New Review: My Dearest Nemesis (2025)

Publicity photo for the Korean Drama My Dearest Nemesis showing Choi Hyun-wook and Moon Ga-young.

A mix of workplace drama, second-chance romance, and personal growth story: Moon Ga-young plays Baek Su-jeong, a high school senior who forms a connection with an online gamer, only to face shock and betrayal when they meet in person. Years later, she meets Ban Ju-yeon (Choi Hyun-wook), her new boss at Yongseong Department Store, who turns out to be her past gaming partner.

It’s a classic enemies-to-lovers romcom with the familiar tropes we like but without the long angsty part (it’s only 12 episodes short). There’s only one villain (the ML’s grandmother) and as usual in K-dramas, she gets off lightly in the end.

Charming and delightful, it hops along nicely and the leads as well as the second leads are fun to watch — and so we sail thoroughly entertained into the happy ending.

tvN. Written by Kim Soo-yeon.

New Review: Twinkling Watermelon (2023)

Detail of poster for 2023 Korean drama "Twinkling Watermelon" featuring Ryeoun, Seol In Ah, Choi Hyun Wook, and Shin Eun Soo

Youth drama meets time-travel fantasy. A smart high school student who wants to become a musician clashes with his father who has a more conventional career for him in mind. This classic youth dilemma — to either follow your dreams or fulfill your parents’ expectations — has an added poignancy to it as both parents are deaf, which makes it hard for them to understand their son’s passion for music. Will a trip back in time help resolve the conflict?

An inspiring and moving coming-of-age drama depicting the exuberance of youth while also raising awareness about the lives of deaf people. With fresh actors and a suspenseful plot, the show covers a broad emotional range from joyful moments to tragic circumstances with a lot of heart. A comforting watch and a celebration of the magic of life — viva la vida!

TVING, tvN. Written by Jin Soo Wan.

Poster for 2023 Korean drama "Twinkling Watermelon" featuring Ryeoun, Seol In Ah, Choi Hyun Wook, and Shin Eun Soo