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I’m surprised this was good
At first, I thought this show was going to be really cringe (and it kinda was), but after watching, I actually enjoyed it. The main leads had pretty good chemistry and were cute together. It did annoy me how she was still mad about him lying when he was 15—like, can she not see he’s obviously more mature now compared to ten years ago? The second couple honestly drove me crazy, and I couldn’t stand them. Every time they appeared, I wanted to throw my TV out the window because they were so annoying. I also felt like the last three episodes fell off a bit, but I still had a good time watching it. I wouldn’t rewatch it, but I would recommend it!💗💗💗Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
cute but still nothing special
I liked this kdrama and finished it quickly.I like both the main leads and loved the story and how it ended.The thing is . the chemistry was missing ! I know. hes younger than her and looks very young to be a director ,but still.She seemed way more mature than him.like of course,probably because shes older but in my opinion the age gap was just too much
When I first saw some short clips i loved the idea but while watching it , it seemed like they were brother and sister! she rejected him so harshly and rudly and it should have stayed that way.lit felt like the FL was babysitting him !
it was childish for me and I hated how he had to hide everything from his grandma like ,she was acting like he was doing drūgs or something it was too much!! Its obvious no one should be embarrassed about liking viedeo games or rock music at an "old age"(twenties).Nowdays no one cares abt such things and most people love such games and music.
would not watch again.
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Fell for You Online and Now I Need a Decade to Recover(because someone’s real age is a plot twist)
🫰 VIBE:Aesthetic: rainy emotional ruin with a side of family drama I didn’t sign up for
Energy: um okay, so imagine getting emotionally catfished and still thinking “maybe it’s fate?”
OST damage: currently crying to instrumental piano like it personally wronged me
🔪 PLOT:
⚠️ No spoilers. Just pure madness.
So you’re lonely, on the internet, trauma-bonding with strangers like any normal person, and BAM—you meet this dream human. Like?Blessed. The mystery? Tempting. The emotional damage? Loading.
And then- you meet in real life, and the second you understand what's happening, your brain goes missing and suddenly you're debating your choice, and why someone made the internet.
They even meet again in real life with no idea they are the reason why therapy is daily routine, and honestly? I was bracing for a chaos ride of "we’re both pretending not to know" acting job but nope, we went full emo mode. Like okay.
🖤 CHARACTERS I WILL NEVER RECOVER FROM:
🧊 Male Lead: Cutie Manga Interior King
Red flag? Kinda beige tbh.
Emotional constipation? Shocking lack of it. He actually talks??
Would I still risk it all for him? Yes. Immediately. No hesitation.
🔥 Female Lead: Chaotic but sometimes... a lil mom-ish
She’s fierce when she’s mad but suddenly goes into “I’ll take care of you, sweet boy” mode and I’m like girl... we were just fighting?
I wanted more “I’ll burn this place down” energy but also she’s dealing with inner demons soooo I’m letting her cook
🕯️ Bonus Damage:
The second leads?? No notes. No flaws. No unnecessary plot twists. Even their sadness was soft and beautiful. I would watch a 60-episode spin-off of them just sitting on a couch in silence.
Secretary: Okay technically a side character, but in my heart she’s the main event. That one cliffhanger where I thought she betrayed us? I was pacing my room like a tragedy drama widow.
Grandma villain arc: Look... she could’ve been interesting. Complex. Redeemable. But they dialed her up to 200% dramatic and never let her question anything and it made her feel like a TikTok comment section in human form.
💌 NOTABLE MOMENTS:
Scene that killed me: when they both realize the truth and react like two nervous goldfish instead of, y'know, actual people with trauma
Line that ended me: something like “does it really matter who I was before if you love me now?” And yeah, it DOES matter. But also no. I’m conflicted and crying.
Kiss that rewired my brain: not enough kisses, but the vibe?? Tension you could cut with a spoon.
Betrayal I’m still not over: grandma, babe. I need you to take a breath and maybe not torture your own family for sport?
✍️ FINAL VERDICT:
aka “Cried a little, healed a little, still mad about grandma.”
Would I recommend this?
