Sometimes you just need a good cry to shrug stress off your shoulders! It can serve as ventilation of pent-up emotions and help channel your thoughts. What better way to have a release than by watching some great K-Dramas that are meant to make you cry? Here’s our list, in no particular order, of some of the saddest K-Dramas that are guaranteed to make you cry!
1) “GOBLIN” (2016)
A definite masterpiece among Korean dramas, “Goblin” or “Guardian: The Lonely And Great God,” starring Gong Yoo, Kim Go Eun, Lee Dong Wook, and Yoo In Na is the story of a celebrated warrior general from the Goryeo Dynasty who is murdered under orders from the King. He is then cursed to live an immortal life until the Goblin’s bride brings him out of his misery by pulling out the sword stuck in his chest. What was not part of the plan, however, was falling in love. A paradoxical situation arises where Goblin wants both an end to his suffering and a life with his beloved. Sit back and have your tissues ready because this one is going to be a bumpy ride of emotions!
2. “IT’S OKAY, THAT’S LOVE” (2014)
With an array of characters as diverse in personality as their situations, “It’s Okay, That’s Love” is a healing drama that deals with complicated issues of mental health while entertaining with beautiful relationships of love and friendship. Jo In Sung plays Jang Jae Yeol, a popular writer and radio host who suffers from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and further undiagnosed mental issues stemming from deep-rooted childhood trauma. Gong Hyo Jin is Ji Hae Soo, a psychiatrist with a fear of intimacy and an anxiety disorder. A nurturing relationship develops between the two as they find their way towards healing together. As you already know, however, the path to happiness and healing is never an easy one. This drama is a definite tear-jerker with absolutely brilliant acting from a stellar cast!
3. “MOON LOVERS: SCARLET HEART RYEO” (2016)
A 25-year-old, 21st-century woman Go Ha Jin (played by IU) navigates time travel into the Goryeo Dynasty and faces unwavering emotions of love and pain alike in this period drama that’s one for the history books (of K-Dramas of course). Without spoiling anything, all we can say is that political intrigue and rivalry lead to some painful situations for all the beloved characters and there is no way you’ll leave this drama without having your heart broken.
4. “REMEMBER YOU” (2015)
A star-studded cast featuring Seo In Guk, Park Bo Gum, Choi Won Young, Jang Nara, and EXO’s D.O, this compelling story will keep you at the edge of your seat right from the first episode to the last. Don’t let the action sequences fool you, this is easily one of the most touching dramas in the list and defies all genre expectations. One second it’s a thriller, and the next it’s a melodrama. A murder mystery will be the last thing on your mind when you’re done watching this. Tears are unavoidable.
5. “49 DAYS” (2011)
A second chance at life does not turn out so simple for Ji Hyun (Nam Gyu Ri) when the truth about the people around her starts coming to light. Her perfect life might not have been so perfect after all. Two women save each others’ lives through this process of revelation in this refreshing tale of supernatural magic and true love. Yet, as we all know, the course of true love never does run smoothly.
6. “QUEEN FOR SEVEN DAYS” (2017)
At this point, it’s safe to say that period dramas are emotional by nature. “Queen For Seven Days” is perhaps the prime example for it. Park Min Young plays the titular Queen, caught between two brothers contesting for the throne, who serves for a period of seven days before being deposed due to political rivalry. While the title gives away the story to a degree, the drama is really about the love and trust which are at play, and it is this dynamic that leads to misfortunes.
7. “FATED TO LOVE YOU” (2014)
A classic tale of the comedy of errors ensues from one fateful night in this K-drama, also known as “You Are My Destiny.” This remake of the Taiwanese original is just the right amount of romance, comedy, and angst (emphasis on the angst, however!). As much as the first half will make you feel like sunshine and roses, the clouds start closing in in the second half. Watch at your own risk!
8. “THE SMILE HAS LEFT YOUR EYES” (2018)
A complex and mysterious story featuring Seo In Guk and Jung So Min as the equally intriguing leads, “The Smile Has Left Your Eyes” will not spare your tear ducts one bit. Past and present are intertwined as Kim Moo Young (Seo In Guk) struggles to regain memories of his past which are inevitably linked intricately with Yoo Jin Kang. Revelations lead the road to healing, but the growing pains are immensely difficult to bear.
9. “KILL ME, HEAL ME” (2015)
A wealthy conglomerate businessman suffers from Dissociative Identity Disorder, manifesting in the form of seven different personalities. A secretive resident psychiatrist falls in love. An adoptive brother has always admired his sister more than a brother should. Three people and nine identities collide in this brilliant psychological thriller-romance. After becoming attached to all of Cha Do Hyun’s (played by Ji Sung) personalities, the tears come when you must bid farewell to them in order for Cha Do Hyun to gain his life back. It’s truly painful, but the ending makes up for it all. This is a great drama with a variety of emotions.
10. “RADIANT” (2019)
A beautiful twist to the fantasy genre of dramas, “Radiant” or “The Light In Your Eyes” tells the story of a woman who loses all her time before she can live through it and a man who lives life with no happiness. Han Ji Min and Kim Hye Ja both play the role of Kim Hye Ja: one at 26 and one 70 respectively. Nam Joo Hyuk plays the role of her husband who learns the beauty of life through her. The last two episodes feature a terrific climactic twist that changes the perspective of the entire drama, turning it into a emotional, real story. Don’t worry, we’re not gonna spoil it for you. With this drama, get ready for some tears!
A list about some of the saddest K-dramas ever would never be complete without mentioning “Uncontrollably Fond,” “Winter Sonata,” “Stairway To Heaven,” “Hymn Of Death,” “The Crowned Clown,” and of course the latest series, “It’s Okay To Not Be Okay” (In fact, you can read our review for “It’s Okay To Not Be Okay” by clicking here). Even though these dramas appear to be sad, they hold meaningful stories of life and love, meant to touch every heart.
What other dramas would you add to this list? Which ones would you recommend to your friends? Let us know your thoughts by tweeting to us @whatthekpop1!
Ishani Sarkar is a self-professed learner for life, trying to find meaning and happiness in the smallest of things. She found her safe haven within the world of Korean entertainment and she’s never letting go.
Media: As Credited