While it's always fun to laugh along to your favorite romantic comedies, some days require a spectrum of emotions that make you sentimental and reflective. It's important to remain strong and continue moving forward, however, some K-Dramas serve as a gentle reminder that it's okay to be vulnerable and that they'll be right there with you.

For K-Drama fans, there's an influx of melodramas that do just that. They serve as a swift-acting vehicle, able to bring you into a space of all-encompassing sadness. There, you're allowed you to bare your soul and receive some much needed healing. As you soak in the rays of cathartic comfort, you'll enter a rollercoaster ride of fluctuating emotions that feels just right.

If you're looking for a gut-wrenching K-Drama to binge through the night, then you've come to the right place. Check out these amazing melodramas that you should definitely add to your watchlist.

Note: This list is not a ranking, but we're opening a poll at the end of the article where you can vote for your favorite. The vote will not be closed, so no result article will be published.

 

1. "I'm Sorry, I Love You"

Cast: Lim SooJung, So JiSub, and more

Summary: With only 3 months to live, Cha MooHyuk (So JiSub) ends up traveling to Korea in search of his birth mother. Despite growing up homeless and alone, as well as discovering an influx of secrets around his family, he finds an unexpected source of happiness through Song EunChae (Lim SooJung).

Watch Because: While there's tender romance and a sprinkle of smiles, "I'm Sorry, I Love You" is a heartrending melodrama to its core. Both Lim SooJung and So JiSub deliver a breathtaking performance that will pierce through your heart and bury itself into the very crevices of your soul. As they navigate their relationship while tackling the many obstacles that stand in their path, don't be surprised if you find yourself gasping for air from the shock and heartache.

 

2. "Stairway To Heaven"

Cast: Choi JiWoo, Kwon SangWoo, Shin HyunJoon, Kim TaeHee, and more

Summary: Cha SongJu (Kwon SangWoo) and Han JungSeo (Choi JiWoo) are childhood sweethearts, but are inevitably separated due to an unexpected car accident. Having lost her memory and going under a different name, JungSeo reappears right in front of SongJu. Seeing her, he's overcome with feelings of yearning for his first love and tries everything possible to recover her lost memories.

Watch Because: "Stairway To Heaven" is one of the early blueprints of the K-Dramas that we know and love today. Swamped with themes of memory loss, intense yearning, and a conniving step-family, the SBS drama has all the makings of a rollercoaster ride ready to take you on the trip of your life. Within 20 episodes, you'll become fully immersed in Cha SongJu (Kwon SangWoo) and Han JungSeo's (Choi JiWoo) complicated love story. Prepare some snacks, tissues, and the emotional support pillow, because you will surely need it all.

 

3. "That Winter, The Wind Blows"

Cast: Zo InSung, Song HyeKyo, Kim Beom, Apink's Jeong EunJi, and more

Summary: What starts off as an attempt to steal riches from the wealthy PL Company, slowly becomes a story of heartbreaking romance. Cold and distant Oh Soo (Zo InSung) finds himself falling for the blind Oh Young. What lies ahead is a story full of heartache and tragedy, putting both main leads through a series of intense trials and hardship.

Watch Because: Zo InSung and Song HyeKyo's acting is phenomenal and will have you completely immersed in the drama from start to finish. Everything from their delivery, interactions with other characters, and electrifying chemistry will have you coming back for more. The tears will come to an end, but the feelings of sorrow will remain, making "That Winter, The Wind Blows" a true testament to the melodrama genre.

 

4. "Uncontrollably Fond"

Cast: Kim WooBin, Suzy, and more

Summary: Once in love during their younger years, Sin JoonYoung (Kim WooBin) and No Eul (Suzy) meet once again as adults. No Eul is tasked with filming a documentary about the celebrity, Sin JoonYoung. While their reunion is filled with bickering, another opportunity at love starts to burn bright for the two. With the remaining time Sin JoonYoung has left to live, he loves No Eul with all his heart.

