On December 31, 2025, tvN released a special 20th-anniversary video on YouTube. The network showed clips from its beloved dramas, including “Goblin,” “Lovely Runner,” “Bon Appétit, Your Majesty,” “My Mister,” and more. The video should’ve been a victory lap in 2026. Fans watched the montage with one expectation in mind. Surely tvN would spotlight its biggest ratings show. But it never came. tvN’s “Queen of Tears” was nowhere to be found. For many viewers, the absence of “Queen of Tears” felt like a deliberate erasure, sparking a broader conversation about controversy, accountability, and who ends up paying the price.
Why tvN Left “Queen of Tears” Out of Its 20th Anniversary Video
“Queen of Tears” hit a 24.9% viewership rating in 2024, making it tvN’s most-watched drama ever. It even surpassed the 2019 smash hit “Crash Landing on You” (21.7%).
So when tvN celebrated 20 years of storytelling without including its top-rated drama, people noticed immediately.
Kim Ji Won’s Performance Was the Show’s Emotional Core
For fans, Kim Ji Won as Hong Hae In was the heartbeat of “Queen of Tears.” She delivered the heavy scenes with depth and control—cold and powerful on the outside, yet vulnerable on the inside.
Fans also pointed out how much work she put into the role. Months of preparation, careful choice, and full commitment to make her character alive.
The drama became a global hit. It set a new record and helped define tvN’s recent era, which is why the silence around it felt so loud.
The Video That Sparked the Debate
When tvN announced its 20th anniversary special, fans expected “Queen of Tears” to be front and center. The video featured tvN’s beloved K-dramas, popular variety shows, and fan-favorite moments across two decades.
Then it ended—and people started replaying it.
One of tvN’s greatest achievements was missing. Online reactions came fast: How can the highest-rated drama of all time not make the cut? Others suggested a simple fix: At least include Kim Ji Won’s scenes.
tvN didn’t respond. And the lack of explanation only fueled more questions.
The Controversy Behind the Exclusion
Some believe the decision is linked to the drama’s male lead, Kim Soo Hyun.
In 2025, he became the subject of serious allegations, including accusations of a relationship with the late actress Kim Sae Ron when she was underage. Reports said the situation damaged his image and contributed to legal disputes and lost opportunities.
From a business perspective, tvN’s decision may appear to be a risk-management move. If a project is tied to an ongoing controversy, putting it in a celebratory montage can reignite backlash in seconds.
But that’s exactly where the frustration deepens.
The Collateral Damage: Cast and Crew Left Out, Too
Here’s what bothers fans most. Kim Ji Won did nothing wrong. Neither did the writers, directors, staff, or supporting cast. Yet the omission didn’t just avoid one person. Instead, it removed the entire production from a moment meant to honor tvN’s history.
Fans described it as unfair, especially because “Queen of Tears” is also an art show that involves performance, writing, directing, and the invisible labor behind every big scene.
Fans aren’t only defending a drama, they’re defending the work of everyone who participated in the production.
What the Public Reaction Looks Like
The public responses split into three camps.
Some support tvN’s decision. They argue that the network must protect the company’s reputation and take a clear stance when controversy arises. For them, leaving the drama out is a form of accountability.
Others strongly disagree. They believe that one’s alleged actions should not affect the innocent cast and crew’s hard work. They see the exclusion of “Queen of Tears” on the montage as a punishment directed at the wrong people.
A third group suggests a middle path. tvN should feature only Kim Ji Won and the other cast members. To them, it’s possible to recognize the achievement without pretending the scandal doesn’t exist.
Legal Status and Promotional Decisions
tvN hasn’t officially explained its decision, and the silence is only keeping the backlash alive. It also raises a fair question: how do networks show accountability without erasing everyone else’s work?
This is where the legal context matters. The case is not settled, and more court hearings are scheduled, with the next major hearing set for March 13, 2026.
Because the case is still unfolding, some believe “Queen of Tears” may remain excluded from tvN’s promotional materials until there is legal clarity. It’s not necessarily personal. It can be strategic.
Companies often choose caution when allegations are unproven and legal processes are still ongoing. By being cautious, they protect their reputation. This also helps them avoid risks to their business.
That creates a real tension. Networks have to protect the brand while still treating innocent cast members fairly. At the moment, tvN appears to be prioritizing caution over celebration. Until the courts make a call, “Queen of Tears” may stay in limbo.
That’s why opinions split—some see it as a reasonable risk management, while others consider it unfair. Both perspectives carry weight.
Final Thoughts
The question is what happens now. How can the industry move forward when one unresolved case can freeze an entire production, whether the individual is guilty or not?
What do you think about tvN excluding “Queen of Tears” from its 20th anniversary video? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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