Korean Dictionary
How to say "Sad Ending" in Korean
“Sad Ending” in Korean is 슬픈 결말 (pronounced "seulpeun gyeolmal").
슬픈 결말
seulpeun gyeolmal
Usage & Context
An ending where the main characters don't get their happy ending. Some K-dramas end tragically, leaving viewers emotionally devastated. These endings are memorable and spark intense discussions.
Example Sentence
슬픈 결말이야?
Is it a sad ending?
How to use 슬픈 결말 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Sad Ending” is 슬픈 결말, romanized as seulpeun gyeolmal.
Usage tip
Drama lines are memorable, but some expressions are emotional or exaggerated compared with everyday Korean.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 슬픈 결말.
Pronunciation Guide
슬픈 (seulpeun) sounds like "seul-peun." "Seul" rhymes with "pull" but with an 's' sound. "Peun" is like "poon" but with a shorter 'oo' sound. 결말 (gyeolmal) sounds like "gyol-mal." "Gyol" is similar to "goal" but with a 'y' sound before 'o'. "Mal" rhymes with "pal." The stress is fairly even across the phrase.
More Example Sentences
Hesitating to start a story knowing its tragic end.
이 웹툰은 슬픈 결말이라서 읽을 엄두가 안 나.
This webtoon has a sad ending, so I can't bring myself to read it.
A fan pleading with a director for a happy outcome.
감독님, 제발 슬픈 결말만은 피해주세요!
Director, please, just avoid a sad ending!
Reflecting on a poignant film.
그 영화는 슬픈 결말이었지만 여운이 오래 남았어.
That movie had a sad ending, but it left a lasting impression.
Cultural Context
While many K-dramas aim for "행복한 결말" (happy endings), a "슬픈 결말" can be incredibly impactful and memorable, often leading to intense discussions and fan theories about alternative endings. Some dramas are specifically known for their tragic conclusions, becoming classics that are re-watched for their emotional depth, even if they leave viewers heartbroken. The term is frequently used in online forums and social media when discussing K-dramas, movies, or even webtoons, reflecting viewers' strong emotional investment.
Editorial note
We review drama-style expressions like 슬픈 결말 for tone, because lines that sound natural in a scene can feel too emotional or direct in everyday Korean.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
슬픈 결말일까?
Will it be a sad ending?
슬픈 결말은 싫어
I hate sad endings.
결말이 너무 슬퍼
The ending is too sad.
Related Expressions
새드 엔딩
saedeu ending
sad ending (Konglish)
비극적 결말
bigeukjeok gyeolmal
tragic ending
열린 결말
yeollin gyeolmal
open ending
행복한 결말
haengbokhan gyeolmal
happy ending (antonym)
More K-Drama Expressions Words
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