My Dearest Part 2

Not as good as part 1

While I absolutely loved part 1, part 2 felt disjointed. ML and FL had a lot more interactions, but the story had way too many useless characters and frustrating plotlines.

There were a lot of scenes where ML and FL almost met but missed each other by a hair. At first, it was ok, but later became very frustrating because the writers overdid it. Some characters and storylines were pointless. What was the deal with the Chinese princess and her unrequited love for Jang Hyun? It didn't move the plot forward, but created unnecessary conflict that was more frustrating than meaningful. The princess got no character development and her arc ended in a very underwhelming way. She was cruel and selfish, and I expected Jang Hyun to deal with her in a smart way. But he told her he was leaving and she accepted it, the end. Gil Chae getting abducted to Qing also felt off. It was a tool for her to meet Jan Hyun, but the plotline felt like a forced cop out, rather than a natural story progression.

It also felt like the writers changed their mind with the direction of the story. They made a big deal about women being abused in one household because of a jealous wife. But Gil Chae spent very little time there, then left, and that was it. The arc with Gil Chae marrying the sergeant was also completely pointless. It was another tool to keep ML and FL apart for a bit longer without serving any other purpose.

The entire part 2 felt like a forced attempt to continue with the story post war, except there was not as much conflict and action. A lot of story arcs felt uninspired and forced. I wish the war plotline wouldn't have ended in part 1. This was when the story was at its best.

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Lacking compared to part1

My review is for the second half of the drama rather than the entire drama. I quite loved the first half (part 1) but this second half (part 2) was so much more weaker.

The first 3 episodes are decent, there are light moments (when you compare to the tragedies of the first part) and hope. But episodes 4 - 9 were such a drag to watch. You get brief moments of happiness and then problems. To the point that it seemed like a never-ending mess. I was prepared for a tragic ending. Apart from that, the story was really moving slowly with not much happening. You can easily watch these episodes on 2x because everyone talks so slowly.

Some of the characters really annoyed me. One being the king. He was so hell bent on retaining power and his position that he lost trust in everyone including his ministers, his son, and his people. To target his own people who already faced so much was simply unforgiveable according to me. What does loyalty mean if the other party unreasonably wants to sentence you to death in order to feel "peace"?

The other character was the scholar who acted all noble and could see that the king's fears are driving him to cruelty and he made the same exact choices by giving into his unreasonable fears. Though it just proved that he was always a cruel man and he never regretted his part mistakes. He would repeat them again without much hesitation.

Finally, it was Officer Gu, who we all knew was not worthy of marrying Gil Chae.

It's easy to blame the "barbarians" for the sufferings of the people of Joseon but this part highlighted that the people of Joseon were far more cruel to their own. They abandoned their own family and wives and sisters and daughters if they deemed them to be "tainted" and were obsessed with keeping Joseon "clean". They were willing to kill their own by labelling them as traitors without proof. They forced women to kill themselves. They humiliated anyone who survived. They truly disgusted me because instead of easing each others suffering and giving each other comfort after all the hardships and sorrows, they rejected and ridiculed them instead. They didn't allow their own people to heal. So the real traitors were the ones who escaped "unscathed". Problem is, I don't know if majority of the audience will understand this because of the way it was presented. Unless you can relate to being "othered" in your own country, it's unlikely that most of the audience will understand this aspect of the story because of the way it is presented. It will probably get sidelined as an aspect of war.

The last two episodes were the best compared to the rest of this part. Though there are again unnecessary hurdles and part of me wanted to know what happened to all the politics that we were forced to suffer through, I am glad we were not forced to suffer more on the leads' story front. If not for the last 2 episodes, I would have certainly scored this part lower just for those middle episodes. The male lead also said and did all the right things and he truly was a blessing for everyone. The growth of the female lead was also nice to see and a good contrast between part 1 and 2.

One aspect they glossed over is what exactly happened to Ryang Eum.

The OST of this show continues to be enjoyable.

