My Dearest Nemesis

The complete lack of chemistry was fascinating to watch.

This drama should be studied. We need a whole master thesis presenting various theories about what happened, because it’s been ages since rom-com gave me this little, basically nothing in terms of romance between the main couple.

What’s even more confusing is the fact I actually finished it, and I did not even have to force myself to watch it. Not many things worked in this show, but somehow I still kept watching the next episodes. Don’t know what weird spell this show put on me, but it worked.

On the bright side, production wise it was great. Not outstanding, but definitely on the high level of production. I wish we would get more in-game scenes since these were for sure entertaining.

What’s more, the second couple was amazing. What a refreshing pairing. Both Ha Jin and Sin Won are the type of characters I have seen in other projects. Their whole storyline was rather unpredictable in terms of typical cliches.

That would be the end, now we have reached the border to the bark side. And there is a lot to talk about.

I already talked about how weirdly weak the chemistry between the leads was. Not one scene awoke any butterflies in my stomach, there were zero sparks. By all means, the main characters felt like siblings, not like a couple. Sadly I think Choi Hyun Wook jumped into adult roles too fast, without graduating from university first. I do believe picking one or two titles set in the uni after all the high school dramas is the best option for the majority of the actors. He looked too much like a baby here, and how the character was written did not help.

And that’s what bothered me a lot - instead of making him an adult who has what is perceived as childish hobby, they actually made him childish. And with how mature and independent Su Jeong was, it felt like a babysitting job, not a romance.

Then we have Jung Hyo Seon - what was that? They painted her as a complete psychopath, zero understanding of human emotions, not just rude and cold, but simply abusive. Even in the last episode she was “confused” by normal human emotions, to then take 180 next two scenes and reconnect with Ju Yeon by apologizing. This just pissed me off. Not only did her development make no sense, it was insulting that it was accepted by people around her in the first place. Apology is a bit too weak when you were LITERALLY abusing your grandson for years.

The writing was just bad. 12 episodes, but it’s hard to describe what actually happened in the show since most of the topics and plot lines were poorly developed. Sure, they did bring some interesting topics like feeling embarrassed about your hobbies, need for acknowledgement and how it can negatively affect your life, guilt that comes from not addressing grief, inequality in the workplace, but none of them had any depth to it, worth reflection and discussion.

Overall, this is such a weird show. Majority of it does not work, but still makes you want to watch the next episode.

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Just a Typical Romcom with badly executed cliches

My dearest nemesis fails to be the romcom it was promising to be with the trailer and the first two episodes.
Good points for Drama:
Easy Watch when you're not looking for any deep story.
All Cliches included.
2nd Lead dynamic is fun.

Bad Points:
No innovation to the plot
Shallow Characters with no real motivation.
The drama forgets it's main focus midway and turns into tragic ml trauma thing.

It is fun till ep 6 and then goes downhill from that. Watch at your own risk, the main leads are a little childish and you probably won't get a satisfying ending, but it has some good moments.

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Sadly, Nothing Special...

My 4 categories are Acting/Cast, Writing, Direction/SFX/Music, Entertainment Value.

I did something stupid...I forced myself through multiple boring K-dramas at the same time (and I’m still trying to force myself through another). I’m probably going to sound jaded when typing up these reviews. The dramas that I’ve been watching simultaneously are Castaway Diva, My Dearest Nemesis, and School 2021 (which I haven’t finished), with the strongest of the group being Castaway Diva. Needless to say, it has not been fun for me lately in K-drama world.

Acting/Cast: The cast for My Dearest Nemesis is decent. The reason I wanted to watch this drama was because of Choi Hyun Wook (최현욱), who played such an amazing character in Twinkling Watermelon. He didn’t do great in this role, unfortunately. His character has an annoying way of speaking that sounds very fake. There are times when he’s cute though. Everyone else did fine. The characters just aren’t very interesting. One of the character traits of the female lead is that she has zero interests…it’s weird and boring. 4/10

Writing: Another reason I wanted to watch this drama was because of the gamer element. I grew up with gaming as a huge part of my life and I still game pretty regularly (if there’s a game that I’m into). I thought it’d be really cute seeing them interacting through an online game and falling in love and then meeting in real life and playing games together in person. The K-drama Something In The Rain had a bit of that and it was super cute. They didn’t really do that in this drama though. I was extremely disappointed. The gaming aspect of this drama honestly doesn’t matter much. There’s only a short time at the beginning of the drama where they meet in game and form a bond, but it’s never revisited. The female lead actually doesn’t like games and had only started playing for a really dumb reason. So, they never play games again, whether online or in person. The gaming aspect was the one thing that made this drama special and stand out from the rest of these formulaic K-drama rom-coms. Therefore, once it was removed, the drama became the same as any other. The message behind the drama is to like what you like and be yourself, but that message is made laughable since liking video games, cartoons, and rock music isn’t a taboo or an embarrassing thing. It’s actually kind of offensive that they framed it that way. Another idea that the drama explores is about learning to love again (or to risk loving again) after being hurt and traumatized. This concept is explored through both the main love story and the side love story. This was actually done pretty well. Although, the second female lead asking a complete stranger to have sex with her was still kind of much. Finally, I have to mention the cliché redemption arc at the end...there’s no freaking way. I’ll just leave it at that. 1/10

