Asian dramas like
Living 2023

Turmoil engulfs a prosperous hotelier family when an heir becomes enamored with the niece of a competitor, while the estranged son of the family patriarch returns to assert his position.

Which mother believes that any girl is deserving of her beloved son? Chen Da Ke's mother had already planned the perfect marriage for him until Luo Jia entered the scene and won over Da Ke's heart. Seeing Da Ke completely enamored with Luo Jia, his mother is determined to remove her from the picture to secure her son's future happiness. Despite her efforts to prevent their marriage, Da Ke's mother resorts to making Luo Jia's life as a married woman as difficult as possible. Witnessing her daughter being mistreated by her in-laws, Luo Jia's mother is willing to do whatever it takes to defend her daughter. Will Da Ke and Luo Jia's marriage be able to withstand such a hostile family environment?

The series revolves around the romantic relationship between a flight attendant originating from Taipei, Chen Jia Yu. Her initial romance with a Chinese man named Chen Hau results in a quick marriage. Chen Hau hails from China and comes from a family that owns a restaurant, which he is set to take over in the future.

The dining table holds significance in a Chinese family, serving as the focal point for family relationships. The Chung family embodies the traditional Chinese family structure. Chung Kwok Chyu, the father, holds the position of assistant chief editor at Ko Jim Daily and is renowned as a food critic. With a passion for exploring food markets, Chyu prioritizes being home for dinner each night. He believes that the finest homemade dishes are crafted using the highest quality ingredient - love.

After retiring from the HK Correctional Services Department, Ma Fu decided to move in with his son. However, Ma Fu's strict and disciplinary nature, shaped by his years of working with offenders, has created a tense atmosphere at home. His youngest son, Ma Chong, often feels like he is living in a prison due to his father's behavior. Additionally, Ma Fu frequently involves himself in his job as a paralegal, causing daily disputes between him and Ma Chong. This constant conflict has put Ma Keung and his wife, Lo Lai Seung, in a difficult position as they try to mediate between the father and son. On top of that, the couple is also responsible for raising their own children. The three generations living together in the Ma family are exposed to various situations, experiences, and sets of values, leading to diverse perspectives within the household.

Renowned yoga and fitness expert Sheung Kin Sun partners with his girlfriend, Wan Sze Sze, to establish a new fitness center. Concerned about potential infidelity, Wan Sze Sze attempts to push Sheung Kin Sun towards marriage, leading to tension within the fitness center. Sheung Kin Sun finds support from yoga instructor Lun Lap Sun, while Wan Sze Sze receives backing from her cousin, sales manager Fong Ga Sheung. The arrival of travel expert Lei Lok Yee further complicates the situation between Lun Lap Sun and Fong Ga Sheung. Eventually, Lun Lap Sun and Fong Ga Sheung end up living with Lei Lok Yee and her brother Lei Lok Tung. Meanwhile, Lun Bak Foon, who had hoped his son would take over the family dried seafood business, is left feeling helpless upon learning of his son's struggles. Thankfully, Lun Bak Foon's sister Lun Ching Man and employee Man Wai Lan have quietly supported him over the years. These interconnected individuals and events illustrate the challenges and opportunities faced by different segments of society.

Renowned writer So Dung Po of the Northern Song Dynasty remains haunted by the memory of his late wife, causing him to overlook the advances of his sister-in-law, Wong Yun Chi. However, his love for food leads him to eventually marry Wong Yun Chi after being won over by her braised pork dish. Expecting marital bliss, So Dung Po instead finds himself dealing with a series of family issues. He is torn between worrying about his sister, So Siu Mui, falling for the charming scholar, Chun Siu Yau, and his other sister, So Dai Mui, still pining for her ex-lover, Chan Kwai Seung. Adding to his troubles, his son refuses to accept Wong Yun Chi as his stepmother, leading to constant conflict. In addition to his family woes, So Dung Po must navigate the political intrigue of the imperial court, engaging in clever battles of wit with rival ministers. Things take a dangerous turn when a Liao spy plots to create discord between So Dung Po and Wong Yun Chi, ultimately leading to Wong Yun Chi's mysterious disappearance.