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a review for both part's 1 and 2

"Do you hear that? The sound of flowers blooming"
I was sold. I was seated.
——
I devoured this drama in 2 days and lost my sleep for the beautiful narration it truly was. Mind you i have 3 pending kdramas as of 12/29 but i mindlessly put it on hold just to reserve myself to see this drama through...

I initially came across this drama when MBC released its trailer. it caught my attention but i guess it wasn't enough to get me out of the kdrama slump i was at the time😂 THANKS TO TIKTOK it resurfaced on my fyp and gave this a shot!!

Many say it starts off slow and picks up at 3rd-4th episode however i do not feel the same. From the first episode till the last few minutes of episode 21–i loved every bits of it.

I seldom writing reviews and reserve writing allat for dramas deserving. I can confidently say its well within my #10 all time best kdrama and #1 sageuk drama. Easily Nam Goong Min's and Ahn Eun Jin's best roles portrayals out of their filmographies.

Do i recommend?
Yes. Yes. Yes. Though be prepared for the rollercoaster and tearjerker it will be. If you suvived scarlet heart/moon lovers, then you wont have much trouble going through all the episodes. It is depressing. Sad. Dark.
I came for the romance but also stayed for the history of Joseon. I found myself sympathizing for the plight and the women of Joseon endured. This drama portrays all of the character's story so well—so much depth and well thought and written characters.

I miss my JangChae already☹️❤️
I'm in "i wish i could watch it like the first time" moment🥲

WELL my yapping ends now.
It has been awhile since i felt this empty after watching a kdrama. The void left in me will be hard to fill in.🥴

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My Dearest – A Tale of Love, War, Identity, and Survival

Set during the Qing invasion of Joseon in the 1600s, My Dearest is more than a historical romance. It’s a harrowing, poetic exploration of what it means to be human when the world is stripped of dignity, hope, and control. Through intimate character arcs and sweeping historical tragedy, it weaves love, loss, betrayal, and resilience into something hauntingly unforgettable.

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War as the Great Equalizer and Destroyer

The backdrop of the Qing invasion is not just a setting — it’s a living force that crashes into the characters’ lives and obliterates every illusion of safety, class, and control. Nobles become slaves. Soldiers become traitors. Citizens become survivors. The war strips everyone bare, revealing the raw truth of who they are when everything else is taken.

“The world has changed. And so have we. But I don’t know if we changed because of the world… or because we had to survive.”

The war exposes the fragility of national pride, the corrupt nature of political loyalty, and the sheer helplessness of the common people caught in the games of kings and emperors. Joseon’s leadership is portrayed as weak and divided, failing to protect its people — a bitter commentary on the cost of blind patriotism and power struggles.

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Love as Resistance, but Not Salvation

Yes, the central love story between Lee Jang-hyun and Yoo Gil-chae is moving — but it’s not romanticized. It’s full of missed chances, trauma, and choices that hurt both of them. What makes their love story so compelling is that it mirrors the chaos of the era: unpredictable, painful, yet rooted in something deeply human.

But love does not save them. And that’s the point.
Instead, love becomes a quiet rebellion — a way to cling to identity, hope, and humanity when everything else is collapsing. It is both a burden and a blessing. The tragedy is not that they fall apart, but that they love so fiercely in a world that doesn’t allow them to be together.

“You became the only thing I wanted in a world that gave me nothing.” – Jang-hyun
“Even when I hated you, I prayed you were alive.” – Gil-chae

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Identity and Transformation

Every character undergoes transformation — not a glow-up, but a breaking-down and rebuilding of the self.
• Gil-chae evolves from a vain, naive noblewoman into a hardened survivor. Her journey is about losing her identity as a “lady” and redefining strength not in status, but in compassion and endurance.
• Jang-hyun, once a man who lived only for himself and “didn’t believe in love,” becomes someone who sacrifices everything, again and again, for a woman and a people who may never understand him.
• Kyung Eun-ae, Gil-chae’s best friend, also goes through profound change — from a timid woman into one who takes painful decisions, shows moral courage, and chooses survival over dignity.

