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9 Korean Dramas That Will Emotionally Destroy You Till the End! [Tearjerker Alert!]

The K-dramas that made even the strongest viewers cry (Credits: Pinterest)
The K-dramas that made even the strongest viewers cry (Credits: Pinterest)

Some K-dramas don't just entertain — they leave you with swollen eyes and a heavy heart. These stories hit deep, showing love, loss, friendship, and family in the most emotional ways. Whether it’s a tragic ending or a heartwarming farewell, these dramas will stay with you long after the final episode.


Here are 9 heartbreaking and underrated K-dramas that are perfect for when you just want a good emotional moment.



1. Mr. Plankton (2024)


Woo Do Hwan and Lee You Mi in a wedding scene from Mr. Plankton, blending tradition with heartache.
Mr. Plankton (Credits: Netflix)

Hae‑jo has lived his life thinking he is an outsider. When he learns he’s terminally ill, he forces Jae‑mi, his ex-girlfriend, who also faces a cruel fate, to join him on one last journey to find his biological father. 


As they travel, their unresolved past unfolds, and both begin to see life and pain through new eyes. Quiet moments turn deeply emotional as the story unfolds. This slow-burning drama explores loneliness, regret, and meaning when time is short. It’s uncomfortable yet beautifully human.




2. Way Back Love (2025)


Two characters sitting side by side in Way Back Home, reflecting the show’s emotional depth.
Way Back Love (Credits: TVING)

Jeong Hee‑wan is told she has a week to live. A childhood friend appears, but he died six years ago and is now a grim reaper. Despite the supernatural setup, this story is truly about friendship, regrets, and unspoken love.


As they unravel what was left unsaid, she learns to face herself before it’s too late. It balances fantasy with genuine warmth and sadness. The ending is gentle, moving, and bittersweet.




3. Uncontrollably Fond (2016)


A couple rests among yellow autumn leaves in kdrama Uncontrollably Fond , highlighting its nostalgic tone.
Uncontrollably Fond (Credits: KBS2)

Shin Joon‑young and Noh Eul were teenagers in love, torn apart by family betrayal. Years later, Joon‑young returns as a famous actor and reaches out to Eul, who now works in documentaries.


As his deadly illness closes in, the two reconnect while facing past wounds. Every moment is charged with emotion, leading up to a heartbreaking climax. This drama is melodrama at its finest, beautiful, tragic, and painful in the best way.




4. Just Between Lovers/Rain or Shine (2017–2018)


The main couple from Just Between Lovers sharing a tender gaze while walking outside.
Just Between Lovers (Credits: JTBC)

After a tragic building collapse, Moon‑soo and Gang‑doo carry survivor’s guilt and physical scars. As they heal, an unlikely friendship forms that deepens into love.


The drama is gentle, realistic, and emotionally filled with moments that feel raw and true. This story respects grief while allowing hope to enter slowly, which makes the emotional payoff deeply satisfying.



5. My Mister (2018)


IU playing main role in kdrama My Mister, looking emotional with lost eyes
My Mister (Credits: tvN)

Ji‑an is burdened by debt and emotional pain. Dong‑hoon, a middle-aged engineer, lives a life weighed down by pressure and disappointment. Two unlikely souls meet and help each other survive.


Their bond is comforting yet heartbreaking as they try to heal together. My Mister is powerful because it’s quiet. It doesn’t need drama to feel deep. When tears come, they surge from understanding and shared sorrow.




6. Move to Heaven (2021)


Geu Ru from Move to Heaven sits among memories and stories of the departed in a somber moment.
Move to Heaven (Credits: Netflix)

Geu‑ru, a young boy with autism, runs a trauma clean‑up service with his estranged uncle Sang‑gu. They clear the belongings of the deceased when families can’t.


Each episode reveals a life story left behind, often with deep messages and emotional closure. It’s not romance, but it is a tearjerker. Stories about death often bring out unexpected empathy and healing.




7. Seasons of Blossom (2022)


Boy resting his head on a girl’s shoulder in school uniforms
Seasons of Blossom (Credits: WAVVE)

This short web drama revisits the aftermath of a tragedy at Seoyeon High. Teen friendships, first loves, and grief intertwine across seasons.


Frozen moments of guilt and longing ripple through time, shaping multiple lives. It’s a reflection on youth, loss, and healing that stays with you beyond simple sadness.




8. The Smile Has Left Your Eyes (2018)


Man embracing a woman as she leans against him in kdrama The Smile Has Left Your Eyes.
The Smile Has Left Your Eyes (Credits: tvN)

Moo‑young is a mysterious man with no past and a dangerous edge. He meets Jin‑kang and falls in love, but the love is shadowed by detection and tragedy.


As memories return, his pain collides with hers, and their bond becomes both beautiful and fatal. This drama feels like watching a star fade. It’s dark, poetic, and heartbreaking in its mystery.





Woman holding hands with a seated man in a sunny courtyard in Kdrama Youth of May
Youth of May (Credits: KBS)

Set during the politically turbulent May 1980 Gwangju Uprising, Youth of May tells the tragic love story of medical student Hwang Hee-tae and nurse Kim Myung-hee. Their love blooms under dangerous circumstances, but history has other plans for them.


This drama is not just a love story; it’s a reminder of how real-life tragedies can tear apart dreams. The emotional weight grows with each episode, and by the finale, it leaves many viewers sobbing uncontrollably.


  • Aired: May – June 2021

  • No. of Episodes: 12

  • Cast: Lee Do-hyun, Go Min-si

  • Streaming Platform: Viki, Netflix



Final Thoughts


These nine dramas are tear-jerking, unforgettable, and deeply moving. Whether it's tragic romance, emotional friendships, or stories about finding meaning in pain—they hit hard. If you're ready to cry, heal, or just feel something real, these shows will stay with you long after the last scene.


Which K-drama made you cry the most? Or did we miss your favorite emotional drama? Tell us in the comments below!


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