During the press conference for the new SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'My Royal Nemesis' (written by Kang Hyun-ju, directed by Han Tae-seop), held at the SBS headquarters in Mok-dong, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 7th, the actors were asked about their target viewership ratings and pledges.
Actress Lim Ji-yeon predicted a 20% viewership rating, stating, "I guarantee this will be a very charming drama that will shine brightly and live up to the reputation of 'SBS Friday-Saturday dramas'." She also expressed her deep affection for 'My Royal Nemesis', adding, "While ratings are very important, I think this will be a work evaluated as a great piece for a long, long time."
Heo Nam-jun shared his confidence, saying, "As filming was coming to an end, I kept telling the director that I had a good feeling about it. I think it will do well." He added, "I think it will surpass 20%," regarding his target rating.
Jang Seung-jo also showed strong confidence, stating, "I think it will definitely exceed 10%, and I am looking at over 15% as well."
Kim Min-seok boasted about his high success rate with viewership pledges, saying, "I have done two SBS projects before, and I hit the (target ratings) both times. So I ended up fulfilling my pledges." He then shared his own estimate, noting, "In terms of peak viewership, I think it will finish between 18% and 19%."
Finally, Lee Se-hee mentioned the highest target, saying, "After watching the highlight video, it turned out even more fun. It seems even more entertaining than the script. Seeing how fun they made it, I'll add 8% to 15% and go for 23%."
The fact that the actors are setting their target viewership at a high of 20% is proof of their strong confidence in the project.
'My Royal Nemesis' is a war-like romantic comedy between 'Shin Seo-ri' (Lim Ji-yeon), an unknown actress possessed by the soul of the legendary Joseon-era villain 'Kang Dan-shim' (Lim Ji-yeon), and the vicious chaebol 'Cha Se-gye' (Heo Nam-jun).
Lim Ji-yeon plays a dual role: Kang Dan-shim, the legendary 'villain' who shook Joseon after rising from humble origins to the position of Royal Consort, and Shin Seo-ri, an unknown actress in 2026 whom Dan-shim possesses. Heo Nam-jun plays Cha Se-gye, a third-generation chaebol of the Cha-il Group, nicknamed the "monster born of capitalism." Jang Seung-jo portrays Cha Moon-do, a character who hides his ambition beneath a gentle exterior while eyeing the successor position of the Cha-il Group. Kim Min-seok plays Baek Gwang-nam, who becomes a manager at the suggestion of his nemesis at a gosiwon (exam study room) while preparing for the bar exam, and Lee Se-hee plays top star Yoon Ji-hyo, who is Seo-ri's one-and-only rival.
On this day, the actors also discussed their pledges if viewership exceeds 20%. Lim Ji-yeon stated, "I will prepare a big event at Gyeongbokgung Palace wearing the outfit from the poster," and Heo Nam-jun said, "I will also wear the suit from the poster and stand next to her." Jang Seung-jo also agreed to the Gyeongbokgung event. Director Han Tae-seop pledged to treat citizens to coffee trucks if that day comes.
'My Royal Nemesis', filled with the cast's confidence, will premiere on Friday the 8th at 9:50 PM.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)