Have you ever wondered what would happen if your embarrassing online gaming past walked into your office as your boss? That is the delicious starting point of My Dearest Nemesis, tvN’s romantic comedy based on a beloved webtoon. This K-drama blends workplace tension, first love angst, and playful rivalry into a modern enemies-to-lovers story. Viewers follow two former gaming partners as they collide again in a high-pressure department store setting. The tone stays light and witty, yet it still explores regret and second chances. Overall, the series feels fresh enough to stand out among other new releases. Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of the plot, characters, and why this drama deserves a spot on your watchlist.

What to Expect from My Dearest Nemesis

My Dearest Nemesis follows Baek Su-jeong, played by Moon Ga-young, a sharp and overworked team leader at Yongseong Department Store. She once spent nights grinding in an online game as “Strawberry,” never knowing that her in-game partner “Black Salt Dragon” would change her future. Sixteen years later, her new boss arrives: Ban Ju-yeon, played by Choi Hyun-wook, heir to the conglomerate and the very same boy she rejected.

The drama leans into romantic comedy while adding heartfelt melodrama. Their office battles feel snappy, yet small details reveal deep emotional scars. Im Se-mi brings warmth and edge as bar owner Seo Ha-jin, while Kwak Si-yang’s Kim Shin-won adds mature charm and workplace calm. The enemies-to-lovers arc unfolds with satisfying banter, visual flair, and gaming nostalgia that enriches the Genre. This mix of humor, heart, and relatable career stress makes the series stand out among current K-drama offerings.

Top Reasons to Watch My Dearest Nemesis

Electric Enemies-to-Lovers Chemistry

The central romance crackles from the first reunion scene. Su-jeong and Ju-yeon trade sharp words, yet their eyes give away years of unresolved feelings. Their history as online gaming partners gives their relationship a unique flavor. It is not just childhood friends; it is a shared secret world. This background makes every argument, near-confession, and accidental touch feel charged. Fans of slow-burn relationships will enjoy watching the walls come down piece by piece.

Relatable Workplace Drama

The department store setting provides more than a backdrop. Office politics, impossible deadlines, and presentation disasters all push the characters to grow. Su-jeong fights to prove herself in an environment that often underestimates her, while Ju-yeon struggles to balance merit and privilege. Their clashes over strategy and leadership style feel grounded and modern. Viewers who deal with corporate pressure will recognize many situations, which keeps the emotional stakes high even between romantic scenes.

Nostalgic Gaming Twist

The online game memories give the story a nostalgic glow. Flashbacks show two awkward teens bonding over quests and chat windows instead of typical school corridors. These scenes connect past and present versions of the characters in clever ways. Items, nicknames, and in-game skills echo in their adult lives and conversations. This twist adds depth to their bond and offers fun visuals and Easter eggs for viewers. It also helps the drama feel distinct among the best korean dramas currently on air.

Strong Supporting Cast and Found Family Vibes

Beyond the main couple, the supporting characters create a cozy found-family feel. Seo Ha-jin’s bar becomes a safe space for venting and reflection. Kim Shin-won steadies the chaotic office with calm leadership and quiet kindness. Side characters at the department store add humor without stealing focus. Their subplots highlight different ways people handle regret, ambition, and love. As a result, the world of My Dearest Nemesis feels lived-in and warm, not just a stage for romance.

My Dearest Nemesis Review and Ratings

My Dearest Nemesis delivers a charming blend of romance and workplace storytelling. The writing keeps the central conflict clear: two people who cannot forget the past must decide whether to repeat old mistakes or finally face them. Storytelling remains tight, with each episode pushing the relationship and office stakes forward. Flashbacks arrive at the right moments, revealing layers without slowing the plot.

Acting performances elevate the script. Moon Ga-young balances vulnerability and steel, making Su-jeong both relatable and admirable. Choi Hyun-wook brings youthful arrogance softened by genuine sincerity. Their timing, especially in comedic and awkward scenes, feels sharp. Im Se-mi and Kwak Si-yang round out the emotional spectrum with grounded, adult perspectives.

Visually, the drama shines. The direction favors clean, bright office spaces and warm, cozy bars that match the rom-com tone. Subtle visual motifs, like game-like overlays and framing, hint at their shared digital past. Episode pacing stays consistent, with cliffhangers that invite you to press “next” without feeling exhausted. It is easy to binge yet still satisfying in weekly chunks.

Rating Table

Viewer Reactions to My Dearest Nemesis

Viewers have responded warmly to My Dearest Nemesis, especially to the dynamic between Moon Ga-young and Choi Hyun-wook. Many fans praise the way the show balances fluffy rom-com moments with genuine emotional payoffs. Social media reactions often highlight the couple’s bickering, near-kisses, and heartfelt conversations about regret and missed chances.

At the same time, audiences appreciate that the workplace drama never feels like filler. People comment on how the show portrays career struggles, office burnout, and the pressure of expectations in a realistic yet entertaining way. International fans call it a comfort watch that still has enough tension to keep things exciting. Overall, viewer buzz suggests that this series has already secured its place as one of the standout K-drama new releases of the year.

Who Should Watch My Dearest Nemesis?

My Dearest Nemesis suits several types of viewers. Romantic drama lovers will find plenty of satisfying tension, heartfelt lines, and memorable confessions. The enemies-to-lovers arc stays playful without slipping into needless cruelty, which keeps the relationship fun to root for. Fans of slow-burn relationships will enjoy watching trust rebuild slowly across meetings, projects, and late-night talks.

Viewers who enjoy light comedy will appreciate the witty banter, office mishaps, and gaming callbacks. Those who seek emotional stories will connect with the themes of regret, self-worth, and facing your younger self. If you like K-drama romances that feel character-driven, visually polished, and comforting without being dull, this series deserves a spot on your watchlist.

Where to Watch My Dearest Nemesis

My Dearest Nemesis originally aired on tvN as a 12-episode romantic comedy series. In South Korea, viewers can stream it legally on TVING. Internationally, availability may vary by region. Many viewers access the drama through platforms like Viki, while some regions may later carry it via Netflix, iQIYI, or other licensed services.

Always check the catalog in your country to confirm where it is streaming. When you are ready to start or continue your watch, visit the koreafiz website for more guides, updates, and recommendations on similar titles.

Resources

• Times Now News. My Dearest Nemesis Review – Predictable Game of Love That Doesn’t Waste Time to Flutter Hearts
• The Review Geek. My Dearest Nemesis Season 1 Review
• DMTalkies. My Dearest Nemesis Full Season Review 2025
• K-Drama for Non-Koreans. Is My Dearest Nemesis K-drama Worth Watching?
• Binge n Beyond. My Dearest Nemesis Review – When Hate Turns Into Love