Asian dramas like
My Liberation Notes

Challenges in life can impact individuals greatly, as seen in this romantic drama that follows the lives of a man and woman facing difficult circumstances. As they develop a deeper understanding and connection with each other, they begin a transformative journey that brings forth new emotions. Sim U Ju's life takes a drastic turn for the worse following her father's passing, leading to her eviction from her home by her father's mistress. Seeking vengeance, she approaches Han Dong Jin, the son of her father's former partner. Spending more time together, she discovers that she has developed feelings for him. Han Dong Jin, a dedicated worker leading a solitary life, finds his world shaken up by Sim U Ju's sudden appearance.

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.

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.

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

"Our Blues" follows an anthology-style narrative, showcasing a range of characters whose lives are intertwined in various ways. Lee Dong Suk, a native of the picturesque Jeju Island, makes a living by selling goods from the mainland out of his truck. He encounters Min Sun Ah, a mysterious young woman seeking refuge on the island. Meanwhile, Park Jung Joon, a ship captain, develops feelings for Lee Young Ok, a cheerful and lively diver. Jung Eun Hee, a fishmonger, reconnects with her former flame Choi Han Soo, who returns to Jeju Island after realizing that city life is not meant for him.

Moon Ha Won, a well-known innovator in artificial intelligence and the creator of the M&H portal site, is celebrated for his commitment, logical thinking, and compassionate demeanor

Feeling weary of her life in Seoul, Hae Won, a cellist who has shielded her heart from past traumas, makes her way back to her roots in Bookhyun Village. In this quaint town, she encounters Eun Seob, the proprietor of "Goodnight Bookstore." As their paths cross, his usual rhythm of enjoying coffee, reading, and blogging begins to change.

Fang Le and Yuan Yuan's relationship is facing challenges due to their lack of children. Fang Le is eager to expand their family, while Yuan Yuan is prioritizing her career over starting a family.

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.

Lee Ji Yeon possesses an inherently positive and cheerful demeanor and works as a jewelry accessory designer. She is wedded to Choi Joon Ho. Meanwhile, Kim Tae Seop, a detective known for his reserved nature, becomes deeply attached to Ji Yeon after falling for her. Ji Yeon finds herself in a dilemma involving two men.

Laurel Tree Tailor Shop, a family-run establishment, has been operating for nearly a century. The master tailor, Lee Man Sool, has mastered the rare skill of crafting bespoke suits. After deciding to leave, Man Sool leaves behind a note for his wife, instructing her to sell the traditional shop, as he believes it can no longer sustain itself and lacks the strength to do it himself. His family—his wife, son, and daughter—are shocked by his choice. Meanwhile, his former apprentice is heartbroken upon hearing of Man Sool’s departure and considers returning to the shop, a move his wife prohibits. Family dynamics become complicated when Dong Jin unexpectedly loses his position as president of his father-in-law’s company, and his wife initiates divorce proceedings. Convinced that returning to his father's tailor shop is his best option, Dong Jin makes that decision. The seamstresses are eager to keep the shop running until their boss returns, but one woman is hesitant due to her negative experiences with Dong Jin. What will it take to rescue this cherished community shop? (Viki)

Yang Yi Ru, known for her dedication to work, rarely took time off for vacations. Upon being deceived by her relatives and friends into believing she had cancer with only six months to live, Yi Ru was encouraged to go on a holiday overseas to unwind from her busy schedule. Still reeling from the shocking news, Yi Ru met Lan Shi De while he was on a business trip. When Yi Ru confided in Shi De about her limited time left and her desire to marry and have children, he proposed to her. Unaware that Shi De had actually met and fallen for her years ago, Yi Ru accepted his proposal.

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.

A tale of Tian Chuang Hua, the daughter-in-law of the Ma family, who faces numerous challenges in her life but finds the strength to assist her village. Tian Chuang Hua, known for her devotion as a wife and daughter-in-law, had hoped for her husband to return for the new year, only to be presented with divorce papers instead. Along with her daughter, they encounter their own difficulties, including debt collectors at their door. Amidst these struggles, she receives the devastating news of her father's passing but remains committed to her in-laws. Tian Chuang Hua's compassion is acknowledged when her parents-in-law choose her over their own son. Despite the hardships, she tackles her issues one by one and embarks on a journey to promote tourism in the village. In a stroke of luck, she uncovers the precious art of paper-cutting skills possessed by her mother-in-law.

