Asian dramas like
Otousan To Yobasete

After the passing of her father, Lee Soon Shin faces numerous challenges. Both she and her mother find it difficult to attain happiness. Amid the highs and lows of her life, her romantic journey unfolds. As the youngest in a prosperous family, Lee Soon Shin appears to lack the talents that her relatives possess, often being viewed as an outsider, even though she is a spirited, vibrant, and brave young woman. Her life takes a transformative turn when she encounters Shin Joon Ho, the head of a talent agency. Initially, Shin Joon Ho is a self-assured, aloof, and competitive individual, but he undergoes a change as he learns the true essence of success through his relationship with Lee Soon Shin.

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

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

Career-driven woman Takanashi Asuka has a traditional aspiration of getting married and being a homemaker. When her longtime boyfriend ends their relationship to focus on his career, she crosses paths with Nanami Ryu, a well-known news anchor at PTV. Asuka and Ryu hit it off, despite his aversion to marriage. Their conflicting desires in life make a romantic relationship seem unlikely, especially since Nanami believes marriage restricts personal freedom and serves as a mere escape for women. "I have no interest in getting married," he declared. Despite their differing views on marriage, Asuka views Nanami as an ideal partner. Thus, the 'Battle of Values' commences.

There are four sisters in the family. Yasuko, the second daughter, and Miharu, the fourth daughter, are both married. The third daughter, Nao, and the eldest daughter, Moe Edamoto, live together in a house. The mother is in the hospital experiencing hallucinations, and the father has left home. Sakaki is preparing for her wedding, bringing together her four sisters and their husbands under one roof for the first time in a while. However, each sister harbors a hidden secret. Suddenly, two mysterious men show up, leading to the revelation of the women's hidden circumstances one by one.

Xia Tian, a young woman who is currently single, discovers that her mother is willing to pay for her sister's wedding if she attends with a boyfriend. Determined to prove her mother wrong and ensure her sister's dream wedding, Xia Tian sets out to find a boyfriend within 258 days. This storyline is a remake of the Argentinian TV series "Blind to Dating" (Ciega a Citas) [2019]. (Viki)

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

Haruko Takanashi, aged 30, is employed at a radio station. As she advances towards a middle management position, she learns that attractiveness alone is not sufficient. Lacking a romantic inclination, she dedicates herself to work and leisure, ultimately finding herself alone. Just as she gives up on love, she encounters a man at a party she attended with a colleague. The man, named Ichiro Kashiwakura, is 25 years old and unremarkable. They initiate a relationship and, unexpectedly, Ichiro passionately proposes to Haruko. Recognizing his genuine affection, she accepts and they wed. However, she has yet to disclose her true age to him.

Oh In Yeong is a former singer from an idol group. She was part of a well-known girl group consisting of four members, but her popularity has since declined. To revitalize her waning fame, In Yeong decides to take part in a reality television show that pairs faux mothers and daughters-in-law. During the production, she encounters her scripted mother-in-law, Yang Chun Ja, who is the head of a traditional family with a long history. Their on-screen relationship is filled with animosity, yet, as destiny would have it, they eventually become a real mother and daughter-in-law.

Min Yeong is employed as a dating agent, and although her profession demands that she pairs clients according to their social statuses, she holds the belief that love should be free of limitations

Asakura Sumire, a 35-year-old woman, has earned a reputation as a marriage scammer by using her beauty and clever tactics to deceive numerous men. She specifically targets individuals who have made their fortunes through unethical means, making it difficult for the police to apprehend them. Operating in the shadows as a skilled "Miss Target", she has never failed to hit her mark. However, Sumire shocks everyone by announcing her decision to retire from marriage fraud and actively search for a husband. With her acquired skills, she confidently enters the marriage market in pursuit of a wealthy suitor, prioritizing financial stability in a partner. Despite her background as a con artist, Sumire embarks on a sincere quest for a husband, raising questions about who will ultimately win her heart.

