Asian dramas like
Thirty Nine

Zhang Pei, Gou Dan Dan, Dong Jia Xi, and Wu Yun are childhood friends who have pursued different careers in various cities. Zhang Pei is a dedicated insurance agent, Gou Dan Dan is a successful beauty influencer, Dong Jia Xi works at a theater to follow her passion, and Wu Yan has joined the civil service. Despite their separate paths, fate brought them back together in their hometown. Zhang Pei returned for business opportunities, Gou Dan Dan moved back to start a family, Dong Jia Zi returned due to her mother's illness, and Wu Yun eagerly awaited their reunion amidst her busy schedule. In their hometown, they discovered new career paths, cherished friendship, found solace in family, and experienced the joy of love.

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

Yoshino Chiaki, a television drama producer, remains unmarried at the age of 48. Meanwhile, Nagakura Wahei, a staff member at Kamakura City's Tourist Promotion Department, is 52 years old. Despite their combined age totaling 100, the two continue to engage in playful arguments every time they cross paths. This is a tale of mature individuals experiencing a youthful romance, focusing on the relationship between Chiaki and Wahei.

Born on the same day, Lee Eun Hee and Lee Keum Hee find themselves living as sisters despite their twisted fate. Eun Hee, a kind and selfless girl, sacrifices her own educational opportunities to support her older sister Keum Hee in their impoverished family. Unbeknownst to Eun Hee, their lives take a dramatic turn when a wealthy man arrives at their home claiming one of them as his long-lost granddaughter. Tragically, due to a misunderstanding caused by their mother's grief over her husband's death, the real granddaughter is left to face a life of hardship while the imposter is taken into a life of luxury.

Nowadays, it appears that there are an overwhelming number of single working women in their 30s. These women have dedicated their lives to achieving their aspirations, only to find themselves alone. As they seek companionship, they discover that most eligible men have already been taken by younger women focused solely on marriage. They attempt to convince themselves that they are better off than being stuck in an unfulfilling relationship, yet they cannot shake off the feelings of solitude and loneliness. "Marry Me" narrates the journey of women in their thirties as they confront life and uncover new aspects of themselves. Sin Young, a 30-year-old unmarried reporter formerly labeled a "troublemaker," perseveres in her investigative work despite challenges. Soon Ae, also 30, works as a stewardess and is the primary provider for her family, supporting her sick father, a completely despondent aunt, and a similarly unfortunate cousin. Seung Ri is famous for her numerous romantic escapades. (DramaWiki)

The narrative is described as an authentic portrayal of individuals in their twenties navigating relationships, career challenges, and personal obstacles while residing in Shanghai.

The story revolves around the lives of four women in their thirties as they navigate through a pivotal period in Shanghai. Striving for personal growth and independence, they eventually form strong bonds of friendship and find love. However, as they enter their thirties, their lives take unexpected turns. Sun Yi He, a confident TV producer, struggles with matters of the heart. Wang Xin Yi, a single mother and fitness coach, learns more about herself while contemplating a new relationship. Ding Ding, an ambitious manager, aims to lead her trainees to success in the music industry. Meanwhile, Ren Ran, a corporate executive, realizes her desire for love and the challenges of holding onto it.

The story revolves around a group of young women from the post-95s generation who face challenges upon entering society but eventually find love and personal growth in both their careers and personal lives. Luo Yan secures a job close to home with the help of her mother, three years after graduating from college. Jiang Xiao Guo appears to lead a glamorous life as a financial professional, but in reality, she is constantly working overtime. Duan Jia Bao, formerly part of a wealthy family, now struggles with debt due to a family crisis. Liang Shuang achieves success as a popular beauty vlogger, although her career has its ups and downs. Xiao Guo, Da Bao, and Liang Shuang reunite as roommates and befriend Ding Yi Xuan. Despite facing challenges, the women continue to move forward on their paths. Being 25 years old comes with its share of hardships and moments of brightness.