The storyline depicts the highs and lows of Kristal Tin's character, who ties the knot with Raymond Cho's character when she is 19 years old, accompanied by her niece. Her focus is on her family, but after two decades of marriage, she discovers her husband's love for another woman. This leads to her decision to seek a divorce, resulting in the loss of her job and her daughter moving away. As her life crumbles, the narrative unfolds her uplifting quest to rediscover herself.

Following the passing of Mizusawa Yume's mother, she discovers a photograph in her mother's belongings showing a man holding a baby. Written on the back of the photo is "Loving Papa and Yume, at Raku no Yu." Yume, who has never met her father, believes this man to be him. She also finds a lighter with the initials RM in the box. Upon learning that "Raku no Yu" is a public bath in Shibuya, Tokyo, Yume sets off to reunite with her father and seek financial support to cover her mother's debts. Blaming her father for her mother's death, Yume believes her mother would still be alive if not for him. Upon arriving at 'Raku no Yu' in Tokyo, she notices a name plaque reading Mannaka Rokku, confirming she is in the right place.

This tale revolves around a pair of siblings. The younger brother excels as a talented baseball pitcher and earns a scholarship to play in college. In contrast, the older brother struggles with multiple failed attempts at passing his college entrance exam. Their mother is stuck in a miserable marriage, made worse when her husband assists another woman, along with her daughter, in moving back to their small town. Tensions rise as the two women unexpectedly meet, and it is revealed to the sons that they have a newfound sister.

The story "My Name is Princess" revolves around a family consisting of three sisters and their mother, all of whom lead independent lives without relying on men. The mother desires to always be the center of attention. The eldest daughter, who remains unmarried, is actively seeking a partner as she prioritized her career over traditional domestic roles. The middle daughter, known as the youngest, dreams of living a life akin to that of a princess.

Five brothers and sisters who were separated in their youth due to tragic circumstances, make an attempt to come together again after many years

Two young women from separate single-parent households attended the same school together from a young age and later became colleagues at the same workplace. Despite their contrasting looks and personalities, they have been engaged in an ongoing feud for over a decade. Their lives took an unexpected turn when a mob boss emerged, revealing himself as their long-lost father and unveiling the shocking truth that they were actually half-sisters.

This drama portrays the daily challenges and joys of life, as well as the intricate web of family relationships. It kicks off with Ou Da Liang tying the knot with psychiatrist Wu Rui. Da Liang's mother expresses strong disapproval towards her new daughter-in-law and constantly praises Da Liang's previous girlfriend.

The narrative follows the He siblings as they uphold a decades-old vow to never unlock a jail cell

Chu Mu's mother, Wen Nan, is preparing for her third marriage, which will result in Chu Mu gaining three step-siblings. One of them is Qi Qi, his lively step-sister from Wen Nan's second marriage, who expresses her desire for Chu Mu to become her boyfriend. Wen Nan's upcoming marriage is to Xue Mao Xiang, a wealthy widower with two children from previous relationships - the pampered and distant XueYang, and Xue Zhi Li, his daughter who has returned from overseas to act as the peacemaker in their new, unconventional family dynamic.

The narrative follows Aunt Mi as she arranges marriages for her three unmarried daughters, leading to blind dates, love, marriage, pregnancy, and various family dramas. It depicts the ups and downs of everyday life in Beijing, showcasing the authentic emotions and experiences of ordinary families.

Jin Can Can, a mother in her mid-thirties, raised her daughter Lu Xin Er for four years before deciding to have a second child. Despite some opposition from her mother, Jin Can Can, with the help of her in-laws, applied for a permit to have another child. However, the financial situation of Jin Can Can and her husband raised concerns about their ability to provide for a larger family. Feeling pressured to return to work, Jin Can Can enrolled her daughter in kindergarten, only to discover she was pregnant again shortly after starting her job. With the new policy on second-child births in effect, Jin Can Can ultimately decided to proceed with the pregnancy. Her husband, Lu Xiao Dong, took on a new job as a salesperson to support their growing family, but faced challenges in his new role. The couple's parents also had disagreements on various issues, adding to the stress of the situation. Despite these challenges, Jin Can Can and Lu Xiao Dong worked together to navigate the difficulties and eventually grew stronger as a result.

