Saddest Korean Movies That Will Leave You in Tears
Korean cinema is known for its emotional depth, and some of its most powerful moments come from heartbreaking, sad stories. Whether it's tragic love, family loss, or life’s harsh realities, these saddest Korean movies are guaranteed to stay with you long after the credits roll.
If you're ready to dive into raw emotions and unforgettable performances, here are the most heart-wrenching Korean movies ever made.
1. A Moment to Remember (2004)
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Genre: Romance, Drama
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Director: John H. Lee
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Cast: Son Ye-jin, Jung Woo-sung
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IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Plot:
This classic tearjerker follows the beautiful love story of a couple torn apart by early-onset Alzheimer's. Su-jin and Chul-soo fall deeply in love, but when she begins to forget everything—including him—their journey turns tragic.
Why It's Sad:
Watching the slow unraveling of memories and identity in a loving relationship is devastating. Son Ye-jin’s performance is unforgettable.
2. Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2013)
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Genre: Drama, Family, Comedy
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Director: Lee Hwan-kyung
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Cast: Ryu Seung-ryong, Kal So-won
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IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Plot:
A mentally challenged man is wrongfully imprisoned for murder. Inside, he forms deep bonds with cellmates and dreams of seeing his daughter again.
Why It's Sad:
The father-daughter relationship is tender and touching, and the final scenes are emotionally shattering.
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3. My Brother (2004)
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Genre: Drama, Family
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Director: Ahn Gwon-tae
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Cast: Won Bin, Shin Ha-kyun
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IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Plot:
Two very different brothers—one rebellious, one with a speech disability—struggle with rivalry, love, and an overbearing single mother.
Why It's Sad:
This realistic depiction of sibling love and misunderstanding, culminating in an unexpected tragedy, hits close to home.
4. Hope (2013)
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Genre: Drama
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Director: Lee Joon-ik
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Cast: Sol Kyung-gu, Uhm Ji-won, Lee Re
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IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Plot:
Based on a real-life case, this movie tells the story of a young girl who survives a horrific assault and how her family helps her heal emotionally.
Why It's Sad:
The raw pain and suffering shown here are tough to watch, but it's also a story of strength and hope.
5. The Way Home (2002)
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Genre: Drama, Family
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Director: Lee Jeong-hyang
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Cast: Kim Eul-boon, Yoo Seung-ho
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IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Plot:
A spoiled city boy is sent to live with his mute grandmother in the countryside. Initially resentful, he gradually learns to love her.
Why It's Sad:
The quiet love and sacrifice of the grandmother, combined with the boy’s transformation, will definitely tug at your heart.
6. Ode to My Father (2014)
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Genre: Drama, War
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Director: Yoon Je-kyoon
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Cast: Hwang Jung-min, Kim Yunjin
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IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Plot:
Through the lens of one man's life, the film chronicles South Korea’s modern history—from the Korean War to the Vietnam War and beyond.
Why It's Sad:
It's not just one story—it’s the collective pain and resilience of a generation who sacrificed everything for their families.
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7. Silenced (2011)
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Genre: Drama, Thriller
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Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk
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Cast: Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-mi
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IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Plot:
A newly appointed teacher discovers a horrific abuse scandal at a school for hearing-impaired children. Based on true events.
Why It's Sad:
The injustice and suffering these children endure is gut-wrenching and infuriating, leading to real-life legal reform in Korea.
8. Mother (2009)
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Genre: Thriller, Drama
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Director: Bong Joon-ho
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Cast: Kim Hye-ja, Won Bin
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IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Plot:
A devoted mother goes to extreme lengths to prove her mentally challenged son's innocence in a murder case.
Why It's Sad:
A chilling but powerful exploration of maternal love and the sacrifices a mother makes—even when the world turns against her.
9. Be With You (2018)
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Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Drama
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Director: Lee Jang-hoon
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Cast: So Ji-sub, Son Ye-jin
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IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Plot:
A woman returns from the dead for a short time to reunite with her husband and son, unaware of her past.
Why It's Sad:
It's a love story wrapped in magical realism with a heartbreaking twist that will leave you speechless.
10. One Day (2017)
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Genre: Drama, Fantasy
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Director: Lee Yoon-ki
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Cast: Kim Nam-gil, Chun Woo-hee
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IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
Plot:
An insurance investigator sees the soul of a comatose woman. As he connects with her spirit, he begins to heal his own grief.
Why It's Sad:
It’s a poetic meditation on loss and human connection, with a quiet, melancholic tone throughout.
Why We Love Sad Korean Movies
Sad Korean movies are not just about crying—they're about healing, empathy, and understanding the depth of human emotions. These films showcase powerful acting, emotional narratives, and social commentary that resonate deeply with viewers.
They also often combine emotional realism with beautiful cinematography, making the experience even more immersive.
Final Thoughts
If you're ready to feel all the feels, these saddest Korean movies are perfect for your next emotional movie night. Each story leaves a lasting impression, reflecting not just sorrow, but strength, love, and humanity.
So grab a box of tissues and dive into the deep, moving world of Korean cinema.