Snarky K-drama examines a marriage under pressure.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Violence & Scariness
a little
Grown siblings hit and kick each other. A character is afraid he will be "stabbed" by his in-laws if he files for divorce. Discussion about suicide, assisted death, and sunjang, an ancient Korean tradition where spouses died together (one was sacrificed) so that they could be together in the next life.
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The main character's family owns a department store empire. Though name brands are avoided, the emphasis on luxury and the importance of wealth to some people is a major theme.
Positive Messages
some
Be loyal. Be honest. Love your family. Be loving to people because you don't know what they are going through. Don't be afraid to express yourself. Be respectful of your elders.
Educational Value
a little
Set in modern day South Korea, there are some references to traditions and ceremonies that carry over into the modern world.
Positive Role Models
a little
Women in this show are strong and hold positions of power and influence. But many of the powerful people in this show are greedy, self-centered, and ruthless. The humble characters teach the most lessons.
Diverse Representations
a little
Based in South Korea, the characters in this show are primarily of Korean descent. Class differences are displayed, illustrating that working class people work hard and corporate leaders are revered. Women exhibit power and strength, but can be portrayed as cruel or cunning.
Parents need to know Queen of Tears is a Korean romantic drama by writer of the popular K-drama Crash Landing on You, Ji Eun Park. Romantic relationships are the focus of this show, exploring what happens when a high-profile couple stops getting along. Some characters can be seen taking a smoke break, others drink to excess and behave erratically. Violence includes fist fighting and threats of killing, talk of suicide and spousal sacrifice. Occasional language includes "bitch," "damn," "bastard." Expect kissing and romantic situations, but no nudity. There are thematic examples of courage, humility, and compassion in this show, which is in Korean and available with subtitles.
I would have preferred the lead actress to be Seo Yea Ji, she connects well with K Soo Hyun , she would have done more with this character ❤️
What's the Story?
A corporate heiress named Hong Hae-in (Kim Ji-won) decides to go undercover and see what it's really like working for her family's department store in QUEEN OF TEARS. When a worker named Baek Hyun-woo (Kim Soo-hyun) sees her kicking the copy machine repeatedly, he steps in to try to help her. This kindness goes a long way in Hae-in's eyes, and they become romantically involved. Will their relationship survive the unique challenges they face? Will love win?
Featuring dynastic infighting in a modern setting, this show has shades of historical Korean dramas, but courtesan restraint is definitely not on display. In fact, tantrums and rants play a big part in this soapy romance. The characters in Queen of Tears aren't as quirky or funny as in some other K-dramas, but they can be endearing for those who commit to the series.
This one's best for true K-drama fans, and it's fine for young teens and adults to watch together. The twists that intrigue do emerge -- if you hang on long enough.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about courage in Queen of Tears. What does it take to shake up people's expectations in this show? How do characters face their challenges?
Compassion is born out of ill-fated news. What inspires compassion in your life?
People who've climbed to the top of the social order in this show can be ruthless and cruel. How does humility play a role to help characters grow?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
suggesting a diversity update.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
