Asian dramas like
The Secret 2009

A compelling drama that presents a distinct take on secret and forbidden romance revolves around the fictional 'Alibi Corporation', which expertly conceals the private lives of its clients

One afternoon, the intercom rings unexpectedly, catching Tanaka Yuka's attention

Kamijo Natsu resides in accommodation provided by her employer. One day, she overhears gossip from the other women in the neighborhood. The gossip suggests that Komaki Rie, a close friend of Natsu's, has left her spouse and child for another man. Natsu, who values family above all else, is skeptical of the rumor. Shortly after, Rie contacts Natsu and shares that she feels liberated and content in her decision. Meanwhile, a young man named Saeki Ryu moves into the apartment below Natsu's. Ryu happens to work in the same department as Natsu's husband, Yoshiyuki. As time goes on, Natsu begins to develop romantic feelings for Ryu.

Chen Xiu, a young and attractive school teacher, is in a relationship with Zhao Xue Peng. They tie the knot far from home, but their wedding night takes a disastrous turn when Chen Xiu, who is intoxicated after celebrating with friends, mistakenly spends the night with another intoxicated man named Wang Jin Tao in the room next door. This incident deeply affects Xue Peng, leading to further complications in their relationship. Despite facing initial reservations due to Chen Xiu's background and family, Xue Peng's parents reluctantly accept her. Chen Xiu, known for her kindness and determination, tries to salvage her marriage with Xue Peng. However, complications arise when Xue Peng's boss, Zhou Chun Lei, confesses her feelings for him. The situation becomes more complex when Chen Xiu discovers she is pregnant, raising questions about the baby's paternity. As the truth about the accident emerges, will Chen Xiu be able to confront her in-laws and maintain her dignity?

Ikeuchi Hikaru is employed at a design firm in Tokyo and is engaged to Okugawa Kota. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when her former boyfriend, Moriyama Shin, reappears. Despite once loving him intensely, Shin abruptly disappeared after ending their relationship. Hikaru finds herself confronting resurfaced emotions when Shin returns to Tokyo for a three-month stay, even though he is now married to Ran. As Hikaru's heart yearns for Shin, Kota's feelings of love and jealousy intensify, causing him to transform into a person he despises.

Ujita Kie, a dedicated homemaker, found herself in a difficult situation when she unexpectedly learned about her husband's infidelity and received divorce papers without any means of reaching him. Feeling a mix of shock and anger, she tracked down the residence of Marika, her husband's mistress. To her surprise, she encountered Marika's boyfriend, Kenta, at the location. Both victims of betrayal decided to live together after this unexpected encounter.

The narrative follows Wang Xiao Li, trapped in a marriage devoid of love

Based on the book "Happy Cards" written by Wan Fang.

Noburu, a talented designer with a lucrative income, is happily married to Aiko, whom he deeply cares for. However, their relationship takes a turn when Noburu catches Aiko having an affair with her boss and appearing content. Feeling deceived, Noburu plots to retaliate against his wife.

Mayako Mizukoshi, a 32-year-old homemaker, has been married for five years but is dissatisfied with her marriage. Feeling neglected by her husband, she encounters music critic Michihiko Kudo, leading to a forbidden love affair. This story is adapted from the novel "Fukigen na Kajitsu" by Hayashi Mariko, originally published in 1996.

At the café "NONKI," a group of five friends who used to work there part-time during their college days met up again. Despite all being 25 now, they still have a great time reminiscing and catching up like old times. Kosuke, now a sales representative at an advertising agency, joined his former colleagues at the café as they shared updates on their lives. Sanae shared how her long-term boyfriend suddenly mentioned breaking up after eight years together since high school. Asumi, in a loving relationship, Naoki who works at a supper club, and the younger Kazuma each had their own concerns, but when they reunited, their bond remained strong. On their way home, Sanae walked alongside Kosuke and opened up about her uncertainties regarding intimacy in her past relationship. Kosuke surprised her by suggesting they explore it together now, leaving Sanae reeling from the idea after ending a long-term relationship at 25.

Imagine a subscription service that offers a "secure affair" option

Based on Wan Fang's novel "Xiang Qi Mi Ren," the following information is derived.

