With so many amazing ongoing K-dramas right now, I know many people are struggling to decide which one to watch first. As someone who’s keeping up with almost all the ongoing K-dramas, I highly recommend the historical melodrama “My Dearest,” starring Namkoong Min and Ahn Eun Jin.
Now, before you dismiss it because it’s historical, hear me out! I’ve been watching the released episodes, and this drama is not your typical sageuk revolving around the monarchy. Instead, it tells the story of individuals who held onto hope during the Qing invasion of Joseon.
“My Dearest“
Synopsis: Jang Hyun is living without purpose or desire. He’s a cold-hearted man who loves no one until he gets introduced to love after meeting Gil Chae. She is charming and admired by all, but her first love, Yeon Jun, is already engaged to her best friend, Eun Ae. Yeon Jun, a Sungkyunkwan student, struggles with his feelings for Gil Chae but cannot break off his engagement due to tradition. Eun Ae does not doubt nor hate the two.
As Jang Hyun becomes entangled in this unusual love triangle, Gil Chae, who has only loved Yeon Jun, is confused about her own feelings. The relationship between these four gets put into an even bigger twist at the breakout of war. Will they survive the challenges of war and find their love amidst the chaos?
Cast: Namkoong Min, Ahn Eun Jin, Lee Hak Joo, Lee Da In
Episodes: 20 (Part 1 – 10 episodes, Part 2 – 10 episodes)
Genre: Historical, Melodrama, Romance, Drama
Reasons To Watch “My Dearest” ASAP
1. Sageuk Drama Focused on War
While I’m not usually a fan of historical K-dramas, “My Dearest” has become one of my favorite sageuks. It takes place during the Qing invasion of Joseon and manages to strike a perfect balance in its pacing. The drama introduces us to the characters before the war, shows how they mature through the war, and explores the aftermath.
Unlike many other K-dramas, it delves into what occurred before, during, and after the war. Be ready for some heart-wrenching and emotional scenes so I highly suggest preparing some tissues while binge-watching this drama.
2. Unique Male Lead and Female Lead Dynamics
When I heard that Namkoong Min would be starring in a new K-drama, I knew he wouldn’t be playing an ordinary character. Lee Jang Hyun is complex, appearing as a mysterious fool who’s self-centered. However, he’s actually the kind of person who’d risk his life for his loved ones. He’s the strategic mind behind Joseon’s defense during the war, all while preferring to stay in the shadows.
The female lead, Yoo Gil Chae (Ahn Eun Jin), might come across as annoying due to her childish behavior initially, but she has the most beautiful character development throughout the series. Despite her noble background, she leads women to safety and offers assistance to others along the way. She’s not a damsel in distress and provides a lot of comedic moments in this melodrama.
3. Romance that Blossomed During The War
In a historical drama focused on war, it’s surprising to find such a heartwarming romance. Lee Jang Hyun and Yoo Gil Chae’s first encounters aren’t exactly cute; they annoy each other. But as they interact more, we witness Jang Hyun being drawn to Gil Chae’s charm. His willingness to do anything for her happiness and safety becomes evident, even to himself. Jang Hyun is such a romanticist in his words which is probably why Gil Chae finds herself falling for him, even though she tries to deny it.
Jang Hyun and Gil Chae are not always together since they have their own path during the war so whenever they meet up, we can feel their longing for each other. And not to mention the tension and chemistry Namkoong Min and Ahn Eun Jin have that we can’t help but root for this couple!
4. Number 1 Ratings In Its Timeslot + Trending Drama
“My Dearest” is currently one of the most beloved K-dramas in South Korea. Its consistently high ratings are a testament to its popularity, with each episode performing better than the last. Namkoong Min and Ahn Eun Jin’s performances are earning them well-deserved spots on the Most Buzzworthy Actors and Actresses list.
In conclusion, “My Dearest” is a beautiful K-drama that you should start watching now. The initial two episodes might feel a bit slow due to character and story introductions, but trust me, it gets better with each episode. The cinematography, pacing, and dialogue contribute to an engaging experience, and you’ll find yourself immersed without realizing how quickly time flies. You can catch this drama on KOCOWA+ with professional English subtitles!
