Asian dramas like
Square Pegs

Kam Yuk was saved by the compassionate owner of a soy sauce factory from being forced into a brothel when she was a child. She later becomes the young bride of Tau, the factory owner's son. Kam Yuk ends up taking care of Tau more as a servant than a wife, as she is the one who raises him. When Kam Yuk realizes that Tau is spoiled, she convinces an idealistic teacher named Mak Sau Sing to educate him. However, Tau manipulates Mak into selling himself to the family in order to settle a debt owed by his friend, Sor Koo. Learning that Tau's father was responsible for his own father's death, Mak and Sor Koo cause trouble in the household and trick Tau into giving up the family business. Despite their differences, both Tau and Mak find themselves facing a common adversary in Cheng Sin, who has returned to town with the intention of teaming up with the rival of the soy sauce factory, Ding Fung, to drive Mak out of business.

Upon turning 30, Zhang Xiao Wu experiences a string of unfortunate events: her fiancé abandons her for another woman, her business is on the brink of collapse, her landlord evicts her, and her family members constantly ask her for money. Despite these setbacks, Zhang Xiao Wu remains optimistic and confronts each obstacle with a positive mindset, ultimately discovering genuine joy and love.

Follow-up to Xiao Ju's Spring.

Zheng Shuang portrays a set of twins from a wealthy family, with one of them being swapped at birth by a less fortunate mother in order to save her ailing child. The older twin and the poor woman's daughter are brought up as non-identical twins, while the younger twin is raised by the less fortunate mother. As the girls mature, the older twin falls in love with an average man, portrayed by Hans, whom her mother disapproves of. She runs away to be with him, but tragically dies in a car accident. The wealthy mother then encounters her real other daughter and strikes a deal with her - to impersonate the deceased twin in exchange for funding the poor mother's medical care, unaware that they are actually related.

Bi Shen Nan, a determined mother known for her strict parenting style, finds herself under immense pressure as she raises her daughter Qian Qian. On the other hand, her husband, Luo Su, has a more relaxed approach to parenting. Qian Qian, the couple's daughter, is considered the princess of the family. Realizing the importance of a strong educational foundation in elementary school, Bi Shen Nan decides to adopt a more disciplined approach to parenting in order to help her daughter succeed academically. Despite this, Luo Su prioritizes Qian Qian's happiness above all else, even if it means she may fall behind academically. Adding to the mix are their opinionated grandparents and the return of Luo Su's gentle ex-girlfriend.

Fang Zi Yan, a young woman from a modest background, sells inexpensive jewelry to support her family and care for her father who is disabled. Xia Luo Yi constantly challenges Gong Yu Ye's patience by causing trouble within the Gong household. She desires a divorce as their marriage was solely a business arrangement. One day, Xia Luo Yi disappears. Gong Yu Ye encounters Fang Zi Yan, who bears a striking resemblance to his missing wife. To fulfill his grandmother's wishes, he offers Zi Yan money to pose as his wife. Initially, no one suspects the new Xia Luo Yi, until the real one returns.

The former journalist Zhan Da Peng, who specialized in reporting from conflict zones, has transitioned into a respected producer. However, his life takes a drastic turn when his wife, who also works at the company, decides to leave him. This leads to him losing both his family and his job, plunging him into a personal crisis. A new colleague named Chang Ge looks up to Da Peng and begins to shadow him at work. Together, they embark on creating a new program under challenging circumstances, facing numerous obstacles along the way. Despite their efforts, fate intervenes as Da Peng discovers that a piece of shrapnel lodged in his head from a previous assignment in a war-torn area poses a serious threat to his life. Focused on helping his son achieve his dream of starting a business, Da Peng also works on repairing his fractured relationships with his family. Meanwhile, he continues to work on the new program.

When TV producer Lei Da accidentally becomes involved in Xu Zhi's marital problems, their lives become increasingly connected, leading to Lei Da developing strong feelings for her. To win over Xu Beiyang, Xu Zhi's strict father, Lei Da teams up with her two other potential suitors, Wang Chuang and Luo Shixiong, in an effort to show their worthiness as partners for Xu Beiyang's daughters.

Tong Tong has had difficulty hearing since she was a child, a result of rescuing her family from a fire. She grapples with finding acceptance in society without being treated differently. Through the guidance of her mentor and support from those around her, Tong Tong discovers her talent in voice acting, embracing her newfound strength. While working at a dubbing company, she encounters Leung Kai Yin, who initially treats her with excessive care due to her disability. Despite challenges, Tong Tong finds herself falling for Kai Yin as he learns to truly understand her. However, she struggles to confess her feelings as another woman, Yuen Siu Naa, also shows interest in Kai Yin. Tong Tong faces a new obstacle that threatens to bring her down. Will Kai Yin be able to connect with Tong Tong emotionally, or will his efforts be in vain?

