"Queen of Tears" breaks its own highest viewership record again, surpassing "Goblin." Captured from tvN.

The latest episode of tvN drama "Queen of Tears" has shattered its own record, boasting a viewership that surpasses that of the previously second-ranked drama "Goblin" on the network.

During the April 14 episode, the lead character Baek Hyun-woo, played by Kim Soo-hyun, made a request to cancel the divorce of he and his wife Hong Hae-in, portrayed by Kim Ji-won.

This emotionally charged episode drew an impressive 20.7 percent viewership rating nationwide, peaking at 22.6 percent, according to Nielsen Korea. This secured the drama's position as the top-rated show across all channels during its timeslot for the fifth consecutive week.

The drama unfolded with Hong Hae-in grappling with her deteriorating memory — confusing Baek Hyun-woo with Yoon Eun-sung, played by Park Seong-hoon — which led to her growing fear and confusion. Despite her attempts to hide the truth through lies, her condition worsened, clouding her judgment further.

Amid these emotional highs and lows, Baek planned a heartfelt second proposal, complete with a ring for Hong. His excitement was palpable as he asked her to reconsider the divorce as she tried on the ring.

Hong Hae-in, played by actor Kim Ji-won, stirs deep sympathy among viewers due to her worsening condition. Captured from tvN

Viewer engagement

However, to everyone's surprise, she did not accept his request. Overwhelmed by guilt for pushing her husband away and her difficult circumstances, Hong was left in tears.

In a dramatic twist, the ailing chairman Hong Man-dae (played by Kim Gap-soo), regained his mental clarity and made a heartrending decision to end his life for the sake of his children, before the discovery of his slush fund.

Meanwhile, Baek discovered a clue that the hidden funds were stashed within Queens Town, leading his family to a secret chamber, intensifying the drama's intrigue. The discovery of the slush fund brings another layer of suspense to the show, as the family uncovers a secret space where the money is concealed.

This plotline has added a thrilling dimension to the drama, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. With its compelling narrative and deep emotional engagement, "Queen of Tears" continues to secure its legacy as a standout series in the landscape of Korean television.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, sister publication of The Korea Times, was translated by generative AI and edited by staff of The Korea Times.