As SBS drama My Royal Nemesis heads into its final stretch, the fantasy romantic comedy continues to dominate both ratings and online buzz, cementing its place among Korea's most-watched dramas of the season.
The series stars Lim Ji-yeon and Heo Nam-jun as Shin Seo-ri, a struggling actress possessed by the spirit of a notorious Joseon-era villainess, and Cha Se-gye, a cold-hearted chaebol heir whose life becomes entangled with hers. Its unconventional premise and genre-bending approach have helped distinguish it from traditional romantic comedies.
That momentum has translated into strong numbers. Recent episodes set a new series high with 10.5 percent nationwide ratings and 11 percent in the Seoul metropolitan area, while also topping key 20–49 demographic rankings. The drama has remained a fixture atop major buzz and engagement charts throughout its run.
Much of that success has been fueled by a string of memorable scenes that quickly gained traction online. From the now-iconic "flower duel" sequence that introduced the central pair to the widely discussed "wrist kiss" moment, the series has consistently generated conversation among viewers.
Lim Ji-yeon selected the ending of Episode 7 as her personal favorite. The scene marks a pivotal turning point as Shin Seo-ri stops hiding her emotions and fully commits to her feelings.
"The line, 'It's okay even if everything falls apart,' captured the character's sincerity and courage better than any other moment," Lim said.
For Heo Nam-jun, the standout sequence was Episode 3's "thumbprint contract" ending, a scene many viewers regard as the true beginning of the couple's complicated relationship.
"It was one of the most immersive scenes to shoot," he said. "Watching the broadcast, I felt the directing, music and editing came together exactly as intended."
Meanwhile, Jang Seung-jo pointed to the Episode 2 possession sequence involving Lady Jang Hui-bin as the scene that most clearly established the drama's unique identity and tonal direction.
As My Royal Nemesis approaches its finale, the series remains powered by strong ratings, growing audience engagement and a steady stream of viral moments. Attention is now turning to whether the drama can deliver one final standout scene before closing out its successful run.
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
Copyright ⓒ 뉴스컬처 무단 전재 및 재배포 금지
