Asian dramas like
Love Affairs In The Afternoon

Filled with hidden truths about its characters' origins, the plot delves into the lives of the wealthy elite and the challenges faced by the innocent protagonist Yu Fei as she seeks to uncover the reality

Ho Jung is an innocent, charming young woman who often finds herself attracted to the wrong men. Both Ho Jung and Kyu In, her neighbor, have romanticized views of love. Their relationship begins with conflict, treating each other like siblings and constantly arguing. Ho Jung's close friend, Cha Hee, harbors feelings for Kyu In, which leads Ho Jung to realize her own romantic interest in him. Ho Jae, Ho Jung's brother, is a charismatic womanizer with attractive physical attributes. Complications arise for Ho Jae when he develops feelings for Ho Jung's friend, Soo Ji, who may not fit conventional beauty standards but possesses a kind heart and intelligence.

Thrifty father Song Young Dal and his spouse Jang Ok Boon have four grown children: stunt performer Joon Sun, homemaker Ga Hee, pediatric doctor Na Hee, and intern Da Hee

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

In 2009, Deng Cao Cao faces the kidnapping of her three-year-old son, leading to her husband Guan Hao blaming her for negligence and the subsequent decision to divorce. Despite the passage of five years, she continues to struggle as a single parent while on a relentless quest to locate her missing child. Along the way, she crosses paths with Gong Jian, a former military serviceman turned entrepreneur, who aids her in the search for her son and forms a deep bond with both mother and child. As Cao Cao and Gong Jian grow closer, complications arise with the return of Guan Hao and the interference of Gong Jian's mother. The question remains whether a new marriage is on the horizon or if familial and friendship bonds will be irreparably damaged.

The narrative centers around Lu Xiao Nan (played by Tina Tang), an independent woman who harbors a fear of marriage due to the complexities involved in merging two lives and families. However, she meets Kevin (portrayed by William Chan), a university professor who is unfettered by familial ties and possesses a warm and adaptable nature. Despite her initial reservations, Xiao Nan marries Kevin and supports him in his quest to reconnect with his estranged family. As they navigate the challenges of blending into his family, Xiao Nan finds solace and purpose with the help of her supportive husband. Meanwhile, Kevin unravels the mysteries surrounding his childhood amnesia. The series is available in two versions: 66 episodes lasting 35-55 minutes each for TV viewing, or 70 episodes of 45 minutes each for DVD watching.

The narrative follows the journey of two elderly friends who find solace in each other as they navigate the challenges of letting go of earthly concerns. Through the eyes of Gu Jia Yi, we gain insight into the lives and hardships faced by her mother and her mother's companions.

In the unique tale of two close friends discovering love, The Essence of My Life is a charming and humorous story about a pair seeking their ideal partners. With intermittent musical interludes, this cheerful production showcases singing and dancing as it narrates the journey of two perfectionists who fail to see each other's potential. Eun Young and Gyung Soo cross paths in their early twenties during a local election campaign. Despite being complete opposites in personality, aspirations, and demeanor, they clash and go their separate ways. Fast forward 12 years, they are now in their thirties, still seemingly different in every aspect except their shared goal of finding true love. As friends, they decide to assist each other in this pursuit. A contemporary comedy revolving around love, marriage, and societal expectations, Bean Chaff poses the question: can two individuals who never envisioned a romantic future together finally mature and grasp the essence of love?

Cha Ki Joon is a highly educated young man who embarks on his career with an impressive entry-level position at a major company. However, he finds himself dissatisfied with his life. In a spontaneous decision, Ki Joon chooses to resign from his job and launch a new venture alongside his childhood friends, Yoon So Dam and Go Tae Ra. So Dam has been juggling various part-time positions while pursuing her dream of becoming an illustrator. Tae Ra, a former competitive cyclist, opts to join Ki Joon in his entrepreneurial endeavor, which involves creating rickshaws of all things. As the trio navigates the challenges of adulthood, evolving friendships, and emerging romantic connections, can their unconventional business thrive?

In the story "Muse no Kagami," Rino Sashihara portrays a regular girl from a rural area without any remarkable attributes. Her life changes when she meets Okita Ryu, a once-popular actor, who recognizes her talent for quickly memorizing lines and her hidden acting skills. Impressed by her abilities, he guides her towards pursuing a career in acting.