The show follows the stories of two women - one practicing traditional Chinese medicine in Taipei and the other a Taiwanese-American programmer in San Francisco - who decide to exchange homes and embark on cultural journeys in each other's cities. (Netflix)

Two close friends from the post-90s generation have taken divergent paths in life. Following graduation, one friend remained in Shanghai to focus on her career, while the other returned to their hometown to get married. Over time, they both face unprecedented challenges. Yuan Ge has prioritized her career over relationships for many years, leading to a decline in her health and prompting her to make lifestyle changes. On the other hand, Gu Qiao has continuously made sacrifices for her husband, only to be served with divorce papers after eight years. Determined to restart her career, Gu Qiao is now focused on her own growth. Despite their differing personalities, both women demonstrate resilience and courage. In a bustling city full of opportunities, they navigate their struggles together, refusing to give up and embracing the journey of transformation as they enter a new phase of life in their thirties.

Childhood friends Kaede, Kaoru, Michiru, and Emi reunite on Emi's wedding day. However, Kaede faces challenges as her company goes bankrupt and her boyfriend breaks up with her, just as she nears her 30th birthday. Determined to pursue her childhood passion, Kaede decides to become a baker and lands a job at a bakery. But baking proves to be difficult, especially under the strict guidance of the senior baker. Meanwhile, Kaoru works at a high-end massage salon, Michiru struggles financially as she makes handbags, and Emi navigates the ups and downs of newlywed life. The future holds uncertainty for these women as they embark on their respective journeys.

A group of close friends who met in college are excelling in their professional lives as independent women. Wang Mi Na, Yin Ge Li, Weng Mei Yan, and Bai Ya Xuan are often compared to princesses in a tower due to their dedication to their jobs. However, as they navigate the complexities of balancing career and relationships, they are forced to contemplate whether they can have it all or if they must make a difficult choice.

In the bustling neighborhood of Daikanyama in Tokyo, there are four ex-schoolmates who reside together in an apartment, each striving to find their own happiness. Arisugawa Fuu is employed at a design firm and indulges in fashion with a substantial portion of her earnings, Hada Mizuho is an up-and-coming manga illustrator, Sakuragawa Rio specializes in psychosomatic therapy, and Enjoji Sayuri holds a position at an art gallery in Ginza.

Four recent graduates navigate the challenges of adulthood, romance, and deception in their initial careers. Fortunately, they have one another—and late-night bars—to help them manage everything that comes their way.

Five women have recently become neighbors, all residing on the same floor of an apartment complex. Among them, there is Zhu Zhe, a hotel manager, Yu Chu Hui, who is relatively new to the workforce, and He Min Hong, who share a flat. The other two units are occupied by the mysterious Fang Zhi Heng and Ye Zhen Zhen, a life science researcher. Each woman comes from a different background and faces challenges in their careers, families, and relationships. Fang Zhi Heng's behavior raises suspicion, while Ye Zhen Zhen experiences unexpected hostility in her workplace. Yu Chu Hui's intelligence leads her to employ deceitful tactics, only to learn valuable lessons. Zhu Zhe excels in her work but struggles to advance due to her lack of academic qualifications. He Min Hong's well-meaning actions often backfire due to her naivety. Despite their individual struggles, these women eventually learn to open up to each other and support one another in their personal growth journey in the bustling city of Shanghai.

The plot revolves around Lei Lei and Ye Qing, who initially have a rocky start due to rumors spread by the villagers about Ye Qing's character. However, they bond over their mutual admiration for Teresa Teng's music and eventually form a strong friendship. As they support each other during China's changing times, their bond deepens into a romantic relationship. The title of the drama is inspired by Teresa Teng's iconic song.

The narrative follows the love, marriage, and life decisions of the three sisters belonging to the Yang family. It illustrates the transformation of women from vulnerability to strength as they navigate challenges like injury and betrayal in their personal lives. (DramaWiki)

In an effort to expand her business, SIK-SIK, an employee at a travel agency, travels to Malaysia for a meeting with her client. However, her plans are disrupted by a devious local tour guide named KUNG-CHI, leading to a falling-out between them. Suddenly, SIK-SIK's boyfriend CHING CHIN-BOK appears and proposes marriage to her. They begin preparing for their wedding upon returning to Hong Kong. Just as SIK-SIK believes she is the happiest bride, a video is leaked during the ceremony showing CHIN-BOK cheating on her with her best friend. Heartbroken, SIK-SIK returns to Malaysia and changes jobs to work at a local hotel, where she meets KUNG-CHI again. Despite their differing mindsets, they develop subtle yet close feelings for each other. CHIN-BOK's sister CHING CHIN-CHUN supports SIK-SIK's decision to break up with her brother. Through SIK-SIK, she meets the famous chef CHIN TSUN and becomes his apprentice to learn cooking. Over time, CHIN-CHUN develops feelings for her mentor, while CHIN TSUN cannot shake his thoughts of SIK-SIK. Just as he is about to confess his love, CHIN-BOK resumes his pursuit of SIK-SIK, with KUNG-CHI unexpectedly coming to her aid.

