Top 20 Sad-Ending K-Drama list
K-dramas usually give their main characters
fairy-tale endings because they typically take viewers to enchanted worlds of
romance and fantasy. Some, meanwhile, reject this traditional path and choose
more grounded and melancholy outcomes. In these dramas, the main characters
might not end up back together despite going through protracted battles and
intense emotional ups and downs. Even while these conclusions could make
viewers cry, they have a longer-lasting effect and have a more profound and
remembered effect than dramas with simple joyful endings.
1. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016):
In the sorrowful story
of Hae Soo (IU), who time-travels to the Goryeo Dynasty and entangles himself
with the lives of the princes (Lee Joon Gi, Baekhyun, Nam Joo Hyuk, and Ji
Soo), "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo" tells their story. In the
midst of miscommunications and intrigues within the palace, Hae Soo and the
fourth prince part ways, setting up a terrible conclusion in which she passes
away alone. While the Chinese version presents a more satisfactory reunion in
the modern world, the Korean version ends with Ha Jin, the contemporary
equivalent of Hae Soo, crying in front of Goryeo paintings, leaving fans aching
for a second season. Viewers yearn for resolution and more of the moving tale
because of the disappointing finale.
2. Uncontrollably Fond (2016):
"Uncontrollably
Fond," which stars Bae Suzy and Kim Woo Bin, transports viewers to a
painful place where they experience heartbreak, first love, and the harsh
truths of a fatal illness. After receiving a cancer diagnosis, Shin Joon Young
reconciles with his ex-lover and classmate and navigates a turbulent
relationship. He pushes her away, but in the end he comes to appreciate how short
their time together is. Viewers' emotions are left with a lingering ache when
Joon Young passes away in the heartbreaking climax, his head resting on her
shoulders. The drama's status as one of the saddest in the K-drama genre is
cemented by its heartbreaking examination of love, grief, and acceptance.
3. Cheese In The Trap (2016):
The film "Cheese
in the Trap," which features Kim Go Eun and Park Hae Jin, explores the
complex bond between Yoo Jung and Hong Seol. Jung is a senior with a
manipulative streak, whereas Seol is a dedicated college student. After their
initial mutual attraction, they get into a relationship, but as Jung works to
change, he breaks up with his partner after realizing his flaws. Even though
the general public seems to be in favor of the split, the protagonists'
enduring chemistry makes one want a reconciliation. Viewers are left torn
between the necessity of the breakup and the lingering longing for a restored
romance due to Hong Seol's persistent emails and waiting at the drama's conclusion,
which subtly feeds the hope for a renewed connection.
4. A Korean Odyssey (2017):
The heartbreaking tale
of "A Korean Odyssey" tells the tale of Jin Seon Mi, played by Oh
Yeon Seo, who is destined to become a monk, and Son O Gong, the Monkey King, who
is portrayed by Lee Seung Gi. They are first connected by a promise made as
children, and their connection develops from hatred to love before ending in a
touching marriage. Their joy is fleeting, though, as Seon Mi gives her life in
order to achieve a higher good, leaving O Gong in excruciating bewilderment and
memory loss. The couple's tragic ending makes spectators cry, highlighting the
bittersweet nature of their misplaced love, even if he eventually remembers her
and vows to find her again.
5. Black (2017):
"Black," a
supernatural thriller centered on a grim reaper living in a police officer's
body and a lady with death-predictive abilities, stars Go Ara and Song Seung
Heon. A heartfelt romance develops while they work to rescue lives, but they will
eventually have to part ways. In the heartbreaking conclusion, Black—the
reaper—accepts a heavy price in order to let his beloved have a tranquil
existence and completely forget about him. Their emotionally packed love story
comes to a touching conclusion when she reunites with him in the afterlife,
having lived a lifetime unaware of his presence.
6. The Universe’s Star (2017):
Part of the 'Three
Color Fantasy' trilogy from MBC and Naver, the white miniseries tells a
gripping story with Ji Woo and Suho from EXO. The protagonist of the tale is a
young girl who turns into a grim reaper and loses all memory of her previous
existence but for her death and Woo Joo, her idol. When she finds out he's
about to die, she starts a ruckus with her senior to have a chance to save him
before the first snowfall and a brief window of time to carry out her final
desires. The drama is a brief but emotionally charged ride, expertly portrayed
by Suho and Ji Woo. Their love tale makes you feel butterflies, and the ending
touches the audience's hearts in a way that is both heartbreaking and
enthralling.