Three families from diverse backgrounds encounter difficulties when sending their children overseas for studies

The daily life of two brothers is portrayed in this story; one is a professional screenwriter with a sophisticated palate, while the other is a playful high school student. With their parents away on business in Thailand for an extended period, the two brothers are left to fend for themselves at home. Despite the older brother often teasing the younger one, the latter chooses not to retaliate. Through thick and thin, in sickness and health, the brothers are bound by an unbreakable bond of love, constantly challenging each other, supporting one another, and striving for mutual growth.

Zhang Wei Guo, a middle-aged actor facing difficulties in a Peking Opera Troupe, enjoys a peaceful existence in a Beijing Hutong until his father passes away, leading to a chain of unforeseen problems

The plot revolves around the Liu Xiang Shang family, who form a close-knit community with their friends, neighbors, and fellow parents as their children begin school. It explores how these inexperienced parents and clever children navigate a fresh classroom environment, marking a new chapter in their lives. (cpophome.com)

Ding Sheung Wong is a man in his thirties, with the intellectual capacity of a seven-year-old. Despite being teased for being "crazy," he insists that he is simply uncomplicated. His close friend Wong Kei Fung, whom he affectionately calls his "little wife," used to play a game where they pretended to be husband and wife. When Fung announces her departure to the United States for college, Wong is left feeling lost. Upon Fung's return to Hong Kong, she secures a job at the Chung Corporation, working under the management of Chung Kam Wing and his son Michael. It is later revealed that Wong is Kam Wing's biological son, leading to his recruitment into the company. Meanwhile, Fung's cousin Angel On Kei develops feelings for Chi Chung, who in turn harbors affection for Fung. Fung is torn between Chi Chung and Wong, unsure of who holds the key to her happiness.

Kit is the father of three boys: Freeman, Ray, and Kevin. Their family is led by Grandpa until he discloses his Parkinson's Disease diagnosis and passes the leadership role to Kit. The situation becomes more intricate with the arrival of Miki, as both Freeman and Ray develop feelings for her.

Mung Ka Ka, Cho Mei Ngoh, and Hilary Ding Mui Hong are close friends who have a deep understanding of parenting. They offer guidance to Ko Wing Kuen on raising his daughter, emphasizing the importance of actions over mere words. As they navigate through this journey, they uncover potential hidden activities by their spouses.

According to popular belief, having an older family member at home is considered a valuable asset. However, in reality, many seniors often experience discrimination. The five main elderly characters in this show exemplify this, as they are frequently underestimated by their relatives, friends, and colleagues. After a chance meeting, they band together and form The Wicked League to seek revenge on those who have mistreated them. Through light-hearted dark humor, this series sheds light on the challenges faced by elderly individuals in today's society, aiming to encourage viewers to show more compassion and respect towards the elderly in their own lives.

Upon my return to Hong Kong from Malaysia, I, Joe Ma, find myself facing various challenges in my personal and professional life. Despite my age, I maintain a youthful spirit and am determined to succeed in my career. However, superstitions from my mother, marital issues with my wife, business setbacks, strained relationships with my siblings, and legal disputes with a former inmate claiming ownership of my mother's house have created turmoil in my household. Nevertheless, I have the wisdom and resilience to handle these obstacles and maintain control over the situation. It is a common truth that every family faces hardships, and I am confident in overcoming these difficulties.

Every parent dreams of their children growing up and becoming independent, no longer relying on them for support. This was also the case for retired professor Tameyama Kazuo, who had five daughters, both married and single, who were all strong-willed and independent. Despite expectations, Kazuo actually wanted to bring his entire family back together under one roof. Despite his daughters' objections, Kazuo used his retirement savings and money from a cancelled insurance policy to search for the perfect home in a prime location in Tokyo, close to a good school for his grandchildren and with easy access to transportation. Against all odds, he found a beautiful home and moved in with all nine family members. However, as they settled in, they discovered that the house had some costly surprises of its own.

A fresh midwife named Yona Kameyama (played by Hana Takano) encounters multiple challenges and experiences personal growth in her role as a midwife. The story unfolds in a comedic manner, portraying her journey in a delightful light.

