How to Buy a Friend - Asian drama recommendation
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

How to Buy a Friend(계약우정)

2020South Korea
Adapted From A WebtoonAdolescenceBromanceComedyDeathDramaFlashback To PastHigh SchoolInvestigationMysteryPoetryRomanceSchool BullyingSuicide

Speculation surrounds Don Hyuk, a highly regarded high school fighter, following the unexpected suicide of his girlfriend. Overwhelmed by the trauma, he becomes quick to anger at even the mention of her name, resulting in his placement in juvenile detention. Once released, he returns to school and stumbles upon a poem by Chan Hong, an otherwise unremarkable student with a talent for writing. In time, Don Hyuk uncovers a lead regarding his girlfriend’s death and seeks out Chan Hong's assistance to help him investigate. In return, he agrees to act as Chan Hong’s personal bodyguard. This arrangement draws them both into a whirlwind of dramatic events as they work to unravel the mystery surrounding the suicide. (KOCOWA)

Asian dramas like
How To Buy A Friend

Recommendation: My Dear Cat similar to How to Buy a Friend
33%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

My Dear Cat(고양이는 있다! 야옹)

2014South Korea
ComedyDramaInvestigationMysteryRomanceFamily

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Comedy, Drama, Investigation, Mystery, and Romance themes with a 33% similarity match.

A stray cat brings together two individuals, a magazine reporter named Yang Soon and a law student called Chi Woong, through fate. As they search for their missing cats, they uncover family secrets, leading to conflicts and ultimately reconciliation among their families.

Recommendation: Secret Campus similar to How to Buy a Friend
33%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Secret Campus( 비밀의 교정)

2006South Korea
DeathDramaHigh SchoolInvestigationMysteryRomanceCar AccidentFriendshipSchool SettingYouth

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Death, Drama, High School, Investigation, Mystery, and Romance themes with a 33% similarity match.

Seung Jae was a high school student whose life was abruptly cut short in a traffic accident. At the time of his passing, he was in a relationship with Su Ah, another student at the school. A year later, Su Ah begins to receive emails that unveil hidden truths about Seung Jae. It is revealed that he had been unfaithful to Su Ah, as he was also involved with Eun Ho, the sister of his friend Du Hyeon. Furthermore, Dong Cheol, a classmate aspiring to be a football player, stopped participating in his extracurricular activities following Seung Jae's death and has since ceased attending school. As Su Ah reads the emails, more of her own secrets gradually come to light.

Recommendation: Inochi Urimasu similar to How to Buy a Friend
33%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Inochi Urimasu(命売ります)

2018Japan
DeathDramaInvestigationMysteryRomanceSuicideNovel AdaptationBusinessLifeMiniseries

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Death, Drama, Investigation, Mystery, Romance, and Suicide themes with a 33% similarity match.

Yamada Hanio transitioned from being a life insurance salesman to becoming a copywriter at an advertising agency. Despite having a successful career and enviable salary, he attempted to end his life one day while walking to work. His suicide attempt failed, leading him to start a unique business selling lives. As he responds to unusual requests, Hanio begins to confront the complexities of life.

Recommendation: Uwasa no Onna similar to How to Buy a Friend
31%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Uwasa no Onna(噂の女)

2018Japan
ComedyDeathInvestigationMysteryRomanceNovel AdaptationMiniseries

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Comedy, Death, Investigation, Mystery, and Romance themes with a 31% similarity match.

During her high school years, Miyuki Itoi was not considered particularly attractive. However, one day, she undergoes a transformation and becomes stunningly beautiful. As she begins to interact with men, a mysterious pattern emerges - those men soon meet their demise. (My DramaList)

Recommendation: My Lawyer, Mr. Jo 2: Crime and Punishment similar to How to Buy a Friend
31%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

My Lawyer, Mr. Jo 2: Crime and Punishment(동네 변호사 조들호2 : 죄와벌)

2019South Korea
Adapted From A WebtoonComedyDramaInvestigationMysteryLawLawyer Male Lead

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Adapted From A Webtoon, Comedy, Drama, Investigation, and Mystery themes with a 31% similarity match.

The narrative of Deul Ho unfolds, centering on a former prosecutor who has transitioned into a lawyer but is now jobless. Following a legal dispute, his license is temporarily suspended, prompting him to step away from the legal field in search of tranquility. Little does he know, peace will be elusive. This tale is inspired by the webtoon “Dongnebyunhosa Jodeulho / 동네변호사 조들호” created by Hatchling. (HanCinema)

Recommendation: Through The Mystery similar to How to Buy a Friend
29%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Through The Mystery(穿越谜团)

2016China
DeathDramaInvestigationMysteryRomanceMedicalSuspenseThriller

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Death, Drama, Investigation, Mystery, and Romance themes with a 29% similarity match.