Watch Because: Despite being a source of never-ending tears, "Uncontrollably Fond" will do its best to minimize the pain as much as possible. As they grow to love one another once more, you'll be enamored by Sin JoonYoung and No Eul. Kim WooBin and Suzy's chemistry is nothing short of amazing, and you'll be applauding their performance with a stack of tissues in hand.

 

5. "Just Between Lovers"

Cast: 2PM's Lee JunHo, Won JinA, and more

Summary: "Just Between Lovers" is a tale of two survivors of a tragic accident. Lee KangDoo (JunHo) and Ha MoonSoo (Won JinA) face the ghosts of their past together, all while making great strides to a brighter and happier future.

Watch Because: "Just Between Lovers" serves as a stark reminder of the fleetingness of life and that every moment is special. It tackles heavy topics like the aftermath of trauma and the idea of moving on while still honoring the lives of the deceased. Lee JunHo and Won JinA do a magnificent job in portraying their characters and the amount of loss they continue to feel. They show that grief is a never-ending process, however, that should not prevent us from living our life to the fullest.

 

6. "Do You Like Brahms?"

Cast: Kim MinJae, Park EunBin, and more

Summary: While pursuing her dreams of classical music, Chae SongAh (Park EunBin) arrives at a crossroads: to continue on her path or give it all up for something else. She meets Park JoonYoung (Kim MinJae), a famous pianist who suddenly decides to take a break. They form a relationship of heartfelt support and tender romance that tugs on all of your heartstrings.

Watch Because: Romance seems like an afterthought in "Do You Like Brahms?". The drama does extremely well in tackling the pursuit of dreams, the harsh reality of it, and the necessity of a support system. All throughout, you find yourself silently cheering for both Chae SongAh and Park JoonYoung as they discover what's best for them. No matter the choice, despite the two being fictional characters, you'll feel an overwhelming sense of pride in witnessing their growth.

 

7. "The Smile Has Left Your Eyes"

Cast: Seo InGuk, Jung SoMin, Park SungWoong, and more

Summary: Kim MooYoung (Seo InGuk) has no recollection of his past and is considered a suspect in a murder case. The detective in charge, Yoo JinGook (Park SungWoong), has a younger sister named Yoo JinKang (Jung SoMin) whom he desperately wants to protect. However, she meets Kim MooYoung and their tragic love story begins as the two discover their lives are intricately intertwined.

Watch Because: Among recent melodramas, "The Smile Has Left Your Eyes" has left a sizeable impact that has not left since its original showing. It is ripe with dizzying twists and turns that raise all sorts of questions. However, the drama provides all the answers necessary to fully make sense of the emotion-filled series. As the sorrow of Kim MooYoung and Yoo JinKang's lives unfold, you start to feel for them and wish nothing more than their eternal happiness. While tragedy is so apparently on the horizon, you'll want to remain to know its extent and the happy moments that are sprinkled in between.

 

8. "Mr. Sunshine"

Cast: Lee ByungHun, Kim TaeRi, Yoo YeonSeok, Byun YoHan, Kim MinJung, and more

Summary: Choi YooJin (Lee ByungHun) was originally born into a servant family. However, as a child, he becomes a stowaway and ends up in the United States. He becomes a respected U.S. marine officer and finds himself back in Korea. He meets and starts to fall for an aristocrat's daughter, Go AeSin (Kim TaeRi) while simultaneously discovering a plot by foreign forces to colonize Korea. He is faced with the heavy task of choosing between duty and love.

Watch Because: "Mr. Sunshine" is an extremely moving period piece filled with poignant scenes of intense yearning. While separated by their national duties, Choi YooJin and Go AeSin find solace within each other. They become a source of comfort and an escape from the looming dread of their responsibilities to both themselves and the people around them.

 

9. "When The Weather is Fine"

Cast: Park MinYoung, Seo KangJoon, Lee JaeWook, Kim HwanHee, Im SeMi, and more

Summary: It tells the heartwarming romance of Mok HaeWon (Park MinYoung) and Im EunSeob (Seo KangJoon). When HaeWon goes down to her hometown, a village called BukHyeonRi, she finds out that EunSeob runs an independent bookstore. They meet again, providing feelings of comfort and romance.

