SBS’s Friday Saturday drama “My Royal Nemesis” is continuing its strong rise in both ratings and online buzz.
The romantic comedy, starring Lim Ji Yeon and Heo Nam Jun, has become a hit for its fresh twist on familiar romance tropes.
The drama follows Shin Seo Ri, an unknown actress whose life changes after she becomes connected to the spirit of a famous Joseon era villainess, and Cha Se Gye, a cold chaebol known as a monster created by capitalism.
Episode 8, which aired on May 30, recorded a new personal best. According to Nielsen Korea, the episode reached a peak rating of 13.7%, with 10.4% nationwide and 10.7% in the Seoul metropolitan area.
The drama also ranked No. 1 in its time slot and among weekly miniseries, while breaking its own highest rating for four straight weeks.
The drama is also showing strong popularity among younger viewers, with its 2049 rating reaching an average of 4% and a peak of 5.1%.
“My Royal Nemesis” has also performed well on streaming and buzz rankings. In its fourth week, it ranked No. 1 on Netflix Korea’s “Today’s Top 10 Series” and No. 4 on the global TV show ranking, according to FlixPatrol as of June 1.
It also stayed No. 1 for two weeks in a row on Good Data Corporation’s FUNdex TV OTT combined buzz ranking. In the cast buzz ranking, Lim Ji Yeon placed No. 1, Heo Nam Jun No. 2, and Jang Seung Jo No. 7.
As the drama moves into its second half, director Han Tae Seop thanked viewers for their support. He said, “My Royal Nemesis" was a work made with the sincere effort of people who are truly serious about their jobs.”
He added that the strong response made the production team feel that their passion had been rewarded.
Writer Kang Hyun Joo also shared her thoughts on the drama’s global success. She said, “The characters and relationships that became the seeds of the story all began from Korean emotions and culture,” adding that it felt surprising and moving to see overseas viewers “laughing and crying with us in real time.”
The writer also teased what viewers can expect in Act 2. She said, “I think the power to live through a harsh world ultimately comes from the warmth given by one person.”
She asked viewers to support the “growth” and “salvation” of characters who are “lacking in some ways” but continue to struggle and move forward.
“My Royal Nemesis” has a total of 14 episodes. Episode 9 will air on June 5 at 9:50 PM.
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