14 Tear-Jerker K-Dramas That Fans Still Rewatch Every Year
Some K-dramas are impossible to forget, especially those that make us cry every time we watch them. These tear-jerkers resonate with fans for their deep emotions and unforgettable characters. People continue to revisit them year after year, knowing that each scene will bring out their most heartfelt emotions. If you want a series that leaves a lasting impact, these K-dramas are a must-watch.
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Goblin (2016)
Goblin is a supernatural romance that blends fantasy, fate, and heartache. The drama follows the story of a 900-year-old goblin who needs a human bride to end his immortality. The series explores themes of love, sacrifice, and destiny, making it an emotional ride from start to finish. Fans often revisit it due to its stunning cinematography and unforgettable performances, especially the heart-wrenching scenes that leave viewers in tears.
The relationship between the goblin and his bride, as well as the complex characters, makes Goblin a tear-jerker that stands out. The storyline mixes magical realism with deep human emotions, ensuring an impactful experience. The unforgettable music score only adds to the emotional depth of the show. It is no wonder fans return to this K-drama for an emotional journey year after year.
Autumn in My Heart (2000)
Autumn in My Heart is a classic K-drama that set the foundation for many melodramas to follow. The plot centers on the tragic love story of two childhood friends who are separated due to a mix-up at birth. As they grow older and meet again, they struggle with family secrets and illness. This timeless K-drama continues to be a favorite for its portrayal of love, loss, and fate.
The emotional depth of Autumn in My Heart resonates with fans due to its heartfelt performances and tragic twists. The drama’s portrayal of family bonds and the inevitability of fate leaves viewers deeply moved. Every rewatch brings fresh emotional connections to the characters’ struggles. The drama remains one of the most iconic and tear-jerking K-dramas.
The Light in Your Eyes (2019)
In The Light in Your Eyes, a woman magically ages into an older version of herself after using a mysterious time-altering ability. The series touches on themes of regret, love, and the consequences of trying to change one’s past. It is a heartbreaking look at the choices we make in life and the people we lose along the way. Fans rewatch it for its emotionally charged storyline and the profound lessons it offers about life.
The series is deeply reflective, encouraging viewers to examine their own relationships and the fleeting nature of time. With strong performances from the cast, especially Han Ji-min, the drama’s emotional impact is undeniable. The Light in Your Eyes continues to tug at the heartstrings of viewers with its beautifully crafted narrative. It remains a memorable experience for anyone seeking a dramatic, tear-jerking journey.
My Love from the Star (2013)
This K-drama blends romance and fantasy with moments that are both heartwarming and heartbreaking. My Love from the Star tells the story of an alien who has lived on Earth for 400 years and falls in love with a top actress. The emotional rollercoaster comes from their struggles to be together despite the obstacles created by his alien origins and her dangerous career. It remains a fan favorite for its timeless romance and moments of deep emotional connection.
What makes My Love from the Star a tear-jerker is the intense chemistry between the lead characters and the profound sacrifices they make for one another. As the series delves into themes of isolation, love, and loss, viewers are left with a sense of bittersweet nostalgia. The combination of fantasy elements and realistic emotions makes it a show worth rewatching. Fans revisit it for the emotional impact it leaves every time.
Secret Garden (2010)
Secret Garden is a classic that combines fantasy and drama in a way that still resonates with viewers. The story centers on a stuntwoman and a CEO who mysteriously swap bodies. As they navigate their unusual situation, love blooms, but they also face numerous obstacles. The emotional moments in Secret Garden often leave viewers in tears, especially as the characters confront their feelings and their own vulnerabilities.
The drama’s combination of humor, fantasy, and heartbreak makes it unforgettable. The chemistry between the leads, Hyun Bin and Ha Ji-won, elevates the emotional stakes, making their romantic journey both funny and deeply moving. The heartbreaking moments and the beautiful, poetic ending ensure that Secret Garden stays with fans long after the final episode. Its lasting appeal is a testament to the emotional depth it provides.
When the Camellia Blooms (2019)
When the Camellia Blooms is a K-drama that mixes romance, comedy, and suspense with powerful emotional moments. It follows a single mother who opens a bar in a small town, finding love amidst the challenges of life. Her journey of self-discovery, facing societal expectations, and overcoming obstacles is both touching and heartbreaking. This drama stays with fans due to its well-crafted characters and emotional weight.
The strong performances, especially by Gong Hyo-jin, contribute to the show’s deep emotional impact. Viewers connect with the protagonist’s struggles and her resilience, making her journey all the more poignant. Themes of family, love, and personal growth intertwine, creating a narrative that resonates long after the series ends. Fans continue to rewatch it for the emotional connection it offers and the hope it inspires.
Crash Landing on You (2019)
Crash Landing on You is a modern romance that explores the relationship between a South Korean heiress and a North Korean soldier. The drama skillfully balances humor with heartfelt moments, but it is the sacrifices made for love that truly make it a tear-jerker. The heartbreaking separation and struggles of the characters bring about some of the most emotional moments in K-drama history. It has become a beloved series for its compelling story and characters who fight for their love despite the odds.
The story’s emotional highs and lows, especially the sacrifice and devotion between the leads, have captured the hearts of viewers. Fans appreciate the delicate balance of light-hearted moments and the more serious, poignant themes of separation, war, and love. Crash Landing on You remains a favorite because of its ability to evoke genuine emotions every time it is rewatched. Its combination of romance, drama, and heartache ensures it will continue to be a K-drama classic.
