The director of SBS’s “My Royal Nemesis” shared strong praise for Heo Nam Jun and Lim Ji Yeon following the drama’s successful finale.
“My Royal Nemesis” ended on June 20 with strong results. Its final episode recorded 11.8% nationwide ratings, marking the drama’s personal best. The series also ranked No. 1 in its time slot for 10 straight episodes, placed No. 1 in TV drama buzz for 4 consecutive weeks, and topped the June drama brand reputation ranking.
The drama starred Lim Ji Yeon as Shin Seo Ri and Heo Nam Jun as Cha Se Gye. Their romantic comedy chemistry became one of the biggest talking points among viewers.
Director Han Tae Seop praised Lim Ji Yeon’s performance and recalled one difficult scene filmed in freezing weather. He said, “We filmed it in the middle of winter in extreme cold of minus 5 degrees Celsius, and the rain froze as soon as it was sprayed.”
He continued, “While her whole body was completely wet, I cried while watching Lim Ji Yeon act out a complex emotional line beyond what I had imagined.” He also said her “focus, sense of responsibility, and pure imagination and passion” toward the drama were amazing.
The director also spoke highly of Heo Nam Jun, who gained major attention through the drama. Although this was his first romantic comedy, many viewers praised his timing, emotional control, and charm.
Speaking about Heo Nam Jun’s role as Cha Se Gye, director Han said, “Heo Nam Jun handled this process exactly through instinctive acting and sincerity toward the work.”
He also remembered filming one of Heo Nam Jun’s memorable scenes and shared, “I remember Lim Ji Yeon also praised Heo Nam Jun while filming that scene by saying, ‘You are good at being pitiful.’”
The director added that some viewers called Cha Se Gye’s lines cheesy, but Heo Nam Jun never treated them that way. He said the actor performed the lines sincerely, which helped make the character more convincing.
Director Han then described Heo Nam Jun’s real personality, saying, “You can tell if you talk with Heo Nam Jun for just 5 minutes. You will feel that he is like a big dog who is very considerate of others.”
He ended with confidence in Heo Nam Jun’s future, saying, “I am sure Heo Nam Jun will keep creating a new ‘life character’ with every project. I do not think this work has shown all of Heo Nam Jun’s charms yet.”
With strong ratings, steady buzz, and praise from its director, “My Royal Nemesis” closed its run as one of SBS’s most talked about romantic comedies of the season.
