Welcome to ‘My Dearest Nemesis’, the 2025 tvN romantic comedy that proves first loves and first rejections never truly fade. Based on the webtoon of the same name by Hye Jin-yang, the series stars Moon Ka-young, Choi Hyun-wook, Im Se-mi, and Kwak Si-yang in a story about a boss and an employee who shared a past relationship and a grudge that has spanned sixteen years.
Starring: Moon Ka-young, Choi Hyun-wook, Im Se-mi, Kwak Si-yang
Director: Lee Soo-hyun
Writer: Kim Soo-yeon
Episodes: 12
Network: tvN
Where to Watch: Viki, TVING (selected regions)
The Plot
Baek Su-jung (Moon Ka-young) is the leader of the planning team at Yongsung Department Store, widely regarded as the best in the industry. She’s a hard worker recognised for her top performance, and she won’t hesitate to butt heads with anyone who bothers her. But her professional confidence hides a teenage memory she’d rather forget: an online gaming romance with someone who called himself ‘Black Salt Dragon,’ a symbol of teenage angst that remains one of the worst memories of her life.
Ban Ju-yeon (Choi Hyun-wook) is the new director of the strategic planning division and the successor to the department store. Sixteen years ago, as a teenager, he fell in love with a girl who used the game ID ‘Strawberry.’ When he confessed his feelings, she dumped him, giving him his first taste of bitterness. Now all grown up, he’s about to meet her again as his subordinate at work.
When their paths cross in the office, neither immediately recognises the other. But as they clash over work and navigate office politics, buried memories begin to surface, and the game that brought them together might just tear them apart.
The Characters
Baek Su-jung (played by Moon Ka-young)
The planning team leader at Yongsung Department Store, Moon Ka-young delivers a sharp, layered performance as a woman whose professional confidence masks teenage wounds and a secret she’s kept for sixteen years.
Ban Ju-yeon (played by Choi Hyun-wook)
The head of the strategic planning division and successor to the department store, Choi Hyun-wook brings charm and vulnerability to a man who has never forgotten his first love or his first rejection.
Seo Ha-jin (played by Im Se-mi)
The owner of Sulo’s bar, Im Se-mi adds warmth and mystery as a friend who may know more about the past than she lets on.
Kim Shi-won (played by Kwak Si-yang)
The head of the design department at Yongsung Department Store, Kwak Si-yang brings charisma and complexity to a character caught in the middle of office politics and personal rivalries.
Why This Drama is Your Next Binge-Watch
- Moon Ka-young and Choi Hyun-wook’s Electric Chemistry – The leads share undeniable chemistry, balancing office tension with romantic longing.
- A Fresh Workplace Rom-Com – The drama combines office politics with a nostalgic coming-of-age story, creating a unique blend of genres.
- The Online Game Connection – The 16-year time jump and online gaming backstory add layers of nostalgia and emotional depth.
- Strong Ensemble Cast – Im Se-mi and Kwak Si-yang deliver compelling supporting performances that enrich the story.
A Deeper Look
At its core, ‘My Dearest Nemesis’ explores memory, identity, and whether we can ever truly escape our past selves. Su-jung and Ju-yeon were different people online—confident, honest, and vulnerable in ways they couldn’t be in real life. Their present-day reunion forces them to confront not just each other, but who they used to be.
The drama also examines power dynamics in relationships, both professional and personal. Ju-yeon is now Su-jung’s boss, reversing the power imbalance of their teenage years, and the tension between professional hierarchy and personal history drives much of the series.
The Final Verdict
‘My Dearest Nemesis’ is a delightful watch for fans of workplace romance and second-chance love stories. Moon Ka-young and Choi Hyun-wook’s chemistry is electric, and the online gaming backstory adds a unique, nostalgic twist. It’s sweet, funny, and utterly charming. A boss and employee who share a 16-year-old grudge. An online game that brought them together. A workplace romance that’s about to get complicated.
Written by: Trisha Deka
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