My Dearest Nemesis has been high on ratings, receiving a lot of praise from fans since its premiere.
Moon Ga Young and Choi Hyun Wook play lead roles. (Photo Credits: Instagram)
tvN’s latest K-drama, My Dearest Nemesis has been creating just the right amount of buzz, owing to its sizzling chemistry between the leads and laugh-out-loud comedy, already shattering engagement records in a few days. Moon Ga Young and Choi Hyun Wook starrer My Dearest Nemesis has even beaten Lovely Runner’s viewership record with 62.6 million pre-release views across TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and Naver TV. However, this wasn’t always the case, as the now-popular K-drama once received scrutiny over the choice of its lead actors.
Choi Hyun Wook shares the screen space with the six-year-younger True Beauty star, which left fans skeptical of their age gap. Despite a talented ensemble, a section of fans even expressed disappointment over “childish” and “cringe-worthy” content.
One commented, “I just thought about my dear nemesis’s age gap (4 years). Would I date someone from 00? Of course, why not? Would I date someone from 08? NO, NEVER.”
The tables seem to have turned with fans now full of praise for the pairing. One wrote, “Not going to lie, I wasn’t feeling My Dearest Nemesis at first. Hyunwook seemed too young, and I couldn’t see it working. But after two episodes, I’m surprised how good it is! The age gap is the whole point, and it actually makes so much sense. #MyDearestNemesis.”
A fan defended Choi Hyun Wook’s portrayal of a CEO and added, “I saw so many people saying that they just can’t buy the ML as a CEO, but… isn’t that kind of the point? He is playing a role, putting up a facade because he isn’t this cold, tough CEO. He’s a quirky, nerdy, sad marshmallow who likes action figures and comics and questionable rock n’ roll. He’s not supposed to be a believable CEO because he’s not the real him. So I think he’s actually doing a great job! Those moments where his real personality peeks through are so cute and fun. I can’t wait for him to be able to let it out more. Another good episode. The flashback scene was so heartbreaking, and man, the young ML actor is so good in everything he does.”
On the other hand, social media has also been abuzz with appreciation from fans, with many loving the leading couple’s on-screen chemistry. A comment read, “Ratings are better than lovely runners.. my dearest nemesis deserves success,” while another added, “My dearest nemesis is such a cute drama I need moreeee.”
Based on a popular webtoon, the K-drama tells the quirky story of Baek Soojun (Moon Ga Young) and Ban Jooyeon (Choi Hyun Wook), who meet as their video game alter egos, only to part and reunite 16 years later as boss and employee.
