K-dramas aren’t just about fluttering hearts and happy endings. They can also be masters of emotional manipulation, leaving viewers clutching tissues and sobbing uncontrollably (in the best way possible, of course). So, if you’re looking for a good cry and a powerful emotional journey, then buckle up! Here are 10 K-dramas that will have you reaching for the tissues faster than you can say “aegyo”
Move to Heaven: This heartwarming drama follows a trauma cleaner with Asperger’s syndrome and an ex-convict as they uncover the stories of the deceased. The poignant exploration of loss, grief, and the beauty of human connection is guaranteed to bring on the tears.
Hi Bye, Mama!: This tearjerker tells the story of a ghost who gets a chance to return to her family for 49 days. Filled with moments of joy and heartbreaking goodbyes, it’s a beautiful portrayal of love, loss, and the importance of letting go.
The Hymn of Death: This historical drama depicts the forbidden love story between a celebrated playwright and a young woman in 1920s Korea. Knowing the tragic fate that awaits them adds a layer of heartbreaking tension to their passionate romance.
Scarlet Heart: Ryeo: This historical fantasy throws a modern woman into the midst of a royal court in the Goryeo Dynasty. Filled with political intrigue, forbidden love, and heartbreaking betrayals, it’s a rollercoaster ride of emotions.
Uncontrollably Fond: This poignant drama reunites childhood friends who are now a famous actor and a documentary filmmaker. Their past trauma and the challenges they face in the present create a powerful and moving story.
Mr. Sunshine: Set in the early 1900s during Korea’s turbulent colonial period, this drama tells the story of a soldier who returns from America and falls in love with a noblewoman. The historical backdrop adds weight to their passionate yet star-crossed romance.
Just Between Lovers: This raw and emotional drama explores the lives of two individuals who survived a building collapse. Their struggles with survivor’s guilt, PTSD, and finding solace in each other create a powerful and heartbreaking narrative.
Stairway to Heaven: A classic K-drama, this melodrama tells the story of two star-crossed lovers who are separated by tragedy in their youth. Their story of unfulfilled love and a chance encounter in their next lives continues to resonate with viewers.
The Red Sleeve: This historical romance depicts the forbidden love story between a court lady and a crown prince. The limitations imposed by their social status and the emotional sacrifices they make for duty create a beautifully tragic narrative.
Tomorrow: This fantasy drama might seem lighthearted at first, following grim reapers who prevent people from taking their own lives. However, the stories of the characters contemplating suicide and the themes of grief, regret, and hope for a better future can be surprisingly moving