12 Recommended Tear-Jerking K-dramas, Prepare Tissues Before Watching

Kapanlagi.com - Korean dramas, or K-dramas, have become a popular choice for viewers lately. The interesting and often touching stories are one of the reasons why K-dramas are so popular. Among the many types or genres, recommended tear-jerking K-dramas are one of the most sought-after.

It's not without reason why sad K-dramas are so popular. Most of them have a truly touching story and can make you emotional. Sometimes watching a sad K-drama can be a way to express pent-up emotions. So, what are the recommended tear-jerking K-dramas that are worth watching?

Compiled from various sources, let's take a look at the reviews below.

1. MR. SUNSHINE

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MR. SUNSHINE is often referred to as one of the best Korean dramas. This period drama, produced in 2018, is still a popular topic of discussion and is praised by Korean drama lovers. Its strong storytelling will capture the hearts of viewers. In addition, the long list of famous stars in the South Korean entertainment industry is a unique attraction.

But it's not just because of the charm of the actors and actresses, the mature production is also a reason why this drama is worthy of being called one of the best. Every detail in the production elements is truly considered. For example, the costumes truly represent the cultures of various nations such as Korea, Japan, America, in the era of the drama's setting.

So what are you waiting for, just watch this sad drama recommendation to prove its quality!

2. HI, BYE MAMA!

The second sad drama recommendation is titled HI, BYE MAMA! This drama tells the story of a mother's unconditional love for her child. It is told that a pregnant woman named Cha Yoori experienced a tragic accident. As a result of the accident, Cha Yoori lost her life. Fortunately, her baby in the womb could still be saved.

After many years, Cha Yoori is reincarnated within 49 days. She becomes a woman. In her new form, Yoori visits her child and husband who are now with another woman, who happens to be her junior during her lifetime. Sad enough already, right? So, don't forget to prepare tissues before watching it!

3. MOVE TO HEAVEN

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MOVE TO HEAVEN is the third must-watch sad Korean drama recommendation. Starring Tan Joonsang and Lee Jehoon, this drama is guaranteed to make the audience shed tears. It tells the story of Han Geuru, a teenage boy with Asperger's syndrome who takes over his father's job as a death cleaner after his sudden death.

Han Geuru is then assisted by his newly released from prison uncle. However, their characters are clearly different. The awkward interaction between the uncle and nephew who have never met before is sometimes funny and sometimes sad.

Other sadness is also presented through the background stories of Han Geuru's clients and his uncle. The sadness is so overwhelming that MOVE TO HEAVEN will make the audience cry in every episode.

4. SNOWDROP

The next sad Korean drama recommendation is still relatively new. SNOWDROP just ended in January. Although it has been several months, the sadness in SNOWDROP still haunts its audience.

This drama is set against the backdrop of the 1987 democracy movement in Korea. It tells the story of a graduate student and activist named Im Sooho who is found by a fellow student named Eun Youngro in a terrible condition and hidden in a women's dormitory.

From that dramatic encounter, the story unfolds, with romance and sadness intertwined. One of the best Korean dramas at the end of 2021 and the beginning of 2022 that is definitely worth watching.

5. THIRTY NINE

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The next recommendation for a sad Korean drama that is still currently airing is THIRTY NINE. Although it's only 6 episodes in, THIRTY NINE has already successfully made viewers cry in every episode.

THIRTY NINE tells the story of the sincere friendship of three 39-year-old women. The many things they have been through have made them as close as siblings. They do many silly things, until one of them is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and has only a short time left to live.

Sadness shadows the three friends who are reluctant to be separated by death. However, instead of being immersed in sadness, one of them takes the initiative to make their sick friend the happiest dying person in the world. Curious? Follow their story in the drama THIRTY NINE!

6. YOUTH OF MAY

Just like SNOWDROP, YOUTH OF MAY also takes place during a conflict. The difference is that YOUTH OF MAY is set in May 1980, when there was a student demonstration in Gwangju criticizing the corrupt government.

The two characters in this drama are a couple, a medical student and a nurse who try their best to be together. Unfortunately, fate seems to never be on their side. If you want to watch a drama about true love and struggle, YOUTH OF MAY might be the answer.

