Queen of Tears (2025)
Starring: Kim Soo-hyun, Kim Ji-won
Platform: tvN / Netflix
Douban Rating: 8.7
Plot Summary:
Baek Hyun-woo (Kim Soo-hyun) is a humble and principled legal director working for the powerful Queens Group. He’s also the husband of Hong Hae-in (Kim Ji-won), the elegant and cold-hearted heiress of the conglomerate. Their marriage is one of obligation, misunderstanding, and emotional distance—until Hae-in is diagnosed with a terminal illness.
As her condition deteriorates, Hyun-woo’s long-buried feelings begin to resurface. What begins as a plan for divorce turns into a desperate attempt at reconciliation. Together, they must confront not just the looming shadow of death, but also family betrayals, corporate warfare, and the wounds they’ve inflicted on each other.
Highlights:
- Kim Soo-hyun delivers a career-defining performance filled with anguish, restraint, and undeniable tenderness.
- Kim Ji-won is captivating as a woman breaking through her icy armor, revealing layers of fear, pride, and longing.
- Gorgeous cinematography enhances every moment—from luxury mansions to windswept countryside—to emphasize class divides and emotional isolation.
- The script masterfully blends romantic melodrama with biting commentary on wealth, sacrifice, and legacy.
What Could Be Better:
- Some viewers may find the chaebol family politics overwhelming in the early episodes.
- The melodramatic tone won’t suit audiences looking for lighthearted romance.
Verdict:
Queen of Tears is a sweeping, emotional rollercoaster that balances grandeur with vulnerability. It’s not just about love—but about survival, redemption, and finding warmth in the coldest places. With powerhouse performances and elegant storytelling, it stands tall as one of the most beautifully tragic K-dramas of 2025.
Perfect for fans of The World of the Married, Reborn Rich, or It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, this series will stay with you long after the final scene.