Korean dramas, often referred to as K-dramas, have a unique way of captivating audiences with their emotional depth, unforgettable storylines, and heart-wrenching moments. Many fans on X (formerly Twitter) including me have taken to the platform to share their experiences, confessing how certain dramas made them cry uncontrollably. You can also follow my X account for daily recommendations @certifiedkdrama.
Below, we explore some of the most tear-jerking K-dramas that have left audiences around the world deeply moved.
1. Sweet Home – A Dark and Emotional Survival Horror
Based on the popular webtoon, ‘Sweet Home’ is more than just a horror series—it is a deeply emotional journey of loss, survival, and sacrifice. The show follows Cha Hyun-soo (Song Kang) and a group of survivors trapped in an apartment complex as they fight against monstrous transformations.
While the action and suspense are intense, what truly makes ‘Sweet Home’ unforgettable is the raw emotional impact of character deaths and tragic backstories. Many X/Twitter users have expressed how they cried over the heartbreaking losses in the show, particularly in moments of self-sacrifice and unexpected farewells.
2. Seasons of Blossom – First Loves and Tragic Endings
‘Seasons of Blossom’ is a drama that beautifully captures the pain of first love and the deep scars left by loss. The story, divided into different timelines, follows the lives of high school students as they experience love, heartbreak, and friendship.
This drama explores themes of mental health, trauma, and grief, particularly through the tragic love story of Jin Min-kyu and Han So-mang. Many viewers on X/Twitter have admitted to shedding tears over the show’s poignant depiction of unspoken emotions, regret, and longing.
3. Blue Birthday – A Heartbreaking Fantasy Romance
Starring Yeri (Red Velvet) and Hongseok (PENTAGON), ‘Blue Birthday’ is a time-travel romance drama filled with grief, regret, and second chances. The plot revolves around a girl who gets a chance to go back in time to prevent the death of her first love.
Fans on X/Twitter have shared their heart-wrenching reactions to the bittersweet love story, where time travel doesn’t always guarantee a happy ending. The emotional rollercoaster, paired with a tragic romance and selfless sacrifices, has left many viewers in tears.
4. When Life Gives You Tangerines – A Slice-of-Life Tearjerker
This healing drama tells the story of ordinary people struggling through life’s hardships, with an emphasis on family, love, and personal growth. Set in a small town, the drama follows a young woman who returns home to face past traumas and reconnect with her roots.
Many X/Twitter users describe this series as deeply relatable and emotionally stirring, especially the raw depiction of grief, nostalgia, and the journey to self-acceptance.
5. Descendants of the Sun – Love and Loss in a War Zone
One of the most iconic K-dramas, ‘Descendants of the Sun’, tells the love story between a special forces captain (Song Joong-ki) and a doctor (Song Hye-kyo) in a war-torn country.
The drama is filled with intense romance, devastating loss, and heart-stopping moments, making it impossible to watch without shedding tears. Many X/Twitter users recall crying during the life-threatening situations and the deep emotional struggles faced by the characters.
6. Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2521) – A Love Story That Lingers
‘Twenty-Five Twenty-One’ is a nostalgic drama that follows the romance between Na Hee-do (Kim Tae-ri) and Baek Yi-jin (Nam Joo-hyuk) over the years. Their journey is filled with love, dreams, and painful goodbyes.
Fans on X/Twitter have expressed their devastation over the heartbreaking ending, which left many viewers with a lingering sense of melancholy long after the final episode aired.
7. Goblin (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God) – A Fantasy Drama That Left Viewers in Tears
‘Goblin’, also known as ‘Guardian: The Lonely and Great God’, is one of the most emotionally powerful K-dramas ever made. The story follows Kim Shin (Gong Yoo), an immortal goblin, and Ji Eun-tak (Kim Go-eun), a girl destined to break his curse.
The drama’s themes of eternal love, fate, and tragic goodbyes have led to countless tearful reactions from fans. One of the most talked-about moments on X/Twitter is the heartbreaking separation and reunion scenes, which left audiences crying uncontrollably.
8. Tale of the Nine-Tailed – A Love That Transcends Time
This fantasy romance drama tells the story of a mythical nine-tailed fox (Lee Dong-wook) and a reincarnated woman (Jo Bo-ah). Their love story, filled with sacrifice and painful memories, has deeply moved audiences.
Many X/Twitter users recall the tragic moments, unexpected twists, and emotional depth that made this drama one of the most heart-wrenching K-dramas to watch.
9. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha – Healing Love and Painful Goodbyes
At first glance, ‘Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha’ appears to be a lighthearted romance, but it also carries deep emotional moments. The drama tells the love story between a city dentist (Shin Min-ah) and a small-town handyman (Kim Seon-ho), but beneath the charming romance lies emotional depth and painful pasts.
Many viewers on X/Twitter have admitted to crying over the unexpected emotional weight of the characters’ personal struggles and the show’s heartwarming yet bittersweet moments.
10. Thirty-Nine – A Drama About Love, Friendship, and Loss
This emotional drama revolves around three best friends navigating love, career, and the reality of impending loss. With Son Ye-jin, Jeon Mi-do, and Kim Ji-hyun in leading roles, the series is a raw and moving portrayal of grief, friendship, and the fleeting nature of time.
Many X/Twitter users have called it one of the most heartbreaking K-dramas, particularly for its realistic portrayal of life, death, and human connection.
11. Flower of Evil – A Heart-Stopping Emotional Thriller
This suspenseful and emotional drama follows Baek Hee-sung (Lee Joon-gi), a man with a dark past, and his wife Cha Ji-won (Moon Chae-won), a detective who slowly uncovers his secrets.
Beyond the thrilling suspense, the drama’s deeply emotional love story and moments of devastating betrayal have left X/Twitter users crying over the characters’ fates and emotional turmoil.
My Final Thoughts
From tragic romances to emotional thrillers, these K-dramas have touched the hearts of millions. Whether through bittersweet love stories, deep friendships, or heartbreaking moments, each of these dramas has earned a place as a tearjerker masterpiece.