The series "In the Realm of Love" is captivating due to its compact size, capturing the essence of young urban individuals in various stages of love. Despite being only 5 minutes long, each episode presents a unique love story, showcasing the power of storytelling within a brief timeframe. The show explores themes such as fortune and regret in love, reconciliations after arguments, and the intensity of passion, offering a glimpse into authentic urban life and crafting a microcosm of love within the "love apartment" setting.

The story revolves around Sumiko Saegusa, a resilient woman who faces numerous challenges but never wavers in her self-belief. In the tumultuous aftermath of the war, she is forced to engage in prostitution to support her family while nurturing her aspiration to become a teacher. Despite falling in love with a young doctor, their romance does not endure. Eventually, Sumiko achieves her dream of becoming a teacher and reunites with the doctor, but their lives continue to be plagued by obstacles.

The story revolves around Oh Eun Soo and Kim Bit Na, a former teacher and her student, who reunite years later after marrying siblings Yoon Soo Ho and Yoon Soo Hyun. Their families blend even further when their parents remarry, making them stepsisters.

Qing Tian tragically lost her father in a fatal accident and had her entire inheritance seized by her stepmother. She later secured a job at a local restaurant where she crossed paths with Yu Hao. Yu Hao's grandmother, the proprietor of a successful company, took a liking to Qing Tian. In a bid to motivate Yu Hao, who lacked enthusiasm for the family business, the grandmother decided to name Qing Tian as her heir. This sparked a competitive spirit between Yu Hao and Qing Tian. As they competed, they also began to uncover each other's strengths and virtues.

When a saleswoman and her spouse face challenges at work threatening their dreams, they work hard to improve their financial situation. Liu Ai is a top performer in sales, while her husband Yang Guang works as a designer. Their goal is to earn enough money to start a family and buy a home. However, when Liu Ai's boss refuses to pay her rightful earnings at the end of the year, she quits in anger. Meanwhile, Yang Guang also experiences work-related issues. With support from friends, they decide to overcome these obstacles. Liu Ai takes a leap of faith by starting her own business, aiming to excel in sales.

This narrative centers around a woman groomed by her mother to serve as an instrument of vengeance, intertwined with her perilous romantic life. Carrie Jung has endured the loss of both her husband and child, and now her sole purpose is to exact revenge on those who caused their deaths. In pursuit of this goal, Carrie Jung trains Han Yoo Jin as a key player in her scheme for retribution. Han Yoo Jin is both intelligent and attractive, yet she finds herself in love with a man she should avoid.

The relationship between a man and a woman, whether it turns into romance or rivalry, is determined by a pivotal meeting. Set against the backdrop of a television network's professional environment, this narrative explores the lives of young individuals who have faith in fate. (MBC)

Episode 1: What occurs when you serve as a waitress in a “hunting pocha”? Episode 2: Should you end the relationship or simply move on if you see your boyfriend being flirtatious? This is why it can be intimidating when a girl claims she comprehends.

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 series follows the lives of individuals who have fallen out of love. Matsuo Ryo is employed at a landscaping company and holds a negative view of women. During a visit to a client's office, he encounters Satogawa Akane, a secretary to a CEO who is highly regarded by male colleagues for her beauty and intelligence. However, Akane, disillusioned by a past relationship, is not interested in pursuing romantic relationships and only engages in sexual encounters with married men. A new colleague named Kinosaki Haruto shows interest in Akane. Meanwhile, Ryo is approached by his boss with a proposal to marry his daughter Tanno Ayaka and eventually take over the company, but Ryo sees Ayaka as a sister figure and feels embarrassed by the suggestion. Ayaka, who works at a construction site by day and a girl's bar by night, struggles with her own sexual identity. One night at the girl's bar, she is approached by a female customer named Kuroda Azusa.

A theatrical piece centered around a woman who, through re-adoption, finally finds her place within a family, alongside a man who opts for love rather than familial ties.

Min Sa Rin has seamlessly adjusted to her role as a daughter-in-law and is navigating through life without major issues. Unexpectedly, she finds herself entangled in a mysterious case.

Everyone experiences their first love, and often, it doesn't conclude on a joyful note. Jin Bo Ra is not exempt from this reality, facing both her first love and a daunting predicament. The man she adores deeply is revealed to be the son of her mother's partner. She never anticipated that her affection would fade away so quickly. Moreover, she failed to fully communicate her feelings. She learned the hard way that if you miss that chance and that moment, love can evaporate like ice cream in the sun.