The show constantly asks:

Who are we when no one sees us? Who are we when survival demands we become someone we hate?

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The Burden of Memory and the Cruelty of Hope

As the war ends and the dust settles, what remains is not relief — but trauma. The characters carry the weight of what they saw, what they lost, and what they did to survive.

Jang-hyun’s eventual decision to leave Gil-chae for good, even when she’s finally ready to be with him, is devastating. He’s dying — and he chooses to spare her the burden of watching him fade away. It’s a final act of love, but also an indictment of how tragedy has robbed them of even the right to grieve together.

“I wanted to die in her arms. But that would have made her die with me.” – Jang-hyun’s final words

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Cinematography, Symbolism, and Score

Everything about the production elevates the storytelling:
• Muted tones and natural light reflect the fading innocence and raw reality of war.
• Symbolism is everywhere: water represents both rebirth and distance, letters become vessels of love and regret, and silence often speaks louder than dialogue.
• The soundtrack — particularly “Road to You”, “One and Only”, and “Always Be There” — amplifies the longing and heartbreak without ever overwhelming the scene.

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Final Reflections

My Dearest doesn’t offer a happy ending. It offers something harder: truth. The truth that sometimes, love comes at the wrong time. That war doesn’t end just because the fighting stops. That we may survive, but not whole.

It’s a show about what we hold onto when we have nothing left — and what it costs to keep holding on.

It’s not for the faint-hearted. But for those who watch it, it leaves a quiet ache — the kind that lingers like the memory of someone you once loved in another lifetime.

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"My Dearest 2" continues the story of Gil Chae and Jang Hyun, exactly where it stopped in the first season. The two are apart, with Gil Chae married with Won Moo and Jang Hyun in a faraway land, trying to help Joseon people, but fate pulls them back together.

Gil Chae Is kidnapped by the intruders, where she's reunited with Jang Hyun. Even in that situation, she tried to stay loyal to her husband, fighting her feelings for Jang Hyun, who literally does everything for her and stops at nothing to keep her safe.
She suffers a lot of humiliations, with people even cursing at Gil Chae when she comes back home, telling her that she should have killed herself, that she has no shame, that was really horrible to see. Only Jang Hyun is the exception.

I always liked Yeon Jun a lot and thought he was an upstanding and fair person, but he's just like all the other men in Joseon. That speech he made to Eun Ae about women who were only touched by intruders disgusted me, him saying that they lose their chastity, that they become dirty. Eun Ae suffered the same thing and the worst it was him blaming her for not telling him.

This production is truly amazing!
Both the first and second parts are sensational, they complement each other, it is the journey of Chil Chae and Jang Hyun, we follow the characters growing, falling in love, the separation, the reunion, all the pain and suffering to finally be happy.

What do I do now that Nam Goong Min stole my heart?! HAHA'

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A Nation in Turmoil, A Love Torn Apart: A Gripping, Heart-Wrenching Sequel

This sequel dives headfirst into heavier, more melodramatic waters—and justifiably so. Set against the bleak backdrop of war, humiliation, and captivity following Joseon’s defeat by the Qing, the story takes a darker, more intense turn. The Crown Prince now lives as a hostage in Shenyang, the Qing capital, while the scars of national disgrace run deep.

At the end of the first series, Gil-Chae, misled by Ryang-Eum, believes Jang-Hyun is dead. Her grief clouds her judgment further when she mistakenly credits another man as her rescuer during a near-tragic moment and, in a hasty bid for security, accepts his proposal. Just as Jang-Hyun reappears, alive and willing to risk everything for her, she abandon him again—choosing duty to her family and stability over love.

Now married, Gil-Chae continues her metalware trade among the elite, until she is captured and sent to Shenyang. Proud and unyielding, she refuses to seek help from Jang-Hyun, despite knowing he is near. Her silence costs her dearly.

This sequel is a full-blown emotional rollercoaster. It stirs not only heartache but outrage:

- I wanted to shake Gil-Chae for her maddening pride. If only she had called for Jang-Hyun, he would have moved mountains to save her. Instead, she endures brutal treatment—and later wounds him further with lies and distance. It is infuriating. How an intelligent woman can fall victim to her own pride and stubbornness.

