Even though a happy ending is the norm, it is not unheard of to have a drama end in a bittersweet, heartbreaking fashion. These dramas possess the special ability to spread warmth through your soul while simultaneously breaking it down at the same time. They might not be the ending we expected, but it’s the ending that happened. Get the tissues ready, because you’ll definitely need it. Let’s take a look at some of these K-Dramas that ended on a more sad and emotional note. This article will contain spoilers.
1. “The Red Sleeve”
This historical drama stars 2PM’s Lee JunHo as the noble and upright Crown Prince, LeeSan. Alongside him as the female lead is Lee SeYoung who plays the mischievous and strong-willed court lady, Seong DeokIm. The novel-based drama serves as a record of LeeSan and Seong DeokIm’s court romance. While it starts off sweet and tenderhearted, it quickly evolves into a story of relentless yearning. The two go through countless struggles just to be together and while there are moments of reprieve, it seems that grief is always waiting right around the corner. “The Red Sleeve” ends with the two separated by death and a period of endless longing. Despite its sad ending, “The Red Sleeve” was showered with praise and received various awards and nominations.
2. “Snowdrop”
“Snowdrop” features popular heartthrob Jung HaeIn and world-renowned K-Pop idol BLACKPINK’s JiSoo. Along with its wonderful cast, as one of the first K-Dramas to be released by Disney+, “Snowdrop” received much hype and attention from the public. It follows the tragic love story of Im SuHo (Jung HaeIn) and Eun YoungRo (JiSoo). The drama is filled with intense political friction that SuHo and YoungRo must navigate, all while falling in love. Although they develop feelings for each other, due to their different backgrounds, they are unable to remain together. It’s akin to the forbidden love of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”. But in the case of “Snowdrop”, one survives and is left with fond, yet heartbreaking memories. SuHo and YoungRo shared a truly timeless love story, and became a couple that is hard to forget.
3. “The Smile Has Left Your Eyes”
“The Smile Has Left Your Eyes” stars Seo InGuk and Jung SoMin as its main leads. The tvN drama follows murder suspect, Kim MooYoung (Seo InGuk) and the sweet, kind Yoo JinKang (Jung SoMin). Together, they unearth the truth behind various secrets in their life, all while forming an intimate relationship. “The Smile Has Left Your Eyes” is a textbook definition of melodrama and will have you tearing up at lightning speed. Despite the unfortunate circumstances that MooYoung and JinKang face, their resilience and willingness to accept each other despite their flaws is touching and heartfelt. Throughout the series, their longtime, aching wounds begin to heal and a hope for a happy ending appears. However, by the show’s finale, that hope is crushed as MooYoung and JinKang are unable to remain together. The drama stays true to its name, right until the very end.
4. “Uncontrollably Fond”
The KBS2 drama features Kim WooBin as A-list celebrity, Shin JoonYoung and Suzy as feisty, documentary PD, NoEul. The two met once before as teenagers, but sadly had to go their separate ways. Years later, they reunite for work and while they initially have a rocky start, JoonYoung becomes determined to rekindle their relationship. What’s most heartbreaking about “Uncontrollably Fond” is that with JoonYoung’s terminal illness being revealed early on, fans of the show could only watch with a heavy heart as the drama’s end remained in plain sight. Despite this, the couple shared many sweet, uplifting moments that make you believe true love does exist. Their genuine, sincere nature radiates from head to toe and you can’t help but fall for their lovely charms. While their separation is inevitable, their journey to that end is filled with an uncontrollable warmth.
5. “Twenty-Five, Twenty-One”
“Twenty-Five, Twenty-One” became a worldwide hit and many K-Drama fans’ favorite series of this year. The tvN drama has an unforgettable lineup featuring Kim TaeRi, Nam JooHyuk, WJSN’s Bona, Choi HyunWook, and Lee JuMyoung. Their passionate youth and genuine innocence captivated audiences from beginning to end. The story mainly revolves around fencing superstar, Na HeeDo (Kim TaeRi) and determined reporter Baek YiJin (Nam JooHyuk). They form an intimate bond of friendship during their adolescence, which eventually turns romantic. However, from the very beginning, there were signs that HeeDo and YiJin might not end up together. Many theorize that this was the writers’ way of keeping their story as close to reality as possible. Despite HeeDo and YiJin’s parting, fans continue to show the pair long-lasting love.
6. “Hotel Del Luna”
“Hotel Del Luna” received global recognition for its captivating plot and talented cast. The fantasy romance features IU and Yeo JinGoo as its main leads. IU plays the extravagant, yet short-tempered Jang ManWol. Beside her, Yeo JinGoo plays perfectionist and logical Goo ChanSung. The two become boss and employee at Hotel Del Luna, a rest stop between the living world and afterlife. The main characters make a quirky and loveable couple, with ChanSung often acting as ManWol’s voice of reason. Although their chemistry is electrifying, the fate of all spirits that inhabit Hotel Del Luna eventually ends with them moving on into the afterlife — ManWol included. Despite their inevitable parting, the two develop a deep, meaningful relationship filled with a heartfelt warmth. “Hotel Del Luna” concludes with an epilogue filled with hope that in another life, ManWol and ChanSung are happily together. Have you watched these dramas before? What do you think about K-Dramas without a happy ending? Let us know in the comments! 17 Best Romance Historical K-Dramas To Have On Your Watchlist (2022 Update) KDRAMA STORIES|Dec 14, 2022 Top 15 Greatest K-Dramas Of The Decade KDRAMA STORIES|May 18, 2022 Does “Twenty-Five Twenty-One” Have A Happy Ending? KDRAMA STORIES|Apr 5, 2022