Han Ji Sook is a single parent who becomes romantically involved with a man who is already married. This man, Kang Chul Soo, has a family with his spouse, Yoon Young Hee. When Young Hee discovers Chul Soo's affair, she begins to emotionally withdraw from him. Ultimately, they end their marriage, allowing Chul Soo to embark on a new journey with Ji Sook. However, fate takes a turn when Chul Soo gets into a car accident, resulting in the loss of all memories related to Ji Sook. Consequently, Young Hee must act as if she and Chul Soo are still together.

The story of Delicious Romance revolves around three women living in the city, each navigating the complexities of modern relationships. Liu Jing is a meticulous food blogger with high standards for her romantic partners. Fang Xin, a divorced news anchor, struggles with love despite her beauty. Xia Meng, a successful businesswoman, faces challenges in her relationship due to her achievements. Through their experiences of hardship in their careers, workplace discrimination, and relationship struggles, these women gain a fresh perspective on life.

"Take it easy" is a television program where conflicts are resolved with the assistance of mediator and presenter, Yang Guang

Xu Hong Dou, a woman from the city working in the hotel industry, experiences upheaval in her life following the passing of her closest friend

The Lam family comprises 4 brothers and one sister, with Yat Gong as the eldest and Sik Sui as the third brother. Living across from them was the Gei family, which consisted of the father, the eldest sister Hoi Sum, the middle sister Mei Lai, and the youngest brother Chong Ming. Cheung Bik Fan and Yat Gong were previously in a relationship but eventually ended it. The main storylines involve the romantic entanglement between Yat Gong, Hoi Sum, and Bik Fan, Hoi Sum's flower tea business, and the love affair between Mei Lai and Sik Sui.

Lee Dong Jin and Yoo Eun Ho ended their marriage two years prior, yet they still find reasons to meet, frequently at the donut shop where they used to go on dates. They keep tabs on each other's romantic endeavors and invent justifications, such as anniversaries, to maintain their connection. Although their feelings for one another run deep, their pride and the influence of others complicate matters, prompting them to bring new individuals into their lives.

The situation worsens for the radio show hosts as their marriages deteriorate further upon discovering the identities of their husbands' secret lovers. (Netflix)

Online Korean language teacher, Oh Yeon Doo, uncovers her boyfriend, Kim Joon Ha's infidelity and learns she is expecting a child

Seven years ago, two men were informed that the women they both had relationships with had vanished after having a baby girl. Unsure of paternity, the duo decided to co-parent the child. Tang Xiang Xi, a charismatic lawyer, and Wen Zhen Hua, a sensitive florist, along with the young Tang Wen Di, form an unconventional family unit. Their unique living situation catches the attention of the girl's stubborn teacher and their introverted neighbor. (DramaWiki) Inspired by the American television show "My Two Dads" [1987].

Geum Byeol and Eun Byeol are twin sisters who have struggled with a tumultuous relationship since childhood. While their mother pampered Geum Byeol like a princess, Eun Byeol often faced neglect and was compelled to yield to her sister's demands. Their tumultuous bond persisted for years, but it was expected to diminish after their marriages. Instead, their rivalries escalated to new levels as they discovered that their husbands were bitter adversaries. This television series explores the themes of unequal childhood experiences and the dynamics of two siblings who become daughters-in-law in two warring families, as they attempt to mediate the conflict. The narrative presents these complex relationships in a humorous light, ultimately showcasing how the characters navigate their differences through love and forgiveness. (MBC America)

When Ji Young Sun was quite young, she placed her daughter Lee Ja Kyung for adoption shortly after giving birth. She later remarried and established a new household; however, her husband passed away, leaving her with her stepson Gu Wang Mo and daughter Gu Seul Ah. Now an adult, Lee Ja Kyung has faced the loss of her foster parents during her childhood, resulting in a life filled with solitude and a lack of affection. Ji Young Sun eventually seeks out her daughter, but in her desire to keep Ja Kyung close, she attempts to pair her with her stepson.

Following a night of excessive drinking, three close friends Wang Ran, Lao Diao, and Guang Dong awaken on a yacht with splitting headaches and unexpected marriage certificates! Wang Ran, who is already engaged to her ideal partner, finds herself married to her former college sweetheart who vanished without a trace; young businesswoman Lao Diao is now wedded to a conceited heir who constantly irritates her, and the easygoing Guang Dong is now the husband of a materialistic and attractive model, a situation he surprisingly doesn't seem to mind. As the story unfolds, the trio becomes increasingly involved in the lives of their fake spouses, leading to changes in their initial perceptions as well as personal growth along the way!

