brother's breakup with Gen Sa. Zi Lian was devastated to find out that her past was tied to her brother. Overwhelmed with guilt for the situation, Gen Sha chose to step away from both of them, but the brothers remain hopeful for her return when she's ready… (D-wiki)

Zhang Fan, an interior designer who has gone through a divorce and lost faith in lasting relationships; Pan Xiao Chen, an outstanding insurance agent who is feeling dissatisfied in her long-term relationship; and Luo Xiao Xiao, a popular pet blogger who has yet to experience love, are three main characters with different backgrounds and personalities facing challenging circumstances. Despite encountering betrayal, deceit, and obstacles, they overcome life's difficulties with honesty and determination, ultimately reaching a turning point in their lives and discovering improved versions of themselves. (iQiyi)

The key qualities of a skilled bowler include focus, concentration, proper form, and a smooth release. Step into Golden Bowl bowling alley, a slightly worn but cozy spot favored by stockbroker Akutagawa Shu. He enjoys the sound of the ball rolling down the lane and the satisfying crash of the pins falling. When a striking married woman, who coincidentally shares a name with Shu's ex-girlfriend Hitomi, joins him at Golden Bowl, things get interesting as they take on some professional bowlers. Will Shu's luck with Hitomi be as good as his luck with the pins? (NTV)

On her 30th birthday, Aoishi Hanae, an unassuming office worker with no romantic experience, finds herself drinking with Tanokura Yuto, a stylish university student who works part-time at her company. After a welcome party for new employees, Hanae gets drunk and wakes up the next morning to find Yuto naked beside her. This unexpected encounter leads to her first relationship. As Hanae and Yuto navigate their new romance, they face challenges such as their first amusement park date, sleepover, Christmas Eve, and couple's trip. To add to the complexity, Hanae receives a marriage proposal from Asao Yu, the charming CEO of an Italian food company, sparking a love triangle.

After a tragic incident, Sakura Hiraga had to let go of her aspirations. She is now wedded to a man who operates a popular hair salon, and they reside in a lavish penthouse. Despite appearing to lead a glamorous life that sparks envy in others, Sakura is actually enduring physical and emotional abuse from her spouse, making it impossible for her to break free from the situation. She compares herself to a goldfish trapped in a bowl. Eventually, Sakura crosses paths with a man who changes her life, all thanks to a goldfish encounter.

Shiratama Sayako has faced many challenges in her life. Despite her childhood dream of becoming an architect, she struggled to pass her university entrance exams. Now at 30 years old, she works in a different field. One day, she meets a young university student named Ogasawara Taku. After sharing her dream with him, he encourages her to pursue it once more. Inspired by his words, she decides to study hard and eventually gets accepted into a university. It is there that she reunites with Ogasawara Taku, who is a senior in the architecture department.