Direction/SFX/Music: Nothing of note in this category aside from the music. The OST isn’t bad. It’s upbeat with a fun vibe. Some of it sounds like chill Lo-Fi music to study to without putting you to sleep. 5/10

Entertainment Value: I liked watching their relationship build in game, but that didn’t last long. After that, getting through this drama was a struggle. I wish I would have just dropped it. 1/10

Overall, I gave this drama a 1/10 because I really regretted watching this. For me, entertainment value has much more weight on an overall score. The gaming aspect of the drama (which is what attracted me to this drama) is just a gimmick; it really isn’t important and doesn’t last very long. I feel personally victimized by the plot...how is gaming and rock music embarrassing? There’s not much drama in this drama; issues are resolved quickly and everyone is pretty reasonable (except the grandma), so this makes for a boring, but light watch if you’re into that. As for me, I’ve seen this story too many times already.

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Show was OK but the Grandma redemption arch killed it for me

So my rating is based on one thing only, and that is the Grandmother of the ML. They gave her redemption arch in the last episode. After her whole life of hatred and one sentence from the secretary poof we´re good now.

NO! NO! and NO!!!!!

this person abused the ML since he was a child. A CHILD!!!! of what 8-9 years??? she constantly reminded him that he is NOTHING. That he has no right to mourn or miss his parents! When he behaved as a normal 15yr old (went to meet the FL) she BURNED all his stuff that he had left of his parents!!!!!

That is abuse of unredeemable level.

And the secretary said that he endured it because he wanted her aknowledgement. WTF!!!! maybe when he was older but at the young age im sure he endure it because he had nowhere to go, noone to talk to.

The show was MID at best for me, I was expecting something different, but that´s me problem, not the show problem (I would propaby give it 7/10).

I loved the ML, he was such a cutie. I was MEH on the FL.

Most I loved the second ML. Open and straightforward manly man. And props to the atress that played the grandma because man, she made me hate her.

That said, NOTHING can exuse this part of the story. There is toxic behavior and then there is this. She did not need a redemption arch, nor she deserved one.

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A Promising Cast, but a Miscast Lead

As a big fan of Choi Hyun-wook and his previous dramas, I had high hopes for this series. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a real disappointment.
The drama follows classic, overused patterns, which isn’t necessarily a flaw, but when the story lacks credibility, it becomes a serious problem. And here, that’s exactly what happens.

Overall, the casting is decent. But why cast Choi Hyun-wook as a company CEO? From the start, it just doesn’t feel right. Some might say you eventually get used to it… I didn’t. He still looks like a high school student; seeing him as the head of a company simply isn’t believable. As a regular employee, maybe, but not as a boss.

On top of that, the soundtrack and the story are quite bland. Nothing really stands out. The "geek" side of the main character, which he awkwardly tries to hide, felt more cringey than endearing. There were so many better and deeper themes they could have explored.

In the end, I couldn’t even finish the series. And those are the reasons why.

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same old thing

another rich guy and co-worker drama.
the only thing that makes this drama from others of this same genre is their backstory which was unnecessary and stupid.
I'm sorry but being that traumatized over a first love, that too an online one is too stupid.
everything else in the drama is the same old cliche: some abusive family member who gets forgiven, fl facing misogyny over dating him......same old stuff
they should have given more styling to the actor playing the ml, something to make him not look like a highschool student. they did good with showing the fl growing up,they could have tried something like that for the ml too
the leads are supposed to have a age gap but it doesn't add anything to the power dynamic or their relationship

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Fully Entertaining❣️

Finally, after such a long time, I feel as though I'm really getting into a K-drama. February seems to be filled with great dramas. The storyline appears enjoyable and entertaining, the chemistry seems solid, and the humor is delightful. I really hope it doesn’t become boring in the episodes to come. I just finished watching the first episode, and it made me laugh! I would say the K-drama era is making a comeback with consecutive great dramas and fresh casting.Fun and fully entertaining drama I think most people will like it also I love the chemistry ❣️
watched episode 2 it's fun ❤️❤️ I loved it now I am regretting watching ongoing should have bing watch it would be better waiting is kiling me now 😩

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Cute and easy, but won’t stick with you!

This is a good pick for a lighthearted romcom that is a perfect one-time watch. It offers all your classic elements you would expect - from charming moments to some funny and punk rock twists with an overall feel-good vibe from start to finish. While it doesn’t break new ground in terms of plot, it does just enough to make you smile and feel good by the end.
The pacing is just right, with a blend of humor and sweet moments that kept me entertained without getting too heavy or too complicated for a romcom.