Ching Sum, an employee at a pharmaceutical company, is married to his controlling wife, Ko Lai Sum. Instead of confronting her directly, he has been avoiding conflict for the past seven years. However, Lai Sum continues to suspect him of infidelity. Sum's younger brother, Ching Yee, often teases him but also sympathizes with his situation, offering practical advice when possible. One day, Sum is caught cheating by Lai Sum in Shenzhen, who then suggests divorce. Yee, who claims to never lose in matters of love, meets Miu Ling Chi, a new manager at the company, and suffers a significant loss, nearly jeopardizing his job in the process.

Sakuraba Yuuichiro, a popular pop idol known for his cool demeanor, is revealed to be a carefree and cheerful individual. He finds himself in a predicament after falling for Sakura and agreeing to marry into her family, which includes three sisters. To complicate matters further, he faces challenges in concealing his marriage from his devoted and enthusiastic fans.

He is divorced and lacks direction, often labeled as a "loser," yet he possesses good qualities. She is in her thirties, unmarried, and childless, also facing judgments of being a failure, which can be hurtful. There are men who are not necessarily bad but seem directionless. Men in their thirties, divorced, and somewhat aimless. They may be popular, but lack substance. Their lack of seriousness can be seen as a flaw. However, there are women who find this trait attractive. This is a unique love story about such men and the women in their lives. It depicts men and women in their thirties navigating challenges and making mistakes in their pursuit of happiness in a raw and honest manner.

A compelling narrative unfolds in the backdrop of an IT company that gained attention for its attempt to manage a professional baseball team. The story follows an entrepreneur who achieves great wealth through his business prowess. His apprentice demonstrates his skills within the company and rises through the ranks. The drama raises the fundamental question: What truly defines success in life? (Fuji Creative)

At the age of 26, Hatsumi Kitahara works as a dental hygienist and resides with her father, Kyotaro, a seasoned naval officer, as well as her retired grandmother, Hanako. Hatsumi envisions a simple life filled with average job, marriage, and overall enjoyment. Following her mother's passing, she returned home after living independently. Despite their close living situation, Hatsumi and Kyotaro engage in daily trivial arguments. Hatsumi is employed at a dental clinic managed by Ryohei Noma, surrounded by her female colleagues. Unexpectedly, Ryohei proposes marriage to Hatsumi, while another man named Keiichiro, a wealthy figure in Internet and IT, invites her out for dinner. Amidst these events, Hatsumi encounters her ex-boyfriend, Hajime, who is currently exploring his own path in life. This comedic and heartfelt family drama focuses on the dynamics between father and daughter.

Lee Ok Hwa, a cheerful Korean expatriate living in China, hails from China. Ryu Shi Won, a journalist, finds himself in a predicament while in China. He is teased by troublemakers, but Ok Hwa comes to his rescue upon discovering that one of them is her brother. When Ok Hwa travels to Korea to work for Ryu Shi Won's relative, he tries to act as if he doesn't know her, but their bond proves too strong. Despite their frequent disagreements, their relationship grows closer. Meanwhile, Ok Hwa resides with her employer's sister and her two children, Su Jin and Mi Jin. The twins, who have thrived despite financial difficulties, are intelligent and well-adjusted. Mi Jin, who is in college, harbors a secret crush on Lee Suh Jin. Through a twist of fate, she ends up working for Lee Suh Jin's eccentric grandmother and grows closer to Lee Suh Jin. However, Mi Jin's cousin, Hae Won, also has feelings for Lee Suh Jin. This drama beautifully captures the struggles and love that unite a family.

This drama presents a stark contrast between a woman who thrives through intellect and logic and another who exploits her looks and emotionality. Byun So Ra, hailing from a modest background, is incredibly diligent in her pursuits. However, after being betrayed by her boyfriend, her aspirations of becoming a professor crumble. Subsequently, Byun So Ra joins a cosmetics firm, where she encounters a rival, leading to a series of conflicts within the company. Jae Hee will portray the male lead, Yoon Joon Soo, who is characterized as a handsome, intelligent, and capable chaebol, serving as the head of the cosmetics enterprise.

Even though Jung Mong Hee aspires to be a jewelry designer, she supports herself by selling inexpensive imitation jewelry on the streets. She braves the sweltering heat to contribute to her siblings' education expenses. Being the oldest in her family, she feels a sense of duty to assist with their financial needs. One day, however, Mong Hee receives an enticing offer that has the potential to transform her life. She decides to embrace this unexpected chance, viewing it as a step toward realizing her dreams.