7. The Hymn Of Death (2018):
"The Hymn of
Death" tells the tragic actual story of writer Kim Woo Jin and Yun Sim
Deok, the first Korean soprano, as represented by Kim Hye Sun and Lee Jong Suk.
Even though Woo Jin is married, they fall madly in love and finally decide to
sacrifice their morals for one another's lives. The leads' excellent
performances effectively capture the intense suffering that each character goes
through, eliciting strong feelings from the audience. Audiences are left in
sadness over their tragic ending, hoping with all of their hearts that their
souls would find greater happiness in the afterlife.
8.
The Smile
Has Left Your Eyes (2018):
This drama, which stars
Seo In Gook and Jung So Min, centers on the complicated love tale of Yoo Jin
Kang and Kim Moo Young, who unintentionally have a history together. Tragic
circumstances entwine their lives as Moo Young recovers lost memories. The
moving conclusion, which depicts a mutual death at each other's hands, leaves
spectators puzzled. The drama, which is well-known for fusing romance, drama,
and thriller elements, has a remarkable performance by Seo In Gook and is
notable for its insightful examination of the intricacies of love and the
wounds of the past.
9. Mr Sunshine (2018):
"Mr.
Sunshine" is an early 1900s historical drama starring Kim Tae Ri and Lee
Byung Hun. It revolves with the struggle for Korean independence and a love
that is endangered by social upheaval and political turmoil. It is regarded as
one of the greatest K-dramas ever, and it received praise for being the
third-highest rated cable television drama. US military commander Eugene Choi,
who was born into a lower social class, returns to Korea and falls in love with
Go Ae Shin, an upper class woman's granddaughter. Eugene gives his life to save
Ae Shin while they fight for their nation, leaving behind a moving and moving
story of their terrible fate.
10.
Memories
of The Alhambra (2018):
This drama, which stars
Park Shin Hye as Jung Hee Joo and Hyun Bin as Yoo Jin Woo, centers on Yoo Jin
Woo's search for a missing game developer in Spain. The plot makes it difficult
to distinguish between the game and real life, which makes for an exciting
experience. With Yoo Jin Woo stuck in the game, the ambiguous finale has left
fans hoping for a second season, which hasn't happened yet. The drama stands
out in the K-drama scene thanks to its original plot and surprising turns.
11.
Hotel Del
Luna (2019):
Among the best K-dramas
is "Hotel Del Luna," starring IU and Yeo Jin Goo. Koo Chan Seong, the
mortal manager selected by the gods, and Jang Man Wol, the immortal proprietor
of a hotel for the dead, set out on a quest to allay her old grievances and
lead her to the hereafter. The drama comes to a bittersweet conclusion despite
their growing love. Koo Chan Seong is left to live a lonely life after Jang Man
Wol finds peace and passes over. Viewers must determine whether the people in
the hotel are truly happy or if their newfound happiness is only a fantasy
because their fate is still unknown.
12.
Vagabond
(2019):
"Vagabond" is
an action-packed drama starring Lee Seung Gi and Bae Suzy that centers on Cha
Dal Gun's search for justice after losing his nephew in an unexplained plane
crash. With the help of secret agent Go Hae Ri, they discover a vast plot. Suzy
and Lee Seung Gi's unmatched chemistry gives the plot depth as their
relationship progresses from teasing to passion. The shocking open ending,
however, dashes viewers' hopes and forces them to envision a desired but
unattainable happy ending for the protagonists.
13.
Record Of
Youth (2020):
The lives of aspiring
model and actor Sa Hye Jun and makeup artist Ahn Jeong Ha are portrayed in the
2020 popular drama by Park Bo Gum and Park So Dam, as they navigate the
difficulties of the fashion world. The pair encounters many obstacles in their
quest for love and prosperity, which finally results in a devastating split.
The drama ends with a touching open ending that offers a glimpse of optimism as
they rejoin after finding success in their different occupations, enabling the
audience to speculate about their future while fans cheer for their love.
14.