- The misplaced honour of Joseon society made my blood boil. Women who endured hell to return home were greeted not with compassion, but with accusations of impurity for having been touched by “barbarians.” They deserved better.

- When Gil-Chae’s husband hesitated to rescue her because of possible lost chastity, I could not help but mourn her mistaken choice of husband. His bigotry disguised as honour is no honour at all. He should at least think of getting her out of misery as priority above all else.

- The King and Lady Jo are nearly unbearable to watch. Not only do they abandon their people, but they kill returning captives? It is gut-wrenching. The drama makes you despise their moral bankruptcy. When a nation falls under the rule of a leader with twisted values and misplaced judgement, it is not merely misfortune—it is a slow unraveling of its soul.

- And then there is the once-noble scholar with high ideals, who folds under the threat of family disgrace. He chooses reputation over lives—while uneducated men risk everything to save others. His collapse of character is a powerful critique of hypocrisy in high places.

- Yes, there are moments of frustration—battle scenes that defy logic, unnecessary impersonations, and the tired use of amnesia not once but twice. With two concussion to the head so severe, what's the chance of surviving. Why have your back to the enemies in a battle situation?

But in spite of all that, the series still captivates. The storytelling remains strong, the emotional stakes high, and the ending surprisingly tender. The romance, though painful, is deeply moving.

Namkoong Min is stunningly charismatic, and the cast overall is dazzling—both in looks and performance. The cinematography is breathtaking, and the tension never lets up.

Some minor flaws aside, this sequel is a gripping continuation filled with passion, betrayal, sacrifice, and redemption. Highly recommended—though be prepared to yell at your screen. Don't sit too near, in case you punch it. 😂

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One of the best

My Dearest stands out for its ability to blend a great love story with a violent, cruel and deeply human historical context. The character of
Jang-hyun is too charming, cultured, ironic. The evolution of the character Yoo Gil-chae, from a vain flirtatious woman, who I didn't like at all, is surprising.
The historical context is not a simple background, but an active protagonist.
The direction is elegant and refined, with photography that enhances the natural landscapes, traditional costumes and the emotion of key moments. The soundtrack, melancholic and sweet, perfectly accompanies the evolution of the relationship between Gil-chae and Jang-hyun, often separated but never really far away.
I would have avoided the second loss of memory, useless in my opinion, retracing the same dynamic that slows everything down.
I would watch it a hundred times and every time it tears my heart.

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Halfway and I lost interest, too much self-pity and crying

I wasn't loving part 1 as I found the dynamic between the lead is a bit childish and drags. Part 2 comes and first 4 episodes hit me with massive emotional train wreck, so painful yet so beautiful. What stands out to me compared to the previous season is this new dynamic among the hunter woman, Jang Hyun ang Gil Chae. She has so much passion and her motivation is interesting, so she elevate the stake. I'm in for their painful future stories.

Cinematography is just as stunning as the previous part. The shots are very captivating, that you can't help but admired. Trigger warning: the torture scenes realistically gruesome, comparable to few historicals Mr. Sunshine and Empress Ki. I guess it is to highlight the degradation that Joseon went through during this historical time. Great and emotional acting by all cast! Namkoong Min has rightly been receiving praise for his accolade and I enjoyed his chemistry with Lee Chung Ah. Honestly, they look great together in all situations.

Even if it won't happily ever after, at least I hope the struggles of our heroes come to an end soon because all of them goes through so much pain already. Every little hopeful moment counts, even though I don't know how it's going to end.

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what the fuck was this?

the only thing good about this kdrama was the acting.
the amnesia trope being introduced twice in FIVE episodes.
the fucking second lead blaming HIS WIFE for almost being raped instead of comforting her and then WANTING her back as if he was not a fucking piece of shit?
hating the male lead after he protected his ass so many times during the war, and wanting him dead???
the plot of the war with qing was NOT resolved, the only thing resolved was the romance plot!
ryang eum ending up LOCKED UP for being insane?? when he isn't??? what the fuck is up with that??? him being the only one with grey hair at the end altho he is one of the youngest in the series????

just what the fuck did i watch? i wasted my time for this and i regret watching it. it was not worth it.