7. UNCONTROLLABLY FOND

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The next recommendation for a tear-jerking Korean drama is UNCONTROLLABLY FOND. This drama was released in 2016 and features comedy, drama, and romance genres. Starring Kim Woo-bin and Bae Suzy, UNCONTROLLABLY FOND tells the story of an actor named Joon-young who reunites with his first love from high school, Noh Eul, who is now a documentary film producer. They work together to make a documentary about Joon-young's life, and their interactions reignite their love for each other. However, Joon-young is hiding a tragic secret - he has a chronic illness that will soon take his life. He spends his remaining time with his loved ones, including Noh Eul. Interested in watching?

8. MOON LOVERS: SCARLET HEART RYEO

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The next recommendation for a sad Korean drama is MOON LOVERS: SCARLET HEART RYEO. This drama, which was released in 2016, is one of the best-rated dramas. It stars IU and Lee Joon-Gi and tells the story of a woman from the future who travels back in time to the Goryeo era.

Go Ha Jin, the woman from the future, takes on a new identity as Hae Soo. She falls in love with the 8th prince, Wang Wook, whose kindness melts her heart. However, Wang Wook's ambition to become king slowly fades Hae Soo's feelings for him. She becomes close friends with Wang So, a mysterious prince who always wears a mask due to his facial scars. Their friendship eventually turns into a tragic romance. Interested in watching?

9. 18 AGAIN

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A recommendation for a sad Korean drama that also contains many touching stories is 18 AGAIN. This drama was released in 2020 and starred Kim Ha-Neul and Yoon Sang-Hyun. The synopsis of 18 AGAIN tells the story of an adult man named Hong Dae-young who relives his life when he was young.

Hong Dae-young goes back to being 18 years old and uses that time to change his future life. He buried his dream of becoming a basketball player in the past because his girlfriend was pregnant. Therefore, young Hong Dae-young decided to marry Da-jung and have twin children.

His life at that time was quite difficult, and both of his children had to live frugally. The touching story of Hong Dae-young changing his fate to become the best parent and husband will make you emotional. In addition, this drama also contains valuable life lessons.

10. THAT WINTER, THE WIND BLOWS

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THAT WINTER, THE WIND BLOWS is also a recommendation for a sad Korean drama starring Song Hye-Kyo that was released in 2013. In the drama, the beautiful actress Song Hye-Kyo plays Oh Young, a blind girl who is known to be the heir to her parents' company.

However, Oh Young decides to live her life on her own and away from her family. Meanwhile, she tries to find her older brother named Oh Soo. Unfortunately, the man she thought was her brother turned out to be someone else using Oh Soo's identity. Oh Young's bitter life actually touches the fake Oh Soo until he falls in love with her. This drama will make you emotional as you watch the life of Oh Young, a blind girl with many limitations and loneliness.

11. LITTLE WOMAN

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LITTLE WOMAN was released in 2022 and is recommended for those who enjoy sad Korean dramas. The story follows the struggles of three sisters with limited resources as they try to achieve their individual dreams. The three sisters are very close and supportive of each other, especially during difficult times.

Unexpectedly, they are faced with an incident that requires the Oh sisters to pay a large sum of money as compensation. Additionally, they must deal with a wealthy and powerful family. This heart-wrenching story of the three sisters is sure to make you emotional. LITTLE WOMAN has a high rating of 8.1 according to IMDb.

12. IT'S OKAY NOT BE OKAY

(credit: imdb.com)

IT'S OKAY NOT BE OKAY is also a recommended sad Korean drama that has a high rating. This drama was released in 2020 and is a mix of romance and drama. The synopsis of IT'S OKAY NOT BE OKAY follows the life of a woman named Ko Moon-young, who is known as a fairytale author.

Her childhood was filled with trauma due to her mother's behavior, which affected her adult life. As if by fate, Ko Moon-young meets Moon Gang-tae, who is a nurse at a mental hospital. From their first meeting, Ko Moon-young is immediately drawn to Gang-tae.

In addition, Gang-tae has a brother named Moon Sang-tae, who has autism. Sang-tae is a fan of Ko Moon-young's work and asks his brother to accompany him to an event hosted by the author. This is where their friendship begins to develop. Until finally, Ko Moon-young found out that her mother was one of the causes of Moon Gang-tae and Moon Sang-tae's trauma and death. This drama also raises issues regarding mental health. Interested in watching?

Those are some of the recommendations for sad Korean dramas that can drain your tears. Don't forget to prepare some tissues before watching!

(kpl/gen/psp)