Unfortunately, I have a lot of trouble to find where to watch Japanese dramas, but I know they have the potential…
That's because 99% of J dramas are fansubbed, so they are available either on the subbers' websites or on D-addicts. I have messaged you the links. Yup Secret Love Affair was definitely scandalous for a Korean drama. Slow, but well done in my opinion :)
There's also Second Love (Japan) with Kazuya Kamenashi.
Oh yes, thank you! The list is just the dramas at the top of my head. There are a lot more that I did not list because I didn't want to go on & on here hehe :)
Btw, since you mentioned so many, which are your top 3 from the list?
For mature romances, check out (these are the ones at the top of my head, I love them too btw) -
MARS (Taiwan) Kenja No Ai Kono Yo No Hate Kou Kou Kyoushi (1993) Aishiteiru to Ittekure Destiny-Like Love Secret Love Affair Kamisama Mou Soukashi Dake Second Virgin
Ooh, I really liked Before We Get Married… would you also consider Watashitachi wa Douka Shiteru as a mature…
I don't consider Watashitachi Wa Douka Shiteru a mature drama. For me it was more of a melodrama. And the conclusion of the drama especially had the potential to elevate it to be more, but it was somewhat lackluster for me.. (I know many people loved it, I liked it but didn't love it)
For me, mature dramas are those that deal with "adult" situations & hard issues. They are complex & can't be looked at from a moralistic perspective alone. Also, I feel like they challenge & push you to confront certain realities that may not be easy. They are more real (and sometimes darker) than the usual stuff, & require a mature audience that can appreciate them. (Difficult to explain it but I hope you get the drift)
3 
8 
1 
1 
1 
Yup Secret Love Affair was definitely scandalous for a Korean drama. Slow, but well done in my opinion :)
Gomen, Aishiteiru
Kimi ga Kokoro ni Sumitsuita
Destiny-Like Love
Aishiteiru to Ittekure
Love Shuffle
I haven't seen these two from your list, I will check them out.
Double Fantasy
Glass no le
Never Let Me Go
Saka no Tochu No Le
Zeni Geba
MARS (Taiwan)
Kenja No Ai
Kono Yo No Hate
Kou Kou Kyoushi (1993)
Aishiteiru to Ittekure
Destiny-Like Love
Secret Love Affair
Kamisama Mou Soukashi Dake
Second Virgin
Never Let Me Go
Saka no Tochu No Le
Zeni Geba
These are a MUST WATCH in my opinion. I will recommend more if you like these. Also please note that these are very dark & real.
I'm always happy to share & discuss dramas!
For me, mature dramas are those that deal with "adult" situations & hard issues. They are complex & can't be looked at from a moralistic perspective alone. Also, I feel like they challenge & push you to confront certain realities that may not be easy. They are more real (and sometimes darker) than the usual stuff, & require a mature audience that can appreciate them. (Difficult to explain it but I hope you get the drift)