Wei Rong found a mysterious man using a deceased person's phone. Initially, she suspected him of being involved in the death of her close friend, Zong Si Ning, and causing trouble for her aunt, Zong Feng. However, she later discovered that the man, Ma Dong, was actually investigating Si Ning's death, which he believed was linked to his mother's suicide at her aunt's hospital a year prior. Working together, they retraced Si Ning's final steps before his tragic demise. What they uncovered was a shocking secret that could have torn their families apart if Si Ning had survived to reveal it.

Recommendation: Madam Cutie on Duty similar to How to Buy a Friend
29%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Madam Cutie on Duty(師奶Madam)

2015Hong Kong
ComedyDramaInvestigationMysteryRomanceBickering Mains' RelationshipPlastic SurgerySurgical Procedure

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Comedy, Drama, Investigation, Mystery, and Romance themes with a 29% similarity match.

Since childhood, Fa Ping had been mocked for her appearance. Following a surgery, she becomes convinced of the transformative power of beauty. Despite joining the police force, she remains fixated on beauty. Assigned to investigate a prostitution case involving a loan-shark operation in a public housing community, Fa Ping and CID officer Law Dai Shu pose as a couple to gather information from the housewives. They encounter the "Housewives Trio" and must adapt to the housewives' lifestyle to crack the case. As Fa Ping starts to adopt some housewife habits, Law Dai Shu gains popularity as the "Sewer King". This causes Fa Ping to feel envious, despite her feelings for a fellow officer. As they work together on the case, Fa Ping and Law Dai Shu's relationship evolves. They eventually suspect the Housewives Trio of foul play. However, the introduction of a mysterious woman adds a new layer of complexity to the case and their relationships.

Recommendation: Hamidashi Keiji Jonetsu Kei Season 6 similar to How to Buy a Friend
29%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Hamidashi Keiji Jonetsu Kei Season 6(はみだし刑事情熱系 PART6)

2001Japan
ComedyDramaInvestigationMysteryRomanceFamilyPolice Officer Male LeadPolice Officer Supporting Character

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Comedy, Drama, Investigation, Mystery, and Romance themes with a 29% similarity match.

Yakami Hyogo and Negishi Reiko, who were previously married, are both police officers. They got divorced when their daughter Miyuki was two years old. Following the divorce, Hyogo lost contact with his ex-wife and daughter, as is common in Japanese divorces. However, due to a bureaucratic error, Hyogo is now working at the police headquarters where Reiko is the chief. The two of them quickly adapt to the situation, with Reiko urging Hyogo to reveal himself to their daughter, who is now a teenager. Hyogo, on the other hand, wants to first establish a connection with his daughter before disclosing his true identity. As the story unfolds, Hyogo and his colleagues, a diverse group of strong-willed individuals, work together to solve various crimes that serve as the main plots of each episode. Meanwhile, the ongoing narrative of Hyogo's relationship with his daughter and ex-wife ties the episodes together. Once Miyuki learns the truth about Hyogo being her father, how will this revelation affect the future dynamics between Hyogo and Reiko?

Recommendation: Female Constables similar to How to Buy a Friend
29%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Female Constables(带刀女捕快)

2013China
ComedyDeathDramaInvestigationMysteryRomanceDetective Female LeadDetective FictionHistoricalHistorical FictionMurderNorthern Song DynastySong Dynasty

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Comedy, Death, Drama, Investigation, Mystery, and Romance themes with a 29% similarity match.

The events unfolded in the era of Emperor Ren Zong in the Northern Song Dynasty. Chaos erupted in Kaifeng House as voices of distress filled the air. Sheng Man, the female chef of Lan Kwai Fong, prepared to defend herself. Liu Ming Yue, a homemaker with a husband and son, stood apart from Lan Kwai Fong in terms of personality. Both women found themselves unexpectedly linked to a series of murders. In Kaifeng, the customary approach was to rely on the assistance of Bao Da Ren and his team, including Nan Xia Zhan Zhao and the knowledgeable Bei Xia Ouyang Dong. Ming Yue and Sheng Nan, implicated in the murders, each showcased their unique abilities in aiding the court's investigation. Emperor Ren Zong decreed that the women would work alongside Bao Zheng in Kaifeng. With the support of Zhan Zhao, Gong Sun Ce, and others, they successfully cracked numerous challenging cases. Despite encountering humor along the way, their commitment to justice and morality allowed them to fulfill their duty of eradicating violence.

Recommendation: Vigilante Force similar to How to Buy a Friend
29%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Vigilante Force(智勇新警界)

2003Hong Kong
DramaInvestigationMysteryRomance

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Drama, Investigation, Mystery, and Romance themes with a 29% similarity match.