Fifty years after leaving her family, a grandmother unexpectedly reappears to share a 10-billion-won inheritance with her children and grandchildren. This revelation sparks a rivalry among the family members as they vie for their share of the fortune, resulting in humorous antics and ultimately fostering growth and maturity among everyone involved.

Heo Gap Dol is a college graduate without a job who has spent years attempting to succeed in the civil service examination. His long-term girlfriend, Shin Gap Soon, backs him by taking on multiple part-time positions, hoping that he will eventually pass the test and ask her to marry him. This drama presents a positive portrayal of different types of marriages among the characters, including traditional marriage, divorced couples, remarried partners, common-law relationships, and cohabiting couples.

Madame Shim is the mother of four sons: Ki Baek, Lee Baek, Sam Baek, and Sa Baek. Her eldest, Ki Baek, develops feelings for Goo Mi Ho, who happens to be the daughter of her rival, Goo Gook. The third son, Wang Sam Baek, becomes friends with Chae Soo Jung. Meanwhile, Lee Baek, the second son, falls for Soo Jung, a stunning twenty-three-year-old who is studying hotel management at their mother's establishment. Complications arise as Sam Baek also finds himself attracted to Soo Jung. Additionally, both Soo Young and Yu Ri have affections for the youngest son, Sa Baek, but he does not reciprocate their feelings and makes efforts to avoid them.

Lee Jung Do's father is a con artist who plans to revert to his old ways upon his release from prison, despite having assured his son that he would lead a lawful life. Due to his father's criminal history, LJD faced significant challenges in securing employment. However, he persevered, successfully passed the bar exams, and ultimately became a prosecutor. Oh Young Joo works as a detective in the same neighborhood as LJD. Meanwhile, Kim Joon Ki, hailing from a wealthy background, aspires to be a prosecutor as well. He encounters OYJ on a blind date and continues to pursue her, despite her lack of interest. Moon Chae Ri is a minor con artist who partners with LJD's father for one last heist before he intends to honor his promise to his son and avoid further trouble.

The narrative revolves around Wang Xiao Meng, a youthful resident of Ivory Mountain Village, and Xie Yong Qiang, a university student who came back to his hometown. Together, they dedicated themselves to advancing township and village enterprises. (OnDemandChina)

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.

In this series, Xie Lan and Pi Chang Sheng were delighted about their sons. Zhao Si locked up Yu Tian and Liu Ying in the house to ensure the continuation of their family line, while Guang Kun pressured Yong Qiang and Xiao Meng to have children quickly. This led to conflicts and caused rifts between couples. Chang Gui excelled in his career and was promoted to the head of the water conservancy station.

In Ivory Mountain Village, the start of the new year has brought about several positive changes. Each household now utilizes computers, allowing for a stronger connection to the outside world. The residents have embraced current fashion trends, leading to a more stylish community. Additionally, the expansion of Bigfoot Supermarket signifies growth in the village. Despite these advancements, some individuals like Xie Da Jiao and Chang Gui have faced challenges in their relationships, leading to marital issues. Meanwhile, Xie Guang Kun's concerns about becoming a grandfather have driven him to intervene in the marriage of Xiao Meng and Yong Qiang. Fortunately, Wang Da Na has stepped in to assist the struggling Da Jiao couple.

The narrative centers on the emotions of the artist.

Yao Yuan overcame numerous challenges to make a breakthrough in the online express delivery industry. His journey spans two decades of highs and lows, starting with working his parents' long-haul transport shifts post-high school graduation. While on these trips, he seizes an opportunity that leads to an encounter with Lu Xiao'ou, the daughter of Lu Zong, the head of an express mail service. Despite a failed business endeavor that causes him to exit, inadvertently shattering Lu Xiao'ou's romantic hopes, their paths continue to intersect. Lu Xiao'ou becomes a persistent reminder of his deepest desires and vulnerabilities. Supported by Tian Hui and facing off against Liu Yun Tian's challenges, Yao Yuan finds himself entangled in a conflict between traditional enterprises and online deliveries, ultimately becoming Lu Xiao'ou's adversary. Through applying lessons learned from Lu Zong, he rekindles his aspirations and reignites Lu Xiao'ou's passion.

"Case Cell Division" is a unique drama that explores the different aspirations of individuals trapped in a fabricated reality influenced by social media, and the resulting discord and damage

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.

It is challenging to navigate life as a human, especially as a man, and even more so as a husband and father. Hong Tin Yam bears the responsibility of being the head of his family, which includes his son Hong Sai Hei and second wife Wong Dak Kiu. Their extended family, consisting of Wong Dak Wai, Wong Dak Lan, her husband, and two children, as well as their father, live nearby. Throughout the story, we witness the various struggles and challenges Hong Tin Yam faces, both mentally and emotionally, as he fulfills his role as a man.