Yes, if you’ve ever gotten emotionally attached to someone through a screen and now romanticize identity fraud.
No, if you’re already in therapy. This will undo progress.
Final Rating:
7/10 trauma reveals
9.5/10 baby boy male lead moments
6.5/10 fl making decisions that made me scream in my pillow
11/10 second leads supremacy
120/10 secretary slayage
Now excuse me while I lie dramatically in bed and wonder why I, too, haven’t fallen in love with a stranger online who turns out to be someone from my childhood. Manifesting.
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The only frustrating part for me was the grandmother. Honestly, her behavior was beyond frustrating — the way she treats her grandson feels like it deserves a psychological evaluation. I know dramas usually have that one character everyone loves to hate, but this grandmother takes it to another level. I just couldn’t understand her!
Still, I really loved the series overall. It’s sweet, charming, and wonderfully romantic.
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Perfection, I fully recommend if you like cute couples and lowkey comedy
I see some people saying it's boring, some saying it's badly done. Some talk bad about the acting, about the OSTs, about the "lack" of chemistry. They're ALL wrong!!!!! And I don't care about personal opinion.This drama is great, incredible!!! I love the duration of the show and of the episodes, I love the pacing of it, I love the music, the photography (omg such a pretty photography!!!), the acting, the couples.
If you don't like romantic dramas, or lighter stories, this is probably not for you. If you still watched and didn't like, it's your fault not the drama's.
The only complain I have about the whole show is Hajin, and she's not even a bad character. She simply sometimes says and does things I don't agree, that's all.
Ban Juyeon is the cutest, most perfect character I've ever seen. He's straightforward and kinda blunt, yes, but he NEVER does it with the intention of hurting the other person. He clearly grew up by himself, the poor thing lacks some communication skills here and there, it's normal. Never in the show you see a major misunderstanding, it doesn't last more than one episode, and if it's Juyeon's fault, he will solve it out and apologize as soon as he can.
I love love Choi Hyunwook, and he nailed this character SO WELL!!!! He's mature when he needs to, cute when he needs to, his laugh it's cute, his crying is convincing, and he has such a charismatic aura omg!!!!
Sujeong was a great character as well, she's my role model, to some extent. She had some faults here and there, some moments I forehead slapped myself, but it got sorted out very quickly too.
I really don't see the lack of chemistry some reviews talk about. They were literally perfect for each other, before and after getting together, in and outside of work. It was extremely clear that they absolutely adore each other, and the tension before getting together was great as well. I truly can't understand what's wrong with those who say they lack chemistry, I can't tell what they were expecting from the couple. Did we watch different shows? Cuz that would be the only plausible reason.
Now, that grandma... God that grandma. She will stress you out!!!! She has her redemption at the end, but I still don't like her. Crazy good actress the one who played her lol she really made me hate the character.
Anyways, it's a drama I would completely recommend, and I'll now carry Ban Juyeon in my heart, in the section of favorite male characters ♥️
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An Uneven Power Dynamic with a Frustrating ML
My Dearest Nemesis attempts to present a compelling workplace romance, but its portrayal of the male lead (ML) significantly undermines the narrative. The ML, a textbook "nepo kid," has been handed a CEO position despite lacking the skills to run a street vending stall, let alone manage a company. While this setup could provide room for growth, the ML's immaturity remains frustratingly stagnant.Despite being an adult in age, the ML behaves like a teenager at best—obsessed with childish antics, toys, and lacking any sense of responsibility. This makes his dynamic with the female lead (FL) incredibly lopsided. While their physical age gap is only a few years, the FL is a capable and responsible adult, highlighting just how emotionally stunted the ML is. Their relationship doesn't resemble a typical May-December romance; instead, it feels like a mature woman constantly trying to guide an overgrown child.
To make matters worse, the ML awkwardly reveals that his first kiss happened when he was already old enough to have children. He declares this like a badge of inexperience, essentially admitting to the FL that he's a virgin and doubting his own ability to be a good partner. This moment, intended to be vulnerable, instead comes across as painfully childish and embarrassing, further emphasizing his lack of maturity.
On top of his immaturity, the ML behaves like a cowardly little kid who seems as though he might piss his pants if his grandmother scolded him. He constantly avoids confrontation, shirks responsibility, and relies on others to fix his problems, making him an exhausting presence rather than a compelling lead.
Episode 7 further highlights the ML's troubling behavior when he follows the FL to a private meeting with her brother, father, and her brother's girlfriend. This act crosses boundaries on multiple levels—both as her boss and as someone pursuing her romantically. His actions were intrusive, disrespecting her privacy and personal space. It underscores his entitled "nepo kid" attitude, showing complete disregard for basic manners, boundaries, and even legal norms concerning stalking. Instead of demonstrating care or affection, his behavior felt childish and borderline criminal.
By the end of Episode 7, the ML's love confession feels less like a heartfelt declaration and more like a desperate plea for sympathy. Rather than expressing genuine love, he leans heavily on his sad backstory, turning the moment into a pity party rather than a meaningful confession. Even more disappointing is the FL's response—agreeing to a secret relationship in which the ML refuses to proudly acknowledge her because he's afraid of his grandmother's reaction. This lack of courage and respect makes one question if the ML is truly capable of having an adult relationship just because he's physically grown. The FL accepting this disrespect out of sympathy feels absurd, diminishing her otherwise strong character.
The ML's fear of his controlling grandmother further emphasizes his lack of growth. Instead of standing up to her, he remains passive despite her unfairly blaming him for his parents' death. While his tragic backstory could have provided depth, it instead becomes an excuse for his stunted development. Rather than offering him comfort and support, his grandmother cruelly projected her grief onto him, instilling trauma that seemingly froze him in a childlike state.
The frustrating part is that this dynamic isn't played for meaningful character growth or thoughtful commentary on privilege and responsibility. Instead, the ML's behavior is often excused or overlooked, making it difficult to root for the couple or take the relationship seriously. The FL's professionalism and maturity deserve a far stronger counterpart, yet she is left cleaning up the ML's messes more than connecting with him as an equal.
While My Dearest Nemesis may offer moments of charm, its flawed portrayal of the ML's arrested development drags the story down, ultimately making it a frustrating watch for those seeking a balanced and engaging romance.
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A Masterclass in How To Make a Romcom Unwatchable
Let me start by saying: I have never disliked a drama this much. Ever. And I sat through all 12 episodes, every painful, mind-numbing, chemistry-devoid minute of it. I had hope. I tried. I even put it on 2x speed, but honestly, that wasn’t enough. By episode 9, I was begging for a 4x speed option just to get it over with.From the very first episode, My Dearest Nemesis set itself up to be a rom-com, but let me tell you, there is neither romance nor comedy in this show. The so-called comedic moments felt like they were written by someone who had only ever read the Wikipedia summary of what humor is. The jokes weren’t just unfunny—they were awkward, forced and seen so many times. Wow, boyfriend doesn't know how to drill and that becomes a comedic moment. Oh, how funny. Plus, the lack of chemistry between the leads makes every interaction feel like a chore to watch.
Let’s talk about the main couple first. They have absolutely no spark. Zero. The drama tries to convince us that their constant staring contests are romantic, but there’s nothing behind those looks. If someone told me Moon Ka-young and Choi Hyun-wook had just met on set five minutes before filming, I’d believe them. I think they were just hoping the script would do the work for them. Spoiler: It didn’t. Chemistry isn’t just about locking eyes dramatically—it’s about connection and banter. I believe if the show focused more on genuine emotions like the arcade montage scene, rather than Ju-yeon just tying Su-jeong's shoelaces and then, them looking at eachother for 10 mins, the show would have been miles better. I don’t mind clichés when they’re done well, but here? It’s just one predictable, uninspired scene after another, with absolutely no unique depth to the characters. Oh, you think you can guess scenes? Babe, in this show you can even guess the dialogues, to a T.
Choi Hyun Wook (whom i loved in TW and 2521), completely falls flat in this role. Maybe it's because he’s not used to this kind of character, but his performance was painfully underwhelming. And then there's Moon Ga Young. Look, she’s undeniably pretty, but her acting? Mid at best. She struggles to emote beyond a limited range of expressions, which is especially frustrating in a drama where she has to carry emotional scenes. Her upcoming project with Lee Jong Suk? I fear for it. Truly.
Another thing that really irked me is that, Juyeon is supposed to be a 30-year-old man, yet the writers insist on infantilizing him. Drinking chocolate milk all the time? Really? I get that he’s supposed to be immature, but there are better ways to show that than making him look like a literal child. Also, the show tries to push this idea that Su-jeong is more mature because she’s older, but a four-year age gap means absolutely nothing once you’re in your 30s. They act like she’s some wise adult and he’s a clueless kid, but at their ages, that dynamic makes no sense.
Now, onto the second couple. They were supposed to be the saving grace, right? Wrong. They start off kind of promising, but then it gets weird. The male lead of the second couple jumps in to sleep with a person immediately after breaking up with his ex. Like, sir, did you even take a second to process that breakup? His feelings for the female lead start purely from lust in my opinion, how much ever he tries to convince me of "love at first sight", its not going to work. Then, suddenly, after seeing her maybe 5 times total, he’s in “love.” Where’s the emotional development? Where’s the depth? Nowhere to be found. And then—because this drama refuses to make sense—he’s ready to MARRY her after knowing her for what… a few months? The show doesn’t even provide a clear timeline, so we’re just expected to accept this rushed, shallow romance.
The Grandmother. One of the worst characters in the drama. She literally blamed a 15-year-old child for the death of her son and tormented him for years, forcing him to become this ‘perfect’ being. And then, at the very last moment, the writers try to give her some five-minute redemption arc? I don’t know who that worked on, but it did not work on me. She’s a disgusting character, and no amount of forced sentimentality can change that. She single-handedly drags this show down by at least two points.
And let’s not forget the writing. The dialogues are so painfully awkward, the plot moves at a snail’s pace while somehow feeling rushed at the same time, and the whole thing is just riddled with small, irritating flaws. Even the cinematography and editing are uninspired. There’s nothing visually unique about this drama—no aesthetic choices, no interesting shot compositions—nothing. It just exists.
I believe if a drama is marketed around gaming, it should actually embrace gaming aesthetics and themes, not just drop a reference here and there. The first episode gave a tiny spark of that potential, but then they just abandoned it for generic "nerd culture" without making gaming an actual part of their dynamic. If they had leaned into that—like showing them teaming up in a game after getting into a relationship, having a moment in a virtual world, or even some pixel-art-style editing choices—it could have made the drama feel more immersive and unique. The gaming aspect should have been a stronger foundation for their relationship rather than just an excuse to throw in nerdy collectibles. That would have made it feel like a real gamer romance rather than just another rom-com with a sprinkle of gamer buzzwords.
To be fair, the final episode was the best one for me. Most people who watched the whole drama felt it was dragged out, but honestly? It was the only time I actually felt engaged. It had a better pace, and the wrap-up was satisfying enough for those who did enjoy the show. But for me? Too little, too late.
I’ll give credit where it’s due—the OST was actually nice. That’s it. That’s all I can compliment. I’m feeling very generous giving this a 4/10, purely because of the soundtrack and maybe a few scenes that didn’t make me want to rip my hair out. But would I ever recommend this? Would I ever watch this again? Absolutely not. If I could get back the hours I wasted watching it, I would. If you’re thinking about watching it—don’t. Save yourself.
Final Verdict: If you value your time, skip this drama. Run. Don’t look back. If you’re looking for a fun, engaging rom-com, look somewhere else. Anywhere else.
Also can we talk about the blatant One Piece reference??? LMAO, that was so unserious. Just say One Piece if you’re going to do all that. "Pirate King" is literally Luffy’s dream, like come on. Show some respect to the GOAT.
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Just Another Romcom, But That’s the Fun!
