The Curious Case Of Hong HaeIn - How Did Her Character Development Have Millions Hooked On Kim JiWon And "Queen Of Tears"?

"Queen Of Tears", one of the hottest K-Dramas of 2024, has finally reached its conclusion. Featuring stars like Kim SooHyun and Kim JiWon as its main leads, the drama had a meteoric rise in ratings, ending at a record high of 24.85%, surpassing "Crash Landing On You" as the highest rated drama of tvN.

The relationship between Baek HyunWoo (Kim SooHyun) and Hong HaeIn (Kim JiWon) kept audiences mesmerized from beginning to end. It was amazing to witness their journey as a couple and how they were able to surpass every hurdle. Combined with an amazing supporting cast and a plot that had viewers wrapped around their finger, "Queen Of Tears" will certainly go down in history as a must-watch series for every K-Drama fanatic.

Part of its success is definitely owed to Kim JiWon and her portrayal of Hong HaeIn. As a character, HaeIn was flawed in many ways, greeting viewers with a towering barricade that kept everyone, Baek HyunWoo included, out. However, it's in her character development and how she transformed over the course of the drama that had fans gushing over Hong HaeIn, and in essence Kim JiWon, all throughout "Queen Of Tears".

Hong HaeIn was special for many reasons. Let's take a look at some down below.

Note: this article contains spoilers.

 

Prickly Demeanor + A Hidden Soft Side

When we first meet Hong HaeIn, her personality is anything but kind-hearted, as her prickly demeanor makes it difficult for anyone to approach her, family included. She's a tough-as-nails CEO who goes to great lengths and strives for perfection at all costs. To some, she may appear emotionless