Unforgettable K-Drama Tragedies That Had Us Sobbing Uncontrollably

This article contains discussions of suicide, miscarriage, child death, and abuse.

Summary

K-dramas frequently employ poignant deaths to elicit intense emotional responses, incorporating themes of love, fear, and grief. Notably, characters such as Yoon Soo-wan, Ji-yeong, and Cha Moo-hyuk meet tragic fates, resulting in enduring heartache.

K-dramas have mastered the art of delivering heartbreaking deaths that leave the audience emotionally shaken. Whether it's in hit shows like Now, We Are Breaking Up, Squid Game, or I'm Sorry, I Love You, these moments showcase the profound emotional connections between characters in moments of extreme tragedy. With a growing international following, Korean media, particularly K-dramas, have captivated viewers worldwide. This genre encompasses various subgenres such as action, rom-com, horror, and historical dramas, each offering its own unique appeal. Through universal themes of love, fear, and loss, K-dramas effortlessly evoke profound emotional reactions from viewers.

Apart from universal themes, K-dramas often incorporate poignant deaths to evoke deep emotions. These dramas excel in endearing viewers to a character, only to abruptly and poignantly remove them at the most crucial juncture. While some may initially perceive these plot twists as a betrayal, they ultimately contribute to the development and fulfillment of the storyline. Now, let's explore some of the most heart-wrenching and tragic deaths in K-dramas.

10 Yoon Soo-wan in Now, We Are Breaking Up

On the way to meet up with Ha Yeong-eun, Yoon Soo-wan tragically loses her life in a car accident in Now, We Are Breaking Up. This brings an end to their once-sweet, star-crossed romance, leaving behind a lingering sense of heartbreak. Regrettably, as Soo-wan never arrives, Yeong-eun spends decades under the false belief that her true love abandoned her, leading her to close herself off from any potential love interests. Although Yeong-eun's lack of knowledge regarding Soo-wan's fate is one of the many illogical occurrences in K-drama plots, it does not negate the tragic and deeply emotional nature of Soo-wan's demise.

9 Ji-yeong In Squid Game

Ji-yeong's journey took a tragic turn when she found herself imprisoned, and ultimately participating in the harrowing 33rd Squid Game. Having suffered abuse from her father, who also took her mother's life, Ji-yeong resorted to killing her own father. This act of self-defense led to her arrest, and upon her release, she found herself devoid of hope for any semblance of a normal life. It is this overwhelming despair that makes her decision to sacrifice herself in the Marbles game, in order to save Sae-byeok, all the more poignant. The heart-wrenching events of season 1, episode 6, "Gbangu," highlight the tragic reality that Ji-yeong's troubled upbringing remains a haunting shadow over her existence, denying her the chance for a better future.

8 Cha Moo-hyuk in I’m Sorry, I Love You

After surviving an assassination attempt, Cha Moo-hyuk discovers that he has only a year left to live as a result of a bullet that remains lodged in his brain. Desperate to find his biological parents, he is astounded to discover that his birth mother and brother, Choi Yoon, are renowned and prosperous. However, tragedy strikes when Yoon is involved in a car accident, and it becomes clear that without a heart transplant, he will not survive. In a selfless act to save his brother, Moo-hyuk sadly takes his own life in a motorcycle crash. This heartbreaking event in "I'm Sorry, I Love You" serves as a poignant reminder of the flaws within the healthcare system, which often hinder individuals from receiving the vital care they require.

7 Cha Yu-ri in Hi Bye, Mama!

The K-drama Hi Bye, Mama! revolves around the tragic demise of Cha Yu-ri. In a heart-wrenching incident, Yu-ri, who is nine months pregnant, meets with a fatal accident when a car collides with her. Consequently, she loses her life, leaving behind her daughter, Cho Seo-woo, as the sole survivor. Instead of moving forward into the afterlife, Yu-ri becomes a ghost, condemned to witness her daughter and husband carry on with their lives in her absence. After enduring this torment for five years, Yu-ri is granted a second chance at life, with the condition that she must disrupt her husband's contentment. The concept of a mother being relegated to the shadows, whilst her child continues to grow without her, is undeniably tragic.

