Moon Ga-young and Choi Hyun-wook reunite in My “Dearest Nemesis”, a Korean drama that blends online love, office tension, and emotional healing. Here’s why it’s worth watching.
As someone who loves a good enemies-to-lovers K-drama with a touch of past romance, “My Dearest Nemesis” hit all the right. This 2025 series is based on the webtoon by Hye Jin-yang and features a storyline that blends teenage nostalgia, awkward reunions, and the chaos of workplace power dynamics.
“My Dearest Nemesis”: A Fiery Enemies-to-Lovers K-Drama You Can’t Miss
Sixteen years ago, Baek Soo-jeong (played by Moon Ga-young) was a high school student chatting online with someone called “Black Dragon.” They clicked instantly—until the day they met in person and everything went downhill. He turned out to be a shy, awkward middle schooler, and the embarrassment cut deep.
My Dearest Nemesis
Fast forward to the present, Soo-jung is now a respected team leader at a department store, trying to keep her work-life in order. But everything changes when her new boss, Ban Joo-yeon (Choi Hyun-wook), walks in—and yep, it’s him. The “Black Dragon” from her past. He doesn’t recognize her at first, but for Soo-jung, the past comes flooding back.
As they navigate their professional relationship, the past and present collide, leading to a complex interplay of rivalry, nostalgia, and unexpected affection. The series delves into themes of personal growth, forgiveness, and the enduring impact of first love.
Cast and Characters: “My Dearest nemesis”
Moon Ga-young as Baek Soo-jeong
Soo-jeong is the heart of the series—a sharp, composed, and emotionally guarded team leader at Yongseong Department Store. Beneath her professional exterior lies a young woman still haunted by a humiliating moment from her past.
Her encounter with her former online crush, now her boss, throws her carefully balanced life into chaos. Moon Ga-young portrays Soo-jeong with a perfect blend of strength, vulnerability, and dry humor that makes her instantly relatable.
Choi Hyun-wook as Ban Joo-yeon
Joo-yeon is the new director of strategic planning—smart, mysterious, and seemingly unaware of his past connection with Soo-jung. While he presents a cool and capable image to others, viewers gradually see layers of awkward charm and emotional complexity unfold.
As the drama progresses, his own regrets and feelings surface, turning him from an aloof superior into a man reckoning with his own past mistakes. Choi Hyun-wook’s performance balances seriousness with subtle comedic timing, making Joo-yeon both infuriating and lovable.
Im Se-mi as Seo Ha-jin
Ha-jin runs a cozy bar and serves as Soo-jung’s trusted friend and sounding board. She’s the kind of friend everyone wishes they had—supportive, brutally honest, and always there when things get messy.
While she seems carefree on the surface, Ha-jin also has her own backstory and emotional struggles, which the drama gradually explores. Her role adds warmth and realism to the storyline, grounding Soo-jung when work or romance becomes overwhelming.
Kwak Si-yang as Kim Shin-won
Shin-won is the head of the design department and a key figure in Soo-jung’s professional circle. Confident, composed, and occasionally flirtatious, he brings both competition and complexity to the already tense workplace.
His interactions with both Soo-jung and Joo-yeon stir up subtle power shifts—and possible love triangle energy. Kwak Si-yang adds charm and unpredictability to his role, keeping viewers guessing about his true motives.
What I Loved About the Drama: Dearest Nemesis
The Chemistry: Moon Ga-young and Choi Hyun-wook absolutely nailed the love-hate vibe. You can feel the history between them.
Relatable Emotions: Anyone who’s ever had a high school crush or awkward “what if” moment will totally relate.
Strong Female Lead: Soo-jeong is smart, ambitious, and knows her worth—even if her past tries to shake her.
Well-Paced Story: The episodes are packed with meaningful moments and just the right amount of humor and emotional pull.
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