Once Set to Star Kim Sae-ron, This Long-Delayed K-Drama Lands With a Lukewarm Response

Even before its release, Dear.M had drawn major attention due to its high-profile cast, including Park Hye-soo, NCT’s Jaehyun, Roh Jeong-eui, and Bae Hyun-sung.

Originally, actress Kim Sae-ron was cast in a lead role. However, she withdrew from the project amid speculation of internal disputes between her agency and the production team — particularly after her name appeared after Park Hye-soo’s on official promotional materials. Kim’s side later clarified her departure was due to “creative differences,” and the role was recast with Roh Jeong-eui.

Bullying Allegations and Sudden Postponement

In early 2021, just days before the originally scheduled premiere, Park Hye-soo was hit with school bullying allegations, leading the drama’s press conference to be abruptly canceled.

Only two days before its airdate, the drama was indefinitely postponed.

Now, four years later, Dear.M has finally made its Korean TV debut — airing its first episode on April 14.

Episode 1 Recap: Awkward Glances and a Love Triangle Brewing

In the premiere, Ma Joo-ah (played by Park Hye-soo) begins to develop feelings for her longtime friend Cha Min-ho (Jaehyun). But when she meets the charming Moon Joon (Lee Jung-sik) on a bus and is instantly smitten, things get complicated.

As it turns out, Min-ho and Moon Joon are already acquainted — and soon, the three find themselves in the same class. Joo-ah is visibly thrilled when Moon Joon compliments her name, while Min-ho watches them from a distance with a conflicted expression, setting the stage for an emotional triangle.

Mixed Reactions at Home — But Popular Overseas

Viewers offered mixed reviews after the first episode, with comments like “Excited for episode 2,” “Kinda cringey, but I couldn’t stop watching,” “Teen dramas are supposed to be cheesy,” “It’s mellow but charming.”

Interestingly, Dear.M has already enjoyed a warm reception overseas. It premiered in Japan via streaming platform U-NEXT in June 2022, and even made it into Viki’s Top 10 chart — largely thanks to global curiosity around NCT’s Jaehyun and his acting debut.

Dear.M is an extension of the popular web drama universe created by writer Lee Seul, best known for the hit Love Playlist series. The drama dives into the everyday lives, relationships, and identities of young adults as they navigate life, love, and everything in between.

Dear.M airs every Monday and Tuesday at 9:50 PM KST on KBS Joy.

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