Recommendation: Shiro to Kuro (2008) similar to How to Buy a Friend
29%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Shiro to Kuro (2008)(白と黒)

2008Japan
DramaInvestigationMysteryRomance

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Drama, Investigation, Mystery, and Romance themes with a 29% similarity match.

This tale follows a woman caught between two brothers with different personalities. Kamuro Reiko receives a marriage proposal from Kiryu Shogo, a genuine and idealistic man. However, on the same day, she is involved in a car accident. In a daze, she witnesses Akimoto Kazuha, Shogo's childhood friend, fleeing the scene. Reiko survives the crash and is cared for by Kazuha, who shows her great affection. This leads Reiko to suspect a connection between Kazuha and Shogo. Soon, Shogo's younger brother Masato enters the picture. Unlike his brother, Masato lives a hedonistic life. Despite her feelings for her fiance, Reiko cannot resist the temptation to uncover the truth and finds herself drawn to Masato. --Fuji TV

Recommendation: Final Cut similar to How to Buy a Friend
29%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Final Cut(ファイナル・カット)

2018Japan
DeathDramaInvestigationMysteryRomanceSuicideBlackmailMurderPolice Department SettingPolice Officer Male LeadRevengeUnrequited LoveWrongfully Accused

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Death, Drama, Investigation, Mystery, Romance, and Suicide themes with a 29% similarity match.

During his time in high school, Nakamura Keisuke's mother was accused of killing a young girl. Now, 12 years later, Keisuke is determined to seek revenge by uncovering the true culprit who played a role in driving his mother to suicide. His potential targets include media personnel and reporters who were involved in covering the incident, as well as two sisters who may possess valuable information. To achieve his goal, Keisuke conceals his true identity in order to approach his targets closely and uses manipulated video footage known as FINAL CUT .

Recommendation: N no Tame ni similar to How to Buy a Friend
29%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

N no Tame ni(Nのために)

2014Japan
DeathDramaFlashback To PastInvestigationMysteryRomanceNovel AdaptationFriendshipMiniseriesMurderOlder Woman-Younger ManViolenceViolence Against Children

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Death, Drama, Flashback To Past, Investigation, Mystery, and Romance themes with a 29% similarity match.

University students Sugishita Nozomi, Naruse Shinji, Ando Nozomi, and Nishizaki Masato stumble upon the murder of the Noguchi couple as a result of their premeditated plan. Nishizaki is apprehended at the scene and receives a 10-year prison sentence due to his voluntary admission of guilt. A decade later, former police officer Takano Shigeru, skeptical of the case's outcome, begins to seek the truth. He believes the root of the incident lies in a crime committed by Nozomi and Naruse on an island in the Seto Inland Sea 15 years prior, all for the sake of each other.

Recommendation: Shiranakute Ii Koto similar to How to Buy a Friend
28%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Shiranakute Ii Koto(知らなくていいコト)

2020Japan
DeathDramaInvestigationMysteryRomanceInfidelityMiniseriesReporter Female LeadRich Female Lead

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Death, Drama, Investigation, Mystery, and Romance themes with a 28% similarity match.

Keito works as a journalist for a magazine that is published weekly. The magazine features stories on various topics such as political corruption and scandals involving celebrities. Keito is always on the lookout for the next big story. In addition to her successful career, Keito is wealthy and happy with her work and personal life. Tragically, Keito's mother passes away suddenly. Anna, who was a single parent and a film critic, raised Keito on her own. Before her death, Anna mentioned something about Keito's father, who happens to be a famous Hollywood actor.

Recommendation: Evil Minds similar to How to Buy a Friend
27%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Evil Minds(心理罪)

2015China
BromanceDeathDramaFlashback To PastInvestigationMysteryCriminal Profiler Male LeadMurderPost-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)PsychologicalSlight HorrorSuspenseThrillerWeb Series

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Bromance, Death, Drama, Flashback To Past, Investigation, and Mystery themes with a 27% similarity match.

Fang Mu is renowned for his expertise in criminal psychology within the city. After teaming up with police officer Tai Wei Lian to solve a string of unusual murders on campus, Fang Mu was deeply affected by the cases, leading him to spiral into a state of decay. Despite his attempts to bury the memories and deceive both himself and others, the devil's taunts persisted with a new wave of mysterious killings that ultimately landed Fang Mu behind bars. Forced to confront his past traumas, guilt, and sins while facing off against the enigmatic devil.

Recommendation: Ancient Detective similar to How to Buy a Friend
27%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Ancient Detective(侠探简不知)

2020China
BromanceComedyDeathInvestigationMysteryRomanceAmnesiaDetective FictionDetective Male LeadHidden IdentityJianghuMurderSmart Male LeadWuxia

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Bromance, Comedy, Death, Investigation, Mystery, and Romance themes with a 27% similarity match.

