Asian dramas like
The Rational Life

Harumi Junko was a top student in middle and high school, but she faced a setback when she couldn't get into Tokyo University

Meng Hao Tian is perceived by others as a woman who exudes both strength and beauty. Her journey from humble beginnings to overcoming numerous obstacles in her business endeavors has been witnessed by many. However, her difficult past is known to only a select few. A chance encounter with Leng Si Ming, the talented and young CTO of Lingzhi Group, occurred due to a fake wedding. Despite initial misunderstandings and rivalry, they eventually evolve into partners. Yet, challenges stemming from their differences cannot be overlooked. Will they be able to overcome their age gap and diverse backgrounds? Can Meng Hao Tian move past her painful history to embrace love once again? (ChineseDrama.info)

Feeling confined in a stagnant four-year relationship and hesitant to move towards marriage, Lee Jeong In stumbles into Yoo Ji Ho's pharmacy one morning, nursing a hangover from a night out with her friend. As she attempts to pull herself together before heading to work, Jeong In realizes she has left her wallet behind and is unable to pay. Despite her abrasive demeanor, Ji Ho graciously assists Jeong In. What starts as an ordinary daily encounter gradually evolves into a stronger bond as the two become increasingly attracted to each other. They embark on a clandestine friendship while navigating the complexities of family and societal expectations.

In life, things do not always go according to plan. Li Xiao Mei, a successful manager at a wedding consulting company, discovers she needs to undergo a procedure to remove her uterus. In order to fulfill her dream of having a child, Xiao Mei decides to use a sperm donor before the operation. Meanwhile, a wedding dress designer named Liu Zi Jun falls for Xiao Mei and competes for her affection against her new boss, Huang Shi Jia. Who will Xiao Mei ultimately choose to marry?

Yoon Song Ah is employed as a marketing professional at a beauty company. She finds fulfillment in her work and aspires to establish her own brand in the future. Chae Hyun Seung, a colleague in the marketing department, becomes interested in Yoon Song Ah. Despite his attempts to pursue a romantic relationship, Yoon Song Ah politely declines, expressing her preference not to date younger individuals.

Beneath their successful exteriors, three accomplished women in their thirties possess all the trappings of a fulfilling life: love, career, wealth, and family. However, beneath the surface lie numerous personal obstacles. Fortunately, these three women are united as a close-knit group of sisters who will support and defend each other. Can these resilient women overcome their trials and achieve happiness, or will they yield to the expectations of society?

Making changes in both personal and professional life requires a great deal of bravery. Luo Xiao Fei is employed as a television commercial director under the supervision of Xiao Ye Shi, who is not only the owner of the advertising agency but also her romantic partner of half a decade. Despite feeling unsatisfied and overlooked in her long-standing relationship with Ye Shi, Xiao Fei struggles to shake things up in her life that could potentially affect her career. When she encounters An Qing Hui, a recent college graduate with a background in design, will he inspire Xiao Fei to listen to her heart and make bold choices?

Zhao Jiang Yue is the firm's assertive leader who is known for her straightforward business approach. The company launches a dating app that guarantees users a partner within three months. Despite her lack of romantic experience, Zhao finds herself in an awkward situation when Gu Jia Xin, the heir to the company's owning family, is brought in as her temporary assistant. While Gu's mother expects him to take over the business, he prefers his career as a successful racing driver. Initially, Zhao and Gu clash due to her intimidation tactics and his clumsiness. However, as they team up to win over Xu Ning Yuan's affections, Gu starts to realize his growing feelings for Zhao may be reciprocated.

Naoko Noda, an employee at a trading company, is affectionately referred to as "anego" by her younger colleagues. The term "anego" translates to "older sister", but in this context, it is used as a nickname for Naoko due to her role as a supportive figure who offers guidance to her coworkers. This series authentically portrays Naoko's daily experiences, including her romantic relationships, personal challenges, and uncertainties about the future.