Sisyphus:The
Myth (2021):
This science fiction
drama, starring Park Shin Hye and Cho Seung Woo as Gang Seo Hae and Han Tae
Sul, keeps viewers guessing right up until the very end. Audiences are left
confused by the intricate story's unexpected turns, especially with regard to
the antagonist. The protagonists, constrained by an unforgiving destiny, fight
against all odds but eventually fall short of ending the circle of death. But
in a heartbreaking turn of events, they manage to save the planet by giving
their love—the ultimate sacrifice. Fans of provocative dramas will find the series
to be captivating, as it blends action, romance, and complex sci-fi aspects.
15.
Youth Of
May (2021):
Lee Do Hyun and Go Min
Si play a doctor and a nurse who are forced into an arranged marriage at the
doctor's father's urging in this romantic melodrama from 1980. The time of
their meeting turns out to be a sad twist of fate, despite their love for each
other. The moving story develops with an air of inevitableness, and when
viewers see the doctor at the nurse's grave, the heartbreaking truth of their unfair
fate causes them to cry inconsolably. The drama, which invites viewers to
experience the depth of its poignancy, stands out as one of the most
emotionally impacting films of 2021 due to its sad tone.
16.
Snowdrop
(2021):
With its captivating
story, "Snowdrop," the drama that caused the greatest controversy
when it was released a year ago, raises expectations. The story takes place
against the backdrop of the historic year of 1987 in South Korea and revolves
around a young girl who falls in love with a man at first sight, only to find
out later that he is a North Korean agent. The serial, which stars Jung Hae In
and Jisoo of Blackpink, has a terrible conclusion that makes fans cry. Every
episode is suspenseful and captivating, drawing viewers in and making them want
to see the whole thing through to the end.
17.
The Red
Sleeve (2022):
This historical drama,
starring Lee Jun Ho and Lee Se Young, is based on the true story of King
Jeongjo and Seong Deok Im, who goes on to become The Royal Noble Consort Uibin
Seong. The pair overcomes all hurdles to get married and have a son during the
Joseon Era, which is renowned for its difficult love stories. But then disaster
hits, and King Jeongjo is left to live alone after the deaths of their son and
Deok Sim. He is offered the opportunity to live again, but he choose to pass
away early in order to be with her in the hereafter. This must-watch drama
gains depth from Lee Se Young and Jun Ho's amazing chemistry.
18.
Big Mouth
(2022):
In the thriller about
law and justice, starring Lee Jong Suk and Im Yoon Ah, gregarious attorney
"Big Mouth" becomes caught in a legal web after being mistaken for a
well-known felon with the same name. His wife, Ko Mi Ho, a nurse, gets motivated
to prove his innocence and win his release as he struggles with the
consequences. Although the audience is expecting a joyful conclusion, the story
takes a tragic turn that dashes their hopes. When Ko Mi Ho passes away from
cancer, Park Chang Ho is left to face the heartbreaking truth by herself. This
drama is among the most emotionally impacting of the year, as demonstrated by
its unexpected and moving ending in 2022, which highlights the depth of sadness
woven throughout its gripping legal plot.
19.
Twenty-Five
– Twenty-One (2022):
The drama in question,
which starred Kim Tae Ri and Nam Joo Hyuk, attracted a lot of attention and
praise for its brilliant plot and flawless execution. Though the public
overwhelmingly supported the leads and they had a strong bond, the story's
shocking and disappointing conclusion saw the leads choose to live separate
lives in order to pursue their own goals and vocations. Even if the conclusion
is realistic, those who followed the couple's journey through the drama on an
emotional level will find it difficult to accept. The unexpected shift not only
defies accepted wisdom in the K-drama industry but also has a profound effect
on the audience, igniting conversations and arguments on how relationships are
portrayed in narratives. In spite of the setback, the play remains a remarkable
and thought-provoking work that has a lasting impact on the drama scene.
20.
Alchemy
Of Souls (2022):
The story of an elite
warrior's spirit imprisoned in the body of a frail woman named My Deok is told
in the film "Alchemy of Souls," which stars Lee Jae Wook and Jung So
Min. In the midst of a soul-switching spell and magical forces-caused mayhem,
My Deok works for Jang Uk, a mysteriously born aristocrat. In a drama with an
open conclusion that hints at a second season set for December 10, 2022, their
love story takes center stage. At the end, Mu Deok stabs Jang Uk, but he
resurrects, laying the groundwork for the events of the next chapter. Even with
their depressing conclusions, these plays have interesting plots and are well
worth seeing. Savor the rollercoaster of emotions!

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