8 Korean Dramas Where the Main Character Dies at the End, the Plot Twist is Heart-Wrenching

Kapanlagi.com - Korean dramas are often associated with romantic stories that end happily, but not all series follow that formula. Some choose a bolder path by presenting tragic endings, where the main characters must face the fate of death. Such endings often leave a deep impression and drain the emotions of the audience, proving that love and sacrifice can come at a very high price.

The death of the main character in Korean dramas is not only a surprise but often serves as the climax of the long conflicts and struggles they have experienced. From deadly diseases to heroic sacrifices, each departure is designed to deliver a strong emotional impact.

Here are some Korean dramas known for their heartbreaking endings, where the main characters must depart, summarized by KapanLagi.com from various sources on Monday (27/7/2026).

1. Death's Game (2023–2024)

Death's Game (2023–2024). (credit: mydramalist)

Death's Game tells the story of Choi Yi-jae, a man who loses hope in life after repeatedly failing to secure a job and facing life's pressures. After deciding to end his life, he is instead punished by the figure of Death to experience 12 different lives before truly facing death. Each life gives him a chance to understand the meaning of life, regret, and sacrifice in ways he never imagined.

This drama stars Seo In-guk as Choi Yi-jae and Park So-dam as Death. Additionally, Lee Do-hyun, Kim Ji-hoon, Jang Seung-jo, Go Yoon-jung, Kim Jae-wook, and Sung Hoon appear as various incarnations of the main character. The series airs on TVING in two parts, on December 15, 2023, and January 5, 2024.

Adapted from the popular webtoon by Lee Won-sik and Ggulchan, Death's Game is produced by SLL and Studio N with cinematic visual quality. This drama is worth watching because it features many plot twists, intense action scenes, and an emotional message about valuing life. Its ending is one of the most memorable as it concludes the journey of the main character in a tragic yet meaningful way.

2. The Good Bad Mother (2023)

with the children on the island/mydramalist.com

This drama follows the story of Choi Kang-ho, a successful prosecutor known for his cold demeanor as he seeks revenge for his father's death. After an accident that causes him to lose his memory, Kang-ho begins to behave like a child again and lives with his mother, Jin Young-soon. The previously strained mother-son relationship gradually rekindles amidst various past conflicts.

The main cast includes Lee Do-hyun as Choi Kang-ho, Ra Mi-ran as Jin Young-soon, and Ahn Eun-jin as Lee Mi-joo. This drama aired on JTBC from April 26 to June 8, 2023, and is also available globally through Netflix, successfully reaching an international audience.

Produced by Drama House Studio and Film Monster, this series combines comedy, family, romance, and melodrama into one story. Its emotional plot is filled with touching moments that make it easy for viewers to connect with each character. The tragic ending of Kang-ho's mother is the reason this drama is remembered as one of the best family dramas of 2023.

3. Big Mouth (2022)

Big Mouth (2022). (imdb)

Big Mouth tells the story of Park Chang-ho, a lawyer with a low win rate who is suddenly accused of being a legendary conman named Big Mouse. In order to survive while uncovering a major conspiracy involving officials and influential people, he must infiltrate a dangerous criminal world.

This drama stars Lee Jong-suk as Park Chang-ho and Lim Yoon-a (Yoona SNSD) as Go Mi-ho. Other supporting cast members include Kim Joo-hun, Yang Kyung-won, Ok Ja-yeon, and Kwak Dong-yeon. The drama aired on MBC from July 29 to September 17, 2022.

Produced by AStory and Studio Dragon, Big Mouth offers a blend of legal thriller, mystery, and action that keeps viewers guessing the story's direction. The chemistry among the cast and various plot twists are the main attractions of this series. The ending, filled with the loss of important characters, leaves a strong emotional impression until the final episode.

4. A Time Called You (2023)

Drama A Time Called You (Image by mydramalist)

This romantic fantasy drama follows Han Jun-hee, who is unable to forget her lover, Koo Yeon-jun, after he passes away. Mysteriously, Jun-hee is thrown back to the year 1998 and lives as Kwon Min-ju, where she meets a young man who bears a striking resemblance to Yeon-jun. This time-travel journey slowly unveils a great secret that alters the fate of all its characters.

The main cast of this drama includes Jeon Yeo-been as Han Jun-hee and Kwon Min-ju, Ahn Hyo-seop as Koo Yeon-jun and Nam Si-heon, and Kang Hoon as Jung In-gyu. This original Netflix drama premiered on September 8, 2023.

Produced by Npio Entertainment and Lian Contents, this drama is an adaptation of the Taiwanese series Someday or One Day. Its complex storyline, beautiful cinematography, and the chemistry among the cast members contribute to its popularity. The ending presents touching themes of sacrifice and loss, making it suitable for viewers who love emotional romantic dramas.

5. Snowdrop (2021–2022)

Kim Min Kyu's popularity has skyrocketed thanks to this drama (credit:mydramalist)

Snowdrop is set in South Korea in 1987 and follows the love story of Lim Soo-ho, a North Korean spy, and Eun Young-ro, a university student who accidentally saves him. Their relationship develops amidst a politically tumultuous situation, leading them to face life-changing choices.

