7 bittersweet K-dramas that will make you laugh, cry, and cherish every emotion

Not all K-dramas are about perfect endings or grand romances — some of the most unforgettable ones are those that make you laugh and cry at the same time. 

Bittersweet K-dramas beautifully capture the complexities of love, loss, and life’s fleeting moments. They remind us that happiness and heartbreak often coexist, and even goodbyes can leave behind warmth. 

Here are seven emotional, heart-touching K-dramas that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

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1. When Life Gives You Tangerines – Netflix

Set in the serene beauty of Jeju Island during the 1990s, When Life Gives You Tangerines follows Ae-sun (IU), a bright and spirited girl with big dreams, and Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum), a shy boy who loves her quietly. Their story unfolds gently over the years, exploring friendship, unspoken love, and the passage of time. The drama also shifts focus to their daughter, Yang Geum-myeong, adding depth to the narrative. With its nostalgic tone, breathtaking island backdrop, and tender storytelling, this series is a heartfelt ode to youth and the bittersweet nature of growing up.

2. Guardian: The Lonely and Great God – Amazon Prime Video

Better known as Goblin, this fantasy masterpiece stars Gong Yoo as Kim Shin, an immortal goblin cursed to live forever until he meets his destined bride, Ji Eun-tak (Kim Go-eun). Their love story, filled with humor, heartbreak, and fate, is as magical as it is tragic. Alongside their tale is that of the Grim Reaper (Lee Dong-wook) and Sunny (Yoo In-na), whose past lives intertwine with the Goblin’s fate. With poetic dialogue, stunning visuals, and an iconic soundtrack, Goblin captures love’s most poignant truth — that even eternal souls must face goodbye.

3. Uncontrollably Fond – Netflix

Starring Kim Woo-bin and Bae Suzy, Uncontrollably Fond tells the emotional story of Shin Joon-young, a terminally ill superstar, and No Eul, his first love who reenters his life as a documentary producer. Their reunion brings back unresolved emotions, regrets, and longing. The show’s strength lies in its realism — love doesn’t always conquer time or fate, but it remains beautiful while it lasts. With powerful performances and a hauntingly emotional soundtrack, this drama is a masterclass in portraying love’s fragility.

4. Hi Bye, Mama! – Netflix

This touching family drama stars Kim Tae-hee as Cha Yu-ri, a mother who dies in an accident and is miraculously given 49 days to return to the world of the living. As she watches her husband and daughter move on, Yu-ri learns that sometimes love means letting go. The series balances humor, warmth, and heartbreak in equal measure, reminding viewers to cherish every fleeting moment with loved ones. Hi Bye, Mama! is a tearful yet heartwarming exploration of motherhood, loss, and acceptance.

5. Move to Heaven – Netflix

In this deeply emotional series, Tang Joon-sang plays Geu-ru, a young man with Asperger’s syndrome who works as a trauma cleaner, sorting through the belongings of those who have passed away. When his estranged uncle Sang-gu (Lee Je-hoon) becomes his guardian, the two begin to heal their emotional scars while uncovering the untold stories of the deceased. Move to Heaven is quietly powerful — a reflection on life, death, and the memories we leave behind. Every episode feels like a gentle reminder to live and love fully.

6. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo – Viki Rakuten

A timeless blend of fantasy, romance, and tragedy, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo stars IU as Hae Soo, a modern woman who time-travels to the Goryeo Dynasty. There, she becomes entangled in royal politics and falls for the intense and misunderstood prince, Wang So (Lee Joon-gi). Their love story, set against power struggles and destiny’s cruel turns, is both passionate and heartbreaking. With its stunning visuals and unforgettable ending, this historical drama is a tear-jerking reminder that not all love stories are meant to last — yet some remain eternal.

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7. Twenty-Five Twenty-One – Netflix

Set during South Korea’s economic crisis in the late 1990s, Twenty-Five Twenty-One follows Na Hee-do (Kim Tae-ri), a determined young fencer, and Baek Yi-jin (Nam Joo-hyuk), a man trying to rebuild his life. Their friendship slowly blossoms into love, but as time and life pull them apart, their story becomes one of growth, resilience, and acceptance. The drama beautifully captures the essence of youth — its laughter, heartbreak, and fleeting magic.