The chemistry between the leads was good. Their connection felt real and cute, giving off an effortless vibe. Whether they were joking around or having those sweet moments, they somehow just clicked.
From playful banter to tender moments, you can tell they genuinely enjoy each other’s company. Their interaction felt natural and not forced, which added a certain depth to their relationship.

The gaming element at the beginning was actually a clever subplot. It felt seamless and didn’t come across as childish which I feared when I read the synopsis, instead bringing a fresh dynamic that added an extra layer of fun to the plot. I wish they kept more of that in later part of episodes too.

The SML Kim Sin Won was definitely a highlight for me. He was such a sweetheart and I loved that they didn’t make him compete with the ML for FL's attention. That was a nice change from the usual love triangle drama. On the other hand, the SFL wasn’t always my favourite. She came across as kind of immature at times, especially when she pulled away from SML but made him feel like it was his fault. I get needing space, but it would have been nicer if she didn’t act like he was in the wrong for it. Honestly, I think I would have been okay if they hadn’t ended up together.

The supporting characters were a mixed bag and in the background except for throwing some curve ball here and there. The female lead’s dad was such a sweetheart, adding a lot of warmth to the story in the little screentime he got. I liked his supportive nature and his bond with both his kids.
But the male lead’s grandmother! Yikes. I just couldn’t get on board with her till the end. I am sorry but no amount of redemption arc could make me forget how cruel she was to a child.

The acting was decent all around. No complaints really, everyone did their thing with what they had, even if the script wasn’t exactly mind-blowing. They still made it work and brought the characters to life.

Overall, while it wasn’t anything groundbreaking, this still served a good time. Recommended if you are looking for something light and feel-good.

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SUGAR WITHOUT TASTE

Sometimes, less is more. Sometimes, developing one arc is better than shoehorning multiple arcs. There has to be a reason why many comments about this drama are "something was missing". Is it a bad show? Absolutely not. But it was lackluster in a way that upsets the viewers, for they could see the vast potential it held.

What is good about the show?

1) The setup: Two people who broke each other's hearts as teenagers because of naivety & insecurities....reuniting as adults in the real world while harboring old scars and helping each other grow, love, forgive and become better people is rom-com gold. This is a solid setup which doesn't allow you to get bored and keeps the viewers on their toes while being entertained.

2) Choi Hyun Wook: He is rising star in the kdrama world.... brimming with potential, raw charms and natural talent. Something which is unmissed by the viewers and producers. One can argue that this is his first attempt at trying more mature, "not-school boy" role....paving way for a future as a mainstream actor with a diverse filmography. And I think he did a good job. Ofcourse this character was nowhere as layered as his past characters. However, it was refreshing to see him tackle a quintessential kdrama male lead role. His ability to handle humorous & emotional scenes with ease and charming persona made this a fun watch.

3) Decent OST, Good Production and Adequate Kdrama world building: I've rarely come across a kdrama that doesn't deliver in terms of music, aesthetics and world building. The show will give the viewers everything that we associate to a good kdrama. It is Seol suave, aesthetically beautiful, well produced, promising supporting cast and musically forward.

Why this show is lackluster?

1) Too many divergences: The synopsis tells that their childhood incident was the main bone of contention, but this couple is plagued with many challenges and after a while as a viewer you can't help but wonder....it's a little too much. They have to sort their past misunderstanding, his attempts to safeguard his secrets (hobbies), their present-day professional differences (boss-subordinate angle), their social incompatibility (chaebol- commoner angle) and personal scars (his traumatic childhood). After a point as a viewer, I felt a divergence fatigue. You can't give every challenge or obstacle under the sun to the couple just to make the story "interesting". On the contrary, it makes the viewers feel exhausted.

2) Half Baked Closures: I wished rather than spending so much time giving a gazillion challenges to our couple, the makers should have spent adequate time fleshing out their main bone of contention and the male lead's family matters. Becuase at the heart of the story, these two issues were the reasons why it shaped them as the people that they were. The show dilutes the nuance of these issues either for comic relief or to focus on other matters. They should've spent more time explaining their teenage pain, built an emotional explanation of them choosing to move ahead and male lead's unresolved family trauma. Though, I was at least glad that he received an apology (won't give more details) .... wouldn't have expected that had this been a 2014-2015 era kdrama so cheers to that.

3) Chemistry: This is probably a controversial take but oh well, this is my view. I felt the casting was off. The two did not have the spark that makes you swoon while watching a romantic series. In scenes when they were by themselves, when they were fighting with each other, when they were interacting with others.... they did a great job. Both are good actors and have proved that repeatedly. Chemistry is not about acting, it's about the writing and how the actors connect with each other onscreen. This couple did not have the pull that makes the audience swoon. Having said that, there were some sweet scenes that will make you warm and floofy inside.

All in all, its a palette cleanser watch. You won't be glued but you won't hate it either. Worth watching for fans of the genre and of these actors :)

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