This drama follows the journey of Zhang Xiao Yu, a fresh face in the corporate world, as she impresses Lin Rui, the sales division director at a well-known cosmetics company, with her exceptional skills. Lin Rui has gained recognition from the board of directors at SW, a cosmetics company based in France, for her numerous accomplishments as the sales director. She is on track to succeed her boss, Shu Wan Ting, but faces obstacles along the way. To protect her position, Shu Wan Ting enlists Fang Jing, Lin Rui's competitor, to oversee a new department. Zhang Xiao Yu enters the picture as Lin Rui's secretary and becomes entangled in the office politics. Despite the challenges she faces, Zhang Xiao Yu flourishes in her career and finds love amidst the chaos.

In "Love of the Heavens," the story revolves around a romance between a woman in her forties and men in their twenties. Itsuki Hanyu, a 41-year-old housewife, runs a used bookstore and is stuck in a troubled marriage, with her 14-year-old daughter being the only reason it hasn't fallen apart. One day, Itsuki's dormant desires are awakened when she catches Shida Motoharu trying to steal an erotic novel from her shop. Fueled by her newfound desires, Itsuki embarks on a love affair with the young man. Later on, she encounters Kunimoto Satoshi/Komato Shio, who bears a striking resemblance to a past love and brings back dark secrets from the past.

In a bustling metropolis filled with pretentious individuals, Tang Ying and Xi Zi Quan find themselves drawn to each other after a chance encounter on a plane

An Yu, a once beautiful and talented girl born into a wealthy family, faced a devastating loss when her father passed away amidst allegations of financial wrongdoing. Following a four-year prison sentence, she was released and given a fresh start under the discreet protection of Shao Mo Li. An Yu gradually uncovered the truth behind her family's downfall, discovering a betrayal orchestrated by her ex-husband Zhou Yuan, her uncle Lin Zhan Hong, and other deceitful individuals. During their childhood, An Yu shielded Shao Mo Li from bullying at the orphanage, and now, as adults, he remained by her side as a loyal guardian.

A team of military physicians boards a medical ship destined for isolated islands, yet their reasons for joining are not entirely selfless. Among the group are Eun Jae, a meticulous surgeon facing a career obstacle; Kwak Hyun, an internal medicine physician who has volunteered for the mission; and Jae Geol, an oriental medicine practitioner who has been assigned to the vessel against his will. In their thirties and experienced in their fields, these doctors are grappling with personal challenges as they embark on a journey of self-exploration, learning to cultivate empathy as healers while pursuing more meaningful lives.

The drama seeks to humorously and honestly depict the experiences and relentless quest for love of a single woman in her thirties. It also sheds light on the careers and lives of women in this age group, centering on Dal Ja, a 33-year-old gifted managing director at a home shopping network, who faces a pivotal decision about remaining single or marrying before she ages further. Tae Bong, a handsome man six years her junior, takes on the role of her pretend boyfriend. Gi Jung represents an individual who aspires to a perfect and logical romance. The love triangle involving Dal Ja, Tae Bong, and Gi Jung creates tension between the concepts of love and marriage.

Shin Joo Yeon, a 33-year-old fashion marketing director at a home shopping network, has cultivated a tough and resilient exterior to navigate her professional environment. After numerous disappointments in her romantic life, she has nearly lost hope in finding true love. On the other hand, Joo Wan, a 26-year-old songwriter with a laid-back attitude, has returned to Korea after spending seventeen years abroad. Until he was nine, he was largely cared for by his mother’s friend and her daughter, Shin Joo Yeon. While she remembers him only as the child she had to entertain when her mother was preoccupied, Joo Wan’s fondest early memories—ranging from bath time to playful moments and learning to tie his shoes—are filled with her presence. Upon reuniting, he seeks to mend Joo Yeon’s disillusioned view of romance.

Xiao Nai is known for his expertise in gaming, as well as his success in basketball, academics, swimming, and running a game company, making him the most popular student on campus

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

Freshly graduated doctor Mi Ka found herself caught in the middle of a jewel heist at a jewelry store while shopping for a gift for her parents. Special Forces Captain Xing Ke Lei stepped in to help control the situation and the two met during the chaos. Despite not being able to see his face behind his mask, Mi Ka was intrigued by the mysterious captain. Years later, during a joint emergency rescue training exercise, Mi Ka crossed paths with Captain Xing Ke Lei once again. As they worked together and faced various challenges, their relationship blossomed and grew stronger.