So, what do we have here? A rom-com with all the clichés: childhood connection, mistaken identity, workplace romance, and of course, a rich CEO with emotional baggage. But hey, that’s the charm, right? Predictable? Absolutely. Enjoyable? Surprisingly, yes!▫️The Setup
Sujeong and Juyeon first meet as teenagers in an online game, falling for each other without ever seeing each other’s faces. Classic. But young Juyeon (15) makes the questionable decision of lying about his age, pretending to be in his 20s to impress 19-year-old Sujeong. The truth comes out when they meet in real life, and Sujeong—rightfully feeling betrayed—rejects him HARD. Fast forward 15 years, and fate (or drama logic) brings them back together as boss and employee.
▫️Don’t Expect Much Gaming
The drama gives us a few game scenes in the first episode, but if you're hoping for a deep dive into gaming culture, don’t bother. It’s mostly just a cute setup for their history and not a major plot element.
▫️The Leads: Messy, Flawed, and… Relatable?
ML (Juyeon): Your classic rich CEO with a secret soft side—this time, he’s an otaku/gamer/band fan who hides his interests behind a super professional image. Honestly, I loved his hidden room full of collectibles. I want one too! TT But of course, because this is a K-drama, his love for these “childish” things is linked to childhood trauma—his parents’ death, his guilt, and his horrible grandma (we’ll get to her). While that explains why he clung to these interests, I kinda wish he was just a normal 30-year-old geek without trauma being the excuse. Let people like what they like!
FL (Sujeong): Strong, independent, and known as the "Boss Killer" because she takes down any incompetent higher-up. Loved that about her. She had to be the strong one in her family after losing her mom, basically raising her younger brother while dealing with her dad. No wonder she was disappointed when the guy she leaned on turned out to be a lying teenager back then.
Their chemistry? Not the most heart-fluttering, but it worked. They weren’t just romantic partners but also the only ones who truly understood each other, and that was nice to see.
▫️The Side Characters
The Family: Surprisingly wholesome. The dad wasn’t perfect but tried, and the younger brother was great. Their dynamic felt real.
The Second Couple: Hit or miss. Sometimes interesting, sometimes forgettable. I liked the second female lead (SFL) a lot—straightforward and confident. The second male lead (SML) was… there. Didn’t love him, didn’t hate him.
The Grandma: Straight-up evil with zero depth. I couldn’t even bother to hate her properly. Skipped her scenes, no regrets.
Chief Kwon: Glad ML had at least one sane person in his life.
Coworkers were the usual gossiping Coworkers in Kdramas. I adored Nana alot.
▫️The Comedy & Romance
Not laugh-out-loud hilarious, but it had its moments. The romance wasn’t the most swoon-worthy, but it was solid. They leaned on each other, and that was enough to make it work.
▫️Final Verdict?
Not groundbreaking, but not bad either. Just another rom-com that does what it’s supposed to do—entertain. It is OK while you're watching but completely forgettable, I don't have any problem moving onto another title right after this.If you’re in the mood for something fun, light, and full of familiar tropes, this one’s a decent pick.
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My Dear Nemesis: The Drama That Has Me Counting Days for New Episodes!
It’s been a long time since I found a drama that made my heart race like this *My Dear Nemesis (2025)* is *that* drama! I started watching it purely for the main leads, not knowing what to expect from their chemistry, but wow—the chemistry is *chemicing* in all the right ways! Their interactions are filled with tension, playfulness, and just the right amount of romance to keep me hooked.Yes, it’s an office romance, and yes, it follows familiar tropes, but somehow, it still feels fresh, engaging, and absolutely binge-worthy. The witty dialogues, fun moments, and natural flow of the story make it impossible to stop watching. Every episode is a perfect mix of humor, romance, and light drama, keeping me entertained throughout.
I usually wait until a drama is fully released before writing a review, but I *just couldn’t wait* with this one! With only 6 out of 12 episodes out, I already know this is going to be one of my favorites. The wait for each new episode feels *way* too long, but that only proves how addictive it is. If you’re looking for an office romance that keeps you smiling and eagerly waiting for more, *My Dear Nemesis* is the one to watch!
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It all comes full circle
Catfishing is all too common in today's online world. Some are unintentional while others are malicious. In this case, the FL took it really badly even though the ML's intention was pure. She carries that wound with her to this day.Fast forward several years and our leads meet again in an work environment without recognising each other, at least initially. The A-plot is largely based their romantic and healing journey.
