'I'm not okay': Fans bid tearful farewell as Netflix's K-drama 'Queen of Tears' concludes its emotional journey
Contains spoilers for the show 'Queen of Tears'
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA: Have you ever witnessed a powerful love story transcending tragedy? 'Queen of Tears', the K-drama that stole hearts with its poignant portrayal of love and resilience, delivers an emotionally satisfying and achingly bittersweet ending.
We followed Hong Hae-in (Kim Ji-won) and Baek Hyun-woo (Kim Soo-hyun), a star-crossed couple whose bond faced seemingly insurmountable challenges – a bitter divorce, a devastating health scare, and the relentless pursuit of a vengeful villain.
Throughout the series, we held our breath, wondering if fate would ever grant them a happy ending. The final episode unveils their destiny, a conclusion that will leave you wiping away tears (of joy… maybe?) and leaving fans yearning for more.
What happened in the 'bittersweet' ending of 'Queen of Tears'?
The episode throws us into a frenzy as Hae-in and Hyun-woo face life-threatening situations. Thankfully, Hyun-woo survives Yoon Eun-seong's wrath, rescuing Hae-in in a dramatic showdown. Forgiveness and reconciliation follow, with Hae-in reuniting with her family and Hyun-woo's parents embracing her with open arms.
Justice prevails as Moh Seul-hee's web of lies unravels. Hae-in's family recovers their rightful place in Queens Group, thanks to Hyun-woo's legal expertise. The Hong family, along with Hyun-woo, stage a triumphant return.
Years pass, filled with love and family. We see Hae-in and Hyun-woo raising their daughter together, a testament to their enduring love. However, the ending leaves a tinge of melancholy. In 2074, an elderly Hyun-woo visits Hae-in's grave, hinting at her passing.
Yet, the story doesn't end there. In a breathtaking scene, a youthful Hae-in awaits him in a field of lavender, symbolizing the afterlife. They reunite, fulfilling their promise of a love story that transcends even death.
While 'Queen of Tears' offers a happy ending for Hae-in and Hyun-woo, their love story leaves fans yearning for more.
Internet sobs after the ending of 'Queen of Tears'
The glimpse of Hyun-woo and Hae-in's life together with their daughter sparks a desire to see more of their journey. Did they face any challenges raising their child? How did their relationship evolve over the years?
The bittersweet ending leaves room for imagination and a touch of longing for this captivating couple.
A fan filled with emotions due to the bittersweet ending wrote: "And that folks, queen of tears, one of the best kdramas of all time, has ended. it is happy ending because baekhong has surpassed all the trials, they got together, they had a baby. its expected that haein will go first, but they lived so well."
and that folks, queen of tears, one of the best kdramas of all time, has ended. it is happy ending because baekhong has surpassed all the trials, they got together, they had a baby. its expected that haein will go first, but they lived so well#QueenOfTears #QueenOfTearsEp16 pic.twitter.com/ynYH47wKsJ
— ً (@joongkicore) April 28, 2024
However, another viewer wasn't satisfied with the rushed ending, saying: "Imo, i loved the ending scene but it wasn't executed properly. i wish they showed us how baekhong grew old together with subin instead of just transitioning immediately to old hyunwoo. if that happened then i would be a lot more satisfied."
imo, i loved the ending scene but it wasn't executed properly. i wish they showed us how baekhong grew old together with subin instead of just transitioning immediately to old hyunwoo. if that happened then i would be a lot more satisfied. (1/?)#QueenOfTears #QueenOfTearsEp16 pic.twitter.com/GJg5vxonNQ
— xann (@baeksubiin) April 29, 2024
Highlighting how Kim Soo-hyun won fans' hearts a user penned: "Sad ending indeed !!!! This story this drama is about hyunwoo’s memory? After all this???" While another shed tears, adding: "The ending haein kept her promise and returned as an angel to guide hyunwoo back to their forever home. now, kim soohyun, “it’s this way” makes so much sense. so romantic the ost, kim soohyun, so sweet and full of love. we love u, baekhong."
Sad ending indeed !!!!
— lila🫐 (@ohgoo95_) April 28, 2024
This story this drama is about hyunwoo’s memory? After all this???#QueenOfTearsEp16 #QueenOfTears pic.twitter.com/QLgUyFNoc9
the ending 🥹haein kept her promise and returned as an angel to guide hyunwoo back to their forever home. now, kim soohyun, “it’s this way” makes so much sense. so romantic 💗🪻the ost, kim soohyun, so sweet and full of love. we love u, baekhong # #QueenOfTearsEp16 #QueenofTears pic.twitter.com/SmIcOYugxg
— eeyun (@wonsdouxhee) April 28, 2024
Surely, the second most favorite couple of 'Queen of Tears' were Hong Soo-cheol and Cheon Da-hye, who also got a happy ending. A user penned his emotions for them, saying: "Dahye got out of prison & geonu is a big boy now our little family finally gets their happy ending."
dahye got out of prison & geonu is a big boy now 😭😭 our little family finally gets their happy ending#QueenOfTears #QueenOfTearsEp16 pic.twitter.com/L9lkvFrfFq
— aya (@suzyvrse) April 28, 2024
Further, social media is filled with fans praying for Season 2 of 'Queen of Tears'. Following this, a user wrote, "They killed all our hopes of season 2 of Queen of tears by showing that at the end. I'm not okay." While another focused on the positive side saying: "I'm kinda glad that qot ended the way that it did. It’s like the writer is helping us move on, and stopping us from having delusional thoughts of a season 2."
They killed all our hopes of season 2 of Queen of tears by showing that at the end. I'm not okay
— 🌷 (@yappuccino_) April 28, 2024
im kinda glad that qot ended the way that it did. It’s like the writer is helping us move on, and stopping us from having delusional thoughts of a season 2 #QueenOfTears
— tippy (@lalibaee) April 29, 2024
One thing is for sure, Kim Ji-won and Kim Soo-hyun's chemistry in 'Queen of Tears' is unbeatable, a fan wrote: "Thanks to kim soohyun and kim Jiwon for taking on this project. for working together, giving us a beautiful dream pairing with insane chemistry & making everything possible in this drama baekhong will remain in our hearts for a long time."
thanks to kim soohyun and kim Jiwon for taking on this project. for working together, giving us a beautiful dream pairing with insane chemistry & making everything possible in this drama
— ️️ً (@soohyunssimp) April 28, 2024
baekhong will remain in our hearts for a long time🤍#KimSooHyun #KimJiWon #QueenOfTears pic.twitter.com/VYmMJWRuWJ
'Queen of Tears' left fans both fulfilled and yearning for more. Hae-in and Hyun-woo's journey, though fraught with struggles, culminated in a life filled with love and family. Their bittersweet ending, marked by Hae-in's passing, offered a glimpse of their eternal love in the afterlife.
While some fans crave more details about their life together, others appreciate the closure, a reminder that love transcends even death. The show's emotional resonance and stellar performances ensure that Hae-in and Hyun-woo, the unforgettable 'Baekhong' couple, will stay in their hearts for a long time.
'Queen of Tears' is available for streaming on Netflix