Kim Soo-hyun is once again dominating screens (and our hearts!), this time with Kim Ji-won for tvN’s recent megahit, Queen of Tears. Grab your tissues (and maybe some chocolates for emotional balance), because this isn’t your average rom-com. Tune in today if you are ready to be whisked away on a rollercoaster ride of second chances, angst and the occasional laughs, as a high-powered couple navigates the rocky terrain to rekindle their lost spark.

Plot Pot

The story revolves around Hong Hae-in (played by Kim Ji-won), a strong-willed chaebol heiress who runs the Queens Group department store. Despite her immense professional success, her marriage to Baek Hyun-woo (played by Kim Soo-hyun), a brilliant lawyer and the company’s legal director, has hit a rough patch. After three years together, their once passionate love has become lost amidst their demanding careers and busy lives. While Hae-in has a hard time keeping her work-life balance and expressing her emotions, Hyun-woo is exhausted keeping up with her ridiculously rich and equally eccentric and demanding family.

At the beginning of the drama we see Hyun-woo preparing for divorce, unable to put up with the circumstances any longer. However, his plans are thrown off-course when Hae-in is suddenly diagnosed with a rare form of brain tumour.

Kim Soo-hyun has long been hailed as one of the best Hallyu actors and with Queen of Tears, he proves why, once again. As the charming yet adorable Baek Hyun-woo, he is magnetic in the drama. Although Hyun-woo as a character might initially irk you with his seemingly unsupportive attitude towards his wife, he eventually redeems himself and goes to lengths to protect and help Hae-in. Kim Ji-won delivers a captivating performance as Hong Hae-in, embodying a complex character with both strength and vulnerability.

Hae-in is a force to be reckoned with — a powerful heiress who commands respect while steering the Queens Group department store to success. However, beneath the confident exterior lies a woman grappling with a loveless marriage and a fatal illness. Kim Ji-won masterfully portrays Hae-in’s internal struggles, showcasing the character’s loneliness and yearning for connection. As the drama unfolds, we witness Hae-in’s journey of self-discovery as well. She confronts the challenges of her marriage head-on, showcasing both resilience and a fierce determination to fight for what she believes in.

The supporting cast, including Park Sung-hoon who plays the role of Yoon Eun-song, deliver memorable performances as well, leading to fantastic world-building that mostly keeps you immersed. Park Sung-hoon’s performance is particularly worth mentioning, although he plays a character whose intentions are flawed and rotten to its core, his acting is impeccable.

The drama starts off on a high note but the plot eventually meanders. However, it does end on a fulfilling note, which makes it worth a watch. Nevertheless, it is primarily the performances by the super-talented cast that has made the drama so popular. The melodramatic elements in it are also quite entertaining and make for memorable anecdotes. Overall, Queen of Tears might end up testing your patience with some of the plot points but it is ultimately a thoroughly entertaining melodramatic watch with equal parts tears and laughter.

CHARACTERS WE LOVED

Kim Soo-hyun as Baek Hyun-woo

Besides Hyun-woo and Hae-in, there were several characters in the drama who captured our attention, like Hae-in’s aunt Beom-ja (Kim Jung-nan) who is spunky, rebellious and not afraid to seize opportunities. She is a refreshing character who will keep you entertained. Hong Soo-cheol (played by Kwak Dong-yeon), Hae-in’s brother also provides some timely comedic relief and at the same time, his dedication towards his family becomes admirable. Apart from the Hong family, Baek Hyun-woo’s family and even the villagers of Yongdu-ri keep the drama rich and entertaining. Although the plot might not be the strongest, the various characters keep the drama lively.

Kim Ji-won as Hong Hae-in

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Where to Watch: Netflix

Genre: Melodrama, romance

You will love this if you love:

Second chances in love

Sizzling romantic chemistry

Thrilling subplots

Families getting involved

Happy endings

t2 Rating: 4/5