10 Tear-jerking K-Dramas Guaranteed To Make You Ugly Cry

There are two types of people based on how they deal with the stress in their lives. While some try to escape it by finding an alternate universe and diving deep into it, others believe that there is nothing better than letting the negativity out of your system, even if it requires an entire evening of ugly crying.

If you prefer the second option, you're in luck. There are many Korean dramas that exist for the sole purpose of making their viewers cry, and they always succeed.

So sit back, get your tissues ready, and enjoy a wild ride of emotions with the 10 TV shows below.

Move to Heaven (2021)

If the sole premise of the moving company that helps the families after the demise of their loved ones wasn’t enough, the fact that it’s run by a nephew with Asperger syndrome and his ex-convict uncle with a traumatic past would do the trick. The show doesn't shy away from portraying a whole range of emotions, from happiness to a very realistic grief.

My Mister (2018)

Lee Ji-an and Park Dong-hoon both definitely got the short end of the stick in life. While she has to take care of her sick and dying grandmother, drowning in debt and trying to make ends meet with temporary jobs, her scrutinized manager grows fond of her and they start a journey to heal each other's scars.

Hospital Playlist (2020)

Just like any other medical drama, the show balances all the happy endings with the ones that leave you speechless and emotionally destroyed. Unfortunately, just like in real life, no matter how hard the doctors work, they cannot help and save everyone. Hospital Playlist is a perfect reminder of this.

Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)

The show takes viewers back to 1998, in the midst of the IMF crisis in Korea, which caused many people to lose their jobs and aspirations. This happens to Na Hee-do, the fencing prodigy whose team is disbanded. But being as strong-willed and determined as she is, she decides to fight for her dream.

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)

True love doesn't care about appearances and can always see a gentle soul through even the toughest facade. When Go Ha-jin is transported back in time to the Goryeo Dynasty, she finds herself embroiled in all kinds of palace intrigue, but most importantly, she falls deeply in love with the cold and distant 4th Prince Wang So.

Tomorrow (2022)

Another K-drama that explores the theme of death through the group of Grim Reapers. Although they look tough, they do not take lives. Instead, they work to save those people who have decided to take their own lives earlier than fate would have it. This show delves deep into various cases of suicide, so be careful if this topic is triggering.

Goblin (2016)

Though the legend behind the Goblin itself is truly heartbreaking, as is his simultaneous reward and punishment of immortality, as the story progresses it becomes harder and harder to hold back the tears. Do not let the fantasy setting fool you: the most tragic part of The Goblin is pure emotion.

It’s Okay to Not be Okay (2020)

Following the love story of an orphaned hospital nurse and one of his patients, a children's book author with antisocial personality disorder, It's Okay to Not be Okay takes viewers deep into the issues of mental health and past trauma. Though painful to watch at times, this is a story of two people finding support in each other.

Hi Bye, Mama! (2020)

Life isn't always fair, and Cha Yu-ri, who was hit by a car while pregnant, knows this first hand. She spends four years as a ghost, unhappy with God's decision to let her leave her husband and daughter, whom the doctors were able to save, alive. But when she's given the opportunity to return, it's hard to find a place in her new life.

Uncontrollably Fond (2016)

If you want to cry over a beautiful romance full of drama and challenges, Uncontrollably Fond is the perfect choice for you. The roller coaster of emotions this show will make you feel will be totally worth it when the show is over. However, you may want to avoid this show if you don't like toxic relationship patterns.