Following a tragic accident, magazine photographer Song Tian Chong lost her vision. Despite her passion for beauty and watching TV dramas, Tian Chong remained undeterred by her blindness. Supported by her boyfriend, To Zhen Hang, and her guide dog, Tian Chong stays positive and draws strength from her new mantra, Love Conquers All. While Tian Chong rebuilds her life, her new neighbor, advertising expert Gam Yin Zhong, is going through a midlife crisis. Previously consumed by work, Yin Zhong became isolated from friends and family. Feeling lost and lonely, Yin Zhong decides to go on a long vacation to rediscover himself. After a breakup, Tian Chong meets Yin Zhong and finds solace in their shared loneliness. Despite their initial differences, Tian Chong and Yin Zhong gradually develop feelings for each other and realize they have more in common than they thought.

Naoko's life takes a turn when a failed project leads to her being demoted from marketing to data management, and her boyfriend and boss, Yanagiba Toshiro, moves to New York. Feeling lost, she encounters Uchimura, a cheerful bus driver who inspires her to reevaluate her goals. However, her world is turned upside down when Toshiro returns to Tokyo, forcing her to choose between two very different men in her life.

The series delves into the connections and friendships among seven individuals who come together unexpectedly, exploring how these relationships evolve over time. It all starts with a gathering of six of them. Each of the seven main characters is named after a different color of the rainbow.

Jung Yoo Hee tied the knot with the man she adored, Yoon Sang Woo. Unfortunately, his mother harbored a strong dislike for Yoo Hee, compelling her to separate from Sang Woo and their young daughter. After several years, Yoo Hee makes her return and reconnects with her daughter. However, Sang Woo's new spouse, Seo Hyun, is unwilling to accept her presence. Soon after, Yoo Hee vanishes without a trace. Her younger sister, Yoo Kyung, who was adopted and raised overseas, is resolute in her quest to uncover the truth about her sister's fate. She adopts a façade and poses as Yoo Hee. (DramaWiki)

Xin Lan was taken in by a kind family and now resides with her younger sibling. Tragedy strikes when her brother goes missing and the family's son dies in a car accident. Overwhelmed with grief, Xin Lan ventures out to face the turbulent challenges that lie ahead.

An advertisement for 33 Story-House attracts individuals from diverse backgrounds, uniting them as strangers who become roommates and eventually close friends. The actors and actresses in each narrative employed improvisational acting methods to depict the inhabitants of 33 Story-House.

Tang Mei Bao has yet to reach the level of success and recognition she had envisioned for herself when she entered the modeling industry a decade ago. In contrast to her rival Zhu Di, who effortlessly commands attention on the stage. Now in her thirties, past her peak modeling years, she questions if she squandered her youth. Desperate for a chance at fame and fortune, she takes a risk to reclaim control over her life.

After losing her parents when she was young, Yang Ya Zhen, a single mother working as a wedding planner, married her university classmate. However, after the birth of her daughter Yu Tong, she became suspicious of her husband's infidelity and decided to divorce him, moving back in with her grandmother. Ji Xuan, a divorce lawyer who has seen his own family fall apart, is cynical about marriage, unlike Ya Zhen who still believes in it. When Ya Zhen hires Ji Xuan as her divorce attorney, they meet and begin the process of ending her marriage.

Xin Lu finds herself in two distinct romantic relationships with two individuals. She is involved with the affluent Xu Li Yang, while also receiving affection and support from Xia Xiao Hua. Through these experiences, she begins to understand the true meaning of love and strives to pursue her own happiness.

