7 Heartbreaking K-Dramas Ranked From Sad to Absolute Tear-Jerker

It may sound like some kind of witchcraft, but consuming heart-rending stories can actually make you feel good. Some studies show that traumatizing content can increase our pain tolerance, help us feel connected to others, and boost endorphins.

If you need this kind of therapy, here are seven K-dramas that hit so close to home that a sob fest is guaranteed. The shows are ranked by their level of heartbreak.

Yumi's Cells (2021-2022)

The show unravels the daily life of an ordinary office worker through the eyes of her brain cells. The first season ends on an extremely sad note and left many viewers in tears. Fortunately, the show has Season 2 to heal the traumas left by its predecessor.

Crash Landing on You (2019)

The story of a rich South Korean heiress who crash-lands in the North Korean part of the Demilitarized Zone and meets a handsome Korean People's Army captain can break you, heal you, and then break you again.

The Red Sleeve (2021)

Set in the past, this series tells the romantic story of a traumatized King of Joseon, torn between duty and love, and his court lady, determined to protect her independence. The show is sure to hit you in the feels in the most delightful way possible.

Hotel del Luna (2019)

The drama is set in a hotel that caters only to ghosts who need to settle unfinished business from their previous lives in order to move on. It is the emotional stories of these guests as well as the staff of the hotel that broke many viewers' hearts.

Uncontrollably Fond (2016)

Fans say the best title for this K-drama would be Uncontrollably Crying after the way they felt while watching it. The story of two feuding classmates who meet as adults and have to work together sounds simple, but has all the potential to give you a mini existential crisis.

Mr. Sunshine (2018)

Set in the early 20th century, this historical romance tells the heartbreaking story of a former slave who reinvents himself as an American officer and returns to Korea to fight for its independence from Japan and find true love. However, the woman he falls in love with is from a higher class and not available to him.

Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)

This K-drama focuses on five characters and their lives over a 23-year period, from childhood to adulthood. Their stories hit so close to home that you can easily go through a whole box of tissues during and after watching the series.