It’s Okay to Not Be Okay (2020)
This K-drama is a touching exploration of mental health, healing, and self-acceptance. The story follows a troubled children’s book author and a caregiver who both carry their own emotional scars. As they work together, they slowly help each other heal, but their emotional journeys are far from easy. It is an emotional series that challenges viewers to reflect on their own struggles and the importance of taking care of one’s mental health.
It’s Okay to Not Be Okay tackles serious issues like childhood trauma, mental illness, and healing, all while offering moments of deep emotional insight. The performances by Kim Soo-hyun and Seo Ye-ji add layers of complexity to the characters, making their emotional growth feel real. This K-drama continues to be rewatched for the powerful message it sends about accepting oneself and dealing with inner pain. Fans find solace in the story and its emotional depth.
Reply 1988 (2015)
Reply 1988 is a nostalgic series that resonates with viewers for its portrayal of family, friendship, and love. Set in the late 1980s, it follows a group of friends and their families as they navigate adolescence and adulthood. The show is filled with emotional moments that bring tears, especially as it highlights the importance of familial bonds. It has become one of the most beloved K-dramas due to its heartfelt storytelling and relatable characters.
The beauty of Reply 1988 lies in its simplicity and authenticity. Each character’s journey of growing up, making mistakes, and finding love is both touching and humorous. Fans return to this series every year because it evokes a sense of nostalgia and warmth, reminding them of their own relationships. Its emotional depth and focus on the bonds of family and friendship make it a classic K-drama.
The Legend of the Blue Sea (2016)
The Legend of the Blue Sea mixes fantasy, romance, and drama in a way that appeals to fans seeking a tear-jerking experience. The drama follows a mermaid who finds herself in the modern world, crossing paths with a genius scam artist. Their love story spans across two lifetimes, and the drama’s emotional moments hit hard as they face the consequences of their love. Fans rewatch this series for its beautiful blend of fantasy elements and emotional stakes.
The tragic love story, paired with its compelling plot twists and breathtaking visuals, makes The Legend of the Blue Sea a show worth revisiting. The chemistry between Lee Min-ho and Jun Ji-hyun enhances the emotional depth of the narrative, making the stakes feel even higher. Fans return for the emotional highs and lows, and the ending, which offers both closure and a sense of bittersweet beauty, stays with them long after the show ends. This K-drama is sure to make anyone cry, even on the tenth rewatch.
Still 17 (2018)
Still 17 is a heartwarming drama about a woman who wakes up from a coma after 13 years and must learn to live again. It’s a beautiful exploration of love, loss, and second chances. The main character, who is emotionally and mentally stuck in her teenage years, struggles to adjust to life as an adult. Her journey is both humorous and emotional, making this series a tear-jerker that fans adore.
The romance between the lead characters develops gradually, making the emotional payoff even more rewarding. The drama beautifully captures the essence of growing up and moving on, both for the characters and for the viewers. With its heartwarming moments and bittersweet storyline, Still 17 continues to be a fan favorite. Its emotional depth ensures that it remains a series people come back to time and time again.
Heirs (2013)
Heirs is a drama about the rich and powerful heirs of major corporations, their love lives, and the challenges they face as they come of age. The emotional aspect of the show lies in the relationships between the characters, who are often caught between family obligations and personal desires. The love triangle at the heart of the series adds to the emotional tension, leading to moments that will leave viewers teary-eyed. Fans love to revisit Heirs for its beautiful cast and the relatable emotional journey it offers.
The drama addresses themes of class, family pressure, and the importance of following one’s heart. With characters like Kim Tan and Cha Eun-sang, the love story feels sincere and touching. The ups and downs of their relationship, paired with powerful supporting characters, create an unforgettable drama that continues to captivate viewers. Fans find comfort in rewatching Heirs, as it brings a mix of nostalgia and emotional depth with every viewing.
A Thousand Days’ Promise (2011)
This melodrama revolves around a woman who is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, leading to a heartbreaking love story. Her journey to remember her love and the pain her condition causes her loved ones is deeply emotional. The series explores themes of memory, love, and the fragility of life. It is an emotional experience that stays with viewers long after the drama has ended.
The performances are powerful, and the chemistry between the leads enhances the emotional weight of the story. The series brings forth the beauty of love in the face of devastating illness. A Thousand Days’ Promise is a drama that continues to bring tears, especially for those who have experienced the loss of memory or loved ones. It remains a poignant reminder of life’s fleeting moments.
The King: Eternal Monarch (2020)
The King: Eternal Monarch combines fantasy and romance in a tear-jerking journey of love across parallel worlds. The drama follows the king of a modern-day kingdom and a detective from another universe as they battle to stop an evil force. Their love transcends time and space, bringing plenty of emotional moments along the way. Fans rewatch it for its breathtaking visuals, complex plot, and the profound love story that leaves viewers teary-eyed.
The fantasy element adds a layer of excitement, but the core of the story is the deep emotional bond between the leads. The series balances action, romance, and emotional drama perfectly. Fans continue to return to The King: Eternal Monarch for the captivating performances and the emotional journey it offers. It remains a fan-favorite for its unique blend of fantasy and heartfelt drama.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.