The narrative centers around Jian Buzhi, a detective suffering from amnesia, as he embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind his father's murder. Throughout his investigation, he forms a romantic relationship and a strong friendship with individuals who assist him in solving perplexing cases. (ChineseDrama.info)

Recommendation: Bitch X Rich similar to How to Buy a Friend
27%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Bitch X Rich(청담국제고등학교)

2023South Korea
DeathDramaHigh SchoolInvestigationMysterySchool BullyingMurderPoor Female LeadStudent Female LeadSuspenseTeenager Female LeadThrillerTransfer Student Female LeadYouth

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Death, Drama, High School, Investigation, Mystery, and School Bullying themes with a 27% similarity match.

Baek Je Na comes from a long line of wealthy families and is considered a privileged student at Cheongdam International High School. On the other hand, Kim Hye In, who was raised in poverty, is given an opportunity to attend the prestigious school in return for keeping quiet about a murder she saw. The series, Cheongdam International High School, is a thrilling mystery that delves into the intense rivalry and psychological battles between Je Na and Hye In.

Recommendation: Love Alarm similar to How to Buy a Friend
27%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Love Alarm(좋아하면 울리는)

2019South Korea
Adapted From A WebtoonBromanceComedyDramaRomanceSuicideFirst LoveHeartbreakLove TriangleMale Chases Female FirstRich Male LeadRich Man-Poor WomanTraumaYouth

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Adapted From A Webtoon, Bromance, Comedy, Drama, Romance, and Suicide themes with a 27% similarity match.

The application Love Alarm is designed to alert users when someone within a 10-meter radius has feelings for them, though it keeps the identity of that person a secret

Recommendation: Moonlit Order similar to How to Buy a Friend
27%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Moonlit Order(锦月令)

2025China
ComedyDeathFlashback To PastInvestigationMysteryRomanceBurlesqueCommander Female LeadFamily RelationshipHistoricalMorally Ambiguous Female LeadMurderStepmother-Stepson RelationshipWeb Series

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Comedy, Death, Flashback To Past, Investigation, Mystery, and Romance themes with a 27% similarity match.

Feng Zuo Ren, the leader of the Snow Feather Guards, is tasked by the emperor to secretly enter the Marquis' estate to locate and eliminate the former crown prince. Her assignment takes an unexpected turn when she encounters the young lord, Xue He Xu. What begins as perilous confrontations gradually evolves into a complex relationship, developing into an unforeseen affection amid the intrigue and power conflicts of the household. However, they soon realize that a much larger conspiracy is at play, orchestrated by an unseen manipulator.

Recommendation: School 2017 similar to How to Buy a Friend
27%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

School 2017(학교 2017)

2017South Korea
BromanceComedyHigh SchoolMysteryRomanceSchool BullyingAggressive Male LeadCharacter DevelopmentFirst LoveFriendshipRich Male LeadSlow Burn RomanceTraumaYouth

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Bromance, Comedy, High School, Mystery, Romance, and School Bullying themes with a 27% similarity match.

The series centers on Ra Eun Ho, an 18-year-old aspiring webtoon artist, who faces challenges in a school that prioritizes wealth and academic excellence. When she is falsely accused of being the infamous Student X, a notorious troublemaker, her future becomes jeopardized. Teaming up with Hyun Tae Woon, the distant son of the school's director with a complicated history, they develop an unexpected partnership. As their bond deepens, they collaborate with fellow students to confront the corrupt educational system and advocate for reform.

Recommendation: One the Woman similar to How to Buy a Friend
27%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

One the Woman(원 더 우먼)

2021South Korea
ComedyDeathDramaInvestigationMysteryRomanceAmnesiaCar AccidentCorruptionEmotionally Strong Female LeadFirst LoveIdentity SwapImposterRich Male Lead

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Comedy, Death, Drama, Investigation, Mystery, and Romance themes with a 27% similarity match.

Yeon Ju is a skilled prosecutor who started at the bottom and is highly regarded for her work on corruption cases at the Supreme Prosecutor's Office. However, she experiences amnesia following a car accident while pursuing a suspect. Upon waking up, she discovers she has taken on the identity of Kang Mi Na, the daughter-in-law of the powerful Hanju Group. Mi Na was known for causing trouble before her sudden disappearance, having been born out of wedlock. In her new role, Yeon Ju struggles to conceal her blunt and assertive demeanor. Her path crosses with Seung Uk, a member of the conglomerate who is searching for answers regarding his father's death and his past relationship with Mi Na. Can Yeon Ju and Mi Na unravel the mysteries surrounding their lost memories and find true love? (Viki)

Recommendation: You Are My Spring similar to How to Buy a Friend
27%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

You Are My Spring(너는 나의 봄)

2021South Korea
ComedyDeathFlashback To PastInvestigationMysteryRomanceCalm Male LeadHealingHealthy Mains’ RelationshipMother-Daughter RelationshipPsychologicalSmart Female LeadSmart Male LeadThriller

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Comedy, Death, Flashback To Past, Investigation, Mystery, and Romance themes with a 27% similarity match.