Watch Because: "When The Weather Is Fine" will provide the perfect amount of wholesome comfort in any season. Despite its snowy backdrop, you'll be filled with an abundance of warmth that will spread all throughout your body. Mok HaeWon and Im EunSeob's relationship is filled with a sincere and tenderhearted sincerity that will tinge every part of your soul. Park MinYoung and Seo KangJoon do an excellent job in portraying their story, immersing viewers in a world of relief and reassurance.

 

10. "Tempted"

Cast: Woo DoHwan, Red Velvet's Joy, Mun KaYoung, Kim MinJae, and more

Summary: Kwon ShiHyun (Woo DoHwan) made a promise to the woman he wants to marry Choi SooJi, he will take revenge for her. He bets his life to seduce Eun TaeHee (Joy), a cold-hearted girl that does not believe in love. In those games of seduction and revenge, every character ends up in serious situations, such as discovering what is love.

Watch Because: "Tempted" is a rollercoaster ride that you must make sure you buckle in beforehand. While it starts off as a bet, Kwon ShiHyun finds himself slowly falling for Eun TaeHee and desires to be by her side. This sudden shift will have you pleading at your screen for their happy ending. Keep the popcorn and tissues close, because with this drama you'll surely need both.

 

11. "My Liberation Notes"

Cast: Lee MinKi, Kim JiWon, Son SukKu, EL, and more

Summary: “My Liberation Notes” set in Sanpo Village, depicts the lonely life of three unbearably rustic siblings and the mysterious man who moves into their neighborhood.

Watch Because: Upon its premiere, "My Liberation Notes" arrived at the hearts of millions and broke them upon entry. A mixture of slice-of-life, slow-burn, and melodrama, the JTBC series is extremely cathartic right down to the very last episode. It slowly pulls you into the daily life of the three siblings, shining a bright light to the mundane and the beauty in the little things. By the end of the drama, even you will feel a sense of freedom and liberation as you enter into tomorrow with a new perspective and appreciation on life.

 

12. "Call It Love"

Cast: Lee SungKyoung, Kim YoungKwang, Sung Jun, EXID's HaNi (Ahn HeeYeon), Kim YeWon, and more

Summary: “Call It Love” tells the story of a man and a woman who are tired of their harsh reality and grow to understand each other with new emotions that cause them to change.

Watch Because: "Call It Love" does not hold back its punches and presents a cast that is beautifully flawed. Despite all their faults, they continue to put one step in front of the other in order to live out lives of fulfillment and joy. While based on plans for revenge, the progression of Shim WooJoo (Lee SungKyoung) and and Han DongJin's (Kim YoungKwang) relationship is oddly mystifying, causing viewers to excitedly anticipate how their relationship will progress. There's romance, sure, however, "Call It Love" is filled with soul-crushing emotion that might have you heaving in tears. After a good cathartic cry, you'll end up back on your seat, ready to continue the rest of this enthralling drama.

 

Which of these melodramas are you going to add to your list? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

 

Is it one of those days when all you want to do is just grab some snacks and have a good cry? You’ve come to the right place. If you’re a fan of K-Dramas, you know that there’s no better catharsis than binge-watching sad romance dramas until your tear ducts are drained. So, we compiled the most heart-wrenching, sad romance K-Dramas that will make you believe in love all over again.

If you are new to K-Dramas, check out these sad romance K-Drama titles we have selected to find which ones suit your taste! For K-Drama connoisseurs, you've probably watched all the dramas listed below, and if not, it is time to add them to your watchlist!

Note: This list is not a ranking, but we're opening a poll at the end of the article where you can vote for your favorite. The vote will not be closed, so no result article will be published.