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PART 2 CRINGE FROM PART 1 - the power of domination

"watching people want to live when they have been taken captive, seems so pathetic in my eyes"

Part 2 always cringe. And my beloved Princess Qing, is right, it is pathetic indeed, to be a slave.
Always stupid and ridiculous characters, eithout any development and positive elements
The ministers are more reasonable and normal characters. You have been conquered, accept your fate as slaves and deportation.
Some of the useless characters lose their lives (finally).
The two protagonists are the same as the first episode of part 1, without development or maturity.
It is also annoying that they are still called "intruders" when we are almost completely conquered in China (end of 1642-1643). The Han of the Ming Dynasty would have the right to do so, not the slaves. How beautiful the market was❤️
The only nice thing is to see the Qing conquest after a few years, and the few Qing that are seen. CONQUEST POWER.
The Princess of the Qing Dynasty is the only decent woman, and decent character, in the whole drama, along with those of the Qing Dynasty. The drama, in the first part, deals with the years 1636-1637, in the second part 1642-1645.
The useless Crown Prince and Princess die, and they deserve it.
The ML protagonist remembers of creepy stalkers, it's as trashy as the drama (unwatchable). The story is not at all believable from any point of view ( what kind of behaviours??)
Princess Qing is literally the best, strong, pragmatic although kind-hearted. She much better than all the spineless Korean characters, both male and female. 0 courage.
Nonsense ending fanservice for the fans of an actor ( are they arelly actors?) who doesn't even know how to act, like the whole cast. Inaccuracy of the costumes can be clearly seen.
Not recommended at all. This is too comic relief.

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"그 무엇이든, 난 길채면 돼."

Of course, romance is what the drama primarily is, but it is not a sweet one. Just as equal of a part is the political rivalries inside and outside of the country that only bring tragedy and destruction to the lives of regular people. Another the themes played, another one is the loyalty to the state VS the loyalty to the people.

🔸️The main character is the person of free thought and nonconformity to the traditional society structure. He doesn't believe in sacredness of marriage, "purity", he doesn't evaluate someone's worth based only on their social status. And why would he? He experienced the highs and lows. But don't be tricked by this character because he is not an ideological hermit, and asceticism is the last thing he would ever want. He plays by the rules to improve his wealth and help those in need. Lee Jang Hyeon, although he is indeed great in business, doesn't lack empathy and courage despite his unwillingness to give up on his image of an unapproachable privileged weirdo. He is devoted to helping the lower class citizens wronged by their own government that had to protect them. Jang Hyeon will and does go out of his way if somebody relies on him desperately, even if that will cause issues with the aristocracy and the King himself.


The drama doesn't aim to appeal to the modern viewer through Lee Jang Hyeon. Rather, on the contrast with him, it shows the traditional old and prejudiced society where the life of a woman was expected to end in shame if she was sexually harassed or raped. This narrative of women suffering from the old customs is present throughout the whole drama, and it plays a significant role in the story. Gil Chae and almost all the female characters suffer from this ostracism, as if invasion of Qing, enslavement and food scarcity is not enough. Seemingly, the shared struggle should unite the people, but in this case almost everyone faced humiliation from the invaders, and probably sought out to blame someone else to feel better for themselves.



🔸️I appreciate the drama for not reserving to only bleak or only bright colors and for allowing heartwarming and hilarious moments among the violence, blood, and uncertainty of mid-Joseon. Although, in my opinion, the drama suffers from the repetitiveness in relationships between Gil Chae and Jang Hyeon that made me grow tired by the final. 12-16 episodes would be just fine with no need to divide the release in 2 parts, which also made me feel like the buzz around it gets lower despite the ratings doubling ×2.4 from the first to the last episode.

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