User Reviews

The series is superb and heading for greatness in the KDrama lists of its classics. First, there are wonderful aspects of "My Dearest"--great acting from the entire cast, superb writing, excellent, careful direction, gorgeous soundtrack, and more. Yet along with the carefully evolving FL, who is superb, it is the master class in acting that Namkoong Min is developing for us that makes me gasp. I am so deeply touched by what he has given both to AEJ as her Co-Star to work with and to us for our enjoyment. It is an unforgettable work of dramatic art in both his delicacy and strength. Plus those deeply expressive eyes and his quiet, beautiful voice. He has worked so hard for years and become one of the finest actors of his era.

This series began by teasing us with flirtations and long looks: a beautiful man with a fan loving a charming woman more than himself. It then advanced to the man dropping the fan that was only a distraction anyway to the real man, the experienced warrior behind those eyes who risks his life repeatedly, and the "girl on a swing" revealing herself as a brave warrior who assumes the leadership role to protect other women and children.

The series has steadily moved us through numerous scenes of increasing danger and heartbreak, that were leading us to where we are now. It is a love story, yes, but it is also about invasion, war, escape, resistance, horror, and the violent treatment of the poor, elderly, women and children in a horrific reverse of their community into a war zone with them as the sacrifice.

It is terrifying, heartbreaking. And no love story can change that. But it can give us hope. The woman in the love story is brave and resolute in protecting others. GC has become the woman LJH saw and fell in love with the first day as he watched her floating high on the swing. And he is not just the man who loves and protects her but is also revealed as the resistance fighter who saw her and knew who she was. As he tells Ryang, "you do not know what she means to me." But we do. They are both wonderful as is this constantly evolving story.

Update

"My Dearest" Eps 18 & 19 I was able to sit down with my morning coffee and enjoy both episodes this weekend.

And it was very interesting to see how the entire series was moving this way all along-just as the writer and direction teams intended. For this is not just the romance most of us here share an abiding hope will be fulfilled, but also a historical study of the Qing invasion and its effects on Joseon, its people at all levels, and its future. These are all seen in the madness of the king taken out on his own people and family, the grief of the people-symbolized in the death of the baby, that the mother must bury with her own hands-and the shared anguish of the citizens just trying to return home but slaughtered by the misuse of power.

Additionally, there is more than one love story, and they are on multiple levels. But of course the central love story is that of JH and GC, who at the beginning seem to be a man with a waving fan but who is so much more, and a woman with a rising swing who finds out who she really is through his love for her. If the writer closes next weekend the way she seems to be moving, the outcome will be complex, as is the historical reality. And it should also become one of Drama's greatest achievements. But even if it falls short, the writer, production team, cast, and composers have given us a series that many of us love. That is an achievement in itself. So onward to next weekend and closure with hope and maybe a few tears.

Final Episodes 20-21 Closure

There are tragedies, of course: this is a violent invasion; we will lose characters we care about and be disappointed in some others. But there are also blessings: GC's growth into the strong, protective, loving woman she becomes is one of the finest in film. And JH always knew who she was. Ahn Eun Jin's transition in her performance is magnificent. And even the princess who wants JH so much does the right thing in the end: because she in fact does love him in her way. The cast on all levels is one of the most talented in KDrama-and they made us care. The production team taught us about the Qing invasion of Korea along with the monstrous political behavior of Koreans in power, and kept those effects, especially on the people, firmly in front of us.

Min Nam Koong as Jang Hyun created one of the most heroic characters in film, and he does it with his deceptive fan, steady calm, interrupted when needed by explosive defenses of his people and the woman he loves. But he is also funny, ironic, and adorable, created through his warm, beautiful voice, and the delicate expressions from his eyes and mouth. The man is simply beautiful and so gifted we fall in love with his characters. All of the cast and production team are outstanding-but it is Min Nam Koong who commands every scene he fills-and we cannot look away.

So though I didn't like JH getting beaten up all the time and being forced to use the amnesia trope not once but twice-I love "My Dearest" and its cast and production team and especially the character Jang Hyun that Min NamKoong created and so many of us fell in love with. He is one of the finest actors in the world today, and new fans are discovering him every day.

What a wonderful experience is this fine drama.

-AJ McAninch.

The Kdrama industry had long been capitalizing on deadbeat tropes like cinderella stories, fantasy-thriller-romance, nine tailed fox etc. After a certain time you begin to see a pattern. So it was safe to say I took a sabbatical from Kdramas for almost a year. However I do have a liking for period dramas. My first Kdrama was infact the hindi-dubbed DD National edit of Emperor of the Sea. Ever since I have been in love with historical shows. Kdramas based on historical elements have their own charm. Last good one in this genre was Mr Queen and it was hillarious. The reason I love the historical fiction is because you get to see some politics which adds to the stakes of the story and makes the plot far more intense. I was craving for a fresh historical Kdrama with romance and everything. And so when I scrolled on the Viki app, "My Dearest" caught my attention with its lush scenery and gorgeous landscapes. Curiously, I clicked on the trailer and I was quickly taken aback by a familiar face- the most versatile Korean actor IMO, Nam Goong Min.

