Queen of Tears, the romantic comedy drama starring Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won, has officially become the most-watched Korean drama of 2024. According to Netflix’s latest report, the series has amassed an impressive 689.5 million hours of total viewing time, making it the top-performing K-drama on the platform for the year. The show has attracted global audiences and set new standards for Korean rom-coms.
Queen of Tears’ Record-Breaking Performance
The drama, which premiered on March 9, 2024, and concluded its run on April 28, 2024, gained immense popularity not only in South Korea but also internationally. The 689.5 million hours viewed make Queen of Tears the most-consumed K-drama of the year so far, surpassing several other prominent series.
In Netflix’s ranking of 2024 K-dramas by hours viewed, the following shows made the top five:
- Queen of Tears: 689.5 million hours
- My Demon starring Song Kang and Kim Yoo Jung: 311.2 million hours
- True Beauty (2020) featuring Cha Eun Woo and Moon Ga Young: 293.5 million hours
- Doctor Slump with Park Hyung Sik and Park Shin Hye: 258.1 million hours
- Welcome to Samdalri starring Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hye Sun: 199.2 million hours
Notably, the popular series Crash Landing on You from 2019, starring Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin, also remains relevant in the rankings. It garnered 131.2 million hours in the first half of 2024, cementing its enduring appeal.
Massive Global Reach and View Count
Apart from the total hours watched, Queen of Tears has also achieved remarkable viewership numbers. The drama recorded 29 million views, making it the 14th most-watched show on Netflix globally across all genres. Following closely behind, other Korean dramas also made their mark, including:
- Parasyte: The Grey: 25 million views
- My Demon (2023): 18 million views
- Doctor Slump: 14 million views
These numbers further highlight the global demand for Korean dramas, which continue to dominate streaming platforms worldwide.
Congrats #QueenOfTears for being the most consumed K-Drama on Netflix in the first half of 2024 with 689.5 million hours viewed!
— k | ia (@ubeeeeeeeeeee) September 20, 2024
OH QOT, THE QUEEN THAT YOU ARE! DSURV!🫶
pic.twitter.com/ncDi9PslR6
A Heartfelt Story with a Star-Studded Cast
Queen of Tears tells the story of Hong Hae In, played by Kim Ji Won, who is the heiress of the Queen’s Group, and Baek Hyun Woo, portrayed by Kim Soo Hyun, the conglomerate’s legal director. The couple’s seemingly perfect relationship begins to unravel after three years of marriage. Despite their love, they face growing tensions as they struggle to balance their individual happiness with their commitment to each other.
Written by Park Ji Eun, who also penned the hit series Crash Landing on You, Queen of Tears blends romance with deep emotional conflicts, making it a must-watch for fans of Korean dramas. Along with Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won, the cast includes talented actors like Park Sung Hoon, Kwak Dong Yeon, and Lee Joo Bin, further elevating the show’s appeal.
Why Queen of Tears Stands Out
The success of Queen of Tears can be attributed to a combination of factors. Firstly, the stellar performances by Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won resonated with viewers, making the characters relatable and engaging. Secondly, the plot’s blend of romance and drama kept the audience hooked throughout the series. Additionally, Park Ji Eun’s writing brought depth to the story, addressing themes of love, sacrifice, and personal growth, which struck a chord with audiences worldwide.
Furthermore, the production quality, along with the emotional weight of the story, helped Queen of Tears stand out among a crowded slate of K-dramas released in 2024. Its international success underscores the growing global demand for Korean content, which continues to shape viewing trends across platforms like Netflix.
With its record-breaking performance and strong fanbase, Queen of Tears has set a high bar for future K-drama releases.
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