Cheng Feng had a lifelong desire to soar through the skies, which led her to become a flight attendant against her family's wishes. Thanks to the encouragement of her long-time friend, Tao Si Xian, she courageously pursued her dream. (Wiki D-addicts)

Ming Liang, a young man pursuing his artistic aspirations in the bustling city, returns to his hometown nestled at the base of the Tianshan Mountains to look after his sick adoptive mother, Ai Yi Sha. In an effort to rejuvenate Ai Yi Sha’s restaurant, “Red Pomegranate,” Ming Liang takes on the challenge set by Michelin-starred chef An Dong. As he grows both personally and professionally, he breathes new life into the once poorly managed eatery. Inspired by the courageous stories of those around him, including technician Li Guang Tian and social worker Wu La Si, Ming Liang refines his purpose in life—promoting the culinary heritage of Xinjiang. He also encounters Gu Li Na Er, the passionate leader of an animal welfare organization, and begins to develop feelings for her. However, Gu Li Na Er is solely focused on her professional endeavors and has no interest in a romantic relationship. With his distinct life insights and approach, Ming Liang gradually wins over Gulinaer’s heart.

Nakahara Aki, along with her close companions Osaki Moeko and Sakata Midori, are a trio of women in their forties who are known for their ability to bring luck to the men in their lives, despite their own struggles with happiness. These women often find themselves entangled with unhelpful partners, leading to occasional conflicts and mutual support as they strive to achieve their dreams and find true happiness.

Hanai Ao is a renowned manga artist known for her captivating romance stories, earning admiration from fans for her dedication and achievements

Five young women in their twenties move into a home named "Belle Epoque," which translates to "a beautiful era" in French. Each woman brings her own unique personality, background, and challenges. Alongside the five, they sense a sixth entity—a ghost residing in the house, perceived differently by each of them. As the girls develop a bond of understanding and grow closer, they navigate their individual struggles while experiencing the ups and downs of their vibrant twenties. The drama explores their challenges and experiences related to relationships—both within their friend groups and in dating, as well as their interactions with one another—and encompasses a variety of life events, such as college credits, part-time jobs, drinking, aspirations, and dreams. (JTBC)

A financially strained man and a homeless woman become roommates in a narrative that explores the concept of marriage and the challenges faced by the younger generation today. Nam Se Hui is a single man in his late 30s who has opted to remain unmarried. He possesses a home, yet he carries a significant mortgage debt. On the other hand, Yun Ji Ho is a single woman in her early 30s who does not own property and feels envious of those who do. Due to her financial difficulties, she has decided to stop dating. Yun Ji Ho moves into Nam Se Hui's house, and they become housemates.

Mineko Kaneko discovers she has a brain tumor, giving her a limited amount of time left. Koji Amane, a freeloader with minimal aspirations, crosses paths with her due to a cat.

The tragic death of her closest friend, Cheng Ru Ying, has a profound impact on four mothers - Fang Yuan, Jin Lu, You Xiao Zhu, and Ding Mu Mu - as they strive to uncover the circumstances surrounding her suicide. This incident disrupts the seemingly perfect life of Fang Yuan, a devoted homemaker. Meanwhile, Jin Lu, a career-driven curator, faces unexpected challenges when she becomes pregnant by her temporary boyfriend just as she is on the brink of achieving her professional aspirations. Together, the four mothers courageously navigate through obstacles in pursuit of their original dreams while also joining forces to seek justice for Cheng Ru Ying and uncover the truth behind her untimely demise. (iQiyi)

Aged apartment buildings, leased residences in the outskirts, and taxis traversing the urban areas. These settings may seem commonplace, yet each holds a unique narrative. A young woman balancing a part-time job to assist her disabled mother; a lady estranged from her family who persists as a taxi driver; a granddaughter residing in a rented dwelling and laboring alongside her grandmother at a factory. This depicts the tales of three women living in disparate locations, unaware of each other's presence until a serendipitous encounter via a radio broadcast.

Raised in a funeral home, Ha Na has become desensitized to the spectrum of human feelings. Her true passion lies solely with money. One day, she devises a plan: she intends to locate a wealthy man who is terminally ill, marry him, and secure his fortune after he passes away. However, things take an unexpected turn, and instead of encountering a rich man whose wealth she can claim, she meets Ho Sang, who has his own hidden agenda. Desperate and evading gangsters, he has assumed the identity of a deceased affluent individual. Upon learning that Ho Sang is suffering from an incurable form of cancer, a misled Ha Na decides to take him on as her fortunate find. The catch? She is unaware that he is even more destitute than she is, and he remains oblivious to his cancer diagnosis.

