“Queen of Tears” has ended on a high note, earning the highest viewership ratings of any K-drama in tvN history. The final episode, which aired on April 28, scored an average nationwide rating of 24.85 percent, smashing the previous record of 21.683 percent set by the finale of the 2020 mega-hit “Crash Landing On You.”
The record-breaking drama has earned the hearts of local and international viewers for many good reasons. Here are five reasons why “Queen of Tears” has become one of the most unforgettable K-dramas of all time.
1. Plot twists and surprises from start to finish
Writer Park Ji-eun lives up to her title as a K-drama legend with another hit drama in “Queen of Tears.” If you’re a fan of K-dramas, especially the ones written by Park such as “Crash Landing On You” and “My Love From The Star,” you would know that the writer likes to keep her audience on the edge until the very end. Social media has been filled with hate against her for making Baek Hyun-woo (Kim Soo-hyun) and Hong Hae-in (Kim Ji-won) suffer so much. However, they say the darkest hour comes before dawn and Park Ji-eun always comes through with a satisfying ending for all.
“Queen of Tears” also boasts a lot of Easter eggs, including fun cameos that kept everyone entertained. From Oh Jung-se, Song Joong-ki to Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin references, including a wedding that is so Binjin coded, this drama brought a lot of laughs along with the tears.
2. Unmatched chemistry of Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Ji-won
From the time that their pairing was announced for “Queen of Tears,” Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Ji-won already created a lot of buzz and excitement for the show. Pairing two excellent and good-looking actors is surely a recipe for success but not all the time. In the case of Soo-hyun and Ji-won, it’s mind-boggling how they start off as strangers but can act really convincingly as a married couple with a complicated yet loving relationship.
Kim Soo-hyun proved yet again why he is the highest paid Korean actor, nailing every scene–from his comedic aegyo to dramatic scenes that will really tug at your heartstrings. Kim Ji-won is his true acting match, showing vulnerability and strength all at once as Hong Hae-in.
One can only attribute the success of the BaekHong (Baek Hyun-woo and Hong Hae-in) pairing to the actors’ superb acting talent and synergy. However, some fans of SooWon (Soo-hyun and Ji-won) are hoping and even betting their own love lives, that there could be some real spark between the two. Who knows? Time can only tell.
3. Lovable characters and stellar performances
“Queen of Tears” received a lot of love from the audience, not just because of the main characters. We loved seeing the Hong and Baek families coming together during difficult times. One of my personal favorite characters is Hong Hae-in’s feisty aunt Hong Beom-ja played by Kim Jung-nan, who proved to be most loyal to her family.
Now despite the intense hate for his character as the obsessive Yoon Eun-sung, Park Sung-hoon proved how a good actor can totally disappear into his role. We just hope that he takes on a good guy role for his next project!
The drama also had some fun character developments, such as Kwak Dong-yeon as Hong Soo-cheol, Hae-in’s sheltered younger brother who finally got to learn how to stand on his own. Even Kim Joo-ryung as the “Amazing Grace” Ko, the ambitious private secretary had her own redemption moment in the story.
Overall, “Queen of Tears” had an excellent ensemble cast who made the story more well-rounded.
4. Captivating cinematography and heartwarming OST
If “Crash Landing On You” made Switzerland everyone’s dream destination, “Queen of Tears” has surely made the audience fall in love with Germany. The directors and cinematographer did an excellent job in capturing the beauty of their filming locations, including the Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam, the Berlin Cathedral, and the captivating lavender garden in the Taoasis in Lage, among others.
Aside from the visuals, no successful K-drama is complete without a good soundtrack. Hearing the music brings back feelings from some of the most memorable scenes. From the heartwarming “The Reasons For My Smiles” by SEVENTEEN’s BSS, Crush’s heart wrenching song “Love You With All My Heart” to Kim Soo-hyun’s OST return with “Way Home,” the music perfectly captured the emotional rollercoaster that is “Queen of Tears.”
5. Lasting lessons on relationships and marriage
The story of “Queen of Tears” is another reminder that when faced with death and difficulties, the only thing that really matters is our relationships, whether with our family, friends or significant others.
Despite what some would describe as melodramatic scenes and over-the-top situations in the drama, Hong Hae-in and Baek Hyun-woo’s story is a hyper realistic depiction of love and marriage. It’s a decision to be with your partner, to be on the same boat as each other no matter what happens. Hyun-woo’s proposal perfectly delivers this message: “I wasn’t confident that we wouldn’t fall apart or resent each other once again. But I can promise you this. I’ll stay by your side. No matter what happens. I can mend things when they’re broken. It may not always be perfect, but I can do that.”
Now it’s time to rewatch “Queen of Tears” on Netflix!