The protagonist and main character first encounter each other when they are both fourteen years old. She harbors a deep admiration for him but keeps her feelings hidden because she lacks confidence in her appearance. As time passes, their friendship endures for a remarkable fifteen years. This story is inspired by the novel "Fifteen Years to Wait for Migratory Birds" by Ying Feng.

In the height of his youth, Lin Tuo meets An Zhi Que during a summer internship event in their third year of college. They fall in love instantly. As they near graduation, they transition from academia to the workforce, juggling part-time jobs, job searches, and making plans for their future together. Although life doesn't go as smoothly as expected, they support each other. However, just when things start to look up, Lin Tuo receives a life-changing diagnosis. Lin Tuo is diagnosed with ALS, cutting short his once promising life. In shock and unable to face his family, he isolates himself, but eventually reveals the truth as his condition worsens. His loved ones come together to support him, refusing to let him give up in the face of adversity. Embracing their love, Lin Tuo gathers the courage to move forward boldly.

Upon starting university, Kumiko starts a romantic relationship with Kenichi, who happens to be her new neighbor in the apartment building. Their attempts to be intimate on their first night together are unsuccessful, leading to ongoing difficulties in their physical relationship. Despite these challenges, their love for each other motivates them to eventually decide to tie the knot. Kumiko struggles with feelings of inadequacy, while Kenichi is plagued by doubts about his ability to satisfy her. Unfortunately, these insecurities drive a wedge between the couple, causing them to drift apart over time.

The protagonist Hae Joo starts her life in severe poverty. However, even with the weight of her parents' secret history, she skillfully maneuvers through challenges and strives to fulfill her aspirations. Her childhood love, Park Chang Hee, who is the son of the butler for a company chairman, also transcends his modest origins to become a successful prosecutor. Meanwhile, the cheerful and carefree Kang San, the affluent son of the boss, comes back to Korea after spending years overseas, realizing that he still harbors feelings for Hae Joo.

Lee Ahn and Jin Yeong were in a tumultuous relationship for nearly nine years. Following their separation, Lee Ahn receives the news of Jin Yeong's passing and inherits his locked phone, which will erase all his memories if she inputs the incorrect password ten times. As she copes with her grief, a new employee named Jin Yeong, who bears a striking resemblance to her late love, starts working at her company, stirring up memories of her past. Ahn must input the right password before it’s too late.

The story follows a young woman's transformation into a North Drifter. Chen Ke relocates from Sichuan to Beijing in pursuit of a new beginning, but her relationship with her high school sweetheart ends abruptly. She soon realizes that achieving success in her professional and personal life necessitates both hard work and strategic networking with affluent men, whom she will eventually move on from. Inspired by the short story "Tokyo Women's Guidebook".

Imagine if the person you care for was fated to go blind in three months. What would you want them to see before losing their sight? And if you were in their shoes, what would be the last thing you'd want to see? Shiki Tomokawa, a young pediatrician, is content with her life until she falls for Shunsuke, a cameraman who is set to lose his vision in a few months. How will Shiki handle the news of Shunsuke's impending fate? "To the One I Love" unfolds in two contrasting settings, the lively streets of Tokyo and the serene city of Nagasaki, showcasing the highs and lows of life, as well as the dynamics of relationships with family and friends.

Nakayama Aya, a 32-year-old homemaker, has been joyfully married for two years. Despite appearing to be a picture-perfect couple to outsiders, Aya becomes suspicious when she discovers a cryptic message from an unknown woman on her husband's phone. This discovery, coupled with the lack of intimacy in their relationship for the past two months, prompts Aya to embark on a quest for further proof of a potential affair.

A woman is involved in a romantic relationship with a man who is already married. Her name is Lee Hwa Young, and she experiences no remorse for taking her friend's spouse.

A narrative about an intelligent young girl who, having lost her family during the Korean War, navigates the swift transformations of Korean society in the 1970s. It is a tale that explores themes of ambition, love, grief, forgiveness, and the reconciling of two generations who endured the chaotic times of the first and second Korean Wars, spanning from the 1950s to the 1970s.