Liu Yu Ru, the sole lawful daughter of a former textile merchant, resides with her mother in a harsh environment where they face mistreatment despite their standing. Due to a mix-up, she is wedded to Gu Jiu Si, the infamous offspring of the wealthiest family in Yangzhou, known for his lazy lifestyle. Initially, Gu Jiu Si harbors negative feelings towards Liu Yu Ru, viewing her as deceitful and conniving. However, as she adjusts to her new life, she gains business knowledge from her receptive mother-in-law and grows closer to Gu Jiu Si. Meanwhile, the threat of war looms, with the Commissioner of Yangzhou instilling fear and placing the Gu family in dire circumstances. Despite the challenges they face, the compassionate couple's bond strengthens, leading them towards a prosperous future.

Yoon Na Na is a highly respected mixologist at XX bar, where she takes great pride in her role as the head bartender. She actively participates in various aspects of the bar, including curating the menu and designing the interior. Her aspiration is to eventually own XX bar. One day, a new proprietor arrives—Lee Roo Mi. Five years ago, these two women were the closest of friends, but an incident created a rift between them. Yoon Na Na felt hurt by Lee Roo Mi's actions. Now, Lee Roo Mi is attempting to reconcile with Yoon Na Na, but the process proves to be challenging.

Ji Man, a young woman from Haifang known for her cheerful demeanor and business acumen, embarks on a journey to Beijing to chase her aspirations. However, her plans take an unexpected turn when she gets into an accident and loses her memory. Upon awakening, she finds herself in the palace of a powerful dynasty, where everyone mistakes her for a notorious individual known for deceit and malice. To make matters worse, she is expected to marry Ning Yu Xuan, the enigmatic ruler of the dynasty. Despite her desire to leave and start her own business, Ji Man realizes that escaping won't be easy. Can her charm soften Ning Yu Xuan's heart? And what will happen when her true identity is revealed to all?

A romance blossoms between a successful professional woman and a younger man. He Fan Xing faces the threat of a takeover at her company and societal judgment on her relationship with Yuan Song, who is younger. As challenges pile up in both her career and personal life, she finds herself in a state of emotional turmoil. It is during this difficult period that Ye Lu Ming comes into her life. Ye Lu Ming, older and more experienced, offers guidance and becomes a point of contention between He Fan Xing and Yuan Song. He Fan Xing must navigate not only her feelings for both men but also the conflicting views on marriage and relationships. (ChineDrama.info)

Throughout his entire life, Duan Yu Cheng has harbored a singular aspiration: to excel as a high jumper on a global scale. Despite his stature posing a significant obstacle to this ambition, Yu Cheng remains undeterred. Recognizing the necessity of expert guidance, he aims to seek the assistance of seasoned athletics coach Luo Na by joining her university team. Determined and resilient, Yu Cheng remains steadfast in his pursuit of high jumping proficiency, supported by Luo Na and his fellow athletes. Will his unwavering resolve be sufficient to transform his enduring aspirations into reality?

This drama explores the struggles and victories of contemporary women who prioritize their careers over conventional family expectations. Bae Ta Mi, a driven director at a leading web portal firm in her late 30s, reflects on the compromises she has made to achieve her career goals. At the same time, Park Mo Gun, a gifted composer in his 20s, meets Ta Mi at an arcade and is drawn to her intense competitiveness, leading to an extraordinary bond between the two.

In the summer of 2011, Zhao Zi Hui finds herself in a romantic relationship with her employer, Yan Ruo Qiu. However, her grandmother falls ill and travels from Dongbei to Shanghai for medical treatment. Around the same time, Yan Ruo Qiu's former wife returns, hoping to reconcile with him. Amidst these challenges, Zi Hui encounters Xu Tian at the hospital, who proposes they open a restaurant together. Initially dismissing it as a joke, Zi Hui eventually recognizes Xu Tian's determination and courage, leading them to establish a restaurant together. As they work closely and bond over time, their relationship blossoms beyond just business partners.

Miki Imai stars as Midori, a successful executive in the fashion industry who is starting to question if there is more to life than just her career. Her colleague and former flame, Eisaku Yoshida, suggests that she needs to settle down and start a family, but Midori believes that her search for meaning goes much deeper than that. As she ponders the purpose of her existence, Midori crosses paths with Koichiro, the heir to a renowned tea ceremony dynasty, who has always known his place in the world. Despite his family's expectations, Koichiro decides to pursue a career in the fashion industry, where he falls for an older woman. This unexpected romance leads him on a journey of self-discovery and exploration of different career paths.

