Korean Film Critics Call “Queen of Tears” the Most Overrated K-drama of 2024

On December 20, 2023, Cine21, a prominent film magazine in Korea, released its in-depth analysis of the nation’s cinematic landscape for 2024, along with predictions extending into 2025.

This review highlighted the critics’ selections for the most overrated and underrated K-dramas of the year, sparking discussion among fans and industry insiders alike.

Most Underrated K-Drama

The standout choice among the most underrated was “A Virtuous Business.” This drama, featuring the talented actress Kim So-yeon, is an adaptation of the British television series “Brief Encounters.” What sets it apart is its unique premise focusing on the sales of adult toys, woven into a rich historical context that delves into intricate societal narratives and character development.

Critic Kim Hye-ri praised “A Virtuous Business” for not merely addressing sexuality but linking it with broader cultural and power dynamics. She emphasized the show’s thought-provoking approach. Meanwhile, critic Nam Sun-woo described the series as “progressive and charming,” underlining its ability to engage with its main themes effectively.

Adding to this analysis, Bok Gil noted that the narrative centers on women in different familial situations—married women without children, divorced women, and single mothers—engaged in the sale of adult products in a small village during the early 1990s. He remarked that by positioning the storyline within a historical framework, the drama cleverly sidesteps unnecessary scrutiny while embedding enduring feminist issues into an accessible story, particularly appealing to female viewers.

Interestingly, prior to the drama’s debut, it garnered attention when Kim So-yeon disclosed that she visited a sex toy shop with her husband as part of her preparation for the role, highlighting her dedication to authenticity in portraying her character.

Most Overrated K-Drama

Conversely, “Queen of Tears” was labeled the most overrated K-drama by Cine21, despite its immense popularity and recognition as the “most buzzworthy” show of 2024 here.

Critic Kim Sun-young criticized the series for its heavy reliance on familiar K-drama tropes, drawing parallels to previous works like “The Clinic for Married Couples: Love and War.” This earlier show, which aired from 1999 to 2009 and enjoyed a second season until 2014, highlighted the struggles of couples in crisis.

Critics Bok Gil and Park Hyun-joo echoed similar sentiments, asserting that the production, led by screenwriter Park Ji-eun, inadequately addressed class dynamics and status, ultimately detracting from its potential. They cited the series’ weak plot and lack of significant social commentary as key shortcomings. Jin Myung-hyun added that the comedic elements in “Queen of Tears” fell dramatically short of expectations.

In alignment with this critique, TIME Magazine also pointed out the series’ contrasting halves. While the first half showcased innovative storytelling within the K-Romance genre, the latter portion collapsed under the weight of overused tropes and predictable developments, leading to a less than satisfying conclusion. Consequently, “Queen of Tears” did not make TIME’s list of “The 10 Best K-Dramas of 2024,” further solidifying its contentious reputation among critics.

For more on how this impacts the show’s standing, click here.

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