Every Queen Of Tears Episode, Ranked Worst To Best

May 1, 2024, 7 p.m.

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Every Queen Of Tears Episode, Ranked Worst To Best

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Warning: This article contains spoilers for Queen of Tears.

Summary Episode 14 of Queen of Tears shines with intense emotions and stellar performances, setting the stage for a well-deserved climax.

Queen of Tears' Episode 4 marks a turning point with a blend of comedy and sincerity, ending with a beautifully acted scene that changes the series.

Queen of Tears' Episode 13 offers a breath of fresh air as Hae-in and Hyun-woo rediscover their love, setting up the impactful climax to come.

Though every episode of Queen of Tears has contributed something new to this record-breaking K-drama, there are some episodes that are more memorable than others. Despite being a romantic comedy, Queen of Tears has become well known for its intense dramatics and superb performances by leading actors Kim Ji-won and Kim Soo-hyun, who have tackled the wild love story of Hong Hae-in and Baek Hyun-woo with ease. Their talents, along with the unique contents of each episode, has helped to drive Queen of Tears' success beyond any K-drama in TVN's history.

For almost two months, Queen of Tears has grown from strength to strength to deliver what can now be considered one of the best K-dramas of all time. Hae-in and Hyun-woo's intense love story broke the K-drama mold and made every episode one that was gripping and full of emotional resonance. However, as Hae-in and Hyun-woo's fate delved through various twists and turns, each new episode of Queen of Tears drew different strengths, which ultimately helped it to become as successful as it has. With this in mind, here is a ranking of every Queen of Tears' episode from its very worst to its very best.

Related Kim Soo-hyun’s 8 Best K-Dramas (Including Queen Of Tears) Since the early 2000s, Kim Soo-hyun has appeared in various k-dramas and movies, but his most recent, Queen of the Tears, may be his best.

16 Queen of Tears Episode 15

Hyun-woo Is Released From Prison & Hae-in Loses Her Memories

Compared to episode 14, which is packed full of tension and raw emotion, episode 15 falls short. Episode 15 sees Hae-in returning from Germany under Yoon Eun-sung’s influence and Hyun-woo released from jail after being framed for murder. These storylines are wrapped up far too soon, making the emotional impact seem a little dull compared to some of the previous episodes. However, Queen of Tears episode 15 is still a great watch.

Hong Soo-cheol fighting for Cheon Da-hye is a highlight of the episode and is superbly acted by Kwak Dong-yeon and Lee Joo-bin. The final moments of the episode, although a K-drama classic scene, is another highlight that sees tensions run high. It does a great job of building anticipation for the final episode’s conclusion. However, as a whole, episode 15 does not match the quality of the rest of Queen of Tears.

15 Queen of Tears Episode 2

The Hong Family (& Eun-sung) Go Hunting

Much like episode 15, Queen of Tears episode 2 is far from terrible. However, a foundation for the rest of the series, it doesn't match the impact of other Queen of Tears episodes. Despite this, episode 2's foundation is sorely needed to give later episodes of Queen of Tears the emotional grip they needed. Episode 2 sees the introduction of antagonist Yoon Eun-sung, and further solidifies the isolation that Hae-in and Hyun-woo feel as members of the icy Hong family, setting up the character development that’s yet to come.

However, the true highlight of Queen of Tears episode 2 comes in its very last scene. The severity of Hae-in's illness starts to become apparent as she appears to be lost in a fog-filled forest, unaware that a boar is charging right for her. Hyun-woo heroically steps in to save her and kills the boar. This is the first of many times in Queen of Tears that Hyun-woo proves what he is willing to do for Hae-in, and the brash heroism displayed in this scene sets alight a spark that only continues to grow throughout Queen of Tears.

14 Queen of Tears Episode 16

The Hong Family Regain Queens Group & Hyun-woo and Hae-in's Happy Ending

Following the cliffhanger of episode 15, the first third of Queen of Tears’ final ending episode is exhilarating. Hyun-woo survives not one, but two near-death experiences, and seeing him put his life on the line for Hae-in once more is just as swoon-worthy as it ever was. Plus, seeing Yoon Eun-sung and Mo Seul-hee finally meet their demise and the Hong family reinstated as the rightful owners of Queens Group is satisfying. However, as a series finale, Queen of Tears’ episode 16 does miss the mark.

Hae-in and Hyun-woo’s happy ending is a beautiful tribute to their love.

Though the first half of the episode is thrilling, it does leave the rest of the episode falling flat and feeling rushed as it ties up loose ends left throughout the series. Yoon Eun-sung’s demise comes far too early in the episode, and the energy that previous episodes manage to continue throughout its entirety sees this finale not quite making par. However, Hae-in and Hyun-woo’s happy ending is a beautiful tribute to their love and makes the heartbreak of previous episodes seem worth it.