The endearing love tale of Yin Yi Ke and her childhood companion Xu Guang Xi. Yin Yi Ke, at 32 years old, has led a seemingly flawless life, always putting others before herself. Everything changes when Xu Guang Xi, who used to visit her frequently for meals in their youth, returns from studying abroad. He is now drawn to Yin Yi Ke, who he previously relied on. Despite the challenges, Guang Xi strives to mature and approaches Yin Yi Ke with determination. As they navigate various obstacles, they learn to love without sacrificing themselves, inspiring each other to grow and improve.

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)

The key qualities of a skilled bowler include focus, concentration, proper form, and a smooth release. Step into Golden Bowl bowling alley, a slightly worn but cozy spot favored by stockbroker Akutagawa Shu. He enjoys the sound of the ball rolling down the lane and the satisfying crash of the pins falling. When a striking married woman, who coincidentally shares a name with Shu's ex-girlfriend Hitomi, joins him at Golden Bowl, things get interesting as they take on some professional bowlers. Will Shu's luck with Hitomi be as good as his luck with the pins? (NTV)

Minami, a 28-year-old office worker at an advertising agency, prioritizes her career over her relationship, causing doubt in her boyfriend's mind. Her life takes a turn when she encounters Yuya, a part-time colleague at her workplace.

During their youth, a young girl and boy made a promise to reunite in the future. Now, at 45 years old, the woman known as Kasumi is a single mother to a teenage son. She works tirelessly at a high-end laundry service to support her family. One day, she crosses paths with a talented young designer named Yuri, who has gained global recognition. Despite her initial suspicions, Kasumi discovers that Yuri is sincere and finds herself drawn to him. As they come from different backgrounds, their unexpected love story unfolds. Kasumi wonders why Yuri has reappeared in her life - could he be the boy from their past pledge?

Si Qing, employed at a lending institution, lives a materialistic lifestyle driven by the desire for a car, a home, and wealth. When tasked with recovering a delinquent loan, she crosses paths with Jing Chen, a traditional artisan. Si Qing, a corporate worker thrust into a debt collection assignment, clashes with Jing Chen, a laid-back craftsman with no car, home, or money but a serene garden nestled in the midst of nature. Despite their initial dislike for each other, they become intertwined in a confrontational manner. On the winter solstice, feeling neglected by her family and ostracized by her coworkers, Si Qing experiences inner turmoil and approaches a breaking point. Mistaking Jing Chen's offering of eggs in sweet wine, a customary winter solstice gesture, as a gesture of warmth on her birthday, Si Qing impulsively proposes marriage. Surprisingly, Jing Chen agrees to her proposition. Little do they know, marriage is only the beginning of their journey together.

The plot of this television show explores the difficulties faced by couples who are in a long-distance relationship. Fang Zuo, a professor who has recently returned from studying in England, encounters Shi Nan, a 29-year-old woman who defies traditional gender norms. As they spend more time together, Fang Zuo discovers that Shi Nan was the one who rescued him from a car accident in the past. Over time, their relationship evolves from being adversaries to becoming romantic partners. (CdramaBase)

Ayukawa Wakaba is determined to pursue a career as an international lawyer and is filled with ambition. After landing a job at an international law firm, she is disappointed when her first assignment is to babysit the boss' 5-year-old daughter, Hinata. Despite her dislike for children and caregiving, Wakaba reluctantly takes on the job due to her desire for wealth and success. During a visit to a preschool to pick up Hinata, she meets a man named Yamada Sota, who lacks a higher education, wealth, or clear goals for the future - qualities that Wakaba cannot tolerate, as they are the opposite of her own ideals. Despite her initial resistance, Wakaba finds herself caring for Hinata and a few other children alongside Sota. Through the challenges of childcare, Wakaba begins to discover what truly matters to her. This heartwarming comedy explores themes of work, relationships, and love.