Kang Da Jeong swiftly advances to become the manager of a prestigious hotel, yet faces challenges in her romantic relationships, mirroring her mother's struggles. Ju Yeong Do, a psychiatrist, aids others in their healing journeys while dealing with his own emotional wounds stemming from his inability to rescue his younger brother and a patient. As they work together to solve a murder case in their community, the two develop a strong bond.

Recommendation: Gloomy Salad Days similar to How to Buy a Friend
27%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Gloomy Salad Days(死神少女)

2010Taiwan
DeathDramaInvestigationMysterySchool BullyingSuicideBased On A True StoryDomestic ViolenceLGBTQ+School SettingStudent Male LeadSuspenseThrillerYouth

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Death, Drama, Investigation, Mystery, School Bullying, and Suicide themes with a 27% similarity match.

This play consists of 12 unique narratives centered around teenagers, inspired by actual social situations. Shen Qi, a student with a brain tumor, gains the unique ability to perceive Death Girl, a figure unseen by others. Over time, as he observes her guiding individuals to the afterlife, he develops feelings for her and gains insight into the journey from life to death.

Recommendation: Oh No! Here Comes Trouble similar to How to Buy a Friend
27%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Oh No! Here Comes Trouble(不良執念清除師)

2023Taiwan
BromanceComedyDeathDramaInvestigationMysteryCalligraphyEnemies To FriendsFriendshipMother-Son RelationshipPolice Officer Female LeadSpiritSupernaturalSupernatural Power

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Bromance, Comedy, Death, Drama, Investigation, and Mystery themes with a 27% similarity match.

Pu Yi Yong is a regular high school student whose life takes a surprising turn after he acquires extraordinary abilities following a bus accident

Recommendation: Secret Murder, Amazing Cases similar to How to Buy a Friend
27%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Secret Murder, Amazing Cases(无敌县令)

2003China
ComedyDeathDramaInvestigationMysteryRomanceNovel AdaptationDetective Male LeadEmperorEmpress Supporting CharacterHistoricalHistorical FictionMurderQing Dynasty

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Comedy, Death, Drama, Investigation, Mystery, and Romance themes with a 27% similarity match.

In the novel series by Pai An Jing Qi, a young magistrate named Hang Tie Sheng is tasked with investigating a string of mysterious deaths. As a rookie mayor and detective, he must rely on his intelligence, physical strength, and various specialized tools to solve several challenging cases. One of these cases involves a plot to assassinate the Emperor. Hang receives help from his bold stepmother, an eccentric lieutenant, and a skilled martial artist, but they face obstacles from a troublesome prince.

Recommendation: Hana Yori Dango similar to How to Buy a Friend
27%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Hana Yori Dango(花より男子)

2005Japan
BromanceComedyDramaHigh SchoolRomanceSchool BullyingAdapted From A MangaAttempted RapeInchoate CrimeLove TriangleMale Chases Female FirstReverse-HaremRich Man-Poor WomanYouth

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Bromance, Comedy, Drama, High School, Romance, and School Bullying themes with a 27% similarity match.

Makino Tsukushi is the sole underprivileged student at Eitoku Gakuen, a prestigious school catering to the wealthy elite. The school is under the control of the F4, a quartet of affluent young men: Domyoji Tsukasa, the influential heir to the Domyoji World Finance Group; Hanazawa Rui, a reserved scion of a major corporation; Nishikado Sojiro, a charming heir to a traditional tea school; and Mimasaka Akira, a mysterious figure with ties to the underworld. Any student who crosses the F4 faces harsh bullying and expulsion. Makino strives to blend in and avoid trouble, but her life takes a turn when she defends a friend from Domyoji's aggression. As a result, she becomes a target of the F4 and is subjected to their torment. Despite the challenges, Makino refuses to back down and challenges the F4, earning her the nickname "tough weed." Her defiance catches the attention of her crush, Hanazawa Rui, and surprisingly, sparks romantic feelings in her main adversary, Domyoji Tsukasa.

Recommendation: See You in My 19th Life similar to How to Buy a Friend
27%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

See You in My 19th Life(이번 생도 잘 부탁해)

2023South Korea
Adapted From A WebtoonComedyDeathDramaFlashback To PastRomanceChildhood Friends RelationshipCompetent Female LeadFantasyFirst LovePast LifeReincarnationStraightforward Female LeadTrauma

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Adapted From A Webtoon, Comedy, Death, Drama, Flashback To Past, and Romance themes with a 27% similarity match.

