In the world of happy-but-not-sad K-dramas, some rules are unbreakable, and one of them is the guarantee of a happy conclusion. These stories, unfortunately, don't all have happy endings. Not every couple manages to stay together, and not every drama's main characters find true love in the end. Some are utterly implausible melodramas, others are agonizing investigations of human connection, and still, others are enjoyable romps with a few depressing scenes tossed in for good measure. The characters shared struggles and tragedies typically lead to a depressing conclusion, leaving fans with mixed feelings. With the most heartbreaking Korean shows, merely sit back and weep. Let's look at the top 10 K-drama sad endings that make our hearts shattered.
1. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)
Moon Lover's difficult conclusion left viewers with great emotional distress. Going back to the Goryeo Dynasty, Go Ha-Jin/Hae Soo falls in love with the wolf-dog 4th prince, the central plot point. She dies shortly after giving birth, although their narrative endures the test of time. Making matters worse, Wang So neglects to visit her before she passes away and learns, after learning of her passing, that the letters he refused to read about her affection for him were the reason for her feelings. Hae Soo awakens when she feels ready, believing it to be a dream. Fans wept alongside her when she went to a Goryeo exhibition and realized it wasn't a dream.
2. Uncontrollably Fond (2016)
The story discusses loss, remorse, the value of family, and course, love. Noh Eul is assigned to document the life of actor and singer Shin Joon-Young. From the beginning, fans had anticipated the show's end to be shocking and heartbreaking. In the climactic scenes, Joon-Young is with Noh Eul as he comes to grips with his life. The show will tug at your heartstrings, but by the end, it will have won you over, leaving you begging for more.
3. Mr. Sunshine (2018)
It entwined the relationship between Eugene Choi and Go Ae Shin with the upheaval and drama of a political era. Although their backgrounds could not be more dissimilar, Eugene eventually falls in love with Ae Shin. But the remarkable tale comes to a depressing conclusion. Ae Shin's narrative is fascinating, but her relationship with Eugene Choi has a beautiful and tragic ending. Their intense love for one another and, ultimately, the unfortunate outcome that the two must experience will fascinate you.
4. The Hymn Of Death (2018)
Historical romance was the focus of the 2018 drama The Hymn of Death. The miserable relationship between Joseon's first soprano and a writer shown in the story captivates every audience. The ending of the couple's story becomes clear to viewers as they watch the show. Based on the life of Korea's first soprano singer, Yun Sim-deok, the show follows her romantic relationship with the reputed and renowned writer Kim Woo-jin and their tragic end.
5. Youth Of May (2021)
A captivating and intelligent medical student named Hwang Hee Tae falls in love with a strong-willed and liberated nurse named Kim Myung Hee. The drama's setting is Gwangju in May 1980, during a student uprising against the oppressive government. This romance's heat and devotion drive the plot forward and conclude a complete emotional rollercoaster.
6. The Smile Has Left Your Eyes (2018)
Even though Kim Moo-Young has a youthful demeanor, he is a little secretive. An unremembered past connects him with a woman he loves. After professing their love for one another, the plot twist sees both characters killed by the other and pass away in each other's arms. This series' conclusion will not only take you on a rollercoaster of twists and turns but will also undoubtedly break your heart.
7. Hi Bye, Mama
An individual named Cha Yu Ri is the subject of the tvN show Hi Bye, Mama. As a result of being unable to leave her daughter behind, she dies tragically but returns for 49 days as a ghost. As a result of her sudden death, Yu Ri can put together a lot of loose ends that she had not been able to finish before. Anyone will feel like going to cry after reading this heartbreaking tale. The theme of Hi Bye, Mama goes well beyond motherly affection. It discusses the worth of life, personal connections, and how the truth can frequently set you free. You should be ready for the moving rollercoaster!
8. The Red Sleeve (2021)
When his royal concubine's sudden demise pushes him into a depression and misery loop, what begins as a playful relationship between the king of Joseon and her evolves into a heartbreaking story. It is implied in a dream-like scenario that he decides to forgo living in the human world entirely to pursue her to everlastingness. It is heartbreakingly wonderful to observe the emperor's intense love for his court lady, although he is unaware of her affection for him.
9. Snowdrop (2021)
Lim Soo Ho, a graduate student, finds himself captivated by Eun Yeong-Ro and finds it difficult to resist falling for the freshman. But due to his cover as a North Korean agent, he will tragically perish while attempting to shield her from gunfire, leaving behind a cassette tape as he passes away in her arms. This drama will make you cry buckets, so keep tissues while watching it.
10. Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)
By defying anticipations by not having its lead couple ride off into the dusk, the slice-of-life drama shows that it is serious about its dedication to realism. As an alternative, the show examines how the first love of your life can lead you to become the person you're meant to be. In addition to discussing the significance of friendship, it also concerns the importance of letting people go when the time comes and moving on to something else. As you watch this drama, you will fall in love with the main leads love for each other and wish they could stay together forever.