Tomonaga Akiyuki (played by Motoki Masahiro) and his wife Yu (portrayed by Seto Asaka) have been married for seven years. Akiyuki works as a graphic designer and is content with both his professional and personal life. However, their marriage faces challenges when Akiyuki's younger half-brother, Ichinose Ryo (played by Kaname Jun), abandons his bride, Jumonji Azusa (played by Okina Megumi), at the altar after running off with another woman. This incident leads to Akiyuki developing a close relationship with Jumonji, raising questions of whether it is love or revenge on her part. As Akiyuki and Jumonji's bond grows, tensions rise between Akiyuki, Yu, and Ryo, potentially leading to their divorce. The situation becomes more complex when Akiyuki's friend Shunsuke (played by Sasaki Kuranosuke) and lawyer Reiko (played by Hada Michiko) become involved in advising on the divorce. This intricately woven drama explores themes of loneliness and adult relationships, keeping the audience guessing about the ultimate outcomes of the characters' love affairs.

After graduating from school, three women living in the city come together through their experiences with work and love. The play explores the theme of love and marriage, highlighting the importance of honest communication and mutual understanding in relationships. It serves as a reminder for urban men and women that while well-meaning lies may exist, a strong foundation of openness and understanding is essential for a successful marriage.

Zaizen Honami, a hardworking preschool teacher, leads a faithful life until she uncovers her husband's infidelity and develops feelings for her neighbor

Chung Siu Hor and her spouse, Kam Tai Jo, have dedicated years to building a positive image for their bakery. Unfortunately, Hor uncovers Jo's infidelity with her close friend, Yan Hong, leading to a heartbreaking divorce. Hor, along with her children Kam Wing Ho, Kam Wing Hing, and adopted daughter Suen Ho Yuet, decide to start a new bakery to support themselves. This story explores themes of human relationships, family ties, and love within the two families.

To celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary, Ma Suk Seung, an art gallery owner, and her husband Suen Yat have decided to commission illustrator Hui Wah Yeen to create ten paintings commemorating their years together. As preparations unfold, Suen Yat and Hui Wah Yeen develop a romantic relationship. When Ma Suk Seung discovers her husband's affair, she reaches out to her estranged younger sister, Ma Suk Yuen, for help. Meanwhile, Ma Suk Seung forms a close bond with Lam Yeuk Duk, a doctor who has harbored feelings for her.

Miki becomes romantically involved with her employer. However, memories of her first love from school, Kenta, resurface after a reunion with an old friend. Sadly, Kenta passed away in an accident a decade ago, leaving behind only a time capsule buried on the school grounds. Driven by nostalgia, Miki visits the site and is surprised to encounter a man who bears a striking resemblance to Kenta. Now torn between rekindled emotions for her past love's doppelganger and maintaining her affair with her boss, Miki faces a difficult decision.

The man decides to leave his wife, child, and job as a middle school teacher to care for his former girlfriend who is battling a terminal illness. His wife is surprised by his sudden assertiveness and agrees to visit the ex-girlfriend as requested. Rather than feeling resentment, she finds herself drawn to her husband even more. The wife also forms a bond with the ex-girlfriend, leading to changes in their relationships. The three are surrounded by others with their own love-related issues, which impact the story's progression.

My uterus found love, but not with my husband. Tomada Maki, a 29-year-old sales clerk at a home manufacturing company, is well-respected by her peers for her effective work ethic. However, she struggles to express her emotions, which causes her distress, particularly because she cannot communicate her true feelings to her husband, whom she has been married to for six years. One day, when her boss asks her an inappropriate question, her coworker Yamate Asahi observes the situation and remarks, "It's frustrating to see him act that way." Despite this, Maki is perplexed by Yamate's behavior; he oscillates between being distant and showing genuine concern for her health, only to suddenly kiss her! Maki finds herself torn between her growing affection for Yamate and her commitment as a married woman. Meanwhile, her husband, Tomada Kyoichi, who is emotionally distant towards Maki, may be involved with Yorishima Miyumi, a senior colleague whom Maki admires. What will happen to Maki's extramarital relationship now that her hormonal balance and perception of an ideal partnership have been disrupted?

Watase Nozomi is in a relationship with Hasumi Tooru, but he fails to show up for their planned meeting. Over the following fortnight, Nozomi is unable to reach Tooru. Distraught, she decides to visit his apartment. Upon arrival, she does not find Tooru there, but she hears a ringing cell phone hidden under a pile of clothes and quickly answers it. Additionally, she notices a piece of paper with dark marks on it. Reading a text message on the phone, Nozomi visits the sender's residence, only to discover that the sender is deceased. Subsequent text messages request favors from Nozomi.

The story revolves around a group of individuals eager to tie the knot, who attend different social events in search of their soulmates. The protagonist, Rika Hasumi, is a successful woman in her forties who is content in her career but still resides with her mother.

