“Queen of Tears,” Netflix’s latest hit, has ended, but several other series can fill the void left by the love story of Baek Hyun-woo (Kim Soo-hyun) and Hong Hae-in (Kim Ji -won). Here are a few.
Autumn In My HeartInitiator of the
Hallyu in 2000, “Autumn in My Heart” is the first chapter of the “Endless Love” saga. It narrates the romantic journey of Yoon Joon-seo (Song Seung-heon) and Yoon/Choi Eun-seo (Song Hye-gyo), raised as brother and sister before discovering that they do not share the same blood. Separated for many years, they meet again and fall in love with each other, triggering a cascade of family complications. Added to this, illness…
Stairway to Heaven
“Stairway To Heaven” is one of those dramatic and poignant series. It depicts the unalterable love of Cha Song-joo (Kwon Sang-woo), a rich playboy, for his childhood friend, Han Jeong-Seo (Choi Ji-woo). Enhanced by a memorable soundtrack and remarkable performances, it is acclaimed as one of the best Korean dramas.
While “Queen of Tears” has been modernized to appeal to a growing international audience, “Stairway To Heaven” begins with a passionate hero, ready to brave all obstacles for his beloved. But the story does not spare the main couple from trying moments. And then, just like in “Queen of Tears”, the series has particularly annoying antagonists.
I’m Sorry, I Love You
This K-drama chronicles the decisive meeting between Cha Moo-hyeok (So Ji-sub) and Song Eun-chae (Im Soo-jung). Prisoners of circumstances that make their love improbable, they nevertheless succumb to each other over time. Their destiny, more tragic than imagined, overtakes them when they discover the dark links of their past. Despite everything, “I’m Sorry, I Love You” celebrates the victory of love, even if it strays from the beaten path.
Worlds Within
This series, less melodramatic than “Queen of Tears”, explores the complex relationship between Jung Ji-oh (Hyun Bin) and Joo Joon-young (Song Hye-gyo), both faced with an unexpected illness. As directors, their relationship as colleagues and sometimes friends goes back a long way, but their romantic past continues to influence their current dynamic. Finally, after their respective romantic failures, they revisit their romance, but illness disrupts their reconciliation.
Scent Of A Woman
Released in 2011, “Scent of A Woman” follows Lee Yeon-jae (Kim Sun-a), a middle-aged single woman on vacation after being fired from her job. The diagnosis of gallbladder cancer that she receives at the same time gives her a new perspective: she decides to live her life in a way that allows her to be happy and fulfilled. During her journey, she meets the man of her dreams, the wealthy Kang Ji-wook (Lee Dong-wook), who eventually changes his cynical ways after falling in love with her. Unfortunately, as Yeon-jae’s illness progresses, their romance is threatened.
A Thousand Days’ Promise
Spoiler alert! The story of Lee Seo-yeon (Soo Ae) and Park Ji-Hyung (Kim Rae-won) begins idyllic for a K-drama. Everything is so perfect that when the twist comes, it is all the more devastating. The drama takes a dramatic turn when she discovers that she has an incurable disease at an early stage. The series then explores the difficulties caused by this unforgiving disease. While Seo-yeon gradually loses her identity, Ji-Hyung stays by her side throughout this ordeal.
It’s Okay, That’s Love
This series depicts the romance between novelist Jang Jae-yeol (Jo In-sung), suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder, and psychiatrist Ji Hae-soo (Gong Hyo-jin). The duo begins as roommates who don’t like each other. Despite their conflicted relationship, they end up falling in love through spending time together. Mental health is highlighted in the story. Likewise, Jae-yeol’s condition poses great challenges for the couple as they face their respective problems together.
Uncontrollably Background
In 2016, Bae Suzy and Kim Woo-bin played Noh Eul and Shin Joon-young in “Uncontrollably Fond”. Like Hyun-Woo and Hae-in, their love story takes root during their adolescence. However, circumstances forced them to separate during this period, before meeting again years later. Joon-young then became a famous actor, while Noh Eul produces documentaries. A project to document Joon-young’s life brings them together professionally, revealing that their mutual feelings have stood the test of time.
But their reconciliation is compromised by illness… Although they are not united by the bonds of marriage like Hyun-Woo and Hae-in, and there is no subplot of divorce and reconciliation, their fight to stay together as long as possible evokes the tribulations of the protagonists of “Queen of Tears”.
Marriage Contract
“Marriage Contract” casts Uee, a former girl band member, as Kang Hye-soo, a single mother who struggles to make ends meet after the death of her husband saddles her with debt. She is forced into an arranged marriage with Han Ji-hoon, played by Lee Seo-jin, the son of a wealthy South Korean businessman who is seeking a deal to secure a liver donor for her. transplant from his mother. The duo enter into this marriage of convenience, but soon discover a sincere love for each other. Unfortunately, a tragedy is looming…
