My Dearest Nemesis

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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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.

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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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don’t judge a show off its poster!

When i first saw the poster and casting for this drama, i was worried abt the age gap between the two leads. I thought it would be another drama where one of the leads looks like a baby and the other one looks like they have a 401(k). But I was surprised by the unique story and how they made the age gap cohesive with the story in the best way possible. This drama is meant to be fun and playful and it executes it perfectly with funny scenes and situations. The second leads also have an engaging storyline and I can’t wait to see their dynamic grow throughout the show!

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Black Dragon doesn't mess around

Summary (tear-jerker warning): Surprisingly gwiyeoounnn! I love that the characters are slightly quirkier than in the usual Asian romcom. The female lead is strong and doesn’t take crap from anyone. The male lead is still full of himself (as most chaebols are portrayed) but in a more comical way than I’ve seen in other romcoms. There’s such upfront romance that I blushed at the end of the first episode. Lol. Most of the misunderstandings were quickly and easily resolved, and they didn’t give up on each other when it counted the most, especially Black Dragon. One of the scenes made me cry because it was so heartwarming. It was also nice that they featured a different genre of music than in the usual dramas. And for some reason, I felt like having a coffee candy after each episode (Kopiko, “’it really wakes you up”). XD I just realized at the end that they were also advertising Chokipong as well. Wow… The ending was a bit weird and disappointing but, sure, I would re-watch it.

Details: It was great seeing that Baek Su Jong didn’t let herself be bullied or looked down by anyone, as well as stand toe-to-toe with the “perfect (no mistakes)” but also clueless Ban Ju Yong. I thought it was gwiyeoun (cute) that Ban Ju Yong’s dirty little secret was so innocent (video games, books, glam rock band, etc.) when the other bachelor chaebols were using women and gambling off their parents’ money.

Throughout the movie, I just wanted to give Ban Ju Yong a big hug. Having lost my parents young, I could totally relate. But his haelmoni withheld the only thing he ever wanted or needed: to be loved and accepted by the only family member he had left in this world. I was so livid when she kept blaming Ban Ju Yong FROM CHILDHOOD for his parents’ death (he was only a kid, you freak!). It’s a wonder he didn’t develop any disorders other than a collectors’ obsession and being emotionally stunted/blind. It only took like multiple people, particularly Chief Kwon, talking sense into her for her to finally realize her mistakes. I cried when they finally reconciled.

The love story of the supporting characters Seo Ha Jin and Kim Shin Won was also cute, especially when Ban Ju Yong had to finally give his hyeong advice on love and how proud Kim Shin Won was of Ban Ju Yong growing up so much.

One of my favorite scenes is when Ban Ju Yong drops his most loved and carefully procured possessions to save Baek Su Jong. ^_^ The other one is the mall lights and water fountain special effects when they kiss. Epic. Lol. In a way, she became his #1 obsession, the only person who ever showed him tenderness (like with the chocolate milk) and treated him like a human being. Black Dragon didn’t mess around after he realized what his most prized thing in life really was. Lol.

I also love the manifestation of the video game world in a realish setting and game animation (danger levels) layered onto reality. Wish that could have been expounded on more. His need to keep recording notes on his watch was hilarious, especially at the end. Not sure why the story kept focusing on Baek Su Jong needing to find a hobby and I wonder why she didn’t just go back to gaming. That would have nicely rounded the ending (the leads as their game characters).

One of my least favorite scenes was Strawberry’s (age 19) heartless response to Black Dragon’s (age 15) confession. But I suppose she was also a kid herself and that shocking (age) revelation was the tipping point for everything she had endured in her life. Later, Baek Su Jong kind of didn’t grow up either (super cruel reaction) when Ban Ju Yong was trying to make it work out with her after they discovered their true identities.

The ending was a little strange and disappointing. They dragged on the last episode with at least two video montages of the leads’ love story, one photo montage of the show, and a strange necklace that had nothing to do with anything… And what I thought would be a proposal was a closing voice over. Kind of wish they just did a proposal (with maybe key/lock design rings) instead. Other than that, it was a great watch.

Side Notes: This is the umpteenth show I’ve seen where there’s emphasis on mobile contact profiles (how do you save my name); is that important in Korean culture? None of the Korean family or friends I know ever talk about that…but they’re also Americanized. Lol.

