New Powerhouse! tvN Dramas Dominates Monday-Tuesday Ratings for 7 Weeks Straight!

tvN’s new Monday-Tuesday drama ‘My Dearest Nemesis’ is off to a flying start, surpassing 4.4% in just two episodes and claiming the top spot among cable and general programming Monday-Tuesday dramas.

Following the success of its predecessor ‘The Queen Who Crowns’, it has now kept tvN at No. 1 in its timeslot for seven consecutive weeks. According to Nielsen Korea, the second episode, which aired on February 18, recorded an average nationwide rating of 3.4%, peaking at 4.4% in metropolitan areas.

Office Romance with a Hilarious Twist

Episode 2 dives deeper into the workplace dynamic between Baek Su-jeong (Moon Ga-young), a team leader known as the "executive killer," and Ban Ju-yeon (Choi Hyun-wook), a chaebol heir and company director. As Ju-yeon’s secret nerdy hobbies keep getting exposed by Su-jeong, he starts seeing her as a "target for elimination."

One of the standout moments? Ju-yeon gets caught arguing with an elementary school kid over a limited-edition action figure—only to have Su-jeong witness the entire embarrassing scene. This unexpected moment shatters Ju-yeon’s cold, untouchable executive image, giving viewers plenty of laughs.

After previous incidents where Su-jeong discovered his dark dragon fashion and tattoo, Ju-yeon reaches his limit. Labeling her a “ticking time bomb,” he devises ways to get rid of her. But his plan backfires spectacularly when he tries to humiliate her with an unexpected Spanish-language question during a meeting—only to be stunned by Su-jeong’s fluency and sharp professionalism.

The episode’s pivotal moment comes during a company dinner. In a one-on-one drinking scene, Su-jeong confronts Ju-yeon, saying, "You said we should forget everything, but you still treat me like a thorn in your side." A drunken Ju-yeon, letting his guard down, responds, "I don’t hate you—I want to eliminate you because you’re dangerous. Like a ticking time bomb." His unexpected vulnerability, coupled with his adorably tipsy demand for chocolate milk, adds another layer to his character, contrasting sharply with his usual cold demeanor.

The drama takes a new turn when Su-jeong discovers Ju-yeon’s true identity as the heir to Yongsung Group. Suddenly feeling insecure about her job, she starts digging for his weaknesses. Her search leads her to a rock concert, where she catches Ju-yeon in a leather jacket, blending into the crowd. This power shift forces Ju-yeon to change tactics. Instead of eliminating her, he offers her a confidentiality contract with guaranteed job security, stating, "You’re not a target for elimination anymore—now you’re under close watch and protection."

Meanwhile, the second lead romance also kicks off. Kim Shin-won (Kwak Si-yang) and Seo Ha-jin (Lim Se-mi) have a fateful encounter when Shin-won stumbles into Ha-jin’s arms at her pub. With Ha-jin having gone through a divorce after 10 years of dating, and Shin-won never having experienced his first love, their story hints at another intriguing romance arc.

The episode ends on a dramatic note at a chaebol social gathering, where Su-jeong is left alone, only to have an arrogant heir try to pick a fight with her. Just then, Ju-yeon swoops in and unexpectedly declares, “Baby, let’s go.” This sudden moment of protective instinct hints at a shift in their relationship, leaving viewers eager for what’s next.

Choi Hyun-wook is winning over audiences with his contrast between an icy corporate executive and a secretly softhearted otaku. From his love for chocolate milk to his discreet glances at Su-jeong in a stunning dress, his layered performance is keeping fans hooked.

Moon Ga-young, on the other hand, brings wit, charm, and an unshakable presence to Su-jeong. Her seamless transition from a competent, no-nonsense team leader to moments of unexpected vulnerability is drawing praise. Her quick comebacks, bold actions, and ability to flip classic drama clichés on their heads make Baek Su-jeong a character that’s both refreshing and engaging.

With a well-balanced mix of humor, romance, and corporate intrigue, ‘My Dearest Nemesis’ is shaping up to be a must-watch. As its strong start in ratings suggests, anticipation is growing for how the story will unfold.

‘My Dearest Nemesis’ airs every Monday and Tuesday at 8:50 PM KST on tvN.