I Am Married...But! (Chinese: 童話故事下集; pinyin: Tóng hùa gù shì xìa jí) is a 2025 Taiwanese Netflix original series written and directed by Li Nien-hsiu. The series stars Ko Chia-yen, Jasper Liu, Ko Shu-chin, Tseng Jing-hua, Fu Meng-po, Pipi Yao and Sie Yi-lin.

Synopsis

I-ling (Alice Ko) has spent the past three years living with her in-laws, constantly debating whether to end her marriage every week. She longs for independence but feels trapped because her husband, Zeng Xue-you (Jasper Liu), remains overly attached to his mother.[1] Just as she reaches her breaking point, he manages to show glimpses of the man she fell for, keeping her caught in an endless loop of staying and wanting to leave.[2] However, everything changes when she connects with a kindred spirit on a dating app, and her body begins yearning for motherhood, forcing her to navigate the delicate balance between emotional temptation and family responsibilities.[3]

Cast

Main starring

Support roles

  • Ko Shu-chin as Zeng Xue-you's mother
  • Jheng Chih-Wei as Zeng Xue-you's father
  • Tseng Jing-hua as a handsome and warm pharmacist, a chance encounter of I-ling
  • Fu Meng-po as I-ling's ex-boyfriend at university
  • Sie Yi-lin as Na-jie, I-ling's colleague

Reception

Viewership

The series received a highly positive response upon its release, quickly climbing to the No. 1 spot on Taiwan’s Daily Top 10 Series ranking within 48 hours of its premiere. The series maintained this position for three consecutive days and also secured a place in the Weekly Top 10 Series rankings, reaching No. 2 in Taiwan and No. 10 in Hong Kong.[4] Additionally, it was featured in the Daily Top 10 rankings in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.[5]

Critical response

The series sparked widespread online discussions, with viewers appreciating its humorous and relatable take on marriage. Many praised its script for its realistic and grounded storytelling, while others found amusement in its release on Valentine’s Day, joking that it was intended to provoke conversations about relationships.[6]

Ko Chia-yen’s portrayal of I-ling, a sharp-witted and outspoken wife, received particular acclaim. Her character resonated with audiences, with some fans describing her as a voice for their own thoughts on marriage.[7] Viewers also highlighted her skill in delivering comedic and sarcastic lines, adding to the show's charm.[8] Jasper Liu’s performance as Zeng Xue-you, a well-meaning yet naive husband, was similarly well received.[9] Fans appreciated his ability to portray a "mama’s boy" in a way that made the character both humorous and endearing.[10]

References

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