The tale of three women with contrasting personalities who unexpectedly become friends and support each other through life's challenges, discovering their self-worth along the way. Kang Zi You, who recently returned to China from the United States, works as a sales executive director at an aesthetic medical clinic owned by her close friend Lin Qian Yu. Despite excelling in her career, Kang Zi You struggles with personal organization and relies on her daughter Kang Ni for support. Kang Ni, a skilled homemaker with a passion for cooking and table setting, cares for her mother while longing for independence. The arrival of a new doctor, Nie Yun Ze, disrupts the women's routine but also brings Kang Zi You and Nie Yun Ze closer despite their differences. Meanwhile, Lin Qian Yu's marital problems compel Kang Zi You to work with her ex-husband's wife, Meng Yu Shan, to find a solution.

Chun Mei is experiencing a challenging period in her life, grappling with the stresses of getting older and facing the realities of her situation. Despite outward appearances of success, with her son excelling in school, her husband Wei Qiang thriving as a professor, and a potential promotion on the horizon, Chun Mei is struggling internally. Things take a turn for the worse when Wei Qiang disappears suddenly, leading Chun Mei to suspect him of being unfaithful. Upon his return, he shocks her by requesting a divorce.

Inspired by the collection of short stories titled "I Love You," authored by Kotaro Isaka, Ira Ishida, Takuji Ichikawa, Otsuichi, Ko Nakamura, and Takayoshi Honda.

The plot centers around three women in their forties: Ye Hong, a cashier at a supermarket, Du Xiao Ling, a lawyer, and Song Qing, who has recently returned from living abroad. Ye Hong, after divorcing her gambling-addicted ex-husband, moves into a room in a house owned by He Jing, a taxi driver who is also divorced. The situation becomes complicated when He Jing's ex-wife and Ye Hong's ex-husband both move in at the same time, leading to awkward interactions among the four residents. This drama addresses the prevalent issue of single middle-aged individuals, showcasing the perspectives of urban dwellers on marriage and relationships. It follows the journey of these women as they navigate their lives, pursue happiness, and demonstrate strength and resilience.

Divided into two sections, the initial segment is known as Ai Shan Liang with 33 episodes, while the latter part is titled Shan Liang Ai with 37 episodes. Pearl, also known as Zhen Zhu, was brought up by her grandmother after her mother abandoned her to marry a prosperous doctor. Her aspiration is to excel as a clothing designer, and she puts in a great deal of effort to make her dream come true. She falls in love with wealthy "Fu Er Dai" He Zhi Wei, and after overcoming numerous challenges posed by their families, they tie the knot. Zhen Zhu becomes pregnant, but tragically, Zhi Wei is involved in an accident, leaving her widowed and pregnant. Five years later, Zhen Zhu is looking after her child and her late husband's family. To support them, she secures a position at a clothing design firm. Through her determination and kindness, Zhen Zhu touches the lives of those around her and gradually moves closer to realizing her dream as a clothing designer.

Song Jiao Yang, a talented student in the field of fashion design, unexpectedly finds herself thrust into the world of supermodeling. As she navigates this new industry, she forms connections with Li Zhen (played by Godfrey Gao) and Zhao Yu Tian (portrayed by Jed Lee). Zhao Yu Tian, an established model, takes a tough-love approach with Jiao Yang but harbors hidden feelings for her. On the other hand, Li Zhen is kind and supportive towards Jiao Yang, though he conceals his past and origins. Feeling rejected by his family, Li Zhen's demeanor changes, leading him down a path of vengeance where he will go to great lengths, including manipulating his relationship with Song Jiao Yang.

Filled with hidden truths about its characters' origins, the plot delves into the lives of the wealthy elite and the challenges faced by the innocent protagonist Yu Fei as she seeks to uncover the reality

The narrative follows three young women navigating life in a bustling city, experiencing various stages of growth and development together.

After years of constant arguments and dissatisfaction, Tian Lan and Zhan Peng decided to end their marriage and pursue separate paths. They both found new partners and began to enjoy the happiness of being in a loving relationship. However, the well-being of their daughter has posed a challenge for their new partners. Will they reconcile to fulfill their daughter's desire for a united family or work together to address the issue appropriately?