Historical dramas with sad (SE) or bittersweet (BE) endings
BEWARE: My comments have spoilers
I define a "sad ending" as the death of one of the main characters' partners. Death is a final point of no return, marking the end of the final season. Sometimes, a character may seem to have died, but Season 2 might reveal that it was just a trick. This does not fit my definition of a sad ending, so such dramas will not be listed here. Sad endings are final, with no next season, as the story concludes there.
Bittersweet endings are often associated with separation. In time travel dramas, it is common for the main character to return to their present time, leaving both characters heartbroken. Sometimes, the season 1 finale may seem bittersweet, but it is often just a marketing tactic to keep viewers hooked for season 2. However, in this list, I will only include dramas with bittersweet endings that have no hope for improvement in the finale episode. I will not include those that have season 2 with a happy ending.
BEWARE: My comments have spoilers
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1. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
Korean Drama - 2016, 20 episodes
Time travel. She returned to modern era, both characters heartbroken
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2. Princess Agents
Chinese Drama - 2017, 67 episodes
Season 2 was never aired and the series ended on a sad note. However, the web novel has a happy ending.
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3. Attack On! Princess
Chinese Drama - 2023, 24 episodes
FL died, prince is old, FL seems to reborn... possible S2
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4. Good Bye, My Princess
Chinese Drama - 2019, 52 episodes
FL died at the end. Prince aged and never forgot her.
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5. The Journey of Chong Zi
Chinese Drama - 2023, 40 episodes
Both died. Change into swords spirit
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6. Burning Flames
Chinese Drama - 2024, 40 episodes
FL dies but at the last minute of the finale, it is assumed she is back. So no happy ending but an open door, literally and visually.
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7. Lost You Forever
Chinese Drama - 2023, 39 episodes
End Season 1, FL dies. But S2 is announced so definitely resurrection. Now the big question is will S2 will be aired and when.
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8. A Frozen Flower
Korean Movie - 2008
Both ML die. FL remain alive with an unknown future.
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9. Sword and Fairy 4
Chinese Drama - 2024, 36 episodes
ML dies. Everyone loose memories
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10. One and Only
Chinese Drama - 2021, 24 episodes
Both ML (executed )and FL (suicide) die. The crown prince aka king dies out of despair soon after her. Very sad ending.
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11. The Song of Glory
Chinese Drama - 2020, 53 episodes
FL is most likely dead or in a coma, and the chances of another season seem very slim. Although I initially enjoyed the drama, the last episode left such a bad taste in my mouth.
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12. Hard to Find
Chinese Drama - 2024, 28 episodes
Confirmed by author Sad ending
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13. The Wolf
Chinese Drama - 2020, 49 episodes
Death