Love ‘Queen of Tears’? 5 K-dramas with similar themes for you to enjoy

“Queen of Tears” starring Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won is the hottest K-drama on Netflix right now. It topped the Philippine TV charts on the streaming giant sometime in March and is currently holding on to the second place. According to Netflix. "Queen of Tears" is in the Top 10 TV charts in 41 countries.

The series follows the story of Hong Hae In (Kim Jo Won), a third-generation chaebol heiress of Queens Group, and her husband Baek Hyun Woo (Kim Soo Hyun) who are on the brink of a divorce. 

If you've been captivated by the themes of love and family struggles, here are some K-dramas similar to "Queen of Tears" that you can binge-watch. 

Go Back Couple

Starring Jang Na Ra and Son Ho Jun, “Go Back Couple” is a Korean TV series that aired in 2017.

It tells the story of a miserable couple Ban Do (Son) and Jin Joo (Jang) who are on the brink of divorce. One day, they find themselves transported back to their university days, allowing them to reevaluate their relationship and life choices. 

This tearjerker drama teaches the importance of appreciating our present circumstances and the people in our lives. It also highlights the significance of understanding and valuing the choices we make and the impact they have on our relationships and overall happiness.

The series is available in both Netflix and Viu Philippines. 

18 Again

Starring Lee Do Hyun, Yoon Sang Hyun, and Kim Ha Naeul was based in the American film “17 Again” which starred Zac Efron.

It follows the story of Hong Dae Young (Yoon), a 37-year-old man on the verge of being divorced from his wife when he finds himself inside his 18-year-old body (Lee), giving him a chance to revisit his youth and make different choices. 

Through this transformation, he gains a new perspective on his life, family, and relationships. He also realizes what went wrong with his relationship with his wife and children, and tries to fix it. 

In the end, Dae Young learns to become a better husband, father, and overall person, making "18 Again" a touching exploration of personal growth and redemption.

You can watch “18 Again” on Netflix and Viu Philippines.

Emergency Couple

"Emergency Couple" is a TV series starred by Choi Jin Hyuk and Song Ji Hyo. It follows the story of a divorced couple, Oh Jin Hee (Song) and Oh Chang Min (Choi), who coincidentally meet again as interns at the same hospital emergency room. Despite their rocky history and unresolved feelings, they must learn to work together as colleagues while also navigating their personal and professional lives.

The series explores the idea of giving relationships a second chance. Despite their divorce, Jin Hee and Chang Min find themselves thrown back into each other's lives and are given the opportunity to reevaluate their relationship.

Aside from that, "Emergency Couple" teaches viewers about the complexities of relationships, the power of forgiveness, and the importance of growth and communication in both personal and professional settings.

Sadly, this series is not available on Netflix. But it is available in Viu Philippines with two versions: The Korean and the Filipino dubbed version all for free. 

Strangers Again

"Strangers Again," starring Kang So Ra and Jang Seung Jo, premiered in 2023 and tells the story of a divorced couple who both happen to be divorce lawyers. After their divorce, the two completely live as strangers but are dragged back into each other's lives again when they start working at the same law company. 

As they navigate their divorce cases, they must also deal with the emotional baggage of their own failed relationship.

It is not available on Netflix or Viu Philippines as of today, but you can watch it on Viki Global TV for free. All you have to do is sign up for an account. 

Now We Are Breaking Up 

"Now We Are Breaking Up" is a TV series that premiered in 2021 starring Song Hye Kyo and Jang Ki Yong. 

It tells the story of a fashion designer and the manager of a design team who decide to end their long-term relationship for various reasons. As they navigate the aftermath of their breakup, they endure hardships, heartbreak, and self-discovery while dealing with the complexities of their professional life. 

While the series does not delve into the theme of divorce, it does tackle themes such as love, friendship, betrayal, and personal growth, providing viewers with an emotional and realistic representation of modern relationships. 

The series is currently streaming in Viu Philippines with two versions: The Korean and the Filipino dubbed version all for free. 

— LA, GMA Integrated News