SBS’s new Friday Saturday drama “My Royal Nemesis” is off to a strong start.
The drama, led by Im Ji Yeon and Heo Nam Jun, reached the 5% rating range in only its second episode. According to Nielsen Korea, episode 2 recorded 5.4% nationwide, 5.3% in the metropolitan area, and a peak rating of 6.9%. It also reached a peak 2049 rating of 2.72%.
This is a clear rise from its first episode, which started at 4.1% on May 8. In just one day, “My Royal Nemesis” rose by 1.4 percentage points, showing early momentum despite airing against MBC’s “Perfect Crown,” which is currently recording double digit ratings.
Episode 2 focused on the full start of Shin Seo Ri’s strange new life in the 21st century. Im Ji Yeon plays Shin Seo Ri, a feared “Joseon villainess” whose soul wakes up in modern times. The episode showed her trying to survive in a world she does not understand, while also using the bold personality and survival skills she had in the past.
The story also revealed that Shin Seo Ri, Cha Se Gye, played by Heo Nam Jun, and Choi Moon Do, played by Jang Seung Jo, may have been connected since 300 years ago. This past life connection added more mystery to the drama and raised curiosity about how the three characters are tied together.
Viewers also got a mix of comedy, romance, and action. Seo Ri brought laughter as she adjusted to modern life, studied Korean history, dealt with troublemakers, and even became a surprise success during a home shopping part time job. Her sharp knife skills, Chinese speaking ability, and martial arts moves helped her become a “sell out ace.”
The episode also gave viewers several memorable lines. When Seo Ri tried to convince Se Gye to keep her close, she told him, “Keep me by your side. I will protect your life, which is like a candle in the wind.” Se Gye coldly rejected her, saying, “Who is protecting whose life?”
Later, Seo Ri showed her fierce attitude when she shouted, “I came all this way after thinking hard, and you do not even know this grace, you useless man!” She also warned him, “If you do not value your life, you will die young!”
Near the end, the mood shifted when Se Gye saved Seo Ri from danger and told her, “I found you, Shin Seo Ri.” He later admitted, “I need you now. Desperately.” Seo Ri then used him as a shield after seeing Moon Do, saying, “You useless man, you must be my shield for a while.”
The episode ended by hinting that Se Gye also had a connection to Seo Ri 300 years ago, making the drama’s past life mystery even stronger.
With its rising ratings, growing online buzz, and Im Ji Yeon’s energetic comic acting, “My Royal Nemesis” is proving that it can still attract attention even while facing a major hit like “Perfect Crown”.
Viewers are now watching closely to see whether the drama can continue its upward trend in the coming episodes.
Source: [1]