After losing her husband, Koki, in a tragic accident just a year into their marriage, Hinata Kiyoka finds herself unexpectedly managing Neko no Hige, a cozy flower shop and cafe. The cafe is home to a mysterious black cat named Kumi-chan, who has a reputation for offering uncannily accurate advice to customers seeking guidance. As word spreads about Kumi-chan's abilities, the cafe becomes a popular destination for those in need of help. However, things take a surprising turn when Kumi-chan becomes possessed by the spirit of Koki, sparking a complicated love triangle involving Kiyoka, the black cat, and Takumi, a fellow employee harboring feelings for her.

Kenta, a divorced man who recently left his job to work at his family's laundry business, reconnects with his former junior high girlfriend, Akehi, who is now a housewife in an unhappy marriage. Despite their respective situations, they find themselves drawn to each other again after attending an alumni reunion. Meanwhile, Kaoruko, a beautiful and intelligent woman who has lost trust in men due to a past failed relationship, no longer pays much attention to her appearance. Following the reunion, she becomes entangled with Ryosuke, a notorious playboy who has a history of short-lived relationships.

Reiko Doi is employed at a marketing firm in Tokyo, Japan. At 49 years old, she is divorced and does not have any children. Despite facing challenges as a working woman in her 20s and 30s when having children was not common, Reiko persevered through hard work. Currently, she finds herself caught between her superiors and juniors at work. While her male colleagues feel uneasy around her, her female colleagues display hostility. Despite these obstacles, Reiko Doi remains dedicated to her job, battles against feelings of isolation, and eventually discovers love.

Saegusa Yuzuko, a single mother of two, finds herself in a dire situation when the company she works for suddenly goes bankrupt, leaving her without income or savings. Unexpectedly, she receives a call from a lawyer named Kakihara Shinichi, who she doesn't recognize at first. However, Kakihara is actually an old high school classmate of Yuzuko's. Despite his unassuming appearance, Kakihara is a successful lawyer with an annual income exceeding 10 billion yen. He has harbored feelings for Yuzuko since their school days and reaches out to her upon learning of her predicament. While Kakihara believes there is a hidden reason behind the company's collapse, Yuzuko is more focused on finding a new job and initially declines his assistance. Through his investigation, Kakihara uncovers evidence suggesting that a mysterious sum of 3 billion yen may have contributed to the bankruptcy. Before she knows it, Yuzuko becomes entangled in the uncovering of this secret.

Sawano Natsumi, a literary editor, is married to a man employed at a competing publishing firm

This is a romantic drama that follows the intertwining relationships and situations of seven individuals, leading to surprising connections being revealed.

Yee Xun passed away two years ago, but Leo still struggles to move on. While DJing at a radio station, Leo receives a call from Simon, who is heartbroken after being dumped by his girlfriend. Leo shares his own experience with Yee Xun to help Simon cope with thoughts of suicide. Concerned for Leo's well-being, his manager Peter surprises him with a holiday ticket. Initially hesitant, Leo eventually decides to go after meeting a gypsy who predicts he will reunite with his lover on Chinese Valentine's Day in an unfamiliar eastern city. During his journey, Leo's luggage and a lavender bottle left by Yee Xun are stolen by a pickpocket. As Leo chases after the thief, he discovers a connection between the thief and Yee Xun. The thief, Xiao Xiao, reveals that Leo can reunite with his loved one on Valentine's Day at a cliff. Will Leo be able to find Yee Xun again? What lies ahead for Leo and Xiao Xiao?

As a young girl, Qiao Shan used to write heartfelt letters to her father who was working abroad. Receiving his letters and gifts brought her immense joy. This is why she continues to maintain a long-distance relationship with her boyfriend Caleb through traditional mail, leading her to frequent the post office. It was at the post office where she first met freelance interior designer Zhang Shao Qi, changing the course of her life. After Caleb returns home, a series of misunderstandings lead to a breakup. Despite Shao Qi's feelings for Qiao Shan, he encourages her to reconcile with Caleb as her heart still belongs to him. Qiao Shan and Caleb eventually get back together, but she can't shake the feeling of emptiness upon returning to his side.

Is it possible to be brought together by a series of unexpected events? Wang Zhao Yu, a model, and her boyfriend, Bi Ji Cai, find themselves two months behind on rent. To ease their financial burden, they decide to find a roommate. A chance encounter with Zhao Qing leads to Zhao Yu losing a job opportunity due to a minor injury. Upon returning home, Zhao Yu discovers that Ji Cai had invited Zhao Qing to share their apartment but had disappeared with the rent money. Despite initial suspicions, Zhao Yu learns that Zhao Qing is a kind man who designs bras. They form a partnership as designer and model, growing closer in the process. Just as things begin to settle, Ji Cai reappears. What will happen next in this unique living arrangement? "After the Rain" is a Taiwanese web series that explores these relationships.

