How a South Korean drama became the most-watched series of its kind on Netflix
In short: Queen of Tears redefined the landscape of Korean television in 2024. By blending the high-stakes world of corporate dynasties with the intimate, painful reality of a crumbling marriage, it shattered viewership records and secured its place as a global cultural phenomenon, proving that emotional resonance transcends linguistic and cultural borders.
The narrative centers on the strained relationship between Hong Hae-in, a powerful executive leading a major department store conglomerate, and Baek Hyun-woo, a lawyer from a humble farming background. After three years of marriage, the couple stands on the brink of divorce. Their trajectory shifts dramatically when Hae-in receives a terminal brain cancer diagnosis, forcing both characters to confront long-buried grievances, personal selfishness, and the fundamental differences in their upbringing.
Produced with a substantial budget of ₩56 billion—averaging ₩3.5 billion per episode—the series was a massive undertaking for Studio Dragon, Culture Depot, and Showrunners. Principal photography spanned from April to December 2023, utilizing locations across South Korea and Germany. The project reunited screenwriter Park Ji-eun with lead actor Kim Soo-hyun, marking their third professional collaboration following previous successes like My Love from the Star.
The show's impact was immediate and measurable. Upon its conclusion in April 2024, it achieved a nationwide rating of 24.850% on tvN, surpassing the network's previous record-holder, Crash Landing on You. Its digital footprint was equally significant; Netflix reported that the series accumulated 682.6 million viewing hours, establishing it as the most-watched Korean television series on the platform to date. Critics have responded with near-universal acclaim, with the series maintaining a perfect positive score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Beyond its commercial success, the production garnered critical recognition, becoming the first Korean drama to win top honors at both the Asian Academy Creative Awards and the Asian Television Awards within a single year. By balancing the tropes of a romantic comedy with the gravity of a life-altering illness, the series successfully navigated the complexities of human relationships, resonating with a global audience that propelled it to the top of international streaming charts.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Queen of Tears
- Also: Wikidata — Queen of Tears #1.8 · CC0
- Also: Wikidata — Queen of Tears · CC0
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