Drama Queen of Tears: A Legendary Romance Brought to Life by Kim Soo-hyun & Kim Ji-won

 Loved My Love from the Star? Then Queen of Tears is a Must-Watch!

Redefining Korean Romance Dramas: Queen of Tears

In 2024, a Korean drama took the world by storm, leaving an unforgettable mark on fans everywhere. tvN’s Queen of Tears, starring top actors Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Ji-won as a married couple, was one of the year’s most highly anticipated releases. True to expectations, it quickly became a massive hit, dominating both viewership ratings and online buzz.
Seamlessly blending Korea’s signature chaebol (conglomerate family) narrative with an emotionally charged melodrama, Queen of Tears delivers a gripping story that resonates deeply with audiences. While its premise may seem familiar, the drama’s nuanced performances, intricate storytelling, and stunning cinematography elevate it to new heights.
Beyond its domestic success, Queen of Tears has also sparked immense global interest. For international audiences who crave high-stakes emotions and compelling drama, this series is an absolute must-watch.

1. A Legendary Romance Brought to Life by Kim Soo-hyun & Kim Ji-won

Queen of Tears is written by Park Ji-eun, one of Korea’s most celebrated drama writers.

She is best known for creating iconic K-dramas such as My Love from the Star (2013), The Legend of the Blue Sea (2016), and the globally acclaimed Crash Landing on You (2019). Renowned for her masterful blend of emotional romance and compelling storytelling, Park has played a pivotal role in shaping the global K-drama phenomenon.

In Queen of Tears, her signature storytelling shines once again. Seamlessly weaving reality with fantasy, Park Ji-eun delivers a profoundly moving narrative that transcends conventional melodrama, making this series a true standout.

2. Queen of Tears – Essential Information

• Streaming Platforms: Apple TV, Netflix
• Genre: Romantic Comedy, Family Drama
• Screenwriter: Park Ji-eun
• Directors: Jang Young-woo, Kim Hee-won
• Cast: Kim Soo-hyun, Kim Ji-won, Park Sung-hoon, Kwak Dong-yeon, Lee Joo-bin
• Airing Period: March 9, 2024 – April 28, 2024
• Episodes: 16

Once again, Park Ji-eun captivates audiences with her signature storytelling, skillfully weaving emotion, humor, and suspense into a drama that leaves a lasting impression.

3. Character Introductions

Baek Hyun-woo (Kim Soo-hyun)

• Chief Legal Officer of Queens Group
• A top-tier lawyer who graduated from Seoul National University Law School
• A chaebol son-in-law who constantly struggles to prove himself due to his humble origins as the son of a rural village chief

Kim Soo-hyun, best known for his iconic role in My Love from the Star, remains one of the most celebrated actors in Asia.

Hong Hae-in (Kim Ji-won)

• Executive Director of Queens Group
• President of Queens Department Store
• Appears to have it all, yet harbors deep loneliness within

Kim Ji-won, acclaimed for her standout performances in Fight for My Way and Descendants of the Sun, is regarded as one of the most promising young actresses in the industry today.

Yoon Eun-seong (Park Sung-hoon)

• A key power player within Queens Group
• A pivotal figure who threatens to come between Baek Hyun-woo and Hong Hae-in

Park Sung-hoon has been gaining widespread recognition for his roles in The Glory and the highly anticipated Squid Game: Season 2.

4. Plot Summary (Spoilers Included)

A Love That Defies Status and the Conflicts That Follow

Hong Hae-in (Kim Ji-won), the CEO of Queens Department Store and a third-generation chaebol, falls in love with Baek Hyun-woo (Kim Soo-hyun), the company’s legal director and the son of a humble village chief. Despite their stark differences in social status and fierce opposition from her wealthy family, they manage to get married. However, cracks soon begin to form in their relationship.

After three years of marriage, Hyun-woo grows weary of his wife’s cold indifference and the relentless mistreatment from her family. Just as he finally resolves to file for divorce, Hae-in drops a shocking revelation—she has been diagnosed with a terminal illness and has only three months left to live.

Hidden Agendas and Unexpected Emotions

Though Hyun-woo begins treating Hae-in with newfound tenderness, his motives are anything but pure—his true aim is to have her rewrite her will and secure his place as an heir. Meanwhile, Hae-in remains focused on securing a landmark luxury brand deal for Queens Department Store, a venture that unexpectedly reunites her with Yoon Eun-seong (Park Sung-hoon), a man who has secretly harbored feelings for her for years.