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".

Guan Wen, renowned for her ability to handle difficult clients, climbed the corporate ladder in a foreign company. However, shortly before her birthday, Guan Wen was falsely accused by her colleagues and decided to resign without having another job lined up. Despite being over thirty and having a wealth of experience, Guan Wen struggled to secure a new job. After facing multiple rejections in interviews, she reluctantly accepted a position at a newly opened mall. The seemingly prestigious job turned out to be challenging, as the mall was plagued with various issues hampering its success. To make matters worse, Guan Wen crossed paths with her ex-boyfriend from college, Ding Ning, who was now cold and competitive in his career. Their professional relationship evolved from conflict to uncertainty, eventually leading to a breakup. Guan Wen found herself torn between not wanting Ding Ning to jeopardize his career for her and the need to make her own decisions. Meanwhile, her friends Chen Xuan Xuan, a retired athlete, and Jing Zhi Qiu, a former actress, were also dealing with their own struggles in life. As they faced relationship challenges and marital issues, they realized that they were their best assets in overcoming these obstacles. Despite being in their thirties, they refused to back down and were determined to emerge victorious in the battles they faced.

Emi works as a lighting technician at a company that specializes in lighting. Due to her predominantly male colleagues, she has adopted a more tomboyish behavior. Emi is not interested in typical girly things like fashion and has a cynical view on love. Despite this, she harbors feelings for her ex-boyfriend, who is also her coworker. Mako is a diligent office worker who is somewhat clumsy and hesitant to pursue romantic relationships. She had never been intimate with anyone until she developed feelings for a colleague. Saki is a stunning and confident young woman with aspirations of becoming a journalist. However, she ends up working as a hostess in a bar to support her family. Saki fabricates stories about working at a prestigious publishing company to her family. She becomes romantically involved with a married man who is kind and supportive.

Tsukasa is a devoted husband to his wife Sayaka, showcasing a strong appearance, notable educational background, and a lucrative salary. However, he harbors a hidden truth from his wife - his incompetence at work. Struggling with constant errors and doubts about his abilities, Tsukasa faces a dilemma when he discovers Sayaka is expecting a child, making it difficult for him to leave his job.

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 stubborn elderly father and a kindhearted mother in their senior years develop feelings for each other. Despite coming from distinct cultural backgrounds, their families face challenges when the couple marries later in life. Nevertheless, these disagreements ultimately pave the way for mutual understanding and unity, allowing them to discover the essence of genuine family bonds. Can they maintain their peaceful coexistence moving forward? (Viki)

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

This drama presents a poignant yet beautiful tale of first love. Fate grants the characters a love that is as elusive and distant as a star—so far away that it's almost unimaginable to grasp it. All they can do is admire it from afar. However, love possesses the ability to inspire hope and a will to live, much like a star that continues to glow in the darkness. The story begins by exploring the characters' school days, illustrating the pure love experienced by these young adults as they encounter it for the first time. Viewers are given a unique chance to relive the faint scent and dreams of their initial love, which until now have only lingered in their memories. (KBS Global)

The plot centers around a group of recent college graduates, portraying a tale of youth, aspirations, and challenges. After finishing their studies, Ling Xiao, Tan Yue, Rao Shi Kai, Ning Xue, Ning Yu, and their peers faced the difficulties of starting their careers. As they met new romantic interests like Wei Wei, Chen Hao, and Ning Yu, they began to see love and work in a new light. Despite his father's objections, Ling Xiao was determined to pursue his dream through hard work. However, his affluent background posed a challenge in his relationship with Wei Wei. Ling Xiao helped Tan Yue secure a job at a 4S shop, where Tan Yue fell for Chen Hao. Chen Hao, in turn, wanted to create an opportunity for Tan Yue and Ling Xiao. When Ling Xiao's cousin Zhao Xiao Nan returned from studying abroad and took over the family business, he started to indulge himself. Despite his wealth and experience, he couldn't win the affections of Wei Wei. Witnessing the simple love between Wei Wei and Ling Xiao gave Zhao Zhen Nan a new perspective on love. Ultimately, these young individuals found success in their careers, love lives, and overall happiness.

Cha Yoon Hee, a thriving producer of television dramas, is apprehensive about the idea of in-laws and desires a partner who has no familial connections