6 Ji Eun-tak in Goblin

5 Gu Seung-Joon in Crash Landing On You

: The heart-wrenching show Goblin showcases a touching moment as Ji Eun-tak, aware of her imminent demise, delivers a poignant speech to Kim Shin. Her words resonate deeply as she urges him to carry on without her presence. Eun-tak encourages him to experience all emotions- laughter, tears, strength, and love- but above all, to wait for her. The profound expressions on both Shin and Eun-tak's faces beautifully portray the intensity of their love and heartbreak. Undeniably, Eun-tak's death in Goblin stands out as one of the most devastating and tragic losses in all K-dramas.

Gu Seung-joon's transformation in Crash Landing on You from a rebellious character to someone who is sensitive, profound, and caring makes his tragic death all the more heart-wrenching. He sacrifices himself to protect his beloved Seo Dan from dangerous criminals by taking a bullet for her. In his final moments, she pleads for him to stay by her side, and they nostalgically reminisce about the times they shared eating ramen together. Eventually, Seung-joon loses consciousness and succumbs to his injuries. This heartfelt exchange in Crash Landing On You serves as a poignant reminder of the deep connection between these two individuals.

4 Kim Mi-young’s Baby in You Are My Destiny

3 Court Lady Oh Soo-yun in Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

Kim Mi-young is struck by a tragic accident in You Are My Destiny, when a car hits her. During the surgery, the doctors are faced with a difficult decision – they can only save Mi-young or her unborn child. Despite the mother's desperate wish to save her baby, her ex-boyfriend, Gun, makes the difficult choice to save Mi-young instead, knowing that she wouldn't want her child sacrificed. When Mi-young discovers Gun's decision, she is overwhelmed with distress and collapses under the weight of the emotions. Despite the heartbreak she experiences, Mi-young still finds the strength to ask Gun if they can stay together, only to be met with rejection, which only adds insult to injury.

When it comes to the most heartbreaking K-drama shows, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo stands out. Among the numerous deaths portrayed in the series, the demise of Court Lady Oh Soo-yun is undeniably the most tragic. Throughout the show, this character consistently displays compassion, love, and thoughtfulness. However, in a selfless act to rescue Hae-soo, Court Lady Oh falsely confesses to poisoning the Crown Prince. Hae-soo desperately pleads with the monarchy for mercy, vehemently insisting on Court Lady Oh's innocence. The sheer tragedy unfolds when she is ultimately executed in Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo.

2 Jang Han-seo in Vincenzo

1 Min Eun-ji in All of Us Are Dead

: In the K-drama Vincenzo, the death of Jang Han-seo had a profound impact, surpassing the loss of any other character in the series. Despite engaging in questionable actions, Han-seo demonstrates moments of having a moral compass. He becomes a victim of manipulation, gaslighting, and abuse. Considering his troubled past, it would have been satisfying to witness his redemption arc. Unfortunately, this opportunity was tragically cut short when he sacrificed his life to protect the titular character. Consequently, Han-seo was deprived of the chance to pursue a brighter and more fulfilling future.

The tragic demise of Min Eun-ji in All of Us Are Dead appears incredibly cruel considering the hardships she endured. Eun-ji bravely faces severe bullying and contemplates ending her life, but fortunately, she manages to overcome these challenges at the onset of the zombie outbreak. However, her fate takes a dark turn as she gets bitten by a zombie, resulting in her transformation into a halfbie. Despite this setback, she miraculously continues to survive. In a twist of fate, Jae-ik unintentionally hits Eun-ji with a bus, but once again she perseveres. These events make her one of the most resilient survivors in K-drama. Regrettably, All of Us Are Dead undermines her strength by seemingly depicting her demise at the hands of government experimenters.