My Dearest Part 2 (2023)

EPIC LOVE STORY

The most beautiful roma;nce and action drama. The plot was stormy and original enough, not to get bored, but made you can not stop watch it. For me it is difficult to watch fast or focused, but this one was the only drama that I loved so much. Charactes and cast was amazing, especially the protagonists. Everyone could feel the love of main lead, because was infinite. That drama, made me high my standars about love. The story between the two of protagonists was sad, but I was relieved when they end up together. This drama was completed as story and didn't let questions, so I liked it. I was disappointed about the music. The only thing that I didn't like was music and the artists of music. Of course, I will watch it again. Now I cannot watch other drama because I can't overcome this plot and this excellent acting.
I recommend it safely, it was the most unexpected excellent historical drama, that I have ever seen.

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That Rare Gem in Drama

The series is superb and heading for greatness in the KDrama lists of its classics. First, there are wonderful aspects of "My Dearest"--great acting from the entire cast, superb writing, excellent, careful direction, deeply moving sound track, and more. Yet along with the carefully evolving FL, who is superb, it is the master class in acting that Namkoong Min is developing for us that makes me gasp. I am so deeply touched by what he has given both to AEJ as her Co-Star to work with and to us for our enjoyment. It is an unforgettable work of dramatic art in both his delicacy and strength. Plus those deeply expressive eyes and his quiet, beautiful voice. He has worked so hard for years and become one of the finest actors of his era.

This series began by teasing us with flirtations and long looks: a beautiful man with a fan loving a charming woman more than himself. It then advanced to the man dropping the fan that was only a distraction anyway to the real man, the experienced warrior behind those eyes who risks his life repeatedly, and the "girl on a swing" revealing herself as a brave warrior who assumes the leadership role to protect other women and children.

The series has steadily moved us through numerous scenes of increasing danger and heartbreak, that were leading us to where we are now. It is a love story, yes, but it is also about invasion, war, escape, resistance, horror, and the violent treatment of the poor, elderly, women and children in a horrific reverse of their community into a war zone with them as the sacrifice.

It is terrifying, heartbreaking. And no love story can change that. But it can give us hope. The woman in the love story is brave and resolute in protecting others. GC has become the woman LJH saw and fell in love with the first day as he watched her floating high on the swing. And he is not just the man who loves and protects her but is also revealed as the resistance fighter who saw her and knew who she was. As he tells Ryang, "you do not know what she means to me." But we do. They are both wonderful as is this constantly evolving story.

Update

"My Dearest" Eps 18 & 19
I was able to sit down with my morning coffee and enjoy both episodes this weekend.

And it was very interesting to see how the entire series was moving this way all along—just as the writer and direction teams intended. For this is not just the romance most of us here share an abiding hope will be fulfilled, but also a historical study of the Qing invasion and its effects on Joseon, its people at all levels, and its future. These are all seen in the madness of the king taken out on his own people and family, the grief of the people-symbolized in the death of the baby, that the mother must bury with her own hands—and the shared anguish of the citizens just trying to return home but slaughtered by the misuse of power.

Additionally, there is more than one love story, and they are on multiple levels. But of course the central love story is that of JH and GC, who at the beginning seem to be a man with a waving fan but who is so much more, and a woman with a rising swing who finds out who she really is through his love for her. If the writer closes next weekend the way she seems to be moving, the outcome will be complex, as is the historical reality. And it should also become one of Drama's greatest achievements. But even if it falls short, the writer, production team, cast, and composers have given us a series that many of us love. That is an achievement in itself. So onward to next weekend and closure with hope and maybe a few tears.

Final Episodes 20-21 Closure

There are tragedies, of course: this is a violent invasion; we will lose characters we care about and be disappointed in some others. But there are also blessings: GC’s growth into the strong, protective, loving woman she becomes is one of the finest in film. And JH always knew who she was. Ahn Eun Jin's transition in her performance is magnificent. And even the princess who wants JH so much does the right thing in the end: because she in fact does love him in her way. The cast on all levels is one of the most talented in KDrama—and they made us care. The production team taught us about the Qing invasion of Korea along with the monstrous political behavior of Koreans in power, and kept those effects, especially on the people, firmly in front of us.

Min Nam Koong as Jang Hyun created one of the most heroic characters in film, and he does it with his deceptive fan, steady calm, interrupted when needed by explosive defenses of his people and the woman he loves. But he is also funny, ironic, and adorable, created through his warm, beautiful voice, and the delicate expressions from his eyes and mouth. The man is simply beautiful and so gifted we fall in love with his characters. All of the cast and production team are outstanding—but it is Min Nam Koong who commands every scene he fills—and we cannot look away.

So though I didn't like JH getting beaten up all the time and being forced to use the amnesia trope not once but twice—I love "My Dearest" and its cast and production team and especially the character Jang Hyun that Min NamKoong created and so many of us fell in love with. He is one of the finest actors in the world today, and new fans are discovering him every day.

What a wonderful experience is this fine drama.
—AJ McAninch

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Romance mixed with Historical Drama

I watch "The Real Has Come" and I wondered how K-Drama Producers and Writers could go beyond that Drama, because it was a great drama. I found the answer in the drama "My Dearest" and "My Dearest 2". These two drama are outstanding.

The costumes for there era is on point. The raw violence for that era, makes you wonder it you could survive in that era. Scenery and stag props goes with the times. It makes you wonder how in the world could one live back then. The Life expectancy for that time couldn't be that long. The way women were treated wasn't very well, especially if you were poor. I mean look at how they were treated they got caught by the invaders. If their family would out cast if they came back and were touch by an invader. The Boyfriends or husbands didn't want anything to do them. I hate it when people can see that a person is crazy, but follow them anyway.

The music score is right on point. In this drama you don't have this misplace music. Parts of this drama makes you angry and make you think "Why did they so that?" I can't say it enough this Drama is outstanding in every manner.

I am not from Korea, so I have so many questions; which is good. It will cause to to want to know more about that era. All I can say is that if you watch this drama and you don't like it: you're brain dead. I like the twist at the end. I love the ending.

I highly recommend to watch this drama. I will watch it again.

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The sound of flowers

The drama has come to an end, and I wonder whether I finished the drama or if the drama finished me.

This was a wonderful journey that I enjoyed from start to finish. I remember starting Pt.1 very randomly and watching the first four episodes all in one go. At first, this drama wasn't on my radar, but then I saw the poster and the title and thought "I need to watch this". I might not have known peace since episode 4 onwards since every other episode made me cry or sob or bawl from that moment on, but I will always cherish this wonderful show.

I cannot believe that Ahn Eun Jin received backlash when she was first announced as Gil Chae. Who doubted her skills? Because what I saw was a phenomenal performance of emotional depth and variety. She acted like rent was due, every second, every facial expression, everything was perfect. Gil Chae is a character that I will always talk about. Her resilience, her wits, her emotional strength, her cuteness, she is my everything. No character will have such beautiful character development. From a slightly narcissistic young girl to a strong business woman with an iron will to survive. A woman whose beauty was her greatest asset but also a woman who didn't think twice to scar her face in order to survive. Gil Chae from episode 1-3 would have never done that. But Gil Chae who survived a war, who was sold into sexual slavery would do it. I could talk endlessly why I love her selflessness, her character, her person.

The love between Gil Chae and Jang Hyun was simply ... tragic yet beautiful. Massive push and pull, but they got what they finally deserved in the end.

Very shortly some points I don't want to flesh out in full sentences:

- Crown Prince and Princess got great development (especially the Prince), their ending was tragic, they deserved better
- The King died too late, how did no one impeach him... the man was a lunatic istg. Also, his concubine ?? what was her scheming??
- It is clear the crew didn't have much time to film the last episode as some questions are left unanswered: what happened to Ryang Eum? Was he found in the forest where JH left him? Why was he imprisoned? Also, the long-awaited beach scene was not as battle heavy as expected. The cinematography was a bit eh in the reunion scene between the leads. I wish MBC had given the crew and actors more time to give a more polished product. The acting didn