I vividly remember NamGoong Min playing various lead roles in several TV series. And yet his most memorable role so far had been the devious villain of "Remember". The actor has a charisma, there is no doubt about that. He donnes his character with such perfection that you soon forget who he is and suddenly find yourself lost in his eyes. The actor has extremely expressive eyes. I mean, he doesn't need a monologue, he can speak a whole page with the way he looks. All other actors pale before him, even the senior actors. He alone can carry the whole series on his shoulders. Even the worst, most corny lines can seem meaningful by the way he delivers them.

Coming to the plot, this one is a very fresh take on historical fiction. Most of the times historical fiction is layered with patriotism and unnecessary jingoism. This one however is tonally grim. It has a sarcastic overlook about the monarchy and the political system. The drama portrays the horrors of war, but adds a clever layer of dark humor. I was baffled at times when I found myself laughing at some scenes during the grim invasion sequence, and its not because of some crazy stunt. For example there is a terrifying scene of childbirth in the midst of an attack. The destitute women are hiding from intruders and they are trying their best to muff their voices. At that terrible moment when they are trying to help their companion deliver the baby, and the poor mother asks to check how far she is dilated. One of the maidens faint at the sight of blood, while the other somehow manages to see there's a 2 inch gap. The birthing mother then declares that its going to be a while. The humor was raw and it seriously made me chuckle even when I was at the edge of my seat. There is another scene which I'd say without spoiling much, its the scene where NamGoong Min stares at his lady love with a sort of disappointment laced curiosity as he watches her worry for another male while he is sitting right there.... He had that quintessential meme face, "the disappointed cricket fan" look. XD. I don't care what other people say, but this for me is a very fresh kind of humor.

Coming to the serious elements, this story is about star-crossed lovers. I binged through the 10 episodes and it was evident that this story is not going to end well. Its engaging because like the plot of Lucifer, you keep hoping that for once their timing would be right. But it keeps kicking you below the belt. You cry, you yearn, you pray for them but you always find they are victims of bad timing. Perhaps thats how the writers are keeping us hooked. In the meanwhile you get a glimpse of a war-torn country and the plight of commoners. It candidly explores the inner motives of people in power and how our loyalty and personal ideals serve really nothing. It slaps the system and those who wield power while it also shows a mirror to those who assume that their high morals are going to serve the nation. In today's social media world this story is extremely relevant. We are all keyboard warriors when it comes to defending our country, but how many of us can venture the real battlefield? Can we really pick a gun and shoot the enemies at the border? Showcasing enthusiastic confucian scholars willing to die for the nation and juxtaposing them with the central lead character who is a pragmatic fellow, it really humbles a whole sect of trolls and self-proclaimed intellectuals.

This series also has an LGBTQ+ representation. Its a very sexy undertone I must say. Ryang, the handsome sidekick of Jang Hwan, although not shown to be openly gay, but is evidently in love with his master. You can't tell me otherwise. There is no other reason why he would try to sabotage their relationship. There is a scene where he delicately places his head on his arm and contemplates how much it hurts to see his master obsessing over that girl.

While I don't know how many stories are yet to unfold, whether Lee Jang Hwan and Gil Chae Agassi would ever get to reunite, or whether they all die gruesome deaths leaving that one survivor in the beginning who is telling the story from a prison cell. I am however sure that this one will pull your heartstrings. I am mentally prepared to see a very tragic end to a love story (another Kdrama cliche). Overall this series is a must watch for people who love mature content. And by that I don't mean nudity or adult content. A mature content is food for an intellectual mind and blood for an empathatic heart. Its a kind of show that deserves an audience who are certainly a tad more elevated than society. People who love cheap content might find it boring or maybe too confusing, but for a grownup soul this one is a breath of fresh air.

7.5/10 is my rating. This is a 2023 South Korean Historical romance drama with 21, 60-90 minute episodes. It was originally divided into two parts: Part 1 with ten episodes and Part 2 with eleven episodes. So some say there are two seasons but there is only one season sometimes divided in two parts..

First I provide a Unique Synopsis then review.

