Moon Ga-young has once again proven why she reigns as a “romance queen”. In tvN’s “My Dearest Nemesis“, she delivers a standout performance, earning praise for her ability to seamlessly balance comedy, drama, and emotional depth.
As the drama wraps up with episodes 11 and 12 releasing simultaneously on March 24, “My Dearest Nemesis” has seen a steady rise in viewership. It started with a 3.5% rating (Nielsen Korea) and peaked at 5.1% by episode 6. The show has also dominated global streaming platforms, maintaining the No.1 spot in 118 countries across North America, Europe, and Oceania for three consecutive weeks on Rakuten Viki.
Acting That Elevates Romance Dramas
In “My Dearest Nemesis”, Moon Ga-young plays Baek Su-jeong, a team leader haunted by an embarrassing first love from her past. The story follows two people who first met in an online game, only to reunite years later as colleagues, rekindling old tensions and unresolved emotions.
From the very first episode, Moon Ga-young showcased her versatility first appearing as a high school student with a fresh, youthful charm before transforming into a sophisticated career woman. Her ability to transition between past and present versions of her character added depth to the drama. She even delivered impressive action sequences in game-world scenes, bringing an extra layer of excitement to the story.
What sets “My Dearest Nemesis” apart from other romantic comedies is Moon Ga-young’s ability to make familiar tropes feel refreshing. While the drama follows a classic formula bickering leads slowly falling in love, overcoming obstacles, and eventually finding happiness her portrayal of Baek Su-jeong adds emotional authenticity. Her chemistry with Choi Hyun-wook, who plays Ban Ju-yeon, is a key highlight, with her character’s emotional journey unfolding in a way that feels deeply personal and genuine.
Solidifying Status as a “Romance Queen”
Even before “My Dearest Nemesis”, Moon Ga-young was a rising star in romance dramas. Since debuting as a child actress in 2006, she has built an impressive portfolio, starring in hits like “Find Me in Your Memory”, “True Beauty”, and “The Interest of Love”. From lighthearted webtoon-style romances to darker, more mature narratives, she has consistently showcased her ability to bring depth to her characters.
Returning to the romance genre after two years, she has cemented her title as a true “Romance Queen”. In the upcoming final episodes of “My Dearest Nemesis”, fans are eagerly anticipating how Baek Su-jeong and Ban Ju-yeon will navigate their newly public relationship and overcome their final challenges.
Cultural critic Kim Seong-su praised Moon Ga-young’s performance, stating, “In ‘My Dearest Nemesis,’ Moon Ga-young takes the lead in driving the story, making key decisions that shape the narrative. In a genre where male leads often dominate, her presence stands out even more. Her deeply layered emotional performance suggests that she is ready to take on an even broader range of roles in the future.”
With her ability to elevate romance dramas beyond clichés, Moon Ga-young has set a new standard for leading actresses in the genre. Fans can’t wait to see what she does next.