This review may contain spoilers
Quite refreshing
Firstly the pros: both leads are really interesting and have interesting personalities and backstories. I really liked the age gap with reversed power balance since she's 5 years older, but he's her boss. I also liked that he never really abused his position as a boss as we see in many boss/employee dramas. They both cared and protected each other in a cute way, without the "I'll give up everything to be with you". They both wanted to keep their position, their career, their hard work and ambitions, and that's what made them feel like such a good match.About the hobbies, I thought she would go back to gaming, she seemed to enjoy it a lot, and that would have been a nice touch. They could play together properly again, including with Ha Jin and maybe the old team members.
The male lead's back story was well developed and had the appropriate closure. I felt like although the female lead also had and interesting past, it wasn't nearly developed as much.
Cons: I thought the second male lead's acting felt weird and awkward, i didn't really understand him.
The closure with his grandma felt so rushed. one day she hates his guts, and the next she's crying for forgiveness.. they should've given her at least a few days to accept that she was wrong, idk.
They could've given Su Jeong's mom more scenes, or just talked about her a little more, that plot felt like it was buried deep.
Kinda funny how they didn't break up for the reasons the should, like the fact that they could both loose their jobs, and his grandma could target her for being with him. but broke up because... they met idk how many years ago.. they could've just talked about it. they broke up as fast as they got back together too, omg. it felt like a childish thing happening in the middle of much more serious things.
their break up was extremely unbalanced and they never acknowledged that properly. Ju yeon was a kid when they first met, and he lost everything he had that day, friendship, love, his cherished things got burned, his grandma abused him. when they got back together, it was like he got everything back, only to lose it again, because he could only like things freely when he was with her and his things were in her house too, so he couldn't even rely on that. what she lost at first was a person she leaned on, and her first love. what she lost later, was just a boyfriend, because she didn't need a person to lean on so desperately anymore. the stakes were just so much higher for him.
but it gave us a very cute choi hyunwook crying scene, and i loved her crying scene too, it was so impactful specially the built up of her dad and brother trying so hard to make her open up, because she never cries or show her emotions in front of them
Weird details: she hated knitting, but you want me to believe she knitted him a flawless scarf using the tiniest yarn and needles? that scarf looked 100% machine made, come on..
She "never spends money on herself" (according to her family) but she NEVER repeated clothes? I think the only thing I remember seeing more than once was that red shirt and red cardigan thingy.
I saw someone's review saying they thought it was stupid that liking cartoons and rock music was considered a bad shameful thing. But I thought that made so much sense in this story. He's already young, and people judge his competence because of it. Of course liking children's cartoons and rock music could potentially jeopardize his image. And i think the whole point of that was the contrast between him and the other chaebols. While the other chaebols were involved in gambling, drinking, prostitution, and drugs, and were living freely, he couldn't live freely even though his interest were extremely innocent, because his grandma despised everything he liked. He grew up getting shamed for it by his only family member, of course he thinks it's shameful, and that sentiment grew when he saw people making fun of the toy they found in the office. In the end, it wasn't as shameful as he grew to believe, but we can't deny that liking children's cartoons and wanting to eat happy meals for their toys is childish.. imagine being a die hard Paw Patrol fan at 25.
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Started this show for the lightheartedness, ended up deeply emotionally attached to the characters.
I thought this show would be cute and fluffy, but I’ve found myself crying since episode 9! 😭 It’s possible that I’m just very emotional, but I’ve developed a deep attachment to Ban Ju Yeon and Baek Su Jeong. I often feel like I want to jump through the screen and offer them both a warm, comforting hug. As someone who is very empathetic, I can't help but feel their pain, which is why I tear up even just thinking about what they're going through.Watching them finally reach a point of closure and realize they aren’t alone in their suffering was truly moving. It's a reminder that everyone carries their own burdens, and many forget that others can be just as hurt as they are. Ban Ju Yeon has become my favorite character, and I feel so strongly with everything he faces. While some elements of the story may seem a bit unrealistic (like the grandmother’s sudden change), the raw emotions are incredibly authentic.
