Have K-Drama Fans Finally Found “The Second Hyun Bin & Son Ye Jin” Couple?

In the world of K-Dramas, sometimes on-screen chemistry often translates into real-life fairy tales. Fans are hoping such is the case for the newest tvN weekend series, Queen of Tears.  Starring Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won, the drama is touted as the potential birthplace of a coupling reminiscent of the beloved Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin duo, whose on-screen romance in Crash Landing on You eventually led to their real-life marriage.

Queen of Tears offers viewers a gripping narrative centered around Hong Hae In (played by Kim Ji Won), a third-generation chaebol heiress of the Queens Group, and Baek Hyun Woo (portrayed by Kim Soo Hyun), a supermarket prince with humble beginnings. Their story — set against the backdrop of a marriage tested by trials and triumphs — has captured the hearts of audiences both domestically and internationally.

The drama’s success is not solely riding on the shoulders of its star-studded cast. Behind the scenes, it boasts a collaboration of heavy hitters with Park Ji Eun, known for Crash Landing on You, at the helm of writing, and directors Jang Young Woo and Kim Hee Won, known for their work on Immortal, Vincenzo, and Little Women, respectively.

Kim Soo Hyun’s return to television — after a hiatus following the 2020 drama It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, alongside Kim Ji Won’s first role since the 2022 JTBC drama My Liberation Notes, has been a hot topic. Their undeniable chemistry has been a key factor in the drama’s success, turning the conventional Cinderella narrative on its head with reversed roles, offering a refreshing take on the familiar trope.

Queen of Tears distinguishes itself by starting its story where most fairy tales end, exploring the complexities of married life post-“happily ever after.” This narrative choice has resonated with viewers and critics alike, earning praise for its innovative approach to storytelling.

The drama’s popularity has sparked comparisons to Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin’s real-life romance, further fueled by a line in the show hinting at life imitating art. Additionally, Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won’s wedding photos, mirroring Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin’s, have become a hot topic, adding to the speculation and excitement surrounding their on-screen relationship.

As “Queen of Tears” continues to captivate audiences with its blend of romance, drama, and a dash of real-life intrigue, the question on everyone’s lips is whether Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won will follow in the footsteps of their predecessors. Will they be the next Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin?