On January 6, 2025, tvN confirmed the cast for its upcoming Monday-Tuesday drama My Dearest Nemesis, set to premiere in February 2025. The news was shared with fans through script-reading photos and videos posted across their social media platforms. The post on tvN's social media platforms read,
"My Dearest Nemesis that cause over-immersion. I totally approve of this combination ( •ॢ◡-ॢ)-♡- The script reading scene boasting perfect chemistry is revealed. My Dearest Nemesis First broadcast in February!"
My Dearest Nemesis, directed by Lee Soo-hyun and written by Kim Soo-yeon, is based on the popular Naver webtoon by Hye Jin-yang. It centers around the complicated romance between Baek Soo-jung (Moon Ga-young), a team leader at Yongsung Department Store with a dark past, and Ban Joo-yeon (Choi Hyun-wook), a cold "third-generation chaebol" with a burning secret.
The first script reading, held on January 6, 2025, gave fans a sneak peek into the series' dynamics. The session was attended by director Lee Soo-hyun, writer Kim Soo-yeon, and the main cast, including Moon Ga-young, Choi Hyun-wook, Im Se-mi, Kwak Si-yang, Ban Hyo-jung, Go Chang-suk, Kim Young-ah, Moon Woo-jin, and others.
Fans are buzzing after tvN unveiled the My Dearest Nemesis cast through behind-the-scenes photos and a script reading video. Many fans took to social media, excited about the chemistry between the cast and the drama's premise. One fan shared,
"THANKS GOD FINALLY I'M SO SEATED FOR THIS #MyDearestNemesis."
"GOOD MORNING TO ALL MY KAYOUNG STANS," posted one netizen.
"choi hyun wook drama in february👹👹👹i have loved every projects of his so i am very much anticipating #mydearestnemesis," wrote this fan.
"Gonna eat that kayoung hyunwook meal up," stated an X user.
"I'm really happy that Kayoung is coming back to Dramaland after this hiatus, and I'm looking forward to #MyDearestNemesis I think it could be a fun Friends to Lovers," read a comment on X.
Many expressed their excitement for the unique romance and stellar cast. Others were thrilled by the reunion of Im Se-mi and Moon Ga-young and reminisced about their previous roles in True Beauty.
"from sisters in #TrueBeauty to best friends in #MyDearestNemesis 😭🤍," mentioned one individual on X.
"Omg they played sisters on true beauty," said one Kdrama fan.
"HAH LIM sisters reunite again 🥺," added this X user.
My Dearest Nemesis: A romance rekindled after 16 years with a stellar cast
My Dearest Nemesis, based on a popular webtoon He's a Black Dragon (그놈은 흑염룡) by Hye Jin Yang (혜진양), unfolds a love story between two individuals who reconnect after 16 years under unexpected circumstances. Moon Ga-young portrays Baek Su-jeong, a dedicated and hard-working team leader at Yongsung Department Store known for her top-notch performance and assertiveness.
She never hesitates to challenge anyone in her company when something bothers her, earning her the title of "Executive Killer." Her life takes a turn when she crosses paths with Ban Joo-yeon, her new boss, the director of the strategic planning division, and the successor of the department store.
Their reunion is charged with history. Sixteen years earlier, Su-jeong and Joo-yeon first met online through a game, where he used the ID "Black Salt Dragon," a symbol of teenage angst. For Su-jeong, that time remains one of the worst memories of her life. Their past connection will play a pivotal role in their complex relationship.
In his youth, Joo-yeon, portrayed by Choi Hyun-wook, had fallen for Su-jeong, whose game ID was "Strawberry." She was his first love, and when he finally confessed his feelings, she rejected him, leaving him with a bitter taste of heartbreak. Now, as the head of the strategic planning division and heir to the department store, Joo-yeon finds himself working with Su-jeong as his subordinate, reigniting old emotions and unresolved tension between them.
Im Se-mi takes on the role of Seo Ha-jin, a carefree bar owner and Baek Soo-jung's friend, whose free-spirited personality contrasts with the more structured world around her. Kwak Si-yang plays Kim Shin-won, the head of the design department at Yongsung Department Store. Supporting roles include Ban Hyo-jung as Jeong Hyosun, Ban Joo-yeon's formidable grandmother, and Go Chang-seok as Baek Soo-jung's father.
At the script reading, the cast demonstrated impeccable chemistry, as reported by South Korean media outlet MBC Entertainment. Moon Ga-young exuded energy and confidence, bringing her character's "Executive Killer" persona to life. Choi Hyun-wook portrayed his character's internal struggles and painful history with charm and intensity, as per the media outlet.
Im Se-mi and Kwak Si-yang also impressed in their roles. The reunion of Im Se-mi and Moon Ga-young, who previously played sisters in True Beauty, sparked anticipation for their onscreen chemistry. The production team of My Dearest Nemesis shared their enthusiasm while talking to MBC Entertainment.
"The script reading was so immersive that time flew by. The actors gave passionate performances, bringing their characters to life. The visuals, acting, and chemistry of the four lead actors were perfect. We're excited to bring this unique romantic comedy to audiences."
My Dearest Nemesis will premiere on tvN on February 17, 2025. The drama will run for 16 episodes, airing every Monday and Tuesday, with each episode lasting 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Fans eagerly await the premiere with high expectations for the drama's unique blend of romance, comedy, and nostalgia.