However, Eun-seong is no longer just a forgotten flame—he has become a powerful figure entangled in a deep conspiracy against Queens Group, posing a growing threat to both Hae-in and Hyun-woo’s already fragile relationship.

Betrayal, Power Struggles, and Life-or-Death Stakes

As it turns out, Eun-seong is orchestrating a scheme to dismantle Queens Group from within. His accomplice? Cheon Da-hye (Lee Joo-bin), the wife of Hae-in’s younger brother Hong Soo-cheol (Kwak Dong-yeon). While she outwardly plays the role of a supportive family member, her true intention is to manipulate the Queens family and aid Eun-seong in his ultimate plan—even going so far as to orchestrate life-threatening attacks on Hae-in.

Meanwhile, Hae-in stumbles upon an old divorce agreement written by Hyun-woo, leaving her devastated and convinced that their marriage has truly reached its breaking point.

Lost Memories and One Last Choice

Hae-in eventually undergoes surgery in Germany, but the procedure leaves her with amnesia. Seizing the opportunity, Eun-seong deceives her, isolating her from both her family and Hyun-woo. Though she cannot recall her past, an unexplainable sense of familiarity begins to draw her toward Hyun-woo once more.

As Eun-seong’s true identity unravels, he grows desperate, leading to a dramatic final confrontation. In a moment of madness, he kidnaps Hae-in, vowing that if he cannot have her, no one will. But Hyun-woo refuses to let her go without a fight, ultimately rescuing her as the full extent of Eun-seong’s sinister plot is exposed. In the end, Eun-seong meets his downfall in a deadly standoff with the police, and the crisis surrounding Queens Group is finally put to rest.

Hae-in returns to her position at Queens Group but remains emotionally distant from Hyun-woo, as her memories of him remain lost. However, as she stumbles upon a notebook and old video recordings of their time together, fragments of her past love begin to resurface. Slowly, she regains her memories and realizes she never truly stopped loving him.

In the end, Hae-in and Hyun-woo overcome their painful past and reunite, ready to start anew.

5. Key Highlights

① Kim Soo-hyun & Kim Ji-won’s First Time Portraying a Married Couple

Both Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Ji-won have delivered unforgettable romance performances in the past—Kim Soo-hyun as the enigmatic Do Min-joon in My Love from the Star (2013) and Kim Ji-won as the feisty yet relatable Choi Ae-ra in Fight for My Way (2017).

Kim Soo-hyun’s role in My Love from the Star set a new benchmark for fantasy romance dramas, while Kim Ji-won’s heartfelt portrayal in Fight for My Way made her a defining figure in contemporary youth romance.

In Queen of Tears, the two actors take on the roles of a married couple in their third year of marriage, delivering a more mature, emotionally layered performance that captures both deep love and intense conflict.

② Breathtaking Visuals & High-End Production

Set against the backdrop of a powerful chaebol family, Queen of Tears is a visual spectacle. From the opulent Queens Group mansion to luxurious fashion and stunning overseas locations, every detail enhances the drama’s grandeur.

The cinematography, with its evocative lighting and rich color palette, heightens the emotional intensity of key moments, pulling viewers deeper into the story’s immersive world.

③ A Seamless Blend of Romance & Family Drama

More than just a love story, Queen of Tears delves into family conflicts, reconciliation, and the complexities of human relationships. As the narrative unfolds, deeply emotional and heart-wrenching moments take center stage, delivering some of the most unforgettable scenes in the series.

6. Conclusion

Queen of Tears is more than just a romantic comedy—it’s a deeply moving exploration of love, family, and resilience. While the drama begins with grandeur and tension, it gradually unfolds into a richly emotional narrative that resonates deeply with viewers.

For international audiences, this series is a must-watch for anyone looking to experience the heart and soul of K-dramas. It masterfully showcases the emotional depth and cinematic storytelling that make Korean dramas so captivating.

And if you loved My Love from the Star, then Queen of Tears is a must-add to your watchlist.

Both dramas were penned by renowned screenwriter Park Ji-eun, celebrated for her immersive storytelling and unforgettable romance narratives.

While My Love from the Star was a fantasy romance centered around a supernatural protagonist, Queen of Tears presents a more grounded, emotionally intense portrayal of love and marriage. Yet, both dramas share electrifying chemistry between the leads and deeply compelling character arcs, making them equally unforgettable.

👩🏻 Ajumma K’s Comment:

If you’ve already watched this drama, which scene left the biggest impression on you? Or which character did you relate to the most? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear them! 😊✨

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