Synopsis

Lee Jang hyun (Namkoong Min) is not the type of serious, respectful and honorable noble Yoo Gil chae (Ahn Eun jin) is used to encountering. He is a bit of what we would call these days, a lady's man but also a "player." He falls hard for the spirited Gil chae who, as the prettiest girl in her small community, has her pick of suitors. Of course the only guy she is interested in, Nam Yeon joon (Lee hak joo), is in love with her best friend. Kyung Eun ae (Lee da in), Gil chae's best friend would do about anything for her friend except give up the guy they both love. Eun ae knows Gil chae really just wants Yeon joon because he is not interested and that the roguish Jang hyun is actually a better match for her friend. Eun ae both kind and wise and knows that Jang hyun is actually a very kind and capable man who deeply cares for Gil chae. But Gil chae is slow to recognize her own feelings and does not believe Jang hyun's feelings are sincere. He has also clearly stated he is against marriage something any noble lady would scorn. Through war and the aftermath the two suffer many missed opportunities and Gil chae weds another man. Despite this, they both have each other firmly in their heart. Korea is suffering as the defeated party under a faction of China and the people are suffering by being impoverished, persecuted, killed and enslaved. Is there any hope for these two who seemed destined to be together?

Review

I do not like sad shows. If you like sad then you would definitely like this more than I did. I actually looked up the ending and it said it ended happy enough so I went with that. But what I didn't understand is, it may end fairly happy, but it is sad all over the place throughout. Why? Well it is loosely based on true events where there was this Josean king who became paranoid and did a lot of horrible things as a result. And the royals were always trying to poison each other. That is why food tasters were common in many countries among the royalty. It was good for what it was. Wonderfully acted, the filming was amazing, and it was interesting throughout. So, understand that my ranking is based mostly on the fact that it had sad threaded all through it. I would not watch it again because it made me too down. I would recommend it to people that like historical and do not at all mind sad content.

Spoilers

I read that it ends with him losing his memory but that he remembers events around her. But they are together. That is true and that is the way it is nearly to the very end. But, in the last few minutes, he fully remembers her it shows his gaze becoming more steady and he says her name and looks her right in the eyes. So he does fully remember her. But two things about that. I personally hate the amnesia trope in general. And he has not one but two separate periods of amnesia. And, since it ended that way, we don't know if he remembered any of the other people in his life.

Yeon joon was just an annoying character to me. I guess that wanted you to think Gil chae's love for him in the beginning was completely juvenile and ridiculous. He was never a character I admired as he was so sanctimonious and it shadowed and influenced everything he did. He was never as thankful to Jang hyun for protecting him during the war as he should have been. If he told Gil chae about that in a "he is my life safer" type way she might have admitted her feelings for Jang hyum sooner. But I think there was a part of Yeon joon that liked having Gil chae romantically interested in him.

Gil chae was really annoying in the beginning. It had a real "Gone with the Wind" sort of vibe as she started as a noble that was very princess like as she was the beauty of the community. Then war breaks out and she goes through serious hardship and has to suffer horribly at the hands of the Barbarians. And it did humble and change her. But then she scorns Jang Hyun and marries the man who lied on the path on the island to basically use her as Barbarian bait. I get that it was Jang hyun's fault a bit because, even at that point, he did not offer marriage but still you don't turn your back on someone that has done so much for you and you obviously have feelings for.

Eun au, on the other hand, was such a sweet, humble and loyal person from the beginning, I did not feel like Yeon joon deserved her. The way he treated her when she was asking about being "defiled" by Barbarians made me like him even less. And then when he was a traitor to Jang hyun by leading the soldiers that nearly killed him, I liked him even less. There were just a few moments in the end when he asked Eun au to go with her and if he was still her husband where I think they were trying to show he had come around, but it wasn't enough. So that wasn't a sweet side romance.

I thought the Crown Prince and Princess dying was just tragic and unnecessary. Yes that may have been what happened, or close to it, historically but they could have departed and had him live. And then to make the Princess a traitor and even kill the royal heir, just made it Greek tragedy level.

The royal concubine was the evil doer behind most of the tragic events and we did not get the benefit of seeing her taken down. Evil essentially won. And that may have been what happened in the historical event it was drawn from but stories have the opportunity to improve and depart from such things. I suspect the king in the end was the concubines' son. That was her goal to have her son put on the throne, but that was not very clear.

A large portion of the show was told with the main characters parted by war and other circumstance. I really dislike the separation trope so that being so prevalent and repetitive throughout the series was a serious negative to me. They were apart way more than they were together. Then, they would just get together briefly and either they would have a misunderstanding and go their separate ways, or a tragedy would strike and drive them apart. It was so frequent that the majority of the live commenters were complaining about them mostly being apart.

I guess the ending was supposed to be happy in the house he created to her specifications. But they were always surrounded by so many others throughout that them two alone just seemed very lonely. And it seemed they just planned to live as if dead so that he would not be hunted. But that was sad too. If it weren't for the mad king and the evil concubine he should have lived out a heroes' life.

#NamkoongMin #AhnEunJin #MyDearest#LeeDaIn #LeeHakJoo.