Asian dramas like
Were Not Trash

While pursuing his doctoral degree, Shu Ren develops romantic feelings for his classmate Sun Shu. Due to family issues, Shu Ren decides to leave his studies without informing Sun Shu, who then goes to Japan for further education. After five years, they meet again at Si Kang Hospital, where Shu Ren attempts to make amends, but Sun Shu initially rebuffs him. When Sun Shu's mother falls ill, their relationship takes a positive turn. Shu Ren grapples with guilt stemming from his mother's passing, but with Sun Shu's support, he is able to overcome his emotional struggles and regain his self-assurance.

Natsumi recently experienced the loss of her sister, Haru, who passed away from cancer. As Haru's coffin is sealed shut for the final time, Natsumi quietly vows to join her soon. However, Haru's fiancé, Tougo, has a different idea that could potentially bring healing to both of their hearts. This storyline is based on the manga series "Haru no Noroi" by Konishi Asuka.

The dynamic between Qi Qi, a rebellious young woman, and her guardian Lin Huan Zhi is filled with tension. Qi Qi, who is battling depression, seeks solace online where she befriends Bao Bao Lan and You Nuo. Despite their contrasting personalities, the three girls develop a strong bond of trust and appreciation. Additionally, Qi Qi's life is further complicated by the presence of Lin Nan Yi, the lead singer of a band. (CdramaBase) This story is adapted from Rao Xue Man's novel "Golden Castle of Elfin".

Yan Fei is a youthful marketing executive while Hai Qing aspires to pursue a career in art. Yan Fei is in a relationship with Jimmy, while Hai Qing is currently single. Upon seeing Yan Fei at a nearby swimming facility, Hai Qing discretely captures a photo of the handsome young man. Despite a series of unfortunate incidents, the two manage to strike up a conversation, leading Yan Fei to offer Hai Qing his contact information in hopes of meeting again due to their immediate connection. However, fate intervenes when Hai Qing accidentally drops his phone in the pool, preventing him from reaching out to Yan Fei. Subsequently, Hai Qing meets Ping Jun and they begin a romantic relationship. Yet, this is just the start of their story. Hai Qing finds himself unable to forget about Yan Fei, who is similarly unable to erase him from his thoughts.

Akari works as a jewelry salesperson and also models for the store's catalog. She feels frustrated about being only valued for her appearance. She is eager to marry her boyfriend Hayato, who is firm about never marrying again. Akari cannot forget her ex-boyfriend, Arashi, whom she unexpectedly encounters, reigniting old feelings. However, Arashi is in a committed relationship with someone else. Witness as friends and family share their opinions on the couple's renewed romance, delving into their own beliefs about marriage.

Wen Qian, a hopeful artist, asks Bai Ji Ran, a singer at a bar, to pose for her artwork, but he declines multiple times. When Wen Qian is sent to Chengdu to retrieve a valuable family heirloom for her father, she coincidentally reunites with Bai Ji Ran. He remembers her from their childhood, although she has no recollection of him. As Wen Qian loses all her possessions and Bai Ji Ran evades his admirers, they join forces to safeguard a mysterious brocade bag connected to Wen Qian's family trade. Through peril and risky situations, their arguments transform into an unforeseen love affair.

This is a tale of the overwhelming President Xiao Xiao navigating their relationship with their nephew Mei Ruo Bin amidst his declining mental health and complicated social interactions, immersing himself in a web of deceit. Xiao Wei is the deputy chief of Yuanhang Media. In the pursuit of his crush, Mei Xin, he willingly takes on the responsibility of looking after his younger brother, Mei Ruo Bin, who came back to town to study while Xiao Wei was away on a business trip. As a high school student at an international college, Mei Ruo Bin clashes with Xiao Wei. This mischievous nephew disrupts his uncle's life like a tiny troublemaker. Xiao Xiao must put in extra effort to care for his nephew in order to please his girlfriend, Mei Xin.

Cha Hong Do struggles with social anxiety and experiences intense blushing. Despite this, she possesses a keen curiosity and gains knowledge from reading and online resources. One day, her grandmother, who is her sole link to the outside world, passes away. Subsequently, she takes a job as a maid but pretends to be an older woman. During an unexpected event, she encounters a psychiatrist named Ko Yi Seok.

Tanaka Keiichi used to work as a salaryman while also pursuing a career as a manga artist. After struggling with depression for a decade, he was able to overcome it. Now, he mentors individuals from various walks of life alongside his assistant Kaneko, assisting them in conquering depression effectively.