The series effectively narrates the journey of a girl named Hyo Rin, who is perpetually troubled by matters of the heart

Seven siblings, orphaned and bound by a bond stronger than that of biological relatives, are juxtaposed with a family related by blood that is fracturing due to its own avarice, prompting a reflection on the true essence of family and happiness. The narrative primarily follows Jang Ha Bin/Kim Baek Won, a girl who becomes a police officer, and Do Young, a boy who pursues a career as a prosecutor. He finds himself falling in love with her once more after she previously shattered his heart. (MBC, DramaWiki)

Ai Ruo Man is a successful and self-sufficient professional with impressive credentials. Despite her qualifications, she has not been lucky in romantic relationships. Her former partner once mentioned that her demanding nature made it challenging for anyone to love her. On the other hand, Lu Fei, her close friend of 15 years, is a caring and laid-back individual who enjoys cooking and tending to his home and garden. While he is admired by many women, he has not been in many relationships and is not considering marriage at the moment. As they both enter their thirties, Ruo Man and Lu Fei are focused on personal growth and leading fulfilling lives in the bustling city. Will they discover love along the way? (CdramaBase)

Ito Kaya has been a stay-at-home wife for many years and has been happily wedded to her spouse Tadashi for a decade and a half. Despite their content marriage, they have not been intimate in quite some time. One day, Kaya confronts her husband about the possibility of him having a lover, only to discover that he is aware of her extramarital affair as well. Unbeknownst to Tadashi, Kaya has been involved with Seiichiro, a manga artist. Adding to the complexity of the situation, Kaya learns that the chiropractor at the clinic she frequents is also romantically involved with her husband. As fate would have it, all four individuals find themselves interconnected. The outcome of this intricate relationship involving the troubled couple and their respective partners remains uncertain.

Zi Jun, a 37-year-old housewife, is living a peaceful life until her husband unexpectedly asks for a divorce, revealing hidden issues in their marriage. Despite her efforts to salvage the relationship, Zi Jun is unable to change her husband's mind. Following a period of denial, Zi Jun decides to return to work with the support of her close friend Tang Jing and her boyfriend He Han. Tang Jing, a career-driven woman, plays a significant role in the story by navigating her own feelings for He Han and his romantic interest in Zi Jun.

The narrative follows two college friends who ventured to Shanghai to chase their aspirations away from home. Sharing a rented space, Dong Yang and Li Wen Jia gradually develop a close bond. Eventually, they confess their love and choose to tie the knot. They encountered various obstacles in their professional lives, such as being falsely accused at work, and encountered numerous challenges as they worked towards building a future together. (DramaWiki, ChineseDrama.info) Based on the book "Shanghai Dream" by Zhou Yi Fei.

Sawada Takuto, a typical college student, discovers he has been diagnosed with A.L.S. (Lou Gehrig's disease) and has limited time left. Rather than succumbing to sadness, Takuto chooses to embrace life to the fullest.

Ritsu was left by his mother Reiko when he was young, leading him to live in the lower socioeconomic class. After sustaining a severe head injury in a case, Ritsu's life is at risk. Believing his mother abandoned him due to financial struggles, Ritsu sets out to reconcile with her before his potential demise. However, upon discovering that she is happily living with her son Satoru, a talented pianist, Ritsu decides to seek revenge. Along the way, Ritsu encounters Rinka, a girl he had helped before, and learns she is Satoru's childhood friend.

Sad Sonata tells a tale of love involving two men and a woman. Young Joon Young, brought up by his mother who sold alcohol to American soldiers, crossed paths with blind Hae In, and they became childhood lovers. Later, Hae In moved to the United States with her aunt, who was married to an American soldier. There, she encountered Gun Woo, Joon Young's best friend and the son of a wealthy businessman. After receiving a letter from Hwa Jung informing her of Joon Young's death, she accepted Gun Woo's affection. Following a successful surgery, Hae In regained her sight. The narrative resumes when composer Joon Young, singer Hae In, and music producer Gun Woo reunite.

Mineko Kaneko discovers she has a brain tumor, giving her a limited amount of time left. Koji Amane, a freeloader with minimal aspirations, crosses paths with her due to a cat.