13 Queen of Tears Episode 3

Mi-seon and Hyun-tae Try To Stop Hyun-woo & Hae-in's Divorce

Episode 3 is very important as it lays the groundwork for the rest of Queen of Tears. The distance between Hae-in and Hyun-woo shows the first signs of closing, and Eun-sung's true nature starts to come to light as his actions become more unnerving. Flashbacks also provide a vital insight into Hae-in and Hyun-woo's early relationship, hinting at what could potentially return later in the series. Though, it is comedy that really drives this episode forward.

The fear of Mi-sun and Hyun-tae accidentally revealing Hyun-woo's secret lingers throughout the episode, and gives a great undertone to the episode. This then culminates in a superb final scene where Hyun-woo tries to delete texts from a drunk Hae-in's phone, where Kim Ji-won really excels as she navigates new territory as Hae-in. However, as an episode largely focused on context and fake reveals, it is hard to rank episode 3 much higher.

Related This New K-Drama Could Be The Perfect Queen Of Tears Replacement Show Although Queen of Tears is a K-drama that is hard to replace, there is one K-drama that could be a great antidote for those who love romance.

12 Queen of Tears Episode 1

Hyun-woo Wants To Divorce Hae-in (But She's Ill)

The first episode of a series is often a deciding factor for many as to whether they will continue to watch a show. Luckily for Queen of Tears, its first episode is a strong contributing factor to Queen of Tears' success. Episode 1 is not afraid to be bold and firmly sets up the characters of Hong Hae-in, Baek Hyun-woo, and their families. Episode 1 is also home to one of Queen of Tears' most iconic scenes, where a drunken Hyun-woo declares that he is too cute when he is drunk.

Though it cannot be denied that Queen of Tears' first episode is a great start to the series, it is far from one of its best. There just happens to be more episodes in Queen of Tears' 16-episode run that pack an even bigger punch and leave a bigger lasting impression on its audience. However, Queen of Tears premiere episode gives a great comparison to the end of the series, showing just how far each character has come from the start of Queen of Tears to the very end.

Kim Soo-hyun improvised several parts of the scene where Baek Hyun-woo is drunk. Through his improvisation, Kim Soo-hyun also pays homage to his co-star Kim Ji-won through a subtle nod to her character, Choi Ae-ra in Fight For My Way.

11 Queen of Tears Episode 6

Hae-in Discovers Hyun-woo Wants A Divorce

With Hae-in and Hyun-woo finally having reconciled after years of hardship, Queen of Tears episode 6 feels like a much-needed respite from the events of previous episodes. Their softer, more intimate moments feel more rewarding than ever and Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Ji-won's chemistry flies off the charts as they can finally portray quieter moments in this married couple's life. However, nothing is ever too easy and episode 6 does a great job at never letting the audience feel too settled.

This underlying tension is superbly maintained throughout episode 6, and makes it stand out against other episodes.

The dark cloud that looms over episode 6 of Queen of Tears makes Hyun-woo and Hae-in's softer moments filled with anticipated uneasiness. When Hyun-woo's secret is finally unleashed, Hae-in's devastation feels even more profound as she cannot comprehend the person her husband has become. This underlying tension is superbly maintained throughout episode 6, and makes it stand out against other episodes. Yet as a quieter episode in Queen of Tears' run, its true impact is only felt at the end of the episode and beyond.

10 Queen of Tears Episode 7

Hyun-woo and Hae-in's Relationship Falls Apart (& Hae-in Forgets Germany)

The repercussions of Hyun-woo's actions finally catch up to him in Queen of Tears episode 7, which sees his relationship with Hae-in colder than ever. It's both funny and heart-breaking to watch Hyun-woo and Hae-in's teams go to extreme lengths to ensure they stay out of each other's way, making the events of the previous episode even more bittersweet. Hae-in's ferocity combined Hyun-woo's resignation to his own wrongdoings is painful to watch, but superbly acted by Kim Ji-won and Kim Soo-hyun.

Many important plot points are first introduced in Queen of Tears' seventh episode, with Hong Soo-cheol learning how to ride, and being set up for a disaster in the next episode. However, as with many of Queen of Tears' previous episodes, the final scene is the crowning achievement of the episode. Kim Ji-won reveals a new innocence to Hong Hae-in, but contrasted with the sheer devastation of Kim Soo-hyun's Hyun-woo makes this episode tug even harder at the heartstrings. Despite the emotional burden, there are other Queen of Tears episodes that hit even harder.