 

1. "My Dearest"

Cast: NamKoong Min, Ahn EunJin, Lee HakJu, Lee DaIn

Summary: Set in Joseon during the tumultuous time of the Qing invasion of 1636, "My Dearest" tells the heart-wrenching love story of a feisty noblewoman, Yoo GilChae, and a mysterious young man, Lee JangHyeon, who hold on to each other despite the forces around them tearing them apart.

Watch Because: When it comes to sad romance K-Dramas, no list would be complete without this one. "My Dearest" is one of the most charming, endearing, and passionate historical romance K-Dramas we've seen in a very long time. Ahn EunJin as Yoo GilChae and NamKoong Min as Lee JangHyeon portray the innocence and resilience of love in the midst of war with such outstanding power and resonance that you cannot help but root for them with all your heart. The drama boasts extraordinary writing and even more gorgeous cinematography, making for a viewing experience that is unforgettable, to say the least.

 

2. "Call It Love"

Cast: Lee SungKyoung, Kim YoungKwang, Sung Jun, EXID's HaNi (Ahn HeeYeon), Kim YeWon

Summary: Sim WooJoo is a woman set on revenge. After being forced out of her home by her late father's mistress, he is fuelled by vengeance and approaches the woman's son Han DongJin. Han DongJin is an overworked and lonely young man whose life begins to change after meeting WooJoo. Slowly, a gentle romance blooms between the two, but being together isn't as easy as it may seem.

Watch Because: "Call It Love" is a stellar melodrama that brings out the strengths of the genre. It is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys heartfelt, poignant, and affecting stories of ordinary and flawed human beings. WooJoo and DongJin's heartening romance is enduring despite adversity and truly tugs at our heartstrings. With brilliant performances by our cast, this drama will effortlessly make a place for itself in your hearts.

 

 

3. "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo"

Cast: IU, Lee JoonGi, Kang HaNeul, EXO's BaekHyun, Hong JongHyun, Nam JooHyuk, Kang HanNa

Summary: Go HaJin is a heartbroken young woman down on her luck. On the day of a total eclipse, she falls into a water body and is transported back in time to the Goryeo Dynasty, where she is now called HaeSoo. There she meets several handsome princes who fall in love with her and inadvertently turn her into a pawn for palace politics.

Watch Because: As K-Drama fans, it is our duty to never let "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo" leave any list about the most heart-breaking sad romance K-Dramas of all time. With a star-studded cast who deliver the most outstanding performance, this drama is an exploration of pathos, told through tales of love and loss. HaeSoo goes through hell and high water to protect her loved ones but is betrayed and abandoned time and time again. There's nothing more tragic than watching HaeSoo try to cope with the complexities of this strange time slip while grappling with her own emotions, to no avail. Get ready for some serious waterworks with this one.

 

4. "The Smile Has Left Your Eyes"

Cast: Seo InGuk, Jung SoMin, Park SungWoong

Summary: A mysterious murder suspect, Kim MooYoung meets a kind, warm-hearted, but scarred young woman Yoo JinKang. An irresistible romance blooms between them through unpredictable push and pull as they slowly discover that their ill-fated relationship goes way back to the root of their trauma. However, JinKang's brother Yoo JinKook could not be warier of their relationship and will do whatever it takes to protect his little sister. With the world against them, will destiny allow their love to persevere?

Watch Because: When talking about sad romance K-Dramas, we definitely cannot forget this masterpiece. This tragedy is as beautiful and poetic as it gets. Seo InGuk plays Kim MooYoung, who is best described as an anti-hero and Yoo JinKang is the anchor who tethers him to life. Despite worldly forces tearing them apart, MooYoung and JinKang stick by each other's sides through thick and thin, even if that means putting their lives on the line. The predominant color palette of the drama - cold blue - is exactly what it'll leave you feeling.

