Need a good emotional release? These five heart-wrenching K-dramas will have you crying, healing, and reflecting—from slice-of-life stories to poignant tales of friendship, loss, and love.
“Crying is good for the soul” is a quote I’ve seen circulating on the internet for years—and one I’ve always believed in. I firmly believe that when the going gets tough, a good cry can ease the weight on your shoulders. Sometimes, even in our darkest moments, we fall in a state of stoicism that makes us forget how to cry. In times of emotional resignation, we all need a little push—a tear starter. Personally, I turn to tearjerker K-dramas to help bring the tears out.
In this season of gloomy weather, there’s nothing quite like binge-watching a series that tugs at your heartstrings. Letting yourself cry over the week’s built-up stress can be surprisingly cathartic, helping you release pent-up emotions and reset for the days ahead.
To kick off your tear-fueled binge-watch, here are five emotional and heart-wrenching K-drama recommendations. From slice-of-life stories to series that explore friendship in your 30s, these shows are well worth the tears.
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When Life Gives You Tangerines
Widely regarded as a recent masterpiece amongst K-dramas, When Life Gives You Tangerines is a slice-of-life series that explores generational poverty, coming of age, and the struggles to break cycles of generational trauma. The story follows its characters across different stages of life, from their rebellious teenage years to adulthood, as they navigate challenges and personal growth on the beautiful island of Jeju. Every episode is bound to move you to tears, thanks to the powerful performances of IU and Park Bo-gum.
Thirty-Nine
This drama follows three close friends—a dermatologist, an acting teacher, and a cosmetics sales manager. As they approach their forties, the series delves into how the women navigate friendship, love, loss, and the search for meaning after their comfortable lives are upended by devastating news. Thirty-Nine invites you to reflect on your own friendships and reevaluate the bonds your share with those closest to you.
Reply 1988
Reply 1988 follows five high school friends—Sung Deok-sun, Kim Jung-hwan, Sung Sun-woo, Ryu Dong-ryong, and Choi Taek—and their families in Ssangmun-dong, Seoul. Through nostalgic flashbacks, adult Deok-sun looks back on her youth and her journey to discovering which of her male friends would become her husband. The series tenderly captures the everyday lives, struggles, joys, and deep bonds of friendship and family in a close-knit community during a pivotal era in South Korean history. One of the most beloved K-dramas, Reply 1988 is known for its heartwarming humor, relatable characters, and emotional depth. The show continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
Hi Bye, Mama
In Hi Bye, Mama, Cha Yu-ri dies in a tragic accident, leaving behind her husband and young daughter. As a ghost for five years, she quietly watches over her family. But when she’s given 49 days to return to the human world, she faces the challenge of reclaiming her place as Kang-hwa’s wife and her daughter’s mother—complicated by the fact that her husband has since been remarried. The drama explores grief, love, family, and the bittersweet struggle of letting go.
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Move To Heaven
The K-drama follows Geu-ru, a young man with Asperger’s, and his uncle, an ex-convict named Sang-gu, as they run a trauma cleaning service. Their work involves clearing out the belongings of the deceased—uncovering untold stories and delivering final messages. Each episode centers on a different “last story,” where Geu-ru’s unique perspective allows him to connect with both the departed and their loved ones. It’s a poignant exploration of life, death, loss, and the quiet power of empathy.
All photos from IMDB
