Korean dramas are known for their ability to pull on your heartstrings. Whether it’s a tragic love story, a painful goodbye, or the struggle of someone trying to find peace, K-dramas know exactly how to make you feel. If you’re in the mood for a good cry, these ten heartbreaking K-dramas will leave you emotionally wrecked in the best way. From tearful romances to deep human stories, these dramas prove that sometimes, crying is the best form of healing.
1. Uncontrollably Fond
“Uncontrollably Fond” tells the story of two former lovers who meet again years later under heartbreaking circumstances. Shin Joon-young, once a bright law student, is now a famous actor hiding a devastating secret. No Eul, once full of dreams, now struggles to make ends meet as a documentary producer. As their paths cross again, they are forced to face the pain they once ran away from. With stunning performances by Kim Woo-bin and Bae Suzy, this drama explores love, regret, and the cruel timing of life. The emotional weight of each episode builds up until the final heart-wrenching scenes.
2. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
“Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” is a historical drama with a fantasy twist. A modern-day woman is transported back to the Goryeo Dynasty and becomes entangled in the royal court’s dangerous politics. She falls in love with the misunderstood and lonely 4th Prince, played by Lee Joon-gi. Their love story is full of sacrifices, betrayals, and emotional intensity. This drama is a rollercoaster of joy and sorrow, and its tragic ending is something fans still haven’t recovered from. The haunting soundtrack only makes the heartbreak even more powerful.
3. Youth of May
Set during the turbulent May 1980 Gwangju Uprising, “Youth of May” tells the story of two young people whose love blooms in the face of historical tragedy. Hee-tae, a medical student, and Myung-hee, a nurse, are drawn to each other in a time of political chaos. Their sweet and innocent romance is gradually overshadowed by the reality of their surroundings. The drama captures both personal and national grief, and its final episodes are guaranteed to leave you sobbing. It’s not just a love story; it’s a tribute to the youth who lived, loved, and lost during a painful chapter of Korean history.
4. A Thousand Days’ Promise
This drama is an emotional portrayal of love in the face of illness. Lee Seo-yeon is a young woman diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. As her memory slowly fades, Park Ji-hyung, the man who has always loved her, chooses to stay by her side despite the heartbreak. “A Thousand Days’ Promise” shows how love can remain even when memories don’t. The pain of watching someone lose themselves while holding onto their loved ones is both powerful and devastating. This drama is deeply moving and will leave you reflecting on what it truly means to love unconditionally.
5. Hi Bye, Mama!
“Hi Bye, Mama!” is a tearjerking story about family, loss, and letting go. Cha Yu-ri is a mother who died in a tragic accident but returns as a ghost to watch over her daughter. Given a second chance to return to life for 49 days, she must decide whether to stay and disrupt the life her husband has rebuilt or quietly say goodbye. The drama beautifully explores grief from all sides, especially a mother’s love that transcends death. Every episode is filled with moments that touch the soul, especially for anyone who has ever lost a loved one.
6. Just Between Lovers
This quiet and deeply emotional drama focuses on two people who survived a tragic building collapse when they were young. Haunted by trauma and survivor’s guilt, they meet years later and slowly begin to heal together. “Just Between Lovers” isn’t loud in its heartbreak; it’s gentle, subtle, and deeply human. It deals with the long-lasting effects of tragedy and the slow, painful journey toward recovery. The chemistry between the leads and the thoughtful writing make every scene feel real. It’s not just about tears; it’s about healing the heart.
7. The Smile Has Left Your Eyes
A mysterious man with a dark past meets a warm-hearted woman and changes her life forever. “The Smile Has Left Your Eyes” starts as a love story but slowly unfolds into a tragic mystery full of twists and pain. As secrets are revealed, the viewer is left questioning what love and forgiveness really mean. The chemistry between Seo In-guk and Jung So-min is intense, and the final episodes are emotionally crushing. This drama leaves a lasting impression and proves that even broken people can find moments of love, no matter how short-lived.
8. I’m Sorry, I Love You
One of the classic melodramas of Korean television, “I’m Sorry, I Love You” is about a man named Moo-hyuk who was abandoned as a child and grew up in Australia. After learning he doesn’t have much time left to live, he returns to Korea to find his birth mother and seek revenge, but ends up falling in love. This story is full of pain, misunderstanding, and tragic destiny. The raw emotions and powerful acting make it unforgettable. The ending is one of the most famous tearjerkers in K-drama history and will leave you crying for days.
9. My Mister
“My Mister” may not be a typical romance, but it’s one of the most profound and emotionally draining K-dramas ever made. It follows the story of Park Dong-hoon, a man living a quiet life burdened by hardship, and Lee Ji-an, a young woman struggling to survive. Their bond forms not through romance but through shared pain and silent understanding. The drama explores themes of loneliness, redemption, and hope in the darkest of places. With incredible performances and a hauntingly beautiful script, “My Mister” touches a deep emotional core that will leave you in tears more than once.
10. Move to Heaven
Inspired by real-life trauma cleaners, “Move to Heaven” is the story of Geu-ru, a young man with Asperger’s syndrome, and his ex-convict uncle who unexpectedly becomes his guardian. Together, they run a business cleaning the homes of the deceased and uncover the stories left behind. Each episode tells a new tale of love, loss, and the beauty of memories. The emotional impact is immense, especially as the series gently unpacks the idea of death, forgiveness, and moving on. “Move to Heaven” is a heartfelt tribute to those who are gone but not forgotten.
Bottom line
These ten heartbreaking K-dramas are more than just stories; they’re emotional journeys that stay with you long after the final episode. Each one captures a different kind of sorrow, from love lost to lives changed by fate. They make you cry, not just because of the sadness, but because of the deep human emotions they reveal. If you’re looking for a drama that will touch your heart and bring out your tears, these are the ones to watch. Just be sure to keep a box of tissues nearby, you’ll need them.