Ban Ji Eum possesses the unique gift of recalling all her previous lives, experiencing numerous rebirths over the span of almost a millennium

Recommendation: Burning Rose similar to How to Buy a Friend
27%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Burning Rose(燃烧的玫瑰)

2009China
DramaInvestigationMysteryRomanceShort Length Series

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Drama, Investigation, Mystery, and Romance themes with a 27% similarity match.

Yang Lin, an international student studying in a university in England, returns to China upon hearing news of her father's suspicious death after falling from a tall hospital building. Refusing to believe the suicide theory, she embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind her father's demise. Along the way, she encounters Jiang Hai Yang, the last person known to have spoken to her father, who leads her to individuals holding the answers to her family's hidden history, including the existence of a long-lost sister.

Recommendation: Abandoned Secret similar to How to Buy a Friend
27%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Abandoned Secret(被遗弃的秘密)

2011China
DramaInvestigationMysteryRomanceHistorical

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Drama, Investigation, Mystery, and Romance themes with a 27% similarity match.

Having grown tired of her younger sister An Qiao's spoiled behavior, Zhou Yu Qin leaves her at the Lantern Festival, much to the distress of their mother Ruo Lan. A decade later, Yu Qin is now the leader of the Zhou family, while An Qiao, now going by the name Liu Liu, makes a surprising return. Liu Liu quickly wins over the hearts of the Zhou family members, causing them to question their loyalty to Yu Qin. Liu Liu's reappearance also stirs up romantic feelings from both Yu Qin's husband, Dai Yong Cheng, and the Zhou family's son, Zhou Tian Qi. As suspicions about Liu Liu arise, Yu Qin decides to investigate and uncovers a shocking truth - An Qiao is actually deceased. The mystery remains: who is Liu Liu? (DramaWiki)

Recommendation: Beautiful Trap (2014) similar to How to Buy a Friend
27%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Beautiful Trap (2014)(美丽背后)

2014China
DramaInvestigationMysteryRomanceCity Setting

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Drama, Investigation, Mystery, and Romance themes with a 27% similarity match.

Recommendation: Hamidashi Keiji Jonetsu Kei Season 5 similar to How to Buy a Friend
27%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Hamidashi Keiji Jonetsu Kei Season 5(はみだし刑事情熱系 PART5)

2000Japan
ComedyDramaInvestigationMysteryPolice Department Setting

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Comedy, Drama, Investigation, and Mystery themes with a 27% similarity match.

Recommendation: Hamidashi Keiji Jonetsu Kei Season 7 similar to How to Buy a Friend
27%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Hamidashi Keiji Jonetsu Kei Season 7(はみだし刑事情熱系 PART7)

2003Japan
ComedyDramaInvestigationMysteryPolice Department Setting

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Comedy, Drama, Investigation, and Mystery themes with a 27% similarity match.

Recommendation: Take My Word for It similar to How to Buy a Friend
27%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Take My Word for It(談判專家)

2002Hong Kong
DramaInvestigationMysteryRomancePolice Department Setting

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Drama, Investigation, Mystery, and Romance themes with a 27% similarity match.

The narrative tracks the main characters as they navigate their roles in the Police Negotiation Cadre (PNC), a volunteer division of the Hong Kong police force that focuses on communicating with terrorists, participants in local conflicts, and people considering suicide. Throughout the series, the protagonists handle a variety of significant and minor cases.

Recommendation: Mr. Winner similar to How to Buy a Friend
27%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Mr. Winner(方谬神探)

2002Hong Kong
ComedyDramaInvestigationMysteryAction

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Comedy, Drama, Investigation, and Mystery themes with a 27% similarity match.

Fong Tin Mow, a mischievous troublemaker known for his inherited arrogance from his father, faces a challenge from his fiancée Yau Siu Ching to change his ways before they can marry. In order to prove himself, Fong Tin Mow decides to enroll in the police cadet school with the goal of becoming the best officer in town. As he embarks on this journey, he encounters a series of unpredictable and exciting adventures on his path to transformation into Mr. Winner.

Recommendation: Super Snoops similar to How to Buy a Friend
27%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Super Snoops(荃加福祿壽探案)

2011Hong Kong
ComedyDramaInvestigationMysteryMelodrama

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Comedy, Drama, Investigation, and Mystery themes with a 27% similarity match.

Recommendation: Central Ikegami Police similar to How to Buy a Friend
27%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Central Ikegami Police(こちら本池上署)

2002Japan
ComedyDramaInvestigationMysteryAdapted From A Manga

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Comedy, Drama, Investigation, and Mystery themes with a 27% similarity match.

The chief of police in the working-class neighborhood Central Ikegami, named Keisuke, is often seen as lazy. However, appearances can be misleading! Despite graduating from a prestigious university, Keisuke simply chooses to live a modest life away from the office politics of advancing in rank. Nevertheless, the chief always comes through for the community when needed, and they value his down-to-earth approach. Many will be in for a surprise if they underestimate this seemingly unassuming crime-fighter!

