K-Dramas That Don't End With A Happily Ending: Have you ever watched a K-drama, rooted for the main couple, felt every moment of their love story, only to be left in tears when they don’t end up together? While Korean dramas are known for swoon-worthy romances and fairytale endings, some dramas take a more realistic or tragic turn, leaving viewers with a lot of emotions and unanswered questions. Here’s a look at some popular Korean dramas where the main couple doesn’t get their happy ending, but still leaves a deep impact on the audience:
5 Best Korean Dramas Where The Lead Couple Have A Sad Ending
1. ‘Snowdrop’
Set against the backdrop of the 1987 political unrest in South Korea, Snowdrop is a gripping tale of love, sacrifice, and tragic fate starring Jung Hae-in and BLACKPINK Jisoo. According to IMDb, “Adapted from the handwritten notes of a man who escaped from a political prison camp in North Korea, ‘Snowdrop’ is set against the backdrop of the 1987 Democracy Movement in South Korea.” It revolves around a North Korean spy and a university student. Their romance blossoms under the most unlikely and dangerous circumstances. Despite their growing feelings, the harsh reality of their opposing worlds pulls them apart in the most heartbreaking way. The ending left many fans in tears as one of them dies, proving that not all love stories are meant to last.
2. ‘Twenty Five Twenty One’
At first glance, ‘Twenty Five Twenty One’ feels like a nostalgic coming-of-age romance, full of laughter, growth, and youthful dreams starring Kim Tae-ri and Nam Joo-hyuk in the main roles. It tells the story of Hee-do and Yi-jin, two individuals navigating their way through the economic crisis of the late '90s. Their bond is genuine and deep, but life's challenges, like career paths, personal dreams, and the weight of time slowly draw them apart. In the end, they choose different journeys, showing that sometimes, love alone isn't enough.
3. ‘Youth of May’
A tragic love story set during the Gwangju Uprising of May 1980, ‘Youth of May’ follows a medical student and a nurse. “In May, 1980, during the turbulent times of the Gwangju Uprising, Hee-Tae and Myung-Hee fell in love. Their love seems destined by fate”, according to IMDb. Their romance is tender, heartfelt, and beautifully developed. However, political turmoil and historical tragedy intervene, leading to a devastating conclusion. The drama doesn't shy away from portraying the brutal cost of love in times of unrest, making it one of the most emotional watches on this list. It stars Lee Do-hyun, Go Min-si, Lee Sang-yi, and Keum Sae-rok in the main roles.
4. ‘Love Alarm’
In a world where an app notifies you if someone within 10 metres has feelings for you, ‘Love Alarm’ explores the complexities of modern love. The central love triangle between roles played by Kim So-hyun, Song Kang, Jung Ga-ram keeps viewers guessing throughout. Though Jo-jo (Kim So-hyun as Kim Jo-jo) and Sun-oh (Song Kang as Hwang Sun-oh) share intense chemistry, the story takes an unexpected turn in season two. In the end, Jo-jo makes a practical decision, choosing peace of mind over passion, leaving many fans heartbroken.
5. ‘Start-Up’
While the series focused on innovation and ambition in Korea’s tech world, fans were deeply divided over the love triangle. According to Netflix, the drama is about, “Young entrepreneurs aspiring to launch virtual dreams into reality compete for success and love in the cutthroat world of Korea's high-tech industry.” Seo Dal-mi and Nam Do-san (played by Bae Suzy and Nam Joo-hyuk) ultimately end up together, but many root for Han Ji-pyeong, the ‘good boy’ who didn't get the girl. But the character was written with such depth, and Kim Seon-ho played him so sincerely and with so much heart, that you couldn’t help but feel for him and want things to work out in his favour.
Sometimes, the most unforgettable love stories in Korean dramas are the ones that don’t end with happily ever after but still make a special place in our hearts.
For more such stories, stay tuned to HerZindagi.
Image credit: IMDb
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