A dramatic portrayal that examines the dynamics of age disparities in romantic relationships. Woo Joo Young and Jang Woo Bin navigate the complexities of a relationship involving an older woman and a younger man, while Jang Woo Jin and Joo Young's younger sister, Joo Mi, confront the significant age difference that exists between them.

Na Rim, who grew up in an affluent family, tragically lost her loved ones in a car crash at the age of nine. Following the incident, she experienced memory loss, prompting her uncle to enlist the help of Oh Dal Gun, a former gangster, to create a makeshift family environment that included parents, a sister, a brother, grandparents, and an uncle, in hopes of helping her recover her memories. In his haste, Oh Dal Gun ended up recruiting a variety of quirky individuals to portray Na Rim's family members. Initially, the group struggled to get along, leading to comical situations as they attempted to navigate their new roles in front of the young girl while also shielding her from the person responsible for her family's tragedy. Over time, however, they began to act like a true family and developed genuine care for one another, demonstrating that a nurturing heart can be more important than biological ties. This series is the second installment in SBS's "Bad" trilogy.

Kohei Kamishiro, portrayed by Masaharu Fukuyama, was once a musician who had a single successful song before his record deal was terminated. This setback led him to abandon his music career and live a mundane life for the next two decades. Despite distancing himself from music, his love for it remains strong. His past experiences have made it challenging for him to form relationships with women. However, his life takes a turn when he encounters a woman with a troubled past who lives a solitary existence. Despite her complexities, she possesses an extraordinary singing voice. This encounter reignites Kohei's passion for music and inspires him to create music once again.

Nobuko Shimura is working her first shift at Gyoda Hospital, with Yosuke Naoe as the attending physician. Later in the evening, Nobuko's childhood friend Jiro Toda is admitted with a forehead injury sustained in a fight. Unfortunately, Naoe is unavailable as he has stepped out for a drink. Toda and the ambulance crew express frustration and demand to know the doctor's whereabouts. Upon Naoe's return, he handles the situation by instructing for Toda to be secluded in a restroom until he calms down. Nobuko is taken aback by Naoe's behavior initially, but becomes impressed by his surgical skills during the treatment of Toda's wound. This encounter marks the beginning of their significant relationship.

This tale revolves around the boundless and forgiving love shared among four brothers who, after years of animosity and conflict, come together to mend their ties and revitalize their father's business. Each brother embodies a different generation, reflecting the lives of ordinary individuals in contemporary society: Han Sung Jae, the eldest in his 50s, is kind-hearted but struggles with the responsibilities of being the family leader; Han Sang Kyu, the second brother in his 40s, is successful yet self-centered, focused solely on escaping his familial obligations; Han Sung Min, the third brother in his 30s, finds himself unemployed after a corporate downsizing; and lastly, Han Jung Woo, the youngest sibling, recently graduated from college and currently seeking work. The experiences of these four brothers illustrate the challenges faced by the jobless across various generations. Additionally, this series explores the true essence of marriage, showcasing how couples of different ages strive to maintain their relationships and prevent divorce.

Kim Kyung Sook, Kyung Ku, and Kyung Min's father, a widowed farmer, wed Keum Shil's mother when Keum Shil was just six years old. The union was far from joyful, as Keum Shil's mother maintained an affair with Park Byung Sam, a wealthy landlord in the village who was campaigning for a parliamentary seat. Following the election, her body was found in the river, and Kyung Sook's father was falsely accused of her murder. The police coerced him into confessing, and he tragically died in custody before facing trial. In reality, Park Byung Sam was Keum Shil's biological father and instructed his brother-in-law to adopt her, securing him a position at the Intelligence Office in Seoul. Meanwhile, Kyung Sook relocated to Seoul, dedicating herself to raising her brothers. She promised to exonerate her father and track down the true murderer. Despite her love for Park Jong Kyu, Park Byung Sam's son, he was not the culprit. Who was responsible, and what were their motives?

