Edited by Seo Hayne
Translated by Yu Jin Kim
Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won’s drama, Queens of Tears, has captivated viewers from its first episode. Breaking away from the conventional romance trope of a wealthy man and an ordinary woman falling in love, the drama has garnered attention for its storyline calling out patriarchal norms. Additionally, it draws viewers in by unfolding the story of a couple in their third year facing a marital crisis. How will their relationship fare by the show’s end? Here are 5 dramas that revolve around shaky marital relationships, similar to Queen of Tears.
>> ‘Queen of Tears’ Becomes a Global Phenomenon, Dominating Netflix Rankings
LTNS (2024)
LTNS follows a married couple, Woo Jin (played by Esom) and Samuel (Ahn Jae Hong), who have lost their spark and resort to chasing after adulterous couples to make money. Woo Jin works at a hotel, while Samuel is a taxi driver. Estranged from their own harsh reality, the couple stumbles upon an opportunity to earn money by turning a blind eye to a friend’s affair. This experience sparks an idea: Woo Jin uses a notebook to document cheating couples visiting the hotel, and they begin a business threatening these couples for money. Though they find success as business partners, their focus on infidelity soon takes a toll – they become a sexless couple themselves. LTNS has been praised for its fresh theme, passionate acting performances, strong dialogue, and witty settings.
Divorce Attorney Shin (2023)
Based on a webtoon of the same name, Divorce Attorney Shin tells the story of Shin Sang Han (Cho Seung Woo), a divorce lawyer who encounters clients with various backgrounds and struggles. Unlike most courtroom dramas that focus on legal battles, this drama delves deeply into the clients’ stories, offering comfort and empathy. The protagonist, Shin Sung Han, doesn’t always win in court, and the narrative explores his personal life as he transitions from a pianist in his mid-thirties to a divorce lawyer. Cho Seung Woo described Shin Sung Han as a “humane character from head to toe.” His experienced acting shines through as he portrays a lawyer brimming with humanity, a stark contrast to his portrayal of the stoic Hwang Shi Mok in Secret Forest.
Familiar Wife (2018)
Familiar Wife depicts a man who accidentally travels back in time and alters reality by making a different choice at a critical moment. Cha Joo Hyuk (Ji Sung) is a husband who is tired of his nagging wife and demanding job. His wife Seo Woo Jin (Han Ji Min) also struggles with career stress and parenting. One day, Joo Hyuk wakes up 12 years in the past and chooses his first love, Hye Won (Kang Han Na), instead of his current wife, Woo Jin. When he opens his eyes, he realizes that Hye Won is his wife, and Woo Jin is now his co-worker. While initially criticized for its resemblance to Confession Couple, Familiar Wife gained popularity thanks to the dedicated performances of the cast. Through the story of Joo Hyuk and Woo Jin, the drama emphasizes the importance of effort in maintaining healthy relationships.
Matrimonial Chaos (2018)
Matrimonial Chaos is a remake of a Japanese drama of the same name that humorously and candidly explores the differences in men’s and women’s perspectives on love, marriage, and family. Jo Seok Moo (Cha Tae Hyun), a meticulous and tidy man, and Kang Hwi Roo (Bae Doona), a carefree and clumsy woman, divorce after three years of marriage. Despite their contrasting personalities, they remain emotionally connected even after divorcing in their third year of marriage. Cha Tae Hyun sheds his usual playful and shameless persona to portray a character who struggles to express his feelings. Meanwhile, Bae Doona expands her acting spectrum by delivering a natural and relatable performance. The drama is further enriched by Lee Jang Hyun (Son Suk Gu), a charming ladies’ man, and Jin Yoo Young (Lee El), who embraces Yoo Young for who he is. The heart of the drama lies in the honest interactions between these four characters. It poses a thought-provoking question: “Is marriage the final destination of love?” and delves into the complexities of living together with others.
My Husband’s Woman (2007)
My Husband’s Woman is considered a pioneer of the “makjang” genre in Korean dramas. The drama recently gained renewed interest due to a passionate reaction from SHINee’s Key and dancer Kany on the variety show I Live Alone. Written by veteran screenwriter Kim Soo Hyun, the drama gained immense popularity for its unconventional portrayal of adultery. Kim Hee Ae stars as Hwa Young, who seduces the husband of her friend, Ji Soo (played by Bae Jong Ok), who comforts her during a difficult time. Kim Sang Joong plays Joon Pyo, the husband caught in the affair. Thanks to the writer’s skilled storytelling, the drama left a lasting impression with memorable scenes and lines. These include the scene of the ex-husband visiting his former wife’s house for meals and Ji Soo’s sister (Ha Yoo Mi) humiliating Joon Pyo and Hwa Young during a confrontation at a local market.
Editor Seo Hayne: I like actors as they faithfully lead through their long running-time. I also like idols who accomplish everything on stage within 3 minutes.