Sakaino Hitomi, a woman of integrity from an affluent background, is admired by many for her engagement to Akashi Keigo, a man known for his good looks, high earnings, advanced education, and compassionate nature. As Hitomi prepares for marriage, she finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Manabu, whom she encounters at a building site.

Eight years in the past, Lian Xian Qing was filled with anticipation for a reunion with her boyfriend who was overseas. While driving him to the airport, she discovered that her boyfriend, Liang Hai Yang, had a new partner in their home country. Distraught, Liao Xian Qing fled from the airport and collided with a vehicle. The individual who struck her was a Hong Kong native named Gao Da Wei, who compassionately escorted the pregnant Lian Xian Qing to the hospital. Fast forward eight years, and Lian Xian Qing crosses paths with Liao Xian Qing once more. This poignant tale delves into the complexities of emotions, marriage, and family within the lives of middle-aged urban professionals. It delves into the timeless theme of love and animosity between the sexes, as well as the turmoil of rationality. It portrays humanity's ceaseless pursuit of both spiritual and material desires, culminating in a weary and conflicted existence. (Mtime, iQiyi)

After a tragic incident, Sakura Hiraga had to let go of her aspirations. She is now wedded to a man who operates a popular hair salon, and they reside in a lavish penthouse. Despite appearing to lead a glamorous life that sparks envy in others, Sakura is actually enduring physical and emotional abuse from her spouse, making it impossible for her to break free from the situation. She compares herself to a goldfish trapped in a bowl. Eventually, Sakura crosses paths with a man who changes her life, all thanks to a goldfish encounter.

Nobuo is a dedicated book editor who is married to Aya. Aya previously worked as a reader model but now serves as a nursing assistant at a nursing home. Nobuo knows about his wife's struggle with a sex addiction, leading her to engage in extramarital affairs. This situation causes Nobuo great distress, while Aya experiences deep remorse for her actions.

Kaori is employed as a design coordinator at a company that specializes in housing. She has been engaged in a clandestine romance with her supervisor Fuyuki, who is married, for an extended period of time. Despite Kaori's uncertainty about a future with Fuyuki, she remains devoted to him and maintains their relationship. One day, Haruto, a young and attractive interior designer from New York who has recently joined the company, catches them in a compromising situation. As a result, Kaori and Haruto are paired together on a design project. As Kaori gets to know Haruto better, her destiny starts to take a new turn.

Junichi, a young man with no job or place to call home, possesses a captivating charm that draws women towards him. He encounters various women who are discontent with their lives and seek solace in his company. The narrative delicately unfolds as Junichi intertwines his aimless life with the lives of six women ranging from 16 to 65 years old. (Youtube)

Aizawa Rina leads a life filled with youth, beauty, and wealth that many admire. Despite her seemingly perfect existence, Rina carries a lingering memory of her old classmate, Ichijo Ren, deep within her heart. (DramaWiki)

In the movie, the narrative revolves around Zhang Nan and Zhang Zhe, a gay duo who work through betrayal and separation. Following Nan's departure, Zhe grapples with life on his own. With the support of his friends Chunzi and Chao, Zhe discovers how to stand on his own two feet. Despite facing the truth, both Nan and Zhe are too wounded to mend their relationship. Nevertheless, they are faced with the decision of reconciling or moving on from each other...

Miyazawa Tomomi, a homemaker whose husband is unemployed, faces the loss of her beloved home as her family adjusts to financial difficulties during the economic downturn. Despite these challenges, she eagerly anticipates her upcoming middle school reunion, where she looks forward to reconnecting with old friends and past romantic interests. The reunion proves to be a transformative moment for not only Tomomi, but also for her classmates, including Sugiyama Kosuke, Nishikawa Yoko, and Okubo Shinichi. The question remains: how will the lives of these four individuals change in the aftermath of their reunion?

Kiriyama Tsubaki, an employee at a matchmaking app firm, was in a relationship with his coworker, Sorano Anzu

Since marrying her husband, Jun decided to leave her job and become a homemaker. She has been happily married to Takeyori for the past 8 years, but they have not been intimate for 5 years and do not have any children. Despite expressing her desire to start a family, her husband refuses to discuss the matter. In an attempt to lift her spirits, Jun decides to return to work as a contract worker. One day, she catches a glimpse of her husband, Takeyori, walking with another woman.

After being dumped by her boyfriend of many years, a woman starts to see herself as undesirable in the realm of love. However, her perspective changes when she meets a man who teaches her the worth of things that have been previously owned.

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.