Ozu Takaichiro, a 32-year-old man who is single, resides in Tokyo and holds rationalistic and modernistic beliefs. Despite his lethargic approach to daily life, his world is turned upside down when his older sister and her husband tragically pass away in an accident, leaving behind their 12-year-old daughter, Kasukabe Mei. Takaichiro takes on the responsibility of caring for Mei during her summer break, temporarily relocating to Naraha in Fukushima Prefecture while continuing his work remotely. As he bonds with his niece and interacts with the welcoming local community, Takaichiro undergoes a transformation, influenced by the warmth and kindness of those around him.

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

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.

Yeong Seok, a student gearing up for the bar exam, experiences an instant attraction to the lovely Yu Jin when he goes to pick up his nephew from kindergarten

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.

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.

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?

The older sister faced challenges in Tokyo, while her younger sister dreams of moving there. Raised in a teahouse named Juicchome Chaya on Mt. Takao's slopes near Tokyo, the siblings aim to find happiness amidst nature and romantic entanglements. However, their family, particularly their stubborn father and crafty mother, proves to be a hindrance. The entire village is also invested in the sisters' love lives, gossiping and speculating. Despite feeling frustrated by their surroundings at times, the sisters also experience the warmth and love of those around them, discovering the true meaning of happiness through their romantic escapades.

In "Hatachi no Koibito," the narrative revolves around Inoue Keisuke, a middle-aged office worker who is married. In his fifties, he starts to contemplate the meaning of his existence. One day, he crosses paths with Sawada Yuri, a 20-year-old graphic design student brimming with aspirations and ambitions. Struck by her resemblance to a past girlfriend, his heart races in a surprising manner. --Tokyograph

"Rikon Doukyo" follows the story of Konaka Masaru and Ichinose Naoko, a couple who initially appear to have a content family life. However, their happiness is disrupted when they choose to separate. Despite their divorce, the couple ends up living together once more under unexpected circumstances.

The convergence of four married women's lives began at a wedding. Despite their varied backgrounds and generations, they seem to be living happy lives. However, beneath the surface, they each face betrayal, sorrow, and dishonesty. This story will track these everyday women as they discover the real significance of family, marriage, and love.

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.

Kitazawa Taro was a key figure in the modern poetry movement in post-war Japan, as he co-founded the poetry magazine "Arechi" with other poets in 1947. Fast forward to 1975, at the age of 53, he worked in a newspaper's proofreading department while still writing poetry and finding joy in everyday life. However, his life takes a drastic turn when he falls in love with Akiko, the wife of his close friend Mitamura Kiichi, leading him to leave his wife and children behind.

25-year-old Kiriyama Saori has experienced numerous romantic relationships in her lifetime and continues to search for true love and her ideal partner through different methods of seeking marriage. However, she encounters deceitful individuals along the way, including a womanizer, a man overly attached to his mother, and a penny-pincher. Unbeknownst to these men, Saori possesses a unique ability that causes her personality to drastically shift in an instant. What mysterious power does she hold?!

The well-known Kgroup TVXQ was gearing up for a concert… It has been four years since their debut… Throughout this period, the members have faced mounting stress and some discord among themselves. Consequently, the president postpones their concert and offers each member a two-week break. Each member sets off on their own getaway, envisioning a refreshing escape from their daily lives. The unusual and amusing events that unfold during their vacation… This is an omnibus TV drama consisting of four episodes, each with its own unique flair…

"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]

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

This narrative revolves around O Ja Ryong, a sociable and kind-hearted individual who confronts his scheming brother-in-law, Yong Seok, who intends to usurp the wealth of his wife's family. The story contrasts O Ja Ryong’s genuine affection and loyalty to his wife with Yong Seok’s avarice and shallow affection for his own spouse. (MBC)

Ma Liang is a carefree individual who acts without considering the outcomes. His girlfriend of two years, Xiao Meng, has grown tired of this behavior and suggested they end their relationship. Ye Man Ling, a wealthy woman recently divorced, returns to China to take over her late father's company. During an awards event, Ye Man Ling and Ma Liang accidentally cross paths, sparking an unfortunate connection between them.

