Moon Ga-young Deserved Better: “My Dearest Nemesis”, Only Leaked Kiss Photo With Choi Hyun-wook Remains

tvN’s Monday-Tuesday drama “My Dearest Nemesis” (directed by Lee Soo-hyun, written by Kim Soo-yeon, produced by Studio N, planned by Studio Dragon) tells the story of Baek Soo-jung, a “division head killer” team leader, and Ban Joo-yeon, a “third-generation chaebol” division head, as they navigate a workplace romance after their past history is “unsealed”.

In the drama, Moon Ga-young (as Baek Soo-jung) and Choi Hyun-wook (as Ban Joo-yeon) met as first loves through an online game in their childhood. They later met in person at an offline gathering, but their encounter became an embarrassing “dark past”. Sixteen years later, they reunite at work.

Because of the online game setting, the first episode included game-related scenes. Instead of briefly explaining their relationship through narration, the production team directly inserted the actors into the game world, aiming to bring it to life.

However, the execution backfired. The scene, which showed the characters bonding through completing quests and sharing emotions, lasted for a full 12 minutes. Viewers criticized it as “too childish” and “cringe-worthy”. Some also pointed out that the unfamiliar storyline and unrelatable directing alienated not only the younger audience (20s-30s) but also older viewers (50s-60s). Additionally, Choi Hyun-wook’s acting was described as somewhat awkward and unconvincing.

Perhaps due to these negative reviews, the drama’s first episode rating fell short compared to its predecessor. The previous tvN Monday-Tuesday drama, “The Queen Who Crowns”, premiered with a nationwide rating of 4.9% (according to Nielsen Korea) and concluded with a peak of 6.6%, marking a successful run. In contrast, “My Dearest Nemesis” debuted with only 3.5%.

Before the drama aired, a photo of Choi Hyun-wook and Moon Ga-young kissing was leaked online, sparking dating rumors. Speculation arose that the two might be a real-life couple. In response, the production team clarified, “The photo was taken as a drama prop and was not intended for promotional purposes.”

So far, the drama has been overshadowed by surrounding issues rather than its actual storyline. Despite its rocky start, it remains to be seen how “My Dearest Nemesis” will unfold in the episodes to come.