The plot revolves around Lei Lei and Ye Qing, who initially have a rocky start due to rumors spread by the villagers about Ye Qing's character. However, they bond over their mutual admiration for Teresa Teng's music and eventually form a strong friendship. As they support each other during China's changing times, their bond deepens into a romantic relationship. The title of the drama is inspired by Teresa Teng's iconic song.

The narrative follows Ju Zi, a woman whose life is marked by tragedy, and the individuals in her midst amid a Japanese invasion

Describes the intricate emotional tale involving Wen Ya, who disappeared for eight years, her former lover Detective Captain Li Yuan, and her current spouse Jiang Xiao Xian

The narrative unfolds the journey of siblings Yang Xue and Yang Li Nan as they transitioned from a rural village to a bustling metropolis where they settled down to pursue their careers. While striving to realize their dreams through hard work, they also grappled with the inevitability of marriage looming on the horizon.

In just a few weeks, a pair of individuals will be tying the knot. These two youths, who were previously accustomed to receiving necessities with just a simple request, are now confronting the challenges of the real world. They are embarking on the journey of adapting to their new life, beginning from the very foundation. The storyline revolves around the trials and tribulations of married life, pregnancy, and extramarital relationships.

Following the unjust persecution of Lin Zhen Xin's father, Lin Shin Nan, due to a business deal gone wrong with the powerful Ko family, she decides to seek revenge for her father's death. To gather evidence of her father's innocence, she feigns romantic interest in Ko Yang, the heir to the Ko family. However, as she gets closer to Ko Yang, she finds herself falling uncontrollably in love with him. Meanwhile, Wang Xiang, who also has feelings for Lin, is forced to watch from the sidelines as Lin faces a difficult decision. The series is available in two versions: the original 40-episode version and the CCTV version with 38 episodes.

A timeless family saga centered around a food company executive who experiences a whirlwind of challenges following an unexplained breakup with a significant other.

The narrative follows Guan Liang Pei, who experiences a mental health condition after being unexpectedly left by her initial romantic partner, Zhao Yu. Wang Jing Fan, who harbored strong feelings for her, chooses to marry her and take on the responsibility of caring for her. The story delves into the emotional turmoil stemming from unusual reactions triggered by the lingering feelings for a past love.

Ling Ka Yan works as a salesperson at a pet store. She was informed of a serious illness during her childhood, leading her family to be excessively cautious with her. Consequently, despite being in her twenties, she had never encountered genuine affection until she crossed paths with Yau Zi Wing, a man who alters her life indefinitely.

In an effort to expand her business, SIK-SIK, an employee at a travel agency, travels to Malaysia for a meeting with her client. However, her plans are disrupted by a devious local tour guide named KUNG-CHI, leading to a falling-out between them. Suddenly, SIK-SIK's boyfriend CHING CHIN-BOK appears and proposes marriage to her. They begin preparing for their wedding upon returning to Hong Kong. Just as SIK-SIK believes she is the happiest bride, a video is leaked during the ceremony showing CHIN-BOK cheating on her with her best friend. Heartbroken, SIK-SIK returns to Malaysia and changes jobs to work at a local hotel, where she meets KUNG-CHI again. Despite their differing mindsets, they develop subtle yet close feelings for each other. CHIN-BOK's sister CHING CHIN-CHUN supports SIK-SIK's decision to break up with her brother. Through SIK-SIK, she meets the famous chef CHIN TSUN and becomes his apprentice to learn cooking. Over time, CHIN-CHUN develops feelings for her mentor, while CHIN TSUN cannot shake his thoughts of SIK-SIK. Just as he is about to confess his love, CHIN-BOK resumes his pursuit of SIK-SIK, with KUNG-CHI unexpectedly coming to her aid.