Atsushi Yajima, a father of three children and a husband, should be heading home after work to assist with household chores and bond with his kids. However, he chooses to socialize with friends and engage in flirtatious behavior with other women instead. Everything changes when Atsushi's wife unexpectedly passes away, leaving him to take on the role of a single parent. Now faced with all the responsibilities that come with parenting alone, the question remains: will Atsushi rise to the challenge or will he seek to pass on these duties to someone else?

Meet the lively Sakurai family, where emotions run high and there's never a dull moment. Harue Sakurai raised her sons by herself after her husband passed away, but she struggles to manage the household. Her oldest son, Tatsuya, takes charge while keeping his younger brothers, Riku and Junpei, in check. Despite the constant clashes, this family wouldn't have it any other way. Tatsuya, a dedicated worker at an advertising agency, is joined by his brothers - a laid-back swimming instructor and a somewhat naive student - in navigating love and work challenges. With their lively mother in tow, the Sakurai family constantly finds themselves in amusing predicaments. This household is known for its candid communication and laid-back atmosphere, winning the hearts of many, including Tanaka. Get ready to fall in love with this imperfectly perfect family!

In the Kitano family, Kikujiro is a strict and short-tempered father who also has a daringly comical personality. His wife, Saki, is a positive, cheerful, and clever woman who often argues with her husband but stands by him during difficult times. This story allows viewers to reflect on the strong and close-knit family bonds of the past, when Japan was not as prosperous as it is today. This drama is inspired by an autobiographical book written by actor and director Takeshi Kitano.

Misako Yoneda, a 56-year-old mother-in-law, continues to behave like a daughter-in-law despite her age. When her son reveals his plans to marry Natsuko Fujisaki, a 35-year-old woman who enters their family through marriage, the dynamics of the well-known rice cracker shop change. This is a tale of the joyous and emotional moments shared between the two women - the mother and her daughter-in-law.

Following the passing of his father-in-law, Akiyoshi Hiromasa is urged by his wife and mother-in-law to take over his father-in-law's role and run for mayor. Hiromasa accepts the challenge and successfully wins the mayoral election. Despite being a new mayor, he initiates various reforms while also dealing with personal family issues. Throughout this journey, Hiromasa discovers his authentic self.

The Osawagi family resides in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, a location in close proximity to Tokyo. Daitetsu, the head of the household, shares a home with his wife Junko, their four children, and his father Kintetsu. They are an eccentric and lively group, turning even the most mundane situations - like dining out or a child falling ill - into chaotic events beyond belief once they are in the mix.

"Live in Style" tells the tale of a family facing challenging circumstances, yet they strive to rise above and maintain a stylish life. Each individual in this extended family carries unique names. [koreandrama.org]

Kim Yeong Ju serves as the talented editor of the fashion magazine ESTILLO; however, her personal life is far from the joyful image others perceive. Her spouse, law professor Park Jeong Do, is unfaithful to her with another woman, leading Yeong Ju to focus solely on her daughter, Park Dat Byeol. Throughout this turmoil, she conceals a significant secret from her family and colleagues, though her siblings are privy to it.

A comedy series focuses on a group of teenagers who appear to be more sophisticated than the adults around them, alongside a pair of individuals who have recently reached their 40s.

In a society filled with antagonists, O Na Ra transforms from a sociable girl into a formidable villain in order to safeguard her family. Displaying a strong sense of competitiveness and a commanding presence, she exerts strict control over her resistant husband and adversary sister Yu Jin, establishing herself as the dominant figure in her household. However, when an interloper disrupts her domain, Na Ra is ready to demonstrate the extent of her villainous capabilities.

The show is a comedic series centered around a family known for their extreme frugality

In Korea, numerous married couples are both employed while caring for their children. Wealthy families can afford to hire nannies and expensive SAT prep advisors for their college-bound kids, whereas poorer and lower-middle-class families must manage childcare duties alongside their jobs. In a culture that promotes young married couples to start families without any local or governmental assistance for parents, working couples in Korea are facing significant challenges regarding childcare. This television series highlights these struggles and prompts viewers to consider the decisions they might make in the best interest of their children. (MBC)