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

Period_addict mars 1, 2024
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  • Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

    1. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

    Korean Drama - 2016, 20 episodes

    9.5

    Time travel. She returned to modern era, both characters heartbroken

  • Princess Agents

    2. Princess Agents

    Chinese Drama - 2017, 67 episodes

    9.5

    Season 2 was never aired and the series ended on a sad note. However, the web novel has a happy ending.

  • Attack On! Princess

    3. Attack On! Princess

    Chinese Drama - 2023, 24 episodes

    FL died, prince is old, FL seems to reborn... possible S2

  • Adieu ma princesse

    4. Adieu ma princesse

    Chinese Drama - 2019, 52 episodes

    FL died at the end. Prince aged and never forgot her.

  • Chong Zi

    5. Chong Zi

    Chinese Drama - 2023, 40 episodes

    8.0

    Both died. Change into swords spirit

  • Wu Geng Ji

    6. Wu Geng Ji

    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.

  • Lost You Forever

    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.

  • A Frozen Flower

    8. A Frozen Flower

    Korean Movie - 2008

    Both ML die. FL remain alive with an unknown future.

  • Sword and Fairy 4

    9. Sword and Fairy 4

    Chinese Drama - 2024, 36 episodes

    ML dies. Everyone loose memories

  • Love Your Bones Forever 2

    10. Love Your Bones Forever 2

    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.

  • Le chant de la gloire

    11. Le chant de la gloire

    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.

  • Hard to Find

    12. Hard to Find

    Chinese Drama - 2024, 28 episodes

    8.0

    Confirmed by author Sad ending

  • Le Loup

    13. Le Loup

    Chinese Drama - 2020, 49 episodes

    Death

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