“My Dearest” Review: Love Saga That Will Capture Your Heart

Have you ever tried convincing your BFF to watch a K-drama, only for them to dramatically sigh and say, “I’m not into subtitles”? Oh, honey, I’ve been there. But listen, My Dearest is about to change their entire worldview. This drama is so emotionally gripping, so heart-wrenchingly beautiful, that subtitles will be the last thing on their mind.

This isn’t just another historical drama—it’s a gut-punching, heart-squeezing ride that will leave you ugly-crying into your popcorn at 2 a.m., questioning every romantic decision you’ve ever made.

Got your snacks (or some Korean fried chicken and soju) ready? Great. Let’s dive into why this drama is about to own your soul.

Why “My Dearest” Is One Of The Best Historical K-Dramas Ever

I’m not exaggerating when I say this drama wrecked me in the best way possible. The romance? Heart-stopping.

The war? Devastating.

The slow burn? So intense that my love life now feels like a low-stakes board game in comparison.

If you’ve been plotting ways to convert your friend into a K-drama addict, look no further. My Dearest is your ultimate weapon of persuasion.

First, let’s talk about the world we’re stepping into. My Dearest isn’t just a historical drama—it’s a full-on emotional battleground where love is constantly at war with duty, betrayal lurks in every shadow, and survival isn’t guaranteed.

If you think modern love is hard, try navigating it during an actual war.

Meet the leads:

• Lee Jang Hyun (Namkoong Min) – Not just a pretty face. He’s dodging swords, defying kings, and brooding so hard, I felt secondhand heartbreak. The man makes suffering look elegant.
• Yoo Gil Chae (Ahn Eun Jin) – A fierce, intelligent heroine who refuses to let life walk all over her. She’s beauty, she’s grace, she’ll survive an invasion in a hanbok with lace.

Together, they’re battling war, heartbreak, and the world itself, proving that true love doesn’t just survive in extreme conditions—it thrives. 

Together, they’re battling war, heartbreak, and the world itself, proving that true love doesn’t just survive in extreme conditions—it thrives. Imagine the passion of Pride and Prejudice, the epic battles of Braveheart, and the heartbreak of every tragic romance rolled into one—now add stunning hanboks and battlefield chaos.

From stunning royal palaces to countryside landscapes so breathtaking they belong on a travel brochure, My Dearest is visually mesmerizing. If you don’t find yourself googling “best places to visit in Korea” by episode three, did you even watch it right?

This Love Story Will Have You Screaming at Your Screen

K-dramas own the slow-burn game, and My Dearest turns it into an Olympic-level sport.

• Glances so emotionally charged, they could power an entire city.
• A love triangle messier than my attempt at assembling IKEA furniture.
• Sacrifices so painful, you’ll rethink every romantic decision you’ve ever made.

This isn’t just a love story—it’s a historical saga of love, duty, and tragic choices that will sneak up on you at the most random moments (like in line at the grocery store when a sad song plays overhead).

Why Watch “My Dearest”? This Joseon K-Drama Is a Must-See

What makes historical K-dramas hit different? Confucian values, my friend.

Back in Joseon, love wasn’t just about chemistry—it was a battle against honor, class restrictions, and societal expectations. Unlike Western period dramas where the rebellious heroine runs off with her true love, here, people stay up all night contemplating duty vs. desire while staring dramatically into the distance.

If the Qing invasion of Joseon sounds like a dry history fact, My Dearest will make you feel every ounce of it. The drama is deeply rooted in real historical events, so the stakes? Ridiculously high.

If the Qing invasion of Joseon sounds like a dry history fact, My Dearest will make you feel every ounce of it. The drama is deeply rooted in real historical events, so the stakes? Ridiculously high.

Want to sound smart while fangirling over this drama? Here’s your Joseon survival guide:

• Honor & Loyalty Were Everything – Betrayal didn’t just ruin your reputation. It could wipe out your entire family. No pressure.
• Women’s Roles Were Suffocating – But My Dearest gives us a heroine who refuses to be silenced.
• The Qing Invasion Was No Joke – This wasn’t just a plot device. It reshaped an entire nation.

This drama delivers history AND heartbreak, so at least your emotional suffering will be educational.

The OST That Will Emotionally Shatter You (And You’ll Love It)

What’s a K-drama without an OST that haunts your soul? My Dearest serves up melancholic ballads and orchestral scores so powerful, even the simplest daily tasks will suddenly feel cinematic.

You’ll find yourself crying in the shower, staring wistfully out of windows, and reminiscing over past relationships that weren’t even that deep. It’s a full-body experience.

Flaws? Maybe. But Are We Still Obsessed? Absolutely.

Every drama has something, but when a show is this good, do we really care?

Yes, the pacing slows down at times, but honestly? I saw it as a much-needed break to collect myself emotionally before the next round of heartbreak.

Some plotlines are left open-ended, which means you might be frantically googling theories at 3 a.m. like I did. But does any of this ruin the experience? Absolutely not.

And let’s talk about the angst levels—so high they should come with a warning. We’re talking lingering stares, devastating monologues, and yearning so powerful it might just alter your DNA.

Could some of it have been trimmed? Maybe.

Would I trade even one second of emotional torture? Not a chance.

At the end of the day, My Dearest delivers on every emotional level. It’s painful, it’s poetic, and it’s absolutely worth every second of emotional turmoil. No regrets—only unforgettable moments.

Final Verdict: Watch It, Cry, Repeat.

Whether you’re a K-drama newbie or a seasoned binge-watcher, My Dearest is non-negotiable viewing. It’s got romance, action, and performances so intense they should come with a warning label.

If you loved Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo or Mr. Sunshine, then congratulations—you just found your next obsession.

Oh, and if this review convinces your skeptical friend to finally give K-dramas a shot? You’re welcome.

And hey, don’t forget to share this with your fellow drama lovers—or that one friend who swears they’ll “never watch a K-drama.” We all know how that ends.

Before you go, drop a comment below! Let’s cry together over the heartbreak, scream about the plot twists, and debate whether the second lead ever had a fighting chance.

“My Dearest” premiered on August 4, 2023. It’s all set for you to stream on Viki and Kocowa. So grab your popcorn—and maybe a handy box of tissues—prepare for the emotional rollercoaster!

“My Dearest” OST: Only With My Heart (sung by Eunjin Ahn)