Upon completing middle school, Li Da Bao sought employment to provide for his family following his father's passing. He now works as a technician at a textile factory, repairing machinery. When Zhang Duo Duo, a performer in a song and dance troupe, encounters trouble at a spinning and weaving workshop, Da Bao comes to her rescue. After accompanying her to the troupe to report the incident, he unintentionally interrupts Duo Duo while she is changing clothes. In order to avoid any misunderstandings, Duo Duo decides to marry Da Bao.

Zhao Xiao Yu's life took a dramatic turn when an unexpected inheritance suddenly came her way. Her unique status drew envy and disapproval from those closest to her, leading to a chaotic battle among her blood relatives over the inheritance. Her longtime boyfriend ended up marrying someone else, while she unexpectedly formed a contractual relationship with the executor. The mystery of why her grandfather chose to leave his entire inheritance to her remains unsolved amidst the confusion and turmoil.

Troubled teenager Yu, at 17 years old, is the son of a widowed priest engaged in a forbidden romance with a parishioner. Yu is deeply affected by his father's hypocritical religious devotion and takes his own wrongdoing - secretly taking inappropriate photos of schoolgirls - very seriously, to the point where he turns it into a source of income. Yu is reserving his first intimate experience for the perfect girl, whom he believes he has found in Yoko, a rebellious schoolgirl who has a strong dislike for men and enjoys getting physical with them. Despite his strong feelings for Yoko, winning her affections proves to be a challenging task, especially with the interference of a zealous cult recruiter named Aya who also has her sights set on Yoko.

A narrative centered on the romantic lives and marriages of six couples, each categorized into one of six distinct types of marital dynamics!

Ji Soon Young experiences the heartbreaking loss of her husband, Wang Se Joon, due to a tragic accident. Left to care for their adopted daughter on her own, she encounters Han Kyu Jin and falls in love with him. Unbeknownst to her, Kyu Jin is the father-in-law of her former sister-in-law, Wang Se Bin. Their lives take a significant turn when Soon Young weds Kyu Jin, making her Se Bin's mother-in-law. Now, they must navigate their new family dynamics while striving to get along with one another.

Yamaguchi Narumi is flourishing in her life as a single woman—until the unexpected and solitary death of her respected aunt, a successful career woman, profoundly unsettles her. In a state of anxiety, she plunges into matchmaking, but her efforts lead to failure. When her younger coworker Nasuda Yuya candidly remarks, "Believing that marriage offers security? That’s so old-fashioned!" Narumi undergoes a significant transformation—from konkatsu (marriage searching) to shukatsu (preparing for end-of-life). This is the unfiltered, emotional journey of a woman in her late 30s grappling with societal expectations, personal insecurities, and moments of profound appreciation—all aimed at achieving a single, vital objective: to live well in order to die well.

The 19-year-old girl, Si Chun, faced a life of solitude after losing her father. The absence of paternal affection left her yearning for the comfort of an older man. This desire led her to Guo Xiao, a worker who was over a decade her senior. Despite the age gap, Si Chun was captivated by Guo Xiao's maturity and stability. For Guo Xiao, being with Si Chun brought back feelings of youth and vigor. Their love blossomed, but the harsh reality of their significant age difference strained their relationship over time. The couple eventually decided to part ways due to their growing disagreements. However, unbeknownst to Guo Xiao, Si Chun was already pregnant with his child. Determined to raise the baby alone, she chose to keep her pregnancy a secret and raise the child independently.

Yao Lan, a serious and mature woman of 33, falls deeply in love with the lively and romantic Lu Xiao Bei, who is nine years her junior. Can they navigate the obstacles in their path and find happiness together? (Viki)

A story unfolds as a man and woman find themselves sharing a living space due to unforeseen events, leading them to discover the true meaning of love. Kataoka Yuji, a compassionate police officer known for helping the vulnerable and promoting peace, is a widower who has been raising three children on his own since his wife passed away four years ago. Matsuda Yoko, initially with a disagreeable demeanor, undergoes personal growth through her interactions with this kind-hearted middle-aged man.