9 Queen of Tears Episode 9

The Hong Family Adjust To Life In Yongdu-ri

Episode 9 sees the Hong family at their lowest, and marks a vital turning point for the second half of Queen of Tears. Though it is ultimately sad (yet incredibly gripping) to see the Hong family lose everything to Yoon Eun-sung and Mo Seul-hee, their culture shock as they experience living life in the countryside town of Yongdu-ri is just as entertaining. Seeing the Hong family finally get a dose of the real world is in equal parts rewarding yet hilarious, with Hae-in hitting Soo-cheol after requesting Fiji water being a standout scene in the episode.

Compared to other episodes in Queen of Tears, episode 9 isn't the most eventful. However, episode 9 has a more light-hearted tone than other episodes of Queen of Tears and does a great job at exploring the new dynamics between the characters. It also explores new plotlines for the second half of Queen of Tears, and expertly sets up new obstacles for the characters to tackle in the future.

Related Netflix’s Queen Of Tears Does The One Thing That Crash Landing On You Couldn’t While the jury is still out about which one is better, it's clear that Queen of Tears has done the only thing that Crash Landing You was unable to.

8 Queen of Tears Episode 8

Yoon Eun-sung and Mo Seul-hee Overthrow Queens Group

As the mid-point of Queen of Tears, episode 8 sees it hit its first climax of the series and does so with great success. Mo Seul-hee's lifelong plan is finally put into action as she poisons Hong Man-dae, allowing Yoon Eun-sung to assume the position of chairperson of Queens Group. Episode 8 excels as it builds tension throughout the episode, leading to a conclusion that almost seems to come out of nowhere but firmly drives Queen of Tears into a confident new direction.

Kwak Dong-yeon's performance in this episode is absolutely brilliant. He deftly delves into Soo-cheol's innocent and playful side before portraying Soo-cheol's devastation as he realizes that Da-hye has not only left him, but taken their son with her. Lee Mi-sook's Mo Seul-hee also proves herself as a force to be reckoned with as she finally gets everything she has ever wanted and forces the Hong family into a new beginning.

7 Queen of Tears Episode 10

Eun-sung Tries To Bring Hae-in Back To Queens Group

Compared to many of Queen of Tears' prior episodes, episode 10 feels more intimate. The Hong family members' personalities really start to shift in this episode as they live outside their usual comforts and bond as a family. This extends to Hae-in and Hyun-woo, who do not act anything like a couple that only recently divorced, and are drawn to each other more than ever. This soft side is counteracted by the devilish acts of Yoon Eun-sung, who will stop at nothing to ensure Hyun-woo is humiliated and away from Hae-in.

Normally, these scenes wouldn't work well together, but their natural balance makes episode 10 really stand out.

Contrast is how episode 10 really excels as one of Queen of Tears' best episodes. Hae-in's actions in the latter half of the episode are almost indecipherable as she sides with Eun-sung and returns to Queens group, only to then thwart him in a shocking twist that sees her reveal her illness to the public. This scene is then firmly contrasted with the epilogue, where a drunk Hyun-woo surprisingly discovers that he still loves Hae-in. Normally, these scenes wouldn't work well together, but their natural balance makes episode 10 really stand out.

6 Queen of Tears Episode 5

Hyun-woo Follows Hae-in To Germany (& They Reconcile)

Though Queen of Tears is full of incredible scenes, the final moments of episode 5 are one of Queen of Tears' best scenes. Hae-in and Hyun-woo finally reconcile after years of turmoil, and watching their walls finally come crumbling down against the beautiful landscape of German palace Sanssouci is breathtaking. With this episode, Queen of Tears also diverges from the traditional K-drama format, making each scene feel like uncharted territory that is captivating to watch.

However, as Hyun-woo and Hae-in get closer, Yoon Eun-sung presence becomes an even darker shadow over Queen of Tears. Park Sung-hoon really nails his portrayal of the conniving business executive, making each time Eun-sung appears more unsettling than the last. Kim Jung-nan is also excellent as Kim Beom-ja, who is the first of Hae-in's family to discover her illness. Despite not being the best episode in Queen of Tears, episode 5 sets Queen of Tears' trajectory well in the right direction.

Related Kim Ji-won’s 8 Best K-Dramas, Ranked From The Heirs’ Yoo Rachel to Queen of Tears’ Hong Hae-in, Kim Ji-won has a career full of incredible performances that deserve to be seen.

5 Queen of Tears Episode 4

Hae-in Goes To Yongdu-ri & Goes Missing (For The First Time)

Queen of Tears’ first few episodes are already strong. However, episode 4 is where Queen of Tears really finds its stride. This episode contains some great elements of comedy i.e. when Hyun-woo yells at Hae-in to be careful across Queens department store, but also includes a lot of sincerity and backstory that would later serve to prove vital throughout the series, such as the loss of Hae-in and Hyun-woo’s first child. However, it’s the final moments of the episode where Queen of Tears excels.

