The drama 'Queen of Tears,' starring Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won, has broken records, becoming the highest-rated show in tvN's history and leaving a lasting impact. However, the finale of its last episode (Episode 16) has sparked mixed reactions among viewers.

In the final episode aired on April 28, protagonists Baek Hyun Woo (played by Kim Soo Hyun) and Hong Hae In (played by Kim Ji Won) faced and overcame numerous challenges to protect their love. The threat to the Baek-Hong couple, Yoon Eun Sung (played by Park Sung Hoon), met his end in a police shootout, and Yoon Eun Sung's mother, Mo Seul Hee (played by Lee Mi Sook), was exposed for the murder of Hong Man Dae (played by Kim Kap Soo) and faced justice.

Following their recovery from various hardships, Baek Hyun Woo and Hong Hae In made a solemn vow to spend the rest of their lives together. A touching scene depicted their life as parents to a beautiful daughter, before transitioning to an elderly Baek Hyun Woo, tenderly visiting Hong Hae In's grave. Finally, a poignant moment showed the couple reuniting in a heavenly setting.

Viewer reactions to this ending were varied, with some expressing satisfaction at its emotional depth, while others felt disappointed, believing the characters met tragic ends.

Comments on the finale ranged from longing for a happier resolution to appreciating the realism and depth of the conclusion. While some criticized the unexpected turn of events, others found the ending poignant and meaningful, emphasizing the journey of the characters.

Netizens commented, "I think they took it too far. We just wanted to see them get married again and live happily," "I didn't want to see this death ending. I wanted to see them live a happily-ever-after," "Am I the only one who saw the 'happy ending' at the end... It feels like the writer considers this level to be a happy ending, which is frustrating...", "To think that such a golden Sunday night ended like this. Seriously, I didn't expect it to be like this until the very end", "The writer sent the storyline off track and then sent the main characters off to heaven...", "I understand the writer's intention, but I wanted to see an ending in the drama where even amidst harsh realities, the heart could find solace and laughter. It's disappointing", "Suddenly jumping to the year 2074 was surprising. It doesn't seem to fit the romantic comedy genre. It only leaves a sense of emptiness and insignificance in life", "The ending made everything I've been watching so diligently feel empty", "I didn't want to see it go this far...", and "Not even one kissing scene in the end, I'm disappointed"

Meanwhile, 'Queen of Tears' achieved a final episode viewership rating of 24.9%, surpassing 'Crash Landing on You' to become tvN's top-rated historical drama. Lead actors Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won are set to fulfill their pledge of the "Baek-Hong Sweet Challenge" to achieve record-breaking ratings.

Upcoming for the series is a two-part special airing on May 4 and 5. Following that, viewers can anticipate 'Graduation,' featuring Wi Ha Jun and Ryu Won, premiering on May 11th.

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