South Korean superstar Kim Soo Hyun has finally returned to the small screen after three long years! Last seen in One Ordinary Day, the actor was not away on any military enlistment duty but he was rather awaiting a good project to come his way. Well, good things come to those who wait! He waited, so did the fans, and now we have a promising story to indulge with Queen of Tears. Starring alongside My Liberation Notes’ Kim Ji Won and The Glory’s Park Sung Hoon along with Kwak Dong Yeon, the series boasts an intriguing ensemble cast.
Queen of Tears Review: Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won turn power couple with broken marriage in melodrama romantic comedy
Unlike most melodramas or romantic comedies, Queen of Tears starts with a happy marriage between leads and then hits the rock bottom. In the new drama, Kim Soo Hyun plays the role of a lawyer named Baek Hyun Woo who is married to Kim Ji Won’s character Hong Hae In, a third generation chaebol (rich heir). Hyun Woo and Hae In have been married for three years. Their marriage was touted to be nothing short of a miracle and a grand media spectacle – it was no less like a royal marrying a commoner. But the times changed, and rapidly, so much that Hyun Woo decides to secure a divorce. But fate has other plans. Perhaps to his favor? We’ll find that out next week onwards. For now, let’s take a deep dive into the first two episodes of Queen of Tears.
Queen of Tears presents a captivating narrative for avid viewers eager to witness the return of Kim Soo Hyun to the screen, alongside the dynamic pairing with Kim Ji Won. Despite the familiarity of the trope, the premise holds the allure of watching these characters navigate their way back to each other, hinting at a potential for nuanced storytelling.
The initial two episodes offer a glimpse into the intricate web of chaebol family politics, infused with a sense of malice that extends both within and beyond the familial confines. Amidst this backdrop lies a shadowy history between the protagonists, Baek Hyun Woo and Hong Hae In, setting the stage for an enthralling exploration of their intertwined destinies. The chemistry between them simmers with a restrained intensity, reflecting the palpable tension born from their estranged lifestyles. However, fleeting glimpses into their shared past hint at a reservoir of untapped emotions, suggesting that a torrent of romance awaits on the horizon.
The first two episodes gave a good insight into what one can expect from the forthcoming ones. There is the classic chaebol family politics sharpened with malicious intent those within and outside the family. Then we have a murky past between the leads. The chemistry between Baek Hyun Woo and Hong Hae In is indeed worth watching. There is a stiffness to their equation with each other because of their estranged lifestyle, but if the short flashbacks are any indication then we all should prepare for a head dose of romance to come our way and soon!
The leads bickering over trivial matters – Hae In not leaving a chance to show her authority over Hyun Woo, Hyun Woo behaving like a wet puppy who listens to his master – all this adds a certain absurdity to the situation. Baek’s borderline pathetic existence at his in-laws’ house and Hong’s ice princess attitude make it much more interesting to know what their equation truly is. The entry of Eun Seong (played by Park Sung Hoon) is an interesting mix in this equation. Baek clearly feels jealous and insecure that an attractive looking eligible man is friends with his wife. One cannot help but wonder if Eun Seong has any ulterior motives.
The secondary cast, that is mainly the respective families of the leads, is an interesting bunch. We see classic small town upbringing and mentality with Hyun Woo’s side of the family. There is love and understanding in the family, even if they don’t agree on all matters. Hae In’s family is utterly devoid of any emotion towards each other. Each conversation is a result of carefully calculated words used for selfish gains or to bring the other person down. This contrast between the families is interesting to see.
Writer Park Ji Eun knows how to bring out the goofy hilarity even in a serious situation. From Baek Hyun Woo crying in a drunken stupor that his wife Hae In finds him cute when he is drunk, to his search about Hae In’s illness making her assume that he cares for her, to Hae In’s brother Hong Soo Cheol’s (Kwak Dong Yeon) desperate attempts to get some respect for himself – the drama presents a good blend of humor, even if there is a certain pathetic underscore to some of the scenes.
What the trailer did not show us was Hae In’s diagnosis. That sure came as a shock to all of us who were just waiting for some other form of conflict to arise between the warring couple. It can be fair to assume that the show will go down the path of a melodrama, even if for a short while.
With over 80 minutes runtime for the premiere episodes, Queen of Tears offers intimate close-ups of beloved characters along with the extensive look into the ensemble cast. Directors Jang Young Woo and Kim Hee Won, known for their work on Sweet Home and Vincenzo, infuse a similar visual and narrative style, echoing the grandeur seen in Crash Landing On You. The drama delicately unravels the lives of protagonists who, despite claiming profound love, navigate estrangement. Drawing parallels to Vincenzo, each episode meticulously carves out characters and storylines amidst tension, balanced by dark humour and poignant storytelling. As the series unfolds on Netflix, it beckons audiences to ponder the complexities of love and unravel the mysteries behind the protagonists’ fractured relationship. What transpired between them to fracture their once unbreakable bond?
Aside from the lead actors, the series also features Lee Joo Bin, Kim Kap Soo, Lee Mi Sook, Jung Jin Young, and Na Young Hee. Dive into Queen of Tears on weekends and immerse yourself in its nuanced portrayal of love and loss. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
BOLLYWOOD NEWS – LIVE UPDATES
Catch us for latest Bollywood News, New Bollywood Movies update, Box office collection, New Movies Release , Bollywood News Hindi, Entertainment News, Bollywood Live News Today & Upcoming Movies 2024 and stay updated with latest hindi movies only on Bollywood Hungama.