Mi Chong, a troubled young man dealing with social anxiety and unhappiness, decides to take his own life by drowning in a river

A 14-year-old girl faces challenges in her life, enduring abuse from her parents and bullying from classmates. She lacks a safe space where she can feel at ease. One day, a masked man kidnaps her and gives her the name Sachi, hoping for her happiness. It is the first time Sachi experiences true joy.

Shinomiya Yuki, a 21-year-old man who leads a solitary life without friends, fills his days with various part-time jobs. One evening, upon returning home from work, he is surprised to find an unfamiliar man with a knife wound in his room. The injured man, who identifies himself as Shinomiya Yuki to a detective at the hospital, accuses Shinomiya Yuki of stabbing him. Fleeing from the hospital, Shinomiya Yuki becomes a wanted fugitive. During this tumultuous time, a mysterious woman named Zoka approaches him, seeking his help in seeking vengeance for her father's death. Zoka, a Hiru residing in an abandoned house, is joined by Shinomiya Yuki as they encounter Kara, a legendary Hiru consumed by thoughts of revenge.

Yoo Tan serves as the frontman and singer for an indie group known as One More Time, a band he co-founded with his childhood friends a decade ago. The indie ensemble thrived for a time, even defiantly resisting the mainstream at one point. However, as Tan ages, the band's popularity is waning, and financial struggles are becoming more pronounced, prompting him to eventually sign with a record label. While navigating the challenging landscape of a major music label, an unexpected incident occurs that propels Tan into an extraordinary experience: a sudden time leap that enables him to travel back in time to win back his girlfriend.

A romantic fantasy centered on a woman who possesses the ability to perceive death within individuals following an incident, and a psychiatrist who discovers genuine joy after experiencing a significant low point in his life. (Soompi)

Kang Da Jeong swiftly advances to become the manager of a prestigious hotel, yet faces challenges in her romantic relationships, mirroring her mother's struggles. Ju Yeong Do, a psychiatrist, aids others in their healing journeys while dealing with his own emotional wounds stemming from his inability to rescue his younger brother and a patient. As they work together to solve a murder case in their community, the two develop a strong bond.

In preparation for his civil service exam, 31-year-old Yong Sik, who is dealing with issues of low self-esteem and a decreased sex drive, encounters an unexpected situation when he realizes that his urologist is actually his first love, Ru Da Lee. Ru Da Lee, a confident doctor hailing from a wealthy background, faces her own challenges with her egotistical boyfriend, psychiatrist Ji Hyeok Do. Seeking to humble her boyfriend, she brags about her "amazing" first love only to be surprised by the changed demeanor of Yong Sik. To save herself from embarrassment, she takes it upon herself to help him rebuild his confidence. Meanwhile, Ji Hyeok Do, a successful and charming psychiatrist, grapples with his own pride, leading to frustration on Ru Da Lee's part despite his flawless facade.

Moon Gang Tae works as a community health worker in a psychiatric unit and possesses numerous admirable qualities, such as a fit physique, intelligence, empathy, patience, quick reflexes, and endurance, among others. On the other hand, Ko Moon Young is a celebrated author of children's books who struggles with an antisocial personality disorder, leading her to come across as self-centered, arrogant, and impolite. While Moon Gang Tae rejects the idea of love, Ko Moon Young remains unaware of this. Despite their circumstances, the two challenge destiny and develop a romantic relationship, uncovering their true selves and identities along the way. (Soompi & Koreandrama.org)

To uncover the truth behind his mother's mysterious death, Shang Bo Ran, the inheritor of Feng Shang Group, decides to work undercover at a fashion magazine company. During his time there, he crosses paths with Li Xiao Kui, a coworker who is both naive and hopeful. Despite their initial clashes, Bo Ran and Xiao Kui find themselves living together and developing romantic feelings for each other due to a series of unexpected events.

Cheng Feng, a bookstore proprietor, has to abandon her aspiration of becoming a dancer after an unfortunate incident. She encounters Jiang Dian, a kind-hearted young man who seems aloof because of family expectations. Despite their shared sense of loss, they support each other through growth and recovery. (DramaWiki) Based on the online novel "Zhui Guang" by He Zhong.