Baek Su Jeong feels like she must always be strong, bearing so much responsibility, yet yearns for someone to lean on. Ban Ju Yeon longs to be accepted for who he truly is, but feels as though he should hide his true self. Seo Ha Jin struggles with a fear of opening up and trusting someone again.
It's all so heartbreaking, yet it reflects the genuine feelings and experiences that many of us face.
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Amazing
I loved this story! I couldn't wait for more episodes every week. I love the Kdrama's where the female lead is visibly older then the male lead, and this was another case of that! The story was emotional at times but it was fun to watch. There was a lot of chemistry between the main couple and I also loved the secondary couple. In the very beginning I was a bit doubtful because of the video game visuals but later on the story started playing and it became a very fun show to watch.Was this review helpful to you?
A drama that is like a warm hug
A drama series with straight forward plot and message as well as very solid pair of leads to go with it.The show is nothing groundbreaking, but does the story that they want to show very well.
The message is clear: "like what you like, enjoy things that makes you happy". Two main leads have clear narrative arcs and very sweet natural chemistry. I really enjoyed Moon Ga-young as the female lead and her character in general, a girl that was bullied in school and lost her mom young and that shaped her into the determined woman, who works hard, has clear principles and is always there for her family. Both leads go through the path of seeing each other's perspective and grow together as well as separetely as individuals. The second couple, that is shown is contrast to the lead, works very well here too, difficulties of the "more adult" relationship is on display. There are, of course, things that could have been done better, example here is the character of grandma, her initial behaviour and her redemption arc that is very cartoonish. Overall, I think the series deserves a lot of praise for the script, acting and direction. I highly recommend it for people that want to watch something heart warming and comedic.
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Simple done the right way
Coming across such a simplistic plot usually has two outcomes for me. I usually think it's boring or just awful, but this set the tone for dramas like it. There was no groundbreaking plot twist or some dark secret. I, for one, thought that this was going to be boring based solely on tik tok edits. Choi Hyun Wook looked so childish to me, he is only freshly 23, 22 or so when this drama was being filmed, acting like a 30-year-old but somehow, I was proven wrong when I started it and I love being proven wrong. He broke out of being type casted as high school only roles and I'm proud.Another thing that bothers me is younger man/ older woman troupe the dynamic is always messy and comes off weird many times with the woman acting like the man is a baby and it being her only reason for not waiting to date him. I know you can't escape the societal structure so easily, but this drama had a hint of that but a lot more love. While the slight gap was talked about it was never the reason for the fight (It was the lie). Then when they became adults it transitioned smoothly, there was no "I'm not respecting him because he is younger" or "She is so old she doesn't even know what I'm talking about" moments. It was all fun and games. All love from the two.
The chemistry was off the charts and although their past made me a little sad it couldn't wipe the big smile off my face when they were dating. There are so many lessons on love you can learn from My dearest nemesis.
1. There are two sides to a story
2. Love every part of a person (even their weirdness)
3. You can trust another person even after being betrayed if you love them enough
4. DON'T misplace your anger
There's so much more but those stuck out to me.
Just like any other story there were characters I hated and those I loved (main characters and the second mains). I'm glad I gave this show a chance, it made me a little happier than I am and maybe it can do that for you too. The best part is you don't have to take the drama too serious. It makes your heart flutter with warmth and comfort without too much worry.
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Su Jeong and Ju Yeon keep running into awkward and hilarious situations, with plenty of misunderstandings along the way. Both are quirky in their own ways, leading to lots of cringe-worthy yet funny moments.
This romantic comedy is full of laughs and heartfelt moments, exploring second chances, rivalry, and love in unexpected ways. Mun Ka-Young brings wit and emotion to Su Jeong, making her frustrations and hidden feelings feel real.
Choi Hyun-Wook plays Ju Yeon with the perfect mix of charm, confidence, and awkwardness, showing his journey from a cocky teen to a determined professional. Im Se-Mi and Kwak Si-Yang add depth to the story with their own romance and friendships, making the series even more engaging.
