Why Is “My Dearest” So Popular?

Ever scroll through your drama list, thinking, “Okay, what’s the fuss about THIS one?” Well, if you’re like me, you’ve probably heard the collective gasps, sobs, and dramatic sighs over My Dearest—a historical romance that has completely taken over my life.

And trust me, it’s not just another love story. It’s an emotional rollercoaster wrapped in the richness of Korean history, cultural traditions, and stunning cinematography.

Set during the turbulent Qing invasion of Joseon, My Dearest doesn’t just tell a love story—it makes you feel like you’re living it.

The stakes? Higher than your caffeine intake during a K-drama binge.

The emotions? So intense they should come with a warning label.

The longing? Let’s just say, I’ve developed an unhealthy attachment to meaningful glances.

What makes this drama even more gripping is how it highlights the struggles of noble families, the silent sacrifices of women, and the deep-seated Confucian values that dictated every aspect of life in Joseon Korea.

What makes this drama even more gripping is how it highlights the struggles of noble families, the silent sacrifices of women, and the deep-seated Confucian values that dictated every aspect of life in Joseon Korea.

And don’t even get me started on the hanbok fashion—because honestly, if I lived in Joseon, I’d have been broke from investing in embroidered sleeves alone. Understanding these cultural nuances makes every scene hit differently.

So, why am I (and apparently half the drama-watching world) absolutely obsessed with My Dearest?

Let me tell you.

1. The Romance That Owns My Soul. I love a good love story, but My Dearest doesn’t just give me romance—it delivers it with the intensity of a Joseon-era hurricane. The love between Lee Jang Hyun (Namkoong Min) and Yoo Gil Chae (Ahn Eun Jin) has me screaming at my screen one minute and clutching my pillow the next. The longing, the obstacles, the stolen glances—ugh, it’s everything I ever wanted in a drama.

2. The Acting? Absolute Perfection. Namkoong Min could act his way out of a locked treasure chest, and Ahn Eun Jin? She brings so much emotional depth to Gil Chae that I feel every ounce of her struggle. Their chemistry is so electric I swear I can feel the sparks through my screen. And let’s not forget the supporting cast, who add even more layers to the story. I don’t just watch this drama—I feel it in my soul.

3. The Joseon Aesthetic Is a Whole Vibe. There’s something about a well-done historical drama that just feels richer than a chaebol’s bank account. The cinematography in My Dearest is absolutely breathtaking. Think sweeping landscapes, intricate hanboks, and candlelit conversations that make me question my life choices—every frame is stunning, and I am living for it.

It’s got the emotional weight of an epic war film AND the poetic beauty of a romance novel.

4. The Perfect Blend of Love and War. Some dramas lean too hard into the romance, others drown you in history, but My Dearest walks that tightrope perfectly. It’s got the emotional weight of an epic war film AND the poetic beauty of a romance novel. The Qing invasion isn’t just background noise—it actively shapes the characters’ fates, making the stakes feel sky-high. And trust me, my anxiety is right there with them.

5. The Historical Depth Adds Another Layer. If you’re new to sageuk (historical dramas), there’s something important to know: these dramas aren’t just about romance and war. They give you a glimpse into Korea’s past, reflecting real struggles, traditions, and societal norms of the Joseon era.

The fear, displacement, and resilience shown in this drama mirror real historical events, making it even more immersive.

My Dearest takes place during the Qing invasion, one of the most devastating periods in Korean history. The fear, displacement, and resilience shown in this drama mirror real historical events, making it even more immersive.

Understanding the cultural backdrop—how noble families functioned, why arranged marriages were the norm, and the significance of hanbok styles—will make this drama even richer for you.

6. The Scriptwriting Wizards Worked Their Magic. A great drama needs a killer script, and My Dearest delivers. The dialogue is poetic but not pretentious, the emotional beats hit hard every single time, and the pacing is tight enough that I never feel like fast-forwarding (which is rare for me!). Every word feels intentional, and every scene leaves me craving more.

7. That Soundtrack? It’s Straight-Up Emotional Torture. You know it’s a good drama when the OST alone can make me tear up. The music in My Dearest doesn’t just accompany the scenes—it amplifies them. The hauntingly beautiful melodies live rent-free in my head, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Just when I think things might look up, BAM—heartbreak. And yet, I keep coming back for more.

8. The Pain. Oh, The Delicious Pain. Let’s be real—K-drama fans are masochists. We LIVE for that gut-wrenching angst, and My Dearest delivers emotional devastation on a silver platter. Just when I think things might look up, BAM—heartbreak. And yet, I keep coming back for more.

9. The Cliffhangers Have Me in a Chokehold. Episodes don’t just end—they attack me. Every week, I’m left dangling off a cliff so high I feel personally victimized. The emotional whiplash is real, and the anticipation for the next episode slowly drove me insane.

Final Thoughts? This Drama Is THAT Drama. There are good dramas, there are great dramas, and then there are the legendary ones. My Dearest has already cemented itself as one of those unforgettable K-dramas that people will talk about for years.

Whether it’s the storytelling, the performances, or the soul-crushing romance, something about this drama just hits differently.

So, if you haven’t started watching yet, what are you waiting for? And if you have, well, let’s suffer together in the comment section.

Share this with your fellow K-drama addicts—because if we’re going to be emotionally wrecked, we might as well do it as a team!