As romantic story goes, there is a decent amount of swoon worthy moments in the middle 1/3 of the series. The ML is handsome, savvy and a hopeless romantic. Unfortunately, he is a total noob to dating. It is a blast to watch him deal with his secret life as well as try to win over the FL. Their chemistry is undeniable which gave us some nice skinship.
On the other hand, the FL is all business and a perfectionist. She will speak up against her superiors and has quite a reputation for hanging them by their own petard. Even though she is not looking for love, it came looking.
It is this slightly awkward but delicious tug-of-war of the hearts that sustains much of the run. However, it is not without issues.
The biggest one is the grandma being used as the antagonist. She is a strong willed and stubborn businesswoman. She blames the death of the ML's loving parents squarely on the young ML. It was unjust and very harmful to the little boy, her sole remaining family. Nevertheless, she sustains the resentment for years. In fact, she is the reason why the ML has created a secret life/persona just so that he can escape from the strait-laced upbringing, if only for a few hours at a time.
Unfortunately, she is a poor antagonist. Yes, she did a lot of harm, but she was not evil. It is hard to like her, but it is even harder to hate her. She carries her pain in silence as well. It just needed an external force to reset their orbits. The FL is in a perfect position to do just that. However, when the reconciliation came, while cathartic, is a bit flat because there was no big revelation or grand gesture. It just took a bit of stating the bleeding obvious. I'll take the win, but it was less than impressive.
This brings us to some general observations of the last few eps. Everything came full circle. Fate has spoken. The HEA ending was never in doubt. There was a hint of tension towards the end but it never reached a zenith and before you know it, we are cruising to the finish line. The last EP is largely fan service but in a gentle way. No grand romantic gestures or meltingly hot scenes. Everything falls into place and on with the B-rolls.
Oh, I almost forgot, the 2CP is quite engaging. The characters are flawed but they have interesting backstories. Their journey is fraught but when it clicks, it is smoking. I like them, not enough to ask for their own show but they are a cut above the usual dial-a-2CP mob.
Production value is good. OST is fine. Not quite good enough for my coveted rewatch list but a highlight reel will be more than acceptable. Peace.
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This review may contain spoilers
Acting was good but the story was lacking
I did enjoy watching the show I genuinely think that the acting in this the main leads and support roles did a really good job. I really enjoyed the second couple more than the main couple they had such an interesting dynamic that I wish could've gone into more detail. The main couple was cute but I really feel like Baek Su Jeong wasn't a fully thought out character in this drama she was really written to support Ban Ju Yeon which stinks especially for a character who is supposed to be very confident and strong. The grandma plot point was really disappointing and there was no real growth in Ban Ju Yeon relating to his grandmother. I feel like if they wanted to do a grandma redemption arc it should've started earlier. The grandmothers acting felt very forced it really bothered me. I think the best example of there not being growth for Ban Ju Yeon is the last episode not celebrating Baek Su Jeong on her promotion. I wish we would've seen Baek Su Jeong find her hobby and see them share that together instead of it always being about Ban Ju Yeon's hobbies. These are just the biggest problems that stuck out to me I had a fun time watching it and sometimes that is all that really matters.Was this review helpful to you?
A typical office romance but totally worth it!
This drama really gives 2016-2018 drama vibes. It started off very well and has kept me hooked since the very first episode. People saying that the ML is childish and does not fit for the role really need to move on from the ML's previous projects. He is a well grown man and is beautifully fitted in the role. For the FL, she is awfully good too. Their chemistry is definitely chemistrying. To me, the ML sometimes gives Park Seo Joon vibes from What's Wrong With Secretary Kim.This drama is a light hearted romcom with a little bit sweet and a little bit salty times. Maybe the second leads could have a better story but it doesn't matters much until everything goes right. Grandma literally needs to stop getting pissed by everything her grandson loves to do. Either grandma mends her ways or better wait for the white truck.
This drama is totally worth watching. It gives fresh feels vibes and gets the viewers engaged. Should give it a try!
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