10 Tear-Jerking Korean Dramas That Will Tug at Your Heartstrings

Korean dramas, known for their intense emotional depth, impeccable storytelling, and memorable characters, have a special place in the hearts of viewers worldwide. If you're looking for stories that resonate with the soul, here's a list of 10 Korean dramas that guarantee an emotional rollercoaster.

These dramas will make you reach for tissues while leaving a lasting impression.

10 Tear-Jerking Korean Dramas

1."Autumn in My Heart" (2000)

Main Leads: Song Seung-heon, Song Hye-kyo, and Won Bin
Plot: This classic melodrama tells the heartbreaking story of two siblings separated in childhood due to a tragic mix-up. Reunited years later, they struggle with forbidden love and familial bonds. Its poignant storytelling set the tone for future K-dramas.

(Photo : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autumn_in_My_Heart)

2."Stairway to Heaven" (2003)

Main Leads: Kwon Sang-woo, Choi Ji-woo
Plot: This drama follows the life of Jung-suh and Song-joo, childhood friends destined for each other until fate takes a tragic turn. The series is renowned for its emotional intensity and has become a staple of Korean melodrama.

(Photo : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stairway_to_Heaven_(South_Korean_TV_series))

3."I'm Sorry, I Love You" (2004)

Main Leads: So Ji-sub, Im Soo-jung
Plot: A heart-wrenching story about a man, abandoned by his mother and shot by his lover, who returns to Korea seeking revenge but finds love instead. This drama is a tale of unrequited love and redemption.

(Photo : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I%27m_Sorry,_I_Love_You)

4."That Winter, The Wind Blows" (2013)

Main Leads: Jo In-sung, Song Hye-kyo
Plot: This drama revolves around a blind heiress and a gambler posing as her lost brother. As they grow closer, they confront their past traumas and fears in this beautifully shot series.

(Photo : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/That_Winter,_the_Wind_Blows)

5."Marriage Contract" (2016)

Main Leads: Lee Seo-jin, Uee
Plot: A heart-tugging story about a widowed single mother who enters a contractual marriage with a rich CEO to find a guardian for her daughter. This drama explores themes of love, sacrifice, and family.

(Photo : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marriage_Contract)

6"Goblin" (2016)

Main Leads: Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun
Plot: This fantasy drama mixes romance, historical elements, and modern-day settings. It tells the story of an immortal goblin seeking to end his immortality and the young woman who can see ghosts. It's a tale of love transcending time and death.

(Photo : https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/68/Goblin_Poster.jpg)

7."Uncontrollably Fond" (2016)

Main Leads: Kim Woo-bin, Bae Suzy
Plot: This series combines romance and melodrama, following the story of two young lovers separated in their youth who reunite years later, with one of them now suffering from a terminal illness.

(Photo : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncontrollably_Fond)

8."My Mister" (2018)

Main Leads: Lee Sun-kyun, IU
Plot: A deeply moving drama about the unlikely friendship between a middle-aged man burdened by life's hardships and a young woman leading a tough life. It's a story of healing and finding comfort in unexpected places.

(Photo : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Mister)

9."Crash Landing on You" (2019)

Main Leads: Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin
Plot: This romance tells the story of a South Korean heiress who accidentally paraglides into North Korea and meets a North Korean army officer. It's a unique mix of drama, comedy, and poignant moments.

(Photo : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crash_Landing_on_You)

10."The Light in Your Eyes" (2019)

Main Leads: Han Ji-min, Nam Joo-hyuk
Plot: This fantasy drama cleverly combines time travel and romance, telling the story of a woman who ages overnight and a man who throws away the brightest days of his youth in a blink of an eye.

(Photo : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Light_in_Your_Eyes_(TV_series))

Each of these Korean dramas offers a unique blend of storytelling, emotional depth, and unforgettable performances that will make you laugh, cry, and feel every emotion in between. Whether you are a seasoned K-drama fan or a newcomer to this genre, these dramas are sure to provide a deeply moving viewing experience.

KDramaStars owns this article.
Written by Michelle Williams.