Lim Ji Yeon is leading the growing popularity of SBS’s Friday Saturday drama “My Royal Nemesis” with a powerful performance that has viewers fully locked in.
“My Royal Nemesis,” which first aired on May 8, tells the story of Shin Seo Ri, an unknown actress who becomes more ruthless after being possessed by the spirit of a famous Joseon villainess, and Cha Se Gye, a harsh chaebol known as a monster of capitalism.
In the drama, Lim Ji Yeon takes on a difficult role that is close to playing two characters in one. She plays both Kang Dan Shim, a dangerous woman from Joseon, and Shin Seo Ri, a modern day unknown actress. Her smooth switch between the two characters has become one of the biggest reasons viewers are drawn to the drama.
The ratings also show the drama’s fast growth. “My Royal Nemesis” started with 4.1% for episode 1, based on Nielsen Korea’s nationwide paid household data, and rose to 6.0% by episode 4. This marked the drama’s highest rating at the time and showed strong word of mouth in only two weeks.
The drama is also gaining attention overseas. According to Netflix Tudum’s weekly “Global Top 10 Non English Shows” chart released on May 20, “Brave New World” ranked No. 2.
It also ranked No. 2 in Good Data Corporation Fundex’s TV drama buzz ranking for the second week of May. Lim Ji Yeon and Heo Nam Jun also placed No. 4 and No. 5 in the combined TV and OTT actor buzz ranking.
Many viewers are responding to the drama’s unique setting, fast pacing, clear character goals, and use of popular online meme style comedy.
Above all, Kang Dan Shim’s bold and clever personality has become a major highlight.
Lim Ji Yeon brings the character to life with strong energy and natural control. Her performance makes the fantasy setting easier to believe and helps viewers enjoy the drama’s mix of comedy, romance, and tension.
Before the drama aired, producing director Han Tae Seop already praised Lim Ji Yeon, saying, “The character Shin Seo Ri itself is the plot and the genre.” He added, “Lim Ji Yeon performed 120%, to the point where I wondered if she could really do action this well. Lim Ji Yeon is the drama’s competitiveness.”
Lim Ji Yeon also shared her love for the role during the press conference, saying, “I did my best, and I loved the character.” She added, “It feels completely different from previous villainess characters. I really filmed it with my whole body.”
With strong ratings, global chart results, and Lim Ji Yeon’s standout performance, “My Royal Nemesis” is continuing to build momentum as one of SBS’s most talked about Friday Saturday dramas.
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