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Enjoying this one

I haven’t seen a typical, good ‘ol romcom like this in a while. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this one at first due to the storyline and the ML/FL but after the first episode I was hooked. It’s lighthearted, funny and the story keeps up at a good pace. I actually needed a “breather” drama as the ones I have been watching or are out there seem to be/ have been heavy/intense/not flirty enough. I was not sure ML was the best choice but he ML seems to be playing his part well. Although we can predict how this all plays out, it still will be interesting to see how it all comes together in the end. Give it a try!

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Starts fluffy and shallow but it ends as a deep, warm, mature love and relationship

People wonder why I gave 10 to this kdrama.
If you are not smart enough to see it :) This drama is about a "new world" where differences are handled without prejudice and the genders are equal. The ML and FL are **** E Q U A L ****. She is not a loser, she is competent, and THEY COMMUNICATE. THEY ARE A FUNCTIONAL HEALTHY PAIR THAT WILL HAVE A LOVING PRODUCTIVE HAPPY RELATIONSHIP ALL THEIR LIVES. I think this kdrama is a pioneer.

The first episodes made me think this was just a fluffy rom-com for youngsters full of hormones. Like sneaking up on him to see his naked back with a tattoo etc. I was like ... omg I think Neflix is ruining kdramas.... ok.... I will just sleep through this... I was using the drama to destress from some ugly legal stuff, so my expectations werent high... The drama has an upbeat vibe bc ML and FL are very rational, adult, responsible characters although they are in their 30s so I watched because I was benefiting from that positive vibe. I am also a fan of the ML actor bc of Twinkling Watermallon, and FL is not a loser, she is highly capable, so I kept watching...

So at the very start, ML and FL were fighting against their own feelings in ways that were ... well... boring :) But ... there was no needless drama. ! I liked that. ML and FL are smart people and did not waste time and very quickly realized they liked each other and went along with it. They are smart and know it is necessary to hold onto your dream to make it happen. They are go-getters. That was fun to watch but still not quite it.

Then they had to resolve a conflict based on their animosity and hatred for each from the past. That was not quite fun to watch either but was getting more interesting. THEN the drama very sneakily took the turn to raise the curtain and for us the audience to watch behind the scenes and see MORE, and to see how it all fits together perfectly.

SUDDENLY we got to see the strength and the depth of ML and FL as individuals and as two lovers committed to each other. That was really impressive.

So everything that looked fluffy and over-the-top exaggerated and shallow, suddenly became a piece in a very nice looking overall picture. The two of them MATCHED with their personality and traits and ways of doing things, and were there for each other. THEY COMMUNICATED CLEARLY. They were committed.

So this drama ends on a note that is deeply satisfying, a very warm, solid, reliable relationship, human and humane note, and a lifelong love in a very positive, solid, reliable, sophisticated, mature way. By the end of the kdrama, ML and FL demonstrated HOW you can achieve it. Both were bossy and perfectionists, and both understood the deeper requirements of human condition and relationships, and both took steps to make it happen. They had arguments and fallouts and always cleared it out and came back together ON THEIR OWN. THis kdrama is not about them meeting by chance somewhere or friends rehooking them. EVerything good that happened in their relationship, happened bc ML and FL were mature enough to think it through , self observe, self correct, and step forward towards the other to fix the mess they caused. IT was very inspiring and positive.

THe underlying story is about accepting ourselves and living our life as we are, creating good karma, and about having loving clear productive family and personal relationships.

So that message that it is possible to pull it off if you try, properly :) and clearly, and bravely, was the message that was so powerful and so warm and educational. I started watching this bc there was nothing else to watch on Mon/Tue/Wed and it was boring at first but by the end, I felt good about watching it. IT LEFT A WARM FEELING IN MY HEART. It showed what is possible if you try properly.

Imo the key was the FL character. She was no-nonsense and relatively mature enough to see what was important, and to ACT on the important stuff before it was too late.

For me the breaking point was when the FL was talking to the evil Grandma and told her that this was not about who is the successor but is about the family of her love, how to keep his family.

