9 Recommendations for the Saddest Korean Dramas that Successfully Drain Viewers' Emotions

Kapanlagi.com - Not all Korean dramas are designed to make you laugh or feel giddy with love. Some instead depict a bitter life, full of wounds and losses that linger long in the hearts of viewers. This genre may not be for everyone, but for some others, these stories feel very touching and profound.

Sad dramas often come with soft cinematography, outstanding acting, and scripts that highlight the most vulnerable aspects of human life, such as death, regret, unfulfilled love, and the injustices of life. These elements make the stories feel so real and impactful.

If you're looking to enjoy stories filled with tears and self-reflection, here are 9 Korean dramas with the most heart-wrenching vibes recommended for you.

1. TOMORROW: The Angel of Death Who Prevents Suicide

This Korean drama makes viewers unable to hold back tears (credit:instagram.com/mbcdrama_now)

TOMORROW aired in 2022 and addresses a sensitive theme: suicide prevention. The team of the angel of death in this drama strives to save souls who have lost hope in life.

Choi Joon Woong, who is in a coma, then joins as an intern member of this team. Each episode presents heart-wrenching cases that reflect the harsh social realities of South Korea.

2. TWENTY FIVE TWENTY ONE: Dreams and Love That Do Not Align

This Korean drama makes the audience unable to hold back their tears (credit:instagram.com/tvn_drama)

This drama is set against the backdrop of the late 90s economic crisis, telling the love story between fencing athlete Na Hee Do and reporter Baek Yi Jin. Their relationship grows alongside their individual struggles in life.

Even though they love each other, the world and time are not on their side. This drama depicts how not all love can endure, even when both care for each other deeply.

3. HI BYE, MAMA!: A Mother’s Story Returning for Her Child

This Korean drama makes the audience unable to hold back their tears (credit:instagram.com/tvn_drama)

Cha Yu Ri died in an accident but is given a chance to return to the world for 49 days. She wants to see her child grow up even though her husband has remarried.

The inner conflict between letting go and holding on feels so strong. This drama touches on the deepest aspects of parental love and true sacrifice.

4. YOUTH OF MAY: Love Amidst Political Turmoil

This Korean drama makes the audience unable to hold back their tears (credit:instagram.com/kbsdrama)

Set in 1980 in Gwangju, this drama highlights the love story between Hwang Hee Tae and Kim Myung Hee. They are brought together during a time of chaos and struggle.

Behind the sweet romance, a great political tragedy haunts their lives. The bitter ending makes this drama unforgettable.

5. SNOWDROP: Forbidden Romance in Times of Conflict

This Korean drama makes the audience unable to hold back their tears (credit:instagram.com/disneyplushotstarid)

Jung Hae In and Jisoo BLACKPINK star in this drama set in 1987 during a time of political turmoil in Korea. Love blossoms between an activist student and an ordinary female student.

However, their relationship is not permitted by the system and circumstances. The story evolves into a tale of betrayal, loss, and impossible life choices.

6. MOVE TO HEAVEN: Inheriting Wounds Through Work

This Korean drama makes viewers unable to hold back tears (credit:instagram.com/netflixid)

Geu Roo is a survivor of Asperger's syndrome who works as a trauma cleaner. He, along with his uncle, cleans the homes of deceased individuals while conveying their last messages.

This drama highlights personal stories from those who left without a sound. Each episode is filled with emotion and teaches the audience about life from those who have passed away.

7. MOON LOVERS: SCARLET HEART RYEO - Love and Intrigue in the Goryeo Era

This Korean drama makes the audience unable to hold back tears (credit:instagram.com/sbsdrama.official)

IU plays Hae Soo, who is thrown back to the Goryeo era and falls in love with a prince. The story is not just about love, but also about betrayal, power struggles, and tragic fate.

Each character experiences emotional suffering, and the ending is very dramatic. The magnificent visuals and heart-wrenching OST enhance the sadness in the story.

8. MR. SUNSHINE: Warrior, Love, and Nation

This Korean drama makes the audience unable to hold back tears (credit:instagram.com/tvn_drama)

Eugene Choi, a child of slaves who grew up in America, returns to Joseon as a soldier. There he meets love and the dark history of his nation.

This drama is rich in inner conflict, moral battles, and love that must be sacrificed for the country. The cinematography and screenplay of this drama make it feel like a feature film.

9. UNCONTROLLABLY FOND: The Last Love Before Death

This Korean drama makes viewers unable to hold back their tears (credit:instagram.com/kbsdrama)

Bae Suzy and Kim Woo Bin star in this drama about Shin Joon Young, a top actor suffering from a terminal illness. He tries to atone for past mistakes before death comes knocking.

Their love relationship is full of wounds, regrets, and delays. The ending is so heartbreaking that it makes many viewers cry uncontrollably.

Come on, read articles about other Korean drama recommendations on Kapanlagi.com. If not now, when?

(kpl/vna)