Queen of Tears K Drama 2024 with Kim Soo Huyn and Kim Ji Won Episode 1

Mar 10, 2024

The new romantic comedy K-drama follows the lives of an influential couple, known as the ‘couple of the century’, who face multiple marital problems but there seems to be only one solution- falling in love! As they face a crisis, they realise how well they work together, leading them to stay together against all odds.

Queen of Tears (눈물의 여왕) is the new romantic comedy that will begin airing on 9th March 2024 on tvN as well as on Netflix in selected regions. The 16-episode series stars the popular and talented actors, Kim Soo-hyun as Baek Hyun-woo and Kim Ji-won as Hong Hae-in, along with Na Young-hee, Jung Jin-young, Kwak Dong-yeon, Park Sung-hoon, Kim Jung-nan and others.

The romantic drama is written by Park Ji-eun, the mastermind behind popular dramas like Crash Landing On You, My Love From the Stars and The Producers and directed by Jang Young-woo as well as Kim Hee-won.

Hong Hae-in is a chaebol heiress, known as the ‘queen’ of Queens Group Department Stores while Baek Hyun-woo, her husband, is the legal director of the conglomerate and known as the ‘supermarket prince’. Hong Hae-in is described as a cold and calculated woman while Baek Hyun-woo is warm-hearted and emotional.

A marriage between an influential woman and an entry-level employee is dubbed the ‘wedding of the century’ and is nothing but a facade. Belonging to two different worlds, the couple could not overcome their differences but a big crisis brings these two together. Soon, they realise that maybe being different from one another is not so bad after all.

The episode starts with aesthetic shots of Baek Hyun-woo and Hong Hae-in’s house where the married couple talk about their life together. Hyun-woo gives a hearty laugh as he looks deep in thought. He talks about how their wedding was the ‘wedding of the century’, as dubbed by the media at the time. Being an entry-level employee of the Queens Group Department Stores, marrying the heiress of that company seems like a fairytale.

At the same time, we see the shift of energy as Hae-in comes on-screen. With her cunning look and calculated answers, one can see how she is a businesswoman through and through. She talks about how they first met and it is obvious that the first meeting left different impressions on the husband and wife. Hae-in thought that Hyun-woo was being nice to her during her time as an intern because he liked her but he had a different recollection of the event. He said that he wanted to help her as she did not understand how the office works.

Through conversation and many conversations, Hyun-woo finally confessed his love for her- not knowing she is the heiress of the Queens Group Department Stores. As soon as she did reveal her identity, he went AWOL from her life. Instead of being disappointed at the situation, like royalty, she lands her chopper in his hometown to bring him back to her.

Cut to the present time, the love story seems a little different than the interview. While Hae-in is the CEO of the company, Hyun-woo leads the legal team. Since he is not of her ‘league’, he is treated as a worker for the family- tending to all their legal issues. They live in separate rooms and lead separate lives, despite being in the same house.
Living with all his in-laws, he feels suffocated by the uncomfortable situation, especially when his wife does not take his side in front of everyone. The entire episode shows how Hyun-woo wants to divorce her but fearing her and her family’s reaction, he remains mum.

He goes to his family home to break the news, shocking them. His sister and brother-in-law try to convince him to remain where he is but he sees through their facade and understands their true selfish intentions- the brother-in-law’s gym rent and funds for sister-in-law’s studies abroad. This makes him determined even further.

As he approaches her with the divorce papers, she reveals a shocking piece of information herself- she is dying and she has only three months to live. Shell-shocked at the news, he hides the divorce papers and changes his intentions. He apologises for his behaviour and promises to treat her better. He holds her in a tight hug, leaving her speechless.

The episode ends with an epilogue of their wedding. The two families come together as the newly wedded couple celebrate their love. When asked to send a message to their selves 10 years ahead, Hyun-woo says that it doesn’t matter if he has children or not, just remember the love and adoration he has for Hae-in. While the bride has a different approach- she tells her future self that she knows that she will be successful, pretty and fit. But ends with a sweet note, saying ‘Of course, with Hyun-woo by your side’.

Queen of Tears Episode 1 Review
The episode is a great introduction to the pair- Hyun-woo and Hae-in and the world that they belong to. From the squabbles to the uncomfortable feelings of Hyun-woo towards his situation, it gives an insight into the character. Kim Soo-hyun did a fantastic job of portraying Hyun-woo and all the confusing emotions he went through during the episode.