Yu Xi Xi and Yu Chao were raised together in the same household. Yu Chao was a reserved individual who rarely smiled and always stuck to his principles, while Yu Xi Xi was known for her lively and mischievous nature. Before her passing, their mother entrusted the Will Immortal Tower and the Yu family to Yu Chao, also expressing her wish for Yu Chao to marry Yu Xi Xi in order to support each other in the future. However, the siblings held mutual disapproval towards each other. Furthermore, a scandal from fifteen years ago resurfaced in the martial world, bringing forth intricate martial forces, grudges, and romantic complications. Through conflicts and hardships, Yu Xi Xi and Yu Chao found redemption and discovered their own path in the martial world. As the martial world settled down, they returned to the Will Immortal Tower, renaming it "Zhao Xi Tower" by combining a character from each of their names. Their only desire was to live a happy and fulfilling life in a world full of opportunities, without seeking material wealth or titles.

This romantic comedy revolves around Yoo Kam Woo, who can manage just a couple of sips of beer, and Do Eum Joo, a passionate lover of alcohol. (Soompi)

Eighteen years ago, Man Qing was taken in by three women who showered her with affection. Despite their love, she still felt a longing to uncover the truth about her father and navigate the complexities of life. In search of a different form of love, Man Qing decided to leave her mothers behind.

Assisted by four talented teenagers, Lin Bo He, a young female boxer with aspirations in music, overcomes various challenges and guides her bandmates to achieve a high score in the music competition.

During the Golden Broom Awards ceremony, Xia Mo faced ridicule from fans and vowed to grace the stage at the Golden Rooster Awards the following year. Prior to the event, a chance encounter with Huo Bei Xiao led to a mysterious body swap thanks to a jade pendant.

Noriko is an aspiring comic artist and writer who is not yet published. Her spouse, Akira, is employed at a business undergoing restructuring. Lately, the company has been facing criticism regarding its merchandise, prompting Akira, a principled individual, to halt product shipments without seeking approval from his superiors. As a result, he is harshly rebuked by a senior executive, leading him to spiral into a state of despondency. Akira constantly feels fatigued and expresses thoughts of mortality, causing his wife to struggle in coping with his deteriorating mental health.

Four individuals, both men and women, are unable to find rest due to matters of the heart. (ARIRANG K-POP on YouTube)

The plot revolves around Lin Wei Wei, a university student, and Xu Hao Ting, a man with little ambition, as they strive to achieve their goals and navigate through important choices in their lives.

Su Yiwen was once a cheerful and hopeful young girl. As she matured, her outlook turned negative and her self-confidence waned. Peng Xizhe made a silent promise to assist Su Yiwen in rediscovering her former self. Through Peng Xizhe's affection and support, Su Yiwen gradually rediscovers her true identity.

Xia Yuan, a young woman from Shanghai, holds the position of sales department director at a renowned company. When her career was on track, she proposed to her boyfriend, Song Hang Yu, only to discover that he had disappeared, having left for Europe. Determined to find him, Xia Yuan gave herself a year to travel to Europe. Meanwhile, Hao WeiLai, who had vacationed with Xia Yuan in Shanghai, was sent to work in Europe by his father following the bankruptcy of their family business. Ye Si Qi, a young woman from Shanghai born after 1995, had a brief marriage and divorce with Qiao Bin, a Shanghai native. Fueled by a desire for a fresh start, Ye Si Qi also set off for Europe. Meanwhile, Qiao Bin, filled with regret over the divorce, followed Ye Si Qi to Europe. The four of them crossed paths and embarked on a journey together. Throughout the year, they worked at farms, yacht rental companies, wineries, amusement parks, and more, experiencing conflicts but ultimately staying together until the end. In the end, Xia Yuan let go of the past and started a new life with Hao Rui. Hao Wei Lai accepted the bankruptcy and began anew with Xia Yuan, while Ye Si Qi and Qiao Bin reconciled their relationship.

At the age of eighteen, Xiao Min is a fresh college student with a penchant for creating unique and fantastical illusions. By heading to Taipei for her studies, Xiao Min is excited to break free from the constraints of high school and gain independence from her mother. Her current aspiration is to be surrounded by charming individuals who treat her with kindness and vie for her attention. While Xiao Min's dream may seem bold and romantic, she is simply a vivacious and innocent young woman who has yet to experience love or have a romantic partner.

On the 836th day since Yao Hui went missing, Xiao Min decided to spend the remaining days of winter break traveling to Penghu with En En and Wen Jing. However, a typhoon unexpectedly hit the area, leaving Xiao Min stranded on one of the Penghu islands by herself. While seeking shelter from the rain, she unexpectedly encounters Xiao Wu, whose attractive and aloof demeanor makes a lasting impression on Xiao Min.