Recommendation: Hamidashi Keiji Jonetsu Kei Season 8 similar to How to Buy a Friend
27%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Hamidashi Keiji Jonetsu Kei Season 8(はみだし刑事情熱系 最終章)

2004Japan
ComedyDramaInvestigationMysteryPolice Department Setting

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Comedy, Drama, Investigation, and Mystery themes with a 27% similarity match.

Recommendation: Shirato Osamu no Jikenbo similar to How to Buy a Friend
27%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Shirato Osamu no Jikenbo(白戸修の事件簿)

2012Japan
ComedyDramaInvestigationMysteryMiniseries

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Comedy, Drama, Investigation, and Mystery themes with a 27% similarity match.

In his second year as an unemployed college graduate, Shirato Osamu (played by Chiba Yudai) is known for his kind-hearted nature and shy demeanor. Despite being overlooked by girls, his life takes an unexpected turn when he reunites with his childhood friend Kurosaki Hitoshi (portrayed by Hongo Kanata). Shirato finds himself unexpectedly popular due to some incidents, leading him into various troublesome situations. Although he would prefer to focus on finding a job, he struggles to turn away from the cases he becomes involved in.

Recommendation: Honjitsu wa Taian Nari similar to How to Buy a Friend
27%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Honjitsu wa Taian Nari(本日は大安なり)

2012Japan
ComedyInvestigationMysteryRomanceMiniseries

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Comedy, Investigation, Mystery, and Romance themes with a 27% similarity match.

Yuka portrays Takako, a wedding coordinator faced with the challenge of managing five weddings at a single location on an auspicious day. However, her plans are jeopardized when a menacing letter arrives, insisting that all the ceremonies be called off. Determined to uncover the perpetrator, Takako races against time to ensure the weddings proceed as scheduled. As the day unfolds, the hidden secrets of each couple gradually emerge.

Recommendation: Shuden Bye Bye similar to How to Buy a Friend
27%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Shuden Bye Bye(終電バイバイ)

2013Japan
ComedyDramaInvestigationMysteryMiniseries

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Comedy, Drama, Investigation, and Mystery themes with a 27% similarity match.

At the stroke of midnight, Sato (played by Gaku Hamada) finds himself near Tachikawa Station, still dressed in his suit, rushing to catch the final train of the night. Along with several other commuters, Sato races towards the station, only to be split into two separate groups at a crossroad. Opting to follow the group that veers down an alleyway, Sato ultimately misses the train by a hair's breadth as it pulls away from the platform. Alone and disoriented, Sato wanders through Tachikawa Station, only to find himself in a deserted park. There, he encounters a peculiar-looking man who approaches him despite Sato's attempts to avoid conversation. Feigning intoxication, Sato's ruse is quickly uncovered by the man, leading to an unexpected night spent together.

Recommendation: Kimchi Cheese Smile similar to How to Buy a Friend
27%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Kimchi Cheese Smile(김치 치즈 스마일)

2007South Korea
ComedyDramaInvestigationMysterySitcom

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Comedy, Drama, Investigation, and Mystery themes with a 27% similarity match.

The story revolves around two families transitioning from an idyllic life to one filled with theatrics. Shin Gu operates a photography studio, and his humble, kimchee-like family is on the verge of becoming relatives with the affluent, cheese-like family of Seon Woo Eun-Sook, who manages a sports center. Kim Eul-Dong portrays Shin Gu's wife, while Lee Hye-Yeong plays their single 39-year-old daughter. The drama humorously explores the conflicts arising from the differences in social class and family values, illustrating the comedic situations that unfold when kimchee and cheese are combined. --Dramawiki

Recommendation: Mermaid Story similar to How to Buy a Friend
27%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Mermaid Story(인어 이야기)

2007South Korea
DramaInvestigationMysteryRomanceMiniseries

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Drama, Investigation, Mystery, and Romance themes with a 27% similarity match.

Lee Min Suk becomes enamored with Son Mi Na, but she unexpectedly vanishes one day. Subsequently, he encounters and develops feelings for Nam Soo In. However, a year after Son Mi Na's mysterious disappearance, her remains are discovered, and Lee Min Suk is identified as the primary suspect in her murder.

Recommendation: Mi Yu similar to How to Buy a Friend
26%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Mi Yu(谜语)

2025China
DeathDramaInvestigationMysterySuicideFilmed VerticallyShort Length SeriesSuspenseThrillerWeb Series

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Death, Drama, Investigation, Mystery, and Suicide themes with a 26% similarity match.