Read More: https://www.dramadaze.com/my-dearest-nemesis-review/
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A New Leading Man Emerges
The famous Koreans Drama “Wild Child” Choi Hyun Wook has found a new niche in Romance Comedy in ‘My Dearest Nemesis’ (2025). He reminds me so much of Park Seo Joon and the camera is finding his perfect angles. Choi Hyun Wook first came on my radar in the Korean Drama ‘Twenty five Twenty one’. I saw this raw big acting talent who just needed to be harnessed. With a restructured look, Choi Hyun Wook is now coming across as a Leading Man. He is not a pretty man. He is rustling his raw acting talent and following the direction of the people who know what they are doing. Choi Hyun Wook is pulling back and containing his big personality just enough to show that he can be refined. Choi Hyun Wook is learning how to control his character instead of letting it control him.We all knew that Choi Hyun Wook could do big personality characters who were over the top (Twinkling Watermelon, Twenty five Twenty one). He proved that he could do Comedy (Racket Boys). Choi Hyun Wook proved that he had a dramatic side, which also could do action (Weak Hero Class 1). Choi Hyun Wook had to show that he could command the Leading Man role, before he could move to period dramas, where his action skills will shine. Choi Hyun Wook is positioning himself to become a well rounded actor. I think that Choi Hyun Wook is showing big time that he can command the Male Lead role in ‘My Dearest Nemesis’’. My Dream Team is still matching him up with Ji Chang Wook in a Crime Action RomComedy or Drama.
Choi Hyun Wook is sizzling as a Leading Man against Moon Ga Yeong (True Beauty, Find Me in Your Memory) in My Dearest Nemesis. He plays the grandson of the Chaebol and he is living a double life, but he does not want to be discovered. Choi Hyun Wook is even dropping my heart as his romance scenes in My Dearest Nemesis are heating up. Choi Hyun Wook and Moon Ga Yeong are displaying some great chemistry as the two nemesis are becoming attracted to each other.
Those managing the big talent of Choi Hyun Wook decided to restructure his body by sculpting a new muscular and slimed down look. He got braces and looks like he even got taller. As the familiar actors who started my Korean drama experience during the Pandemic are getting older, new talent will emerge. It is just nice to see Choi Hyun Wook take one of those Leading Man spots. My Dearest Nemesis is on VIKI and will be ready to binge Mar 25, 2025.
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FL is a skeleton bitch, 35 female behaving like 15.
I just drop this drama. So boring, the FL is soo annoying, she is such a bich, I can't stand her and she looks like a skeleton and is so hysterical. I can't stand this hypocritical innocence anymore. Korean women are portrayed as hysterical, childish, jealous, immature, in certain dramas. I wonder if it's the same in reality. Not a bit of emotional maturity. How can be a woman at 35 looking like skeleton and acting like a adolescent. I did not like that she purspufly invaded his privacy, his boundaries and making fun and was a bully. I also dont like that she is using his vulnerability to bully him.And also the grandmother is soo abusive, so much trauma is in this drama. I wonder what young people learn from this. A huge dislake for this. I wish to see in future dramas with unhealthy family behavior, how the caracter bilds his inner power, gain good boundaries, experience mental help like an inspiration how to overcome the trauma bonds with family and bilds his own good reality and choose a healthy path.
I am not curious was is next, asa I dont want to lootine anymore on these kind of dramas, there are also kdrama or Cdrama that are more marure, emotinal balanced and inspiring for good relationships.
Love the ML, Hyun Wook Choiand he is doing a good job at his age. I really like his acting and also his younger version, that actor also is so talented. So I I want to see Hyun Wook in a new mature drama.
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A sweet drama to pass the time :)
Hi everyone it's been a little bit again :) I wanted to write a review for this sweet show so here we go. Disclaimer: I have not read the webtoon so my opinions will be based off the show itself.Story: 7/10
In all honesty, this show is nothing new. It's packed full of rom-com cliches: childhood connection, first loves, boss-and-employee, rich-boy-and-poor girl, etc. It is honestly a bit reminiscent of True Beauty in the sense that it's lighthearted and not very plot heavy, making it an easy and relaxing watch. I quite like that about Mun Ka Young's choice of works, although I haven't exactly seen many aside from this and True Beauty. This show doesn't try to be something it's not; it knows it's a sweet little rom-com and delivers exactly what it promises. If you like twists and turns and frankly mind-blowing writing, this isn't the show for you. And to be honest, I don't often enjoy such simple shows but lately I've been in the need for something lighthearted and this definitely does the trick. But again, where it's not really original, it's a solid 7/10 in this category.
