The SBS Friday-Saturday drama My Royal Nemesis (written by Kang Hyun-joo, directed by Han Tae-seop and Kim Hyun-woo) is a volatile, war-like romantic comedy. It follows Shin Seo-ri (played by Lim Ji-yeon), an unknown actress who becomes "vicious" after being possessed by the soul of a legendary Joseon-era villainess, and Cha Se-gye (played by Heo Nam-jun), a ruthless chaebol heir often called a "monster created by capitalism."
The drama is creating an unprecedented syndrome. Its recent 12th episode broke its own personal records, scoring an 11% viewership rating in the Seoul metropolitan area and 10.5% nationwide. It also swept the charts, ranking second on Netflix's "Global Top 10 Non-English TV Shows" weekly chart and taking the top spot in both buzzworthiness and brand reputation.
As the show drives global success with its solid script, stylish direction, and the actors' perfect synergy, Lim Ji-yeon, Heo Nam-jun, and Jang Seung-jo have personally expressed their gratitude to the viewers.
First, Lim Ji-yeon (playing Shin Seo-ri/Kang Dan-sim), who proved her limitless acting spectrum by seamlessly transitioning between comedy, romance, and action, shared her thoughts: "Playing a dual role—alternating between a Joseon villainess who suddenly traveled to the future and the timid, unknown actress Shin Seo-ri—was not easy. However, I am truly grateful to the viewers who laughed and cried with us." She added, showing her deep affection for the character, "I hope Seo-ri remains in your memories for a long time as a bold and lovely character."
Heo Nam-jun, who created a new kind of "K-rom-com" chaebol male lead as Cha Se-gye, shared his overwhelming emotions: "I spent such a happy time receiving so much generous love and support from the viewers. I was so happy that I even thought, 'I wish this time wouldn't end.'" He comforted fans facing the end of the series with a warm message: "Thank you so much for enjoying and showing interest in My Royal Nemesis. I hope you all stay healthy."
Jang Seung-jo, who played the unrivaled villain Choi Mun-do and drove the show's intense tension, brought laughter with his witty remarks: "Thank you for waiting for My Royal Nemesis every week, going wild for Seo-ri and Se-gye's love story, and also for hating Mun-do so much." He added a deeply meaningful message that left a lasting impression: "Watching the show become a 'wonderful new world' for all of you was also a 'wonderful new world' for me."
Meanwhile, the 12th episode ended with a major twist as Shin Seo-ri realized she is the "real Shin Seo-ri," raising anticipation for the upcoming episodes to an all-time high. Attention is focused on whether Seo-ri, who has awakened to her true identity, can safely remain by Cha Se-gye's side in the 21st century, and where their time-and-space-transcending romance will lead.
With only two episodes left until the finale, Episode 13 of My Royal Nemesis will air tonight (June 19) at 9:50 PM KST.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)