Queen of Tears is not shy when it comes to its emotional scenes. In fact, they are when Queen of Tears is really at its best. The final scene of the episode where an angry Hyun-woo finds a lost Hae-in is when Queen of Tears changes the direction of the series, and hints at some of the emotional turmoil that is yet to come. This scene is beautifully acted and directed and marks an incredible end to a fantastic episode.

This episode also marks the on-screen re-union of actors Kim Ji-won (Hong Hae-in) and Jeon Bae-su (Baek Du-gwan) who previously appeared in Fight For My Way as father and daughter Choi Ae-ra and Choi Chun-gab.

4 Queen of Tears Episode 12

Cheon Da-hye Returns to Korea & Hong Man-dae Dies

From Hong Man-dae's death to Hyun-woo's re-proposal, episode 12 is packed full of important events in the Queen of Tears timeline. Every plot and subplot is given adequate time to develop, and each moment adds something new to the story that really helps to set up the impending climax. As with many Queen of Tears episodes, episode 12 rotates through feelings of hope, sadness, and anticipation without feeling jarring, helping each scene to progress naturally.

Though episode 12 is packed with well-crafted scenes, there are some episodes that take Queen of Tears one step further.

One of the highlights of episode 12 is Cheon Da-hye's reunion with her husband, Hong Soo-cheol. Kwak Dong-yeon acting is effortless, never allowing Soo-cheol to veer into melodramatics as he portrays Soo-cheol's sincere and unwavering love for his wife, despite her betrayals. Though episode 12 is packed with well-crafted scenes, some episodes take Queen of Tears one step further.

3 Queen of Tears Episode 13

Hae-in & Hyun-woo Live Like Newlyweds

After what felt like an eternity of emotional turmoil and stress, episode 13 of Queen of Tears acts as the calm before the storm, focusing Hae-in and Hyun-woo as they recapture the newly-wed feeling they had lost years ago. Kim Ji-won and Kim Soo-hyun's chemistry (as always) is off the charts. Watching Hae-in and Hyun-woo exist together as a couple feels like a breath of well-needed fresh air before Queen of Tears dives back into the dark again, with the lingering reveal to Hae-in that surgery would cost her her memories.

Without the diversion away from the emotions that episode 13 provides, the climax of Queen of Tears certainly would not have had the same impact as it did. Plus, the importance of Hae-in's memories would not have held as much weight in the final episodes of Queen of Tears. Episode 13 also dedicates a good amount of time to its sub-plots, with Cheon Da-hye's character being given a chance to shine alongside the developing relationship between Yeong-seong and Hong Beom-ja is also further explored, creating an altogether fun and rewarding episode to watch.

2 Queen of Tears Episode 11

Hae-in's Family Find Out About Her Illness

Episode 11 of Queen of Tears showcases what Queen of Tears does best, balancing well-written comedy with beautiful performances that seamlessly intertwine. The aftermath of Hae-in’s collapse is showcased delicately by the cast and gives an intimate display of just how far all members of the Hong family’s character development has come. They also showcase their funny side, with Hong Soo-cheol’s terrible Chinese skills being a true highlight.

Beyond this, episode 11 is where the thrill of Queen of Tears’ final climax starts to loom as Eun-sung presses further for control of Hae-in. The car chase between who is initially thought to have been Hyun-woo and a mysterious person is exhilarating and completely changes the episode’s dynamic. The addition of the final twist, that Hyun-woo was actually Eun-sung, proves that episode 11 is a true highlight of Queen of Tears’ incredible run.

1 Queen of Tears Episode 14

Hae-in Finally Gets Brain Surgery (After Refusing)

From start to finish, there isn’t a dull moment in Queen of Tears episode 14. Various plotlines start to reach boiling point in this episode, including that of second-led couple Cheon Da-hye and Hong Soo-cheol as Da-hye attempts to leave Soo-cheol once more, though this time to save him. The absence of Yoon Eun-sung in this episode was also an excellent decision, making the final twist of episode 14 even more shocking. However, Hong Hae-in and Baek Hyun-woo steal this episode, and Kim Ji-won and Kim Soo-hyun repeatedly prove why they are such incredible forces in the acting world.

The car crash scene alone should see Kim Soo-hyun win multiple awards for his acting skills, as it is an incredibly devastating yet raw piece of acting that is certain to make tears flow. Kim Ji-won, too, deserves just as much merit for this episode. Her portrayal of Hae-in's choice not to have surgery is haunting, yet completely grounded in reality. Together, Kim Ji-won and Kim Soo-hyun deliver some of the best scenes in Queen of Tears' entire run and bring Hae-in and Hyun-woo's story to a well-deserved climax.