Acting/Cast: 7/10
Like I said earlier, I haven't watched many of Mun Ka Young's works, but I do like her acting in this. It's smooth and sweet, and although some of her comedic scenes feel a little bumpy, it's nothing terrible that pulls you away from the show. As for the male lead, this is actually the first time I've seen Choi Hyun Wook's work. I was surprised to learn how young he is, but given that, he does a pretty solid job. I've seen some complaints about his casting, but to be honest, his character being notably younger that MKY's character is a key part of the storyline. Therefore, I don't have an issue with it. He DOES come off awkward at times when he's putting on the "serious" face, but for a rising actor working with an honestly low-stakes script, it is good experience for him in my opinion. As for the side characters, I loved seeing Im Se Mi again (from True Beauty) and was introduced to Kwak Shi Young. I will mention that the chemistry and the flow of the lines and the comedy between the 2nd leads is definitely a bit smoother than the main leads, maybe due to the fact that they've been acting longer? Or maybe I'm just partial to Im Se Mi, hahaha. Overall, I don't have many complaints about the acting but it's not exactly ground breaking either. So, again, a solid 7/10.
Music: 8/10
As I've mentioned in other reviews, I'm not a big OST person so once again, 8/10.
Rewatch Value: 8/10
As I've also mentioned in other reviews, I'm not a big fan of rewatching shows/movies/or even kdramas. I can honestly list off on one hand the number of kdramas I've rewatched in the past. But this show, being as lighthearted and fun as it is, I feel like I might save for a rainy day when I need a little pick-me-up. Therefore, 8/10 for this category.
Overall: 7.5/10. A pretty fun show thus far, and I can't wait to watch the final two episodes next week :) As always, no hate to any of the actors/team! <3
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It's so cute.
The age gap which people are calling " Childish" Is literally the concept of the drama. Her being older and serious and him being childish amd young is the story of the drama. People really need to watch this before drawing any conclusions. The chemistry is already chemistrying in 1st 2 episodes. Can't wait...Was this review helpful to you?
n00bs at love no longer!
I came to see our Twinkling Watermelon fave branched off into being a romantic lead and stayed for the connecting story! I'm typically very iffy about age difference romances (Noona & Oppa roms), but the writing and development of this story was truly really fun and not freaking annoying! I loved it. This was a very solid watch that gave me not one, but TWO eventual couples to root for and love who showed GROWTH/Connectiveness in both phases of love (and ages). ROCK ON!P.S. This is one drama that made me wish I were a driver of a white truck. I'd use it for our particular villain. The MANY ways this villain had me cursing at the screen, and befitting them with a title of dislike! Good job, writers!
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A story about the courage to be yourself
He worked really hard to be what others wanted and hid his true self.She spent all her energy to be herself.
I’m not usually a fan of dramas with the “rich guy – poor girl” theme, so I didn’t expect much from this show.
But I really liked it. Every episode was interesting, and I never wanted to skip any part.
The main character is different from the usual romantic hero. He’s really sweet and manages to combine being a geek, a rocker, and a successful businessman. Choi Hyun Wook did an excellent job, as always. This guy brings any series to life.
The female lead impressed me with her sense of balance and her ability to stand up for justice immediately, without hesitation or revenge plans.
It was also nice to see the main characters communicate and solve problems together, without overthinking or making sacrifices, believing they know what’s best for others.
I also liked all the secondary characters, except the grandmother, who was a bit much.
The beginning of the series was quite unexpected and interesting.
It touches on online love and friendship, showing how easy it is to be deceived and carried away, and how deeply disappointing it can be to face reality.
Overall, the show was enjoyable, easy to watch, and the comedy didn’t turn into a heavy drama.
It makes you laugh at the beginning, in the middle and at the end, but it also gives you something to think about.
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