Jung Hae-in plays Lim Soo-ho, while Jisoo from BLACKPINK portrays Eun Young-ro. The drama also stars Yoo In-na, Jang Seung-jo, Yoon Se-ah, and Kim Hye-yoon. Snowdrop aired on JTBC from December 18, 2021, to January 30, 2022.

Produced by DRAMAHOUSE Studio, this drama features elegant cinematography, emotional music, and strong chemistry between the two main leads. The ending, where Soo-ho's sacrifice leads to his death, is one of the most heartbreaking scenes in modern Korean dramas and leaves many viewers emotionally moved.

6. Youth of May (2021)

Youth of May (2021). (credit: imdb.com)

This drama is set against the backdrop of the Gwangju Incident in 1980 and follows the love story of Hwang Hee-tae, a medical student, and Kim Myung-hee, a nurse who dreams of working abroad. Their love story unfolds amidst an increasingly heated political situation that ultimately turns into tragedy.

Lee Do-hyun plays Hwang Hee-tae, while Go Min-si portrays Kim Myung-hee. The drama also stars Lee Sang-yi and Geum Sae-rok. Youth of May aired on KBS2 from May 3 to June 8, 2021.

Produced by Story Hunter Production, this drama successfully blends romance with historical tragedy in an emotional way. The performances of the cast, the authentic 1980s setting, and the heartbreaking ending make this series often recommended for fans of Korean melodramas with tear-jerking stories.

7. Mr. Sunshine (2018)

Mr. Sunshine. (credit: imdb.com)

Mr.Sunshine is set in Korea in the early 20th century, when Joseon was on the brink of Japanese colonization. The story follows Eugene Choi, a child from a slave family who manages to escape to the United States and grows up to be a U.S. Marine officer. Years later, he returns to his homeland and meets Go Ae-shin, a noblewoman who secretly becomes a freedom fighter. Their meeting develops into a love story that must endure amidst political turmoil, war, and the struggle to defend the homeland.

This drama stars Lee Byung-hun as Eugene Choi and Kim Tae-ri as Go Ae-shin. They are supported by Yoo Yeon-seok, Kim Min-jung, and Byun Yo-han, who all play significant roles in the story's journey. Mr.Sunshine aired on tvN from July 7 to September 30, 2018, with a total of 24 episodes, and can be watched globally on Netflix.

One of the reasons Mr. Sunshine is truly worth watching for its magnificent production quality with cinematography akin to a feature film, combined with a strong emotional storyline and deeply developed characters. The ending of this drama is one of the most memorable as Eugene Choi chooses to sacrifice his life to protect Go Ae-shin and fight for the future of Joseon. Produced by Hwa&Dam Pictures in collaboration with Studio Dragon, this drama directed by Lee Eung-bok and written by Kim Eun-sook successfully achieved high ratings and received widespread acclaim for its captivating visuals and historical narrative.

8. The Smile Has Left Your Eyes (2018)

The Smile Has Left Your Eyes (2018) (c) mydramalist.com

The Smile Has Left Your Eyes tells the story of Kim Moo-young, a mysterious man with a puzzling past, who accidentally meets and falls in love with Yoo Jin-kang, a warm-hearted woman who still harbors childhood trauma. Their relationship grows closer but slowly becomes complicated as various dark secrets and past murder cases begin to unravel. The closer they get to the truth, the greater the danger they must face.

This drama stars Seo In-guk as Kim Moo-young and Jung So-min as Yoo Jin-kang. Park Sung-woong appears as Yoo Jin-gook, Jin-kang's brother who works as a detective and plays a crucial role in the story, while Seo Eun-su rounds out the main cast. The drama aired on tvN from October 3 to November 22, 2018, with a total of 16 episodes.

Adapted from the legendary Japanese drama Sora Kara Furu Ichioku no Hoshi (2002), this series offers a blend of melodrama, mystery, and psychological thriller filled with tension. Viewers will be kept on the edge of their seats until the tragic ending that drains emotions, as Moo-young loses his life due to a misunderstanding rooted in past secrets. Produced by Studio Dragon and JS H Pictures and directed by Yoo Je-won, this drama received much praise for its strong script and the emotional performances of Seo In-guk and Jung So-min, who brought their characters to life convincingly.

9. Common Questions About Korean Dramas Where the Main Character Dies at the End of the Story

1. Which Korean dramas have the main character dying at the end of the story?
Some of them are Death's Game, Youth of May, Snowdrop, Mr. Sunshine, and The Smile Has Left Your Eyes.

2. Why do audiences like tragic endings?
Because they evoke strong emotions, make the story feel more realistic, and leave a deep impression.

3. Are all the dramas on the list romantic genre?
No. The list includes genres such as romance, fantasy, thriller, family, and historical drama.

4. Which drama is the most tear-jerking?
Youth of May, Snowdrop, Mr. Sunshine, and The Smile Has Left Your Eyes are often mentioned as the saddest dramas.

5. Where can these dramas be watched?
Most are available on streaming platforms like Netflix, Viki, Vidio, or other official services, depending on the viewing region.

(kpl/rao)