6 Heartbreaking Romance K-Dramas with Tragic Endings

Romantic K-dramas that culminate in tragic conclusions often captivate audiences, leaving a lasting emotional impact. The South Korean entertainment landscape is rich with such poignant stories.

Among these, Uncontrollably Fond stands out as a well-known romance that delves into a deeply layered love affair with a sorrowful ending. Similarly, Twenty-Five Twenty-One is another notable series that brings viewers to tears.

Many of these romantic K-dramas skillfully intertwine additional storylines with their primary plots, ensuring continuous engagement from their audience. The unexpected tragic denouements resonate profoundly with viewers.

Heartbreaking Conclusion: Snowdrop, Love Alarm, and More

Here’s a list of K-dramas that feature heart-wrenching finales:

Uncontrollably Fond
Twenty-Five Twenty-One
Now, We Are Breaking Up
Love Alarm
The Smile Has Left Your Eyes
Snowdrop

1) Uncontrollably Fond (2016)

Starring: Kim Woo-bin, Bae Suzy, Lim Ju-hwan

Available on: Netflix

Uncontrollably Fond portrays the emotional journey of Shin Joon Young (Kim Woo Bin) and Noh Eul (Bae Suzy), who were childhood sweethearts torn apart by harsh realities.

They rekindle their romance as adults—Joon Young now an acclaimed actor and singer, while Noh Eul carves her path as a documentary filmmaker.

As they attempt to revive their love, concealed truths surface; Joon Young uncovers Noh Eul’s materialistic tendencies, and Noh Eul learns of Joon Young’s terminal brain tumor diagnosis. She chooses to remain by his side during his final days.

While the series begins on a hopeful note, it ends tragically with Joon Young’s demise.

2) Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)

Twenty-Five Twenty-One (Image via Netflix)

Cast: Kim Tae-ri, Nam Joo-hyuk, Kim Ji-yeon

Available on: Netflix

Twenty-Five Twenty-One is set against the backdrop of 1998 and follows the lives of Na Hee-do (Kim Tae-Ri) and Baek Yi-jin (Nam Joo-Hyuk), whose paths intertwine amid a national financial crisis.

Hee-do pursues her passion for fencing, while Yi-jin faces the fallout from his father’s failed business. Their mutual support fosters a strong friendship that blossoms into a romantic relationship. However, misunderstandings lead to their separation.

Fast-forwarding seven years, Yi-jin is now a journalist while Hee-do excels as a fencer. The emotional crescendo reveals Hee-do married to another man, leaving Yi-jin to genuinely congratulate her, evoking an emotional response from viewers.

3) Now, We Are Breaking Up (2021)

Now, We Are Breaking Up (Image via Viki)

Starring: Jang Ki Yong, Song Hye Kyo, Choi Hee-seo

Available on: Viki, Apple TV

Now, We Are Breaking Up follows Ha Young-eun (Song Hye-Kyo), a fashion industry professional, and Yoon Jae-guk (Jang Ki-Yong), a gifted freelance photographer.

Ha Young-eun is a driven and talented career woman grappling with the haunting memory of her deceased partner, Soo-wan (Jae-guk’s brother). To fill the void, she immerses herself in work.

Young-eun meets Jae-guk on a blind date, and as their relationship unfolds in Paris, she learns that he is engaged, leaving her heartbroken.

In a poignant time jump of two years, the leads reunite in Busan with enduring feelings for each other yet unresolved confessions, creating a bittersweet finale for fans.

4) Love Alarm (2019-21)

Cast: Kim So-hyun, Jung Ga-ram, Song Kang

Available on: Netflix

Love Alarm centers around a mobile application that alerts users if someone within a certain proximity loves them. Kim Jo-jo (Kim So-hyun) is a high school girl grappling with the loss of her parents, now living with her aunt.

Meanwhile, Hwang Sun-Oh (Song Kang) develops feelings for Jo-jo, unaware that his best friend, Lee Hye-young (Jung Ga-ram), harbors unreciprocated love for her.

This two-season K-drama introduces a suspenseful element as a serial killer exploits the app, leading to a gripping climax. Ultimately, Jo-jo chooses personal growth over entanglement, while friendships are strained.

5) The Smile Has Left Your Eyes (2018)

The Smile Has Left Your Eyes (Image via Viki)

Starring: Seo In-guk, Jung So-min, Park Sung-woong, Seo Eun-soo

Available on: Viki, Apple TV

The Smile Has Left Your Eyes is a gripping dark romance that navigates the entwined lives of its characters amidst themes of love and trauma.

The narrative revolves around Kim Moo-young (Seo In-guk), a suspected sociopath implicated in his ex-girlfriend’s murder. His magnetic charm complicates his relationships, particularly with Baek Seung-ah, a businesswoman captivated by him.

As the plot progresses, the addition of a detective adds intrigue, leading to a sensitive conclusion where Moo-young’s affection for Seung-ah faces insurmountable obstacles.

6) Snowdrop (2022)

Cast: Jisoo, Jung Hae-in, Kim Min-kyu

Available on: Disney+ Hotstar

Snowdrop unfolds in the politically charged climate of 1987 South Korea, where Eun Yeong Ro (Jisoo), a university student, becomes entwined with Lim Soo-ho (Jung Hae In), a North Korean undercover agent.

After a chance blind date, they find themselves hiding Soo-ho in the girls’ dormitory. Their bond grows, yet remains unspoken amidst mounting tension. The series’ heart-stopping finale portrays Soo-ho’s tragic fate as he sacrifices himself for Yeong-ro’s safety.

In addition to these titles, viewers can explore Hotel Del Luna, Moon Lovers, Youth of May, and Mr. Sunshine, all of which also conclude with heartrending endings.

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