 

5. "The Red Sleeve"

Cast: 2PM's Lee JunHo, Lee SeYoung

Summary: Crown Prince Yi San strives to become a benevolent ruler. However, the crimes of his grandfather and the cruel passing of his father have traumatized him. Sung DeokIm is a bright and spirited young woman who wants to live her life the way she wants. San, who is secretly burdened by his position, meets Sung DeokIm first as a child, then later as an adult, and she is the only one he opens up to. The two fall in love, but when San becomes King and asks DeokIm to become his concubine, she initially refuses but soon realizes that their union is inevitable.

Watch Because: "The Red Sleeve" is historical melodrama at its finest. JunHo and SeYoung deliver the most poignant performances as San and DeokIm, and their chemistry is off the charts. However, the anguish that their romance brings will tug at your heartstrings without mercy. A large part of the charm of "The Red Sleeve" comes from the excellent writing that will leave you wanting more after every episode. Despite the gentle slow burn, trust us, once you start watching this drama, time will fly.

 

6. "Youth Of May"

Cast: Go MinSi, Lee DoHyun, Keum SaeRok, Lee SangYi

Summary: Set against the background of the Gwangju Uprising of May 1980, "Youth Of May" tells the story of two young lovers, HeeTae and MyungHee, who face umpteen trials and tribulations to be together, only to be failed by the world they live in.

Watch Because: This is the K-Drama that singlehandedly broke our hearts into a million pieces. From the very opening scene of the first episode, this drama will suck you into its world, and before you know it, you'll find yourself attached to these fictional characters. Lee DoHyun as HeeTae is dreamy but familiar, almost as if you've known him forever, whereas Go MinSi as MyungHee is brave and inspirational. The characters are wonderfully fleshed out and form the core of the narrative, which is why "Youth Of May" manages to leave such a deep impact on viewers. This one is not going to be easy to get over.

 

7. "Alchemy Of Souls"

Cast: Jung SoMin, Lee JaeWook, Hwang MinHyun, Shin SeungHo, OH MY GIRL's Arin, Yoo InSoo

Summary: "Alchemy of Souls" tells the story of a wanted shadow assassin, Naksu, who shifts her powerful soul to the body of a lowly peasant girl named MuDeok to survive. MuDeok is weak and unassuming, which renders Naksu powerless. However, Jang Uk, the noble but ill-tempered young master of the Jang family, recognizes her at once. To get her strength and energy back, she bets on Jang Uk and takes him under her wing.

Watch Because: "Alchemy Of Souls" is arguably the best fantasy drama to come out of the Korean entertainment industry. The first season introduces us to the lore of the drama and weaves an intricate tale of star-crossed lovers who are destined for each other but also for destruction. While "Alchemy Of Souls" does have a second season that is relatively less tragic, the first season will leave you feeling like an empty husk from how unbelievably painful it is.

 

8. "Uncontrollably Fond"

Cast: Kim WooBin, Suzy

Summary: Childhood sweethearts Sin JoonYoung and No Eul meet again as adults, years after breaking up. This time, JoonYoung is a celebrity, and No Eul is tasked with filming a documentary about him. The forced proximity brings them together as they give their love another shot, even though JoonYoung has little time left in the world.

Watch Because: "Uncontrollably Fond" is the type of drama that makes no pretensions about happy endings. From the very beginning, you know where the story is going, but you learn to enjoy the journey anyway. Filled with love and laughter on the one hand and helplessness and despair on the other, our couple is relentless in their pursuit of happiness and that is exactly what makes this drama so heartbreaking yet wholesome.

 

9. "Snowdrop"

Cast: Jung HaeIn, BLACKPINK's JiSoo

Summary: "Snowdrop" tells the heartening story of love that blooms in the midst of chaos. Set in the tumultuous year of 1987 in Seoul, when South Korea was under a dictatorial regime, Eun YeongRo helps an injured young man named Lim SooHo, thinking he's a student activist.

Watch Because: YeongRo and SooHo's tragic love story is doomed from the start, but "Snowdrop" does an excellent job of building our expectations regardless. As a matter of fact, it is because of the hope that we hold on to for a happy ending that we're so invested in the story. After all, who doesn't want to root for the impossible? Faced with dire circumstances, YeongRo and SooHo go against all odds to protect their love and cherish each other, and that's what gets the best of them. You might want to keep a box of tissues at hand for this one.

