Are you somewhat of a masochist who enjoys watching sad k-dramas (like me) and cry your eyes out? If the answer yes, then keep reading because you’re in for one heck of an emotional roller-coaster ride!
The dramas listed below are among the well-known tear jerkers. From the outstanding performances from the casts, and also good plots which were line together with their soul-penetrating soundtracks, these k-dramas will make your eyeballs sweat like never before.
DISCLAIMER: Look away fellas because SPOILERS AHEAD!
1. Stairway To Heaven (2003)
A classic k-drama which was adored by many, Stairway To Heaven has many legit OSTs, such as I Miss You by Kim Bum Soo which is still memorable until today. In this drama, 2 childhood sweethearts, Han Jun Suh (Choi Ji Woo) and Chan Song Joo (Kwon Sang Woo) encounter various obstacles. You name it, they have it! From wicked step-mother, scheming families, tangled jealousy love relationships, to memory loss due fatal illness.
SPOILER: They didn’t manage to get their happily ever after when the female lead succumbs to cancer in the end (Kwon Sang Woo’s acting was no joke when he made everyone sob uncontrollably including myself).
2. Autumn in My Heart (2000)
Autumn in My Heart is yet another classic k-drama love story and is one of the four “Endless Love” season themed dramas – Spring Waltz, Autumn Tale, Winter Sonata, and Summer Scent. It is about two girls who discovered to have been switched at birth, and are later reunited with their birth families when they are well into their teens. Yoon Eun Suh (Song Hye Kyo) grew up believing Yoon Joon Suh (Song Seung Heon) was her brother, only to find out that they were in fact not blood-related (say whaaat?). They slowly develop romantic feelings for each other, but Han Tae Seok (Won Bin), Joon Suh’s good friend who also loves Eun Suh, and their families, who are strongly against the relationship, stir unnecessary problems which complicate matters for them.
SPOILER: This drama is different compared to the rest in the list because the main couple dies in the end (which makes it sadder). Eun Suh was diagnosed with final stage leukemia and dies in the end. Not long after her passing, Joon Suh accompanied her when he was hit by a car while crossing the road.
3. Empress Ki (2013)
Another tragic yet beautiful love story with gorgeous cinematography and gorgeous costumes. Empress Ki tells the story of how Ki Sung Nyang (Ha Ji Won) ascends to power and then marries Emperor Ta Hwan (Ji Chang Wook) and became Empress of the Yuan empire. She also gets into a love triangle with the Emperor and King Wang Yu of Goryeo (Joo Jin Moo).
SPOILER: What’s truly sad about this drama is that the second lead (Emperor), who has always loved the female lead (Empress) did not know of her feelings for him until the end when he dies tragically from poisoning (hey at least the second male lead finally gets the girl!).
4. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Goryeo tells the story of a modern day woman, Go Ha Jin/Hae Soo (IU) who travels back in time to the Goryeo era. She gets romantically involved with mysterious prince Wang So (Lee Joon Gi) and finds herself in the middle of the battle for the throne amongst the princes. It has everything you could ask for including action, romance, hot princes, drama, and a whole lot of intensity. Aside from the poor editing and plot holes, the actors and actresses were able conceal those flaws with their performances.
SPOILER: Due to some misunderstandings, she didn’t get to see her beloved Wang So as she dies of illness while awaiting his arrival. She left him and their daughter behind and was transport back to her own world for good (now if this doesn’t scream tragedy or what, because they weren’t able to see each other for one last time). Did I mention that this is also an open ended k-drama?
Can someone hand me some tissue, please?