Following her sister's tragic suicide, a note left behind triggers a series of suicides in the family

Recommendation: The Fugitive: Plan B similar to How to Buy a Friend
26%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

The Fugitive: Plan B(도망자 플랜 B)

2010South Korea
ComedyDeathInvestigationMysteryRomanceActionIntercountry RomanceLove TriangleMurderWrongfully Accused

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Comedy, Death, Investigation, Mystery, and Romance themes with a 26% similarity match.

During the Korean War, a significant sum of money went missing. Now, approximately six decades later, this money has resurfaced, prompting a frantic pursuit around the world. Jin Yi appears to be an innocent woman, but she has ulterior motives for seeking out Ji Woo. Her schemes become more complex due to an unexpected romance blossoming between them, along with the many pursuers tracking them down. Kieko, a renowned Japanese singer, also becomes involved with Ji Woo. Unbeknownst to them, her father Hiroki, who is not only a businessman but also a formidable yakuza leader, complicates matters further. In this love triangle, who will ultimately capture Ji Woo's heart?

Recommendation: The Winter Solstice similar to How to Buy a Friend
26%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

The Winter Solstice(冬至)

2004China
DeathDramaInvestigationMysterySuicideBank SettingCrimeRobberySuspenseThriller

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Death, Drama, Investigation, Mystery, and Suicide themes with a 26% similarity match.

Winter solstice brought together Chen Yi Ping, a bank accountant, and Jiang Han, a criminal policeman, through a treasury theft case. Chen Yi Ping cooperated with the police in the investigation after they intervened. The focus then shifted to Xue Fei, who tragically took his own life when the case gained attention. Despite this, Chen Yi Ping, who had uncovered Xue Fei's secret, decided to resign and move on. However, upon receiving a mysterious floppy disk after submitting his resignation, Chen Yi Ping found himself entangled in a dangerous situation. Meanwhile, Jiang Han made progress in uncovering a potential conspiracy behind Xue Fei's death. As the truth unfolded, Chen Yi Ping found himself on an irreversible path. On the night of the winter solstice, he was left in shock, only able to jot down December 20, 2002, in his diary.

Recommendation: Darker Season 3 similar to How to Buy a Friend
25%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Darker Season 3(暗黑者 3)

2019China
ComedyDeathInvestigationMysteryMurderPrison Setting

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Comedy, Death, Investigation, and Mystery themes with a 25% similarity match.

The unexpected reappearance of the death notice disrupted Luo Fei's tranquil existence. Simultaneously, the Longyu Group faced harsh suppression from new powers. Meanwhile, Xue Tian's time in prison was anything but peaceful as the disappearance of a mysterious pencil led to a rigorous investigation. Despite the police finding no evidence, a murder occurred. The final showdown between Luo Fei, Darker, and Ahua is imminent, with the hidden truths gradually coming to light.

Recommendation: Dora's Dream similar to How to Buy a Friend
25%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Dora's Dream(无法沉睡的她)

2021China
DramaInvestigationMysteryRomanceShort Length SeriesWeb Series

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Drama, Investigation, Mystery, and Romance themes with a 25% similarity match.

Yin Zhi Li arrived at Ruyue Villa for the wedding of her close friend Li Dora, only to discover that the groom, Lin Qiu Mo, bore a striking resemblance to her boyfriend Zhang Xiao. There seemed to be a strong bond between the groom and the bridesmaids, while the hesitant bride appeared to be in denial. The situation unfolding was far beyond Yin Zhi Li's expectations, and the mysterious death of Dora's father, LiZhou, drew Yin Zhi Li into a complex web of intrigue. Ultimately, Yin Zhi Li realized that someone was pulling the strings behind the scenes...

Recommendation: Yu Ci Xiao Yi Xian similar to How to Buy a Friend
25%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Yu Ci Xiao Yi Xian(御赐小医仙)

2021China
DramaInvestigationMysteryRomanceDoctor Female LeadHidden Identity

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Drama, Investigation, Mystery, and Romance themes with a 25% similarity match.

Recommendation: Kanojo no Ura Sekai: Toshiro Side similar to How to Buy a Friend
25%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Kanojo no Ura Sekai: Toshiro Side(彼女のウラ世界<TOSHIRO SIDE>)

2021Japan
DramaInvestigationMysteryRomanceNovel AdaptationMiniseries

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Drama, Investigation, Mystery, and Romance themes with a 25% similarity match.

Toshiro pops the question to his girlfriend Akiko after dating for three years

Recommendation: Broadcaster Rookie similar to How to Buy a Friend
25%Match
Like
Add to favorites
Dislike

Broadcaster Rookie(主播日记)

2023China
DramaInvestigationMysteryRomanceShort Length SeriesWeb Series

Like How to Buy a Friend, this drama also features Drama, Investigation, Mystery, and Romance themes with a 25% similarity match.

As a result of chance and destiny, two individuals collaborated to livestream the auction of properties that were difficult to sell. (Youku)