It has been a year since “Queen of Tears” captivated audiences with its compelling story and stellar performances. As fans continue to cherish the drama, many are curious about what the cast has been up to since the series ended. From exciting new projects to personal milestones, here’s a look at where the stars of “Queen of Tears” are now.
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Kim Soo-hyun (Baek Hyun-woo)
One year after “Queen of Tears” concluded, Kim Soo-hyun’s career remains in the spotlight, but not for the reasons many expected. While the hit drama cemented his status as one of South Korea’s top actors, his name has recently been entangled in controversy due to resurfaced rumors about his past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron.
The situation escalated when the YouTube channel Garo Sero Research Institute made sensational claims about their alleged history, including accusations of grooming. These claims have led to heated online discussions, with the public and media divided over the validity of the allegations. In response, Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, issued an official statement clarifying that while he did date Kim Sae-ron, their relationship only began when she was already an adult. The agency also emphasized their intent to take strong legal action against the spread of false information.
Kim Ji-won (Hong Hae-in)
Following the success of Queen of Tears, Kim Ji-won remains one of the most in-demand actresses in Korean entertainment. Since the drama’s success, she has been carefully selecting her next project, with fans eagerly awaiting her return to the screen. She also held an Asia fan meeting tour, connecting with fans across eight cities, including Seoul, Osaka, Tokyo, Taipei, Manila, Macau, Bangkok, and Jakarta.
Due to the success of the drama, Kim Ji-won has been frequently linked to Kim Soo-hyun. As a result, it was inevitable that she would be mentioned in his recent controversy.
Apart from acting, Kim Ji-won has been actively involved in brand endorsements and magazine features, including covers for Elle Korea (March issue) and Elle Japan (April issue), as well as promotions for BVLGARI SERPENTI and more. She is also scheduled to attend “Orange Run 2025,” a charity event honoring International Women’s Day in partnership with Hanwha General Insurance, the brand she represents, further maintaining her strong presence in the public eye.
Addtionally, on March 15, Kim Ji-won made a surprise appearance at Jennie’s “The Ruby Experience” concert in Seoul. Fans were caught off guard, as it was unclear whether she had any connection with Jennie. Given her self-proclaimed introverted nature and preference for staying home, her attendance came as an unexpected surprise.
Park Sung-hoon (Yoon Eun-sung)
Park Sung-hoon’s career has been overshadowed by a controversy stemming from a social media mistake. In late December 2024, he faced backlash for accidentally sharing an explicit parody image of Squid Game on his Instagram Story. The image, taken from a Japanese adult film spoofing the series, was swiftly deleted. His agency, BH Entertainment, clarified that he had received the image via direct message and mistakenly posted it publicly.
Park Sung-hoon later tearfully apologized at a press conference, acknowledging his mistake and expressing deep regret. However, the controversy has had lasting consequences on his career. The public response remains divided, with some calling for accountability and others questioning whether the backlash is excessive. Despite his apology and commitment to being more cautious, the incident has affected his public image, casting uncertainty over his future projects.
Kwak Dong-yeon (Hong Soo-cheol)
Kwak Dong-yeon is perhaps the most low-profile member of the “Queen of Tears” cast since the drama officially ended. He has been carefully selecting his next project while actively engaging in entertainment programs and brand endorsements, solidifying his presence in the industry. His growing popularity has fans eager to see what he will take on next.
Recently, Kwak Dong-eyon reunited with his “Love in the Moonlight” co-stars Kim Yoo-jung and Jung Jinyoung to support Park Bo-gum’s debut as the host of KBS2’s “The Seasons: Park Bo-gum’s Cantabile.” Appearing as special guests on the premiere episode, the cast showcased their enduring friendship by performing Do Kyung-soo’s Popcorn, surprising and touching Park Bo-gum. The show concluded with all four actors joyfully singing “Violet Fragrance,” highlighting their strong bond and continued support for one another.
Lee Joo-bin (Cheon Da-hye)
Lee Joo-bin is stepping into the spotlight with a lead role in the upcoming tvN drama “Divorce Insurance,” co-starring Lee Dong-wook. Unlike her supporting role in “Queen of Tears,” this new project marks a significant step in her career, allowing her to take center stage.
She plays Kang Han-deul, an underwriter who reinvents herself after divorce, joining a special insurance team led by No Gi-joon (Lee Dong-wook). The drama blends workplace romance and comedy, tackling modern relationships with a fresh perspective.
Lee Joo-bin expressed excitement for the role, describing Han-deul as kind yet resilient, likening her to “a reed that doesn’t break in strong winds.” With this new project, set to premiere on March 31 and stream globally on Amazon Prime Video, Lee Joo-bin is proving her versatility and taking a major step forward in her career.