Ye Hai Meng, the heiress of the Yunhai Group, joyfully marries, blissfully ignorant of the hidden agendas of her husband and his family. Shortly after their wedding, they embark on a honeymoon trip abroad, which tragically ends in a fatal car crash. On the third anniversary of that fateful day, the Lu family convenes a shareholders' meeting to take control of the Yunhai Group and simultaneously stages a fake funeral for the couple. Unexpectedly, Ye Hai Meng makes a dramatic return, having miraculously survived, and launches a powerful takeover of Yunhai, resulting in a complete rift with the Lu family. Lu Si Yu, the younger son of the Lu family, encounters his former sister-in-law for the first time upon returning from abroad and is quickly captivated by her. As she begins to develop feelings for him as well, their romance faces significant challenges, especially as his family resorts to using him as a tool to undermine her. Will their love and shared quest for revenge prevail, or will they fall victim to the relentless schemes of the Lu family?

As a result of a legal dispute, designer Zhou Fang crosses paths with Song Lin, leading to an unlikely partnership driven by their intertwined lives and careers

A 20-year-old man, feeling emotionally wounded, unexpectedly finds himself attracted to a 40-year-old woman while at a cafe. (Vigloo)

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.

Li Hong Hai, an unassuming man in his forties with a fortune in the billions, is searching for genuine love. Despite his wealth attracting many women, he desires a connection beyond money. When he meets Xia Ke Ke, a spirited young designer, he is drawn to her and decides to hide his affluent status, pursuing her as a humble entrepreneur instead. Their journey together leads to marriage, but Li discovers that Xia was aware of his riches all along. Feeling deceived, he considers divorce, but is compelled to maintain their facade as a couple for three months to facilitate his company's public offering.

When he was 17 years old, his private tutor Ozawa Maria, who was a university student at the time, left him with a final message: "I will be your girlfriend once you are accepted into university and reach adulthood." She then disappeared from his life abruptly. He still occasionally dreams about her, even a decade later. They meet again after 10 years; she is now a suspect in a series of murders, and he is working as a lawyer. As their relationship is rekindled, a tumultuous and heartbreaking love story unfolds. The protagonist's emotions fluctuate between affection and disdain as he questions whether Maria is a malevolent figure or a virtuous one.

In a prestigious high school, a scandal involving a math teacher and a student leads to a tragic outcome. Four years later, the two meet again as adults, determined to expose the corruption within the school and restore the teacher's reputation. Ji Yoon Soo, the math teacher, is known for her optimistic demeanor and dedication to her students. On the other hand, Baek Seung Yoo, a former math prodigy, has lost his spark and appears emotionless. Despite his early success in solving complex math problems, he dropped out of MIT at a young age and vanished from the public eye.

It can be difficult to have a romantic relationship when you are constantly recognized in public. Ye Fan Xing, a well-known television presenter, faces this challenge as she strives to be a supportive daughter to her mother following the tragic loss of her sister in a car accident a decade ago. Fan Xing is involved in a discreet romance with successful businessman Xiao Han, but their relationship is complicated by her fame and family issues. Xiao Han's nephew, Fu Xia, develops feelings for Fan Xing, unaware of her existing relationship with his uncle. Meanwhile, Mi Si Yue becomes Fan Xing's closest confidante, despite secretly harboring feelings for Xiao Han. As secrets are revealed, Fan Xing must navigate the impact on her relationships and family dynamics.

Yu Xi Ling, a confident and intelligent professional, encounters Gu Zhao He, a courageous and passionate athlete, in a drunken mix-up. Their interactions spark intense chemistry that evolves into a mutual attraction. As a younger, more direct admirer starts making daring declarations, the question arises: who will give in first? However, just as their romance begins to blossom, her long-lost fiancé resurfaces after three years. What secrets and motives lie behind his sudden return? (WeTV)

In the story, Ye Xuan, a new designer with aspirations, discovers that her neighbor is the authoritative Party A. Their relationship evolves from constant arguments to romantic feelings as they learn to rely on each other during a work crisis. Ye Xuan is surprised to find out that Li Ze Nan is actually Party A, who has been causing trouble for her. Through supporting each other and facing challenges together, they develop a strong bond of trust.

Hyoga Mamoru, the Chief Executive Officer of Three Star Books, hails from a prosperous background

Mi Ja, Ji Yeong, and Yun A are three urban women in their thirties, all single

Cong Rong aspires to become a lawyer, despite her mother's wishes for her to pursue finance studies abroad

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