What happens when your first love a middle schooler who catfished you in an online game reappears 16 years later as your boss? My Dearest Nemesis answers this with a riotous blend of workplace rivalry, nostalgic gaming throwbacks, and simmering romantic tension. Starring Moon Ga-young (True Beauty) and Choi Hyun-wook (Twinkling Watermelon), this K-drama adaptation of the hit webtoon He’s a Black Dragon serves up a delicious cocktail of humor, heartache, and second chances. Perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers tropes and early 2000s internet nostalgia, the series dives into how virtual connections can haunt or heal real-life relationships.
In their teens, Baek Su-jeong (Moon Ga-young) and Ban Ju-yeon (Choi Hyun-wook) bonded over an online game under the aliases “Strawberry” and “Black Dragon.” Their virtual romance crumbled when Su-jeong discovered Ju-yeon was a middle schooler masquerading as an adult, leading to a harsh rejection. Sixteen years later, fate reunites them: Su-jeong is now a no-nonsense department store planner, while Ju-yeon is her cocky new boss and heir to the company. As their professional clashes reignite old wounds, secrets like Ju-yeon’s double life (rockstar by night, corporate heir by day) and Su-jeong’s “director killer” reputation threaten to upend their lives and hearts.
Highlights & Uniqueness
- Nostalgic Gaming Aesthetic: The series taps into early 2000s online gaming culture, complete with pixelated visuals and chatroom-style flashbacks.
- Dual Identity Dynamics: Ju-yeon’s struggle to balance his rebellious rock persona with his corporate image adds layers of humor and vulnerability.
- Contractual Chaos: A hilarious NDA forces Su-jeong to become Ju-yeon’s accomplice, blending legal drama with romantic tension.
- Webtoon Authenticity: Faithfully adapted from the beloved source material, the drama retains the original’s wit and emotional depth.
Key Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Romantic Comedy, Workplace Drama |
| Release Date | February 17, 2025 – April 8, 2025 (12 episodes) |
| Streaming | tvN (Korea), Viki (Global) – New episodes every Mon & Tue at 8:50 PM KST |
| Director | Lee Soo-hyun (The Fiery Priest) |
| Based On | Webtoon He’s a Black Dragon by Hye Jin-yang |
Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Moon Ga-young as Baek Su-jeong: A sharp-tongued planner dubbed the “director killer” for her no-filter honesty.
- Choi Hyun-wook as Ban Ju-yeon: A dual-life CEO with a hidden soft side for figurines and rock music.
Supporting Cast
- Im Se-mi as Seo Ha-jin: A free-spirited pub owner with a mysterious connection to the leads.
- Kwak Shi-yang as Kim Sin-won: The department store’s charming designer, poised for a subplot romance.
- Ban Hyo-jung as Chairman Kang: Ju-yeon’s formidable grandmother and company matriarch.
Crew
- Director: Lee Soo-hyun (known for fast-paced comedies).
- Production: Studio Dragon and Studio N (Hotel del Luna, Crash Landing on You)
Episode Guide: Release Schedule
| Episodes | Release Date | Key Events |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Feb 17–18, 2025 | Ju-yeon’s tattoo reveal; car crash meet-cute; NDA drama 7. |
| 3–4 | Feb 24–25, 2025 | Office rivalry escalates; rock concert antics. |
| 5–12 | Weekly until Apr 8 | Secrets unravel; romantic confessions loom. |
Critical Review: Strengths and Weaknesses
Plot & Pacing
The first two episodes masterfully balance humor (e.g., drinking competitions) with emotional stakes, though some viewers may find the corporate subplots slow.
Acting & Chemistry
Moon and Choi shine as sparring leads, their snarky banter masking palpable chemistry. Im Se-mi’s quirky pub owner steals scenes.
Production Quality
Retro gaming visuals and Ju-yeon’s rock concert scenes showcase vibrant cinematography. The OST blends electric guitar riffs with nostalgic melodies.
Who Will Love This Drama?
- Rom-Com Fans: Enemies-to-lovers tropes with a tech-savvy twist.
- Webtoon Readers: Loyal adaptation of a beloved story.
- Nostalgia Seekers: Early internet-era aesthetics and MMORPG references.
- Moon/Choi Stans: Their on-screen rivalry is career-best material.
Behind-the-Scenes Trivia
- Filming Locations: Seoul’s Gangnam district and vintage arcades in Gyeonggi Province.
- Easter Eggs: Ju-yeon’s tattoo mirrors his “Black Dragon” avatar; the game interface mimics 2000s MMORPGs.
- Creator’s Vision: Director Lee aimed to “highlight how digital personas shape real-life identities”.
Audience Reception & Ratings
- Ratings: Premiered at 6.2% (Nielsen Korea), praised for strong pacing.
- Social Media Buzz: “#BlackDragonRevenge” trends weekly; fans adore the leads’ “chaotic energy”.
- Platform Scores: MyDramalist (8.9/10), IMDb (8.5/10), Rotten Tomatoes (94% audience score).
Final Verdict
My Dearest Nemesis is a must-watch for anyone craving a rom-com with bite. Whether you’re here for the laughs, the longing, or the retro gaming flair, this drama delivers one NDA-fueled mishap at a time.