In spite of facing criticism from fellow teachers and parents who doubt her abilities due to her troubled upbringing, a preschool teacher is determined to move past her traumatic past. (jdorama)

13 years ago, the Abe family relocated to a suburban town surrounded by natural beauty. The family is made up of Toma, a French father, his wife Mikiko who is Japanese, and their lovely daughter Yuko. They give off the impression of being a flawless family unit. Mikiko persuaded Yuko to participate in a commercial audition, where she caught the eye of Murano, the director of an advertising agency. Yuko has since entered the world of entertainment. After some time, Yuko switches over to a prominent talent agency. Following her mother's wishes, Yuko gains popularity and lands on magazine covers, variety shows, and drama series. However, Yuko starts feeling a disconnect between her public persona and her true self. It is during this period that she meets Seiko, a unique dancer, and falls in love with him. This marks the beginning of a nightmarish chapter in her life.

Spanning from the mid-1970s to the mid-1990s, this narrative centers on a group of educated young people whose friendships develop during their time spent in rural areas. As they return to urban life, confront the pressures of college entrance examinations, and adapt to the shifts brought about by China's reform era, each individual embarks on a unique journey. Among this group, Yu Leshan and Sheng Xuezhu endure fifteen years filled with challenges, love, and aspirations, while others either thrive or struggle amidst the changing landscape. The drama vividly captures this historical period, highlighting themes of resilience, bravery, and the quest for one’s dreams, while also cautioning against the pitfalls of succumbing to temptation and desire.

In the play, a collection of youthful individuals exhibit boundless imagination and playfulness as they endeavor to make a positive impact on society through their creative endeavors. Additionally, they grapple with the challenges of youth, as well as the complexities of life and love.

A narrative about a regular girl who goes through multiple reincarnations in her quest to encounter a famous boy band. The group, consisting of nine members, is dedicated to honing their skills and pursuing their aspirations. Yet, when a young woman suddenly appears in their lives through time travel, it sets off a chain of complications. The band members start to feud amongst themselves as they confront their most significant obstacle. Can Ruan Tang repair their fractured relationships and discover love in the end? (ChineseDrama.info)

Two options to choose from: 32 episodes for television viewing or 34 episodes for online streaming.

During the turbulent years of the mid-1930s in China, a group of young girls showed bravery as they pursued their dreams and love. Among them were Yao Xiaodie, Hong Lianxi, Jin Lulu, and Lan Fengping. These girls participated in a singing contest at Shanghai Lihua Palace in hopes of changing their fates. Through the intense competition, they formed strong bonds and faced challenges together. Despite facing obstacles, they eventually became contracted singers at the palace. However, they soon realized that life at Lihua Palace was not as straightforward as they had hoped, with conspiracies, traps, and unexpected romances unfolding. Yao Xiaodie and Shen Jiahao developed a close friendship which later blossomed into love. Lianxi received her first kiss from Yitian during a dangerous encounter with Japanese soldiers. Fengping found solace in her relationship with Donald. Meanwhile, Jin Lulu's lost love, Lu Dasheng, returned to her side. As Shanghai faced turmoil and eventually liberation, the Lihua Palace reopened its doors, welcoming back old acquaintances. The biggest surprise came when Yao Xiaodie resumed singing and Jiahao reappeared in her life.

The narrative centers on Su Xiao Xiao, a determined and skilled young woman with aspirations of becoming a hairstylist. Her enthusiasm for hairstyling led her to gain a reputation among her classmates for cutting their hair at school, often resulting in disciplinary action instead of focusing on her studies. Despite facing obstacles due to her past and other unfortunate circumstances, her grandparents make repeated efforts to offer guidance and support in steering her towards the right path. However, she becomes entangled with Fei Long, who harbors deep feelings of love and gratitude towards Su Xiao Xiao. Along her journey towards achieving her dream, Su Xiao Xiao crosses paths with Yang Yuan Shuai, Zhang Wen Ya, and Liu Ai Man.

The narrative follows Tian Xin and her elder sibling, who were left by their mother when they were children. As they reach adulthood, they establish a boutique business together. Tian Xin ends her relationship with Yuan Ping because of his arranged marriage, and she crosses paths with the affluent Zhou Yi Xiang. At the same time, Fang Tong plots to sabotage Tian Xin in hopes of marrying into wealth.

The plot centers around a girl who starts out as a tomboy but undergoes a transformation into the most popular girl in school with the assistance of a boy known for his sharp wit. (DramaWiki)

Chu Xia and Xiao Jin, twin sisters who are brought back together by a chance encounter, both find themselves unexpectedly falling for the same young man, Guan Hao. Despite facing numerous challenges and life-threatening situations, Chu Xia ultimately decides to choose a different path for her friendship and love, leading to a confrontation with her partner...