Following a tragic accident, magazine photographer Song Tian Chong lost her vision. Despite her passion for beauty and watching TV dramas, Tian Chong remained undeterred by her blindness. Supported by her boyfriend, To Zhen Hang, and her guide dog, Tian Chong stays positive and draws strength from her new mantra, Love Conquers All. While Tian Chong rebuilds her life, her new neighbor, advertising expert Gam Yin Zhong, is going through a midlife crisis. Previously consumed by work, Yin Zhong became isolated from friends and family. Feeling lost and lonely, Yin Zhong decides to go on a long vacation to rediscover himself. After a breakup, Tian Chong meets Yin Zhong and finds solace in their shared loneliness. Despite their initial differences, Tian Chong and Yin Zhong gradually develop feelings for each other and realize they have more in common than they thought.

In a society filled with gossip and misinformation, individuals appear to have overlooked fundamental ethical principles. Typically characterized by their polished appearance, articulate speech, and impartial demeanor, mediators are expected to possess certain qualities. However, amidst these conventional mediators stands Yip Chi Fan, an unconventional figure who dresses casually, speaks his mind, and operates outside the confines of traditional norms. Yip rejects the notion of complete neutrality, believing instead that mediators should maintain sensitivity to facilitate resolution. When law graduate Fong Yuen joins Yip's firm as an intern, her straightforward approach clashes with Yip's unconventional methods. As they spend more time together, their differing perspectives begin to influence one another.

Naoko's life takes a turn when a failed project leads to her being demoted from marketing to data management, and her boyfriend and boss, Yanagiba Toshiro, moves to New York. Feeling lost, she encounters Uchimura, a cheerful bus driver who inspires her to reevaluate her goals. However, her world is turned upside down when Toshiro returns to Tokyo, forcing her to choose between two very different men in her life.

The series delves into the connections and friendships among seven individuals who come together unexpectedly, exploring how these relationships evolve over time. It all starts with a gathering of six of them. Each of the seven main characters is named after a different color of the rainbow.

Shuko's husband tragically passed away in a plane accident, leaving her with a significant inheritance. However, the newfound wealth brings unwarranted suspicion and gossip her way, causing Shuko deep emotional pain. Seeking solace, she escapes to an exclusive hotel on a secluded island where she crosses paths with Maki, a young man trapped on the island with his girlfriend, Rio, the niece of the hotel owner. Together, Maki and Rio scheme to obtain money from Shuko by manipulating her feelings for Maki. As their deceitful plan unfolds, Shuko's fortune attracts attention from those around her. Drawing inspiration from Henry James' classic novel "The Wings of the Dove," this tale explores themes of love, greed, deception, and truth within the backdrop of a serene and isolated island.

Seo Joon plays the role of a rebellious son of a wealthy entrepreneur in the drama. The series follows Seo Joon's journey as he achieves success in the alcohol industry by selling authentic Korean beer.

Baby Jae Kyung was left by his mother due to financial issues, and his father, who was often drunk, tragically died in a train accident while intoxicated. Raised by a con artist, Jae Kyung learned the tricks of the trade and developed into a skilled scammer due to his exceptional memory. Alongside his adopted father and three others, they deceived many individuals out of their money. However, after meeting the girl of his dreams, Jae Kyung resolved to leave behind his deceitful ways.

Cha So Yeong is a dedicated spouse to her husband, who struggles with various issues. Her first love is the heir to a prominent financial firm. To cover the expenses of her husband's surgery, she reluctantly resorts to selling herself to the man who has unreciprocated feelings for her.

Cha Do-kyung was the quintessential "it girl," capturing everyone's attention throughout her school years. Her striking appearance and wealthy family background attracted numerous admirers. In contrast, Jang Gong-shim, Do-kyung's friend, often felt overshadowed and inadequate compared to her growing up. However, a chance encounter resulted in a one-night stand between Do-kyung and Bong-hee, who was then Gong-shim's boyfriend, leading to an unexpected pregnancy and their subsequent marriage. Fast forward 17 years, and Do-kyung has settled into the role of a regular housewife with three children and a lackluster husband, while Gong-shim has achieved fame as a ballet dancer. This role reversal has created tension between the two women, culminating in a rivalry over Hyun-woo, who once harbored feelings for Do-kyung in their youth. Caught between his first love, now married to someone else, and Gong-shim, the once overlooked girl who blossomed into a stunning woman, will Hyun-woo choose to pursue his childhood affection or embrace his feelings for Gong-shim? Will Gong-shim succeed in capturing Hyun-woo's heart? (KBS World)