Ling Lai Ying and her spouse, Wong Wing Jing, transitioned from owning a tea restaurant to establishing Ka Cheong Wong Limited. Lai Ying's sibling, Ling Sing Fung, assists in the company's listing, despite Wing Jing's objections. However, Hui Nga Lun intervenes on Wing Jing's behalf, helping him navigate legal troubles. Recognizing the risks facing the century-old printing business of the Huifamily, Hui offers assistance. Nevertheless, Wing Jing's sister-in-law, Leung Sun Wa, and younger brother, Leung Jaan, vehemently oppose the collaboration, along with Yue Sau Wai, who views the Hui's as elites. Eventually, Lai Ying reaches a merger agreement with the Hui's, forming the Hui Wong group. Regrettably, the merger leads to a series of complications, sparking conflicts between the working class and the affluent. The forbidden love affair between the Wong's second son, Wong Wai Ga, and the Hui's lone daughter, Hui Booi Yi, results in Wai Ga's departure. Lai Ying is devastated, only to face further turmoil when her eldest daughter, Wong Yi Oi, falls for a married man, Jeng Lap On. Meanwhile, Sing Fung finds himself entangled in a tumultuous relationship with his comrade, Fong Hei Man. Subsequently, the two families become embroiled in a longstanding vendetta.

In Hong Kong, while many individuals pursue careers in finance, real estate, or commerce, affluent heiress Katy Kung prefers to venture into unconventional endeavors. Together with her close friend Jason Chan, they establish a technology start-up. A cyber attack exposes Katy to the exceptional skills of IT expert Owen Cheung, prompting her to offer him a position in their company. Owen, a reclusive tech whiz, gradually learns to engage with others with the help of nurse MoonLau, and finds himself drawn to her. As Katy and Owen transition from conflicting perspectives to collaborating and compensating for each other's weaknesses, she unknowingly develops romantic feelings for him. Initially believing in the transformative power of technology, Katy's faith is shaken when a series of internet scandals involving her father, brother, and sister unfold.

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!

This year marks the yakudoshi, or "unlucky year," for Akiko, a 32-year-old television announcer. She was replaced by a new announcer in a news program and is now required to participate in a reality show where she lives as a farmer's wife. Akiko poses as the fiancée of her former boyfriend, Ichiro, and begins her training on a peach farm owned by Ichiro's parents. She is welcomed by a unique family, headed by the strict mother-in-law, Yukie. (TBS)

A comedy series featuring one couple who has been married for two decades and another couple who is just three months into their marriage.

"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]

Similar to its inaugural season, the second season of the sitcom continues to focus on the lives of married couples, albeit with some new characters introduced.

This drama revolves around three women in their middle age: Cha Jin Ok, Oh Dal Sook, and Nam Mi Rae. They are friends who completed high school together and think they are living fulfilling lives; however, they encounter a significant turning point in their lives. (KoreanDrama.org)

Huang Jin Fa is nearing retirement and is generally accepting of most things, except for his daughters' future partners. His eldest daughter, Huang Tian Lan, is dating Jin Fa's new supervisor, while his middle daughter, Huang Tian Long, was deceived by her spouse. The youngest daughter, Huang Tian Zhen, took a risk by engaging in a relationship on campus.

On the same day and at the same hour, two women lost their husbands. Ha Yoon Jeong assumes the role of head of her late husband's family. She feels a sense of obligation to support them due to the guilt surrounding her spouse's disappearance. Meanwhile, Oh Dong Ja, Yoon Jeong's sister-in-law, has also relied on Yoon Jeong's assistance. Following the harrowing experience of losing their husbands, the two women have found solace in each other's company. However, their relationship takes a dramatic turn as they become fierce adversaries because of their children! What will unfold if their daughters find themselves in a romantic rivalry? What if Yoon Jeong's husband, presumed dead, reemerges as the future father-in-law of Dong Ja's son? Can Yoon Jeong and Dong Ja's friendship return to what it once was? (KBS World)

Dong Hae grew up in the United States under the care of his attractive yet unmarried mother, Anna Laker, who was adopted and has intellectual challenges. He travels to Korea for a short-track skating event, secretly bringing his mother with him and arranging for her to be picked up at the airport by his girlfriend, Yoon Sae Wa, an ambitious television presenter who secretly looks down on Anna's condition. Dong Hae encounters Bong Yi, a struggling chef, when Sae Wa chooses to focus on her career and sends Bong Yi to meet Anna instead. After Sae Wa betrays him, Dong Hae embarks on a quest to find his father, leading him to create a new family and discover new love along the way.

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)

Lee Moon Shik and Seo Young Hee are brother and sister who became separated and subsequently suffered from memory loss. Young Hee rose to fame as an actress, while her brother pursued a career as a chef.