 

10. "Just Between Lovers"

Cast: 2PM's Lee JunHo, Won JinA

Summary: Two young people, Ha MoonSoo and Lee KangDoo, whose lives are intertwined because of an accident, reconnect and fall in love, healing each other's wounds in the process.

Watch Because: "Just Between Lovers" is an outstanding study of survivor's guilt and how it can swallow a person whole. At the center of the story are our main characters MoonSoo (Won JinA) and KangDoo (Lee JunHo), who suffered significant losses after the collapse of a mall that took the lives of their loved ones. Even though it's been years since the accident, their wounds are fresher than ever, devastatingly affecting their daily lives. When they find refuge in each other's arms, they slowly begin to process their trauma and move forward. "Just Between Lovers" is not your run-of-the-mill romance but tackles real psychological problems plaguing the human mind, highlighting the restorative power of love and connection. For this reason alone, "Just Between Lovers" is a must-watch.

 

11. "Chocolate"

Cast: Yoon KyeSang, Ha JiWon

Summary: Lee Kang is a man who dreamt of becoming a chef but is now a neurosurgeon, and Moon ChaYeong, the woman he inspired with his passion for cooking, is now a chef because of him. Fate brings them together once more in a hospice ward, where they mend each other's hearts through compassion and food.

Watch Because: Just as the name suggests, "Chocolate" leaves a sweet aftertaste long after you're done watching the drama. The mellow mood and slow but steady pace of the drama allow the viewer to savor every moment, making the experience that much more enjoyable. While the show is understandably dominated by some unfortunate, bitter circumstances and situations, it leads with hope, and by the end of it all, there's a lot we can learn from. Yoon KyeSang and Ha JiWon, being veterans in this industry, deliver a memorable performance, and it is a sheer delight to see them together on screen.

 

12. "Seasons Of Blossom"

Cast: So JuYeon, Seo JiHoon, Kim MinKyu, Yoon HyunSoo, Kang HyeWon, Oh YuJin.

Summary: "Seasons of Blossom" tells the story of young high school students on the verge of adulthood who navigate the complicated climate of love and loss at the tender age of eighteen.

Watch Because: This bite-sized web drama is a colorful portrayal of the shades of youth - both bright and dark. It is based on the webtoon of the same name by HONGDUCK and NEMONE, and features the first two seasons: "BoMi's Flower" and "HaMin's Flower". The love story of Lee HaMin (played by Seo JiHoon) and Han SoMang (played by So JuYeon) from "HaMin's Flower" is one of passion and regret that will elicit a bucket or two of tears as we watch these teenagers quietly suffer from their inner turmoil, pushing them to the extreme. You will almost want to jump into your screen to protect them simply because of how ordinary yet precious they are. "Seasons Of Blossom" is a fantastic adaptation of the source material and definitely deserves more attention.

 

 

Note: The poll was first opened in March of 2023. "My Dearest" and "Call It Love" were added to the poll in November of 2023.

Which other sad romance K-Dramas would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments section down below!

 

Are you a believer of Zodiac Signs? If you are, you might be interested to find out the Zodiac Sign of your favorite Korean Celebrities!

Get to know which Korean celebrities share the same Zodiac Sign as you!

Mar 21 - Apr 19

Aries is a person who has a clear goal.
So he is the type of person who works hard.
Rather than achieving the goal at once, it is a personality that achieves the goal through steady efforts.

He's rather self-centered, direct, and he hates people who interfere with him.
It's easy to see how he feels when his child's thoughts appear on his face.

They're competitive, they're jealous secretly,
They don't fight or hurt their feelings enough to quit their relationship.
They say they value interpersonal relationships very much.
Many people are self-made because they are creative and independent.

We referred to Wikipedia in Korea for the period of constellations.
Let's check Here! You can go into the link and check the "회귀황도대의 날짜 (Tropical date)".