As for the ML, his character is complex but the script did not leave room to show him as a complex person. The filmmaker made ML role so flat, always stiff, pompous and kinda grumpy and poker faced, so that really did not show even 0.5% of the actor's ability and made ML boring to watch. Some of his funnest scenes in this kdrama is when he gets kicked out and cooks, etc. I think the drama had to show him more in his HUMAN state, not just cheabol-idol-perfect-successor fake ACTING state. The drama forgot to mention how the ML character acted tough for his cheabol job and how different he was in his normal life. Not at concerts but when he was cooking, etc.

I saw the ML actor in "Twinkling Watermellon" one of the best scenes is when he communicates with the guitar player at the start of their first concert. Also, in My Dearest Nemesis, he had just a few moments where it seems like he ran wild and did not listen to whoever was filming him, and showed some of his fun, flirty, romantic, and charming side.
SO he can act a wide range and for some reason some bozos always put him in rough dumb flat shallow roles. Like Weak Hero Class 1.

I guess filmmakers are scared to lose money so they put an actor in a role he already did well at least once before. Like putting Meg Ryan ONLY in romantic comedies.... But that really messes up the filming and drama. It is boring. I cant even distinguish between Meg Ryan's films, they are all the same thing.

You need to milk the actors for all they got.

Well I understand you have to make money off dramas too so perhaps it is easier to recycle actors in the types of roles they already did...especially if the actor is not capable of acting anything else LOL there are those.... !!!!
But it is better to let the actor show more acting. Imo.

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A nice light romcom but with a disappointing twist

From the trailer, to the cast, to the first episodes, My Dearest Nemesis was a light and heartfelt romcom with a promising enemies to lovers trope.
The first two episodes got me totally hooked and wanting more, but i feel like after 8 episodes it kinda lost its way.
The episodes became less exciting and more of a filler, where they forced a poorly written trauma and healing trope on the audience. It felt a bit messy and far away from the original plot.
Nonetheless i still enjoyed it overall, the cast was amazing, kudos to everyone, they did a great job portraying their characters.

PROS:
The main cast was really interesting, CHY and MGY are one of my favorite actors and it was fun watching them together.
Second Lead couple was also interesting but their dynamics wasn't really focused on, we barely got any backstory about Ha Jin and how her divorce really affected her, we only see her having some trust issues moments but that's it.
Since i like the actress and i find her underrated i would've loved to see more of her potential.

CONS:
Personally, i felt like they tried to make Ban Ju Yeon's interest a bigger deal than it really is. A man in his 20s with a passion for manga's and cartoons, it's not as weird as they portraited it to be.
Also, the fast and "easy" switch of Grandmother's personality, it felt rushed and not deep enough since it was a pretty rough relationship between the two.

OVERALL:
Did i still enjoy it? Yes
Would i recommend it? It depends, if you need a light romcom to watch when you're bored or maybe doing something else while watching it, then this is for you, but if you care a lot about the depth and emotional connection of a character then i don't think you're gonna like this.

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cute then deep then cute Romcom

I must say I am starting to not believe in reviews anymore. Because I held off oo watching this because of reviews that I heard on tiktok and I regret it because I finished this within one night. It was literally so good. I couldn't stop watching It. Totally Loved it. It was such a great new concept I've never seen before in k dramas (the video game scenes). At the beginning, it felt like a reverse of Her Private Life, in the best way.

LIKES
-I really like that this time she was the one running towards him.
-I love that we got so much couple time like
-gaming concept and how we got to grow a bit with them
-the acting is awesome and the cast is nice
-used the breeakups and conflicts as learning curves and used it to grow together.
-tons of couple time, happiness, and appropriate intimicy.
-their devotion to one another

DISLIKE
-the second couple went straight into it. It was gross, transactional and weird. i thought hey were going to develop nicely and fall in love. considering how nice they became later, that whole casual thing was not necessary
-everytime It tries to get deep, they make it funny with the comedic timing and music to lighten the mood When it's something fairly serious.
-the reason for the first breakup I found to be very unreasonable and made no sense. Like yes I understood When she was young but they're whole adults now. like girl, you can lean on him.
-I'm going to give it a 9.5 because the nice clean conservative culture i watch kdramas for is actively rotting with that first issue with the main leads.

The OST was great and so was the fresh fashion and the cars. Overall, like it was just a complete and perfect drama like I don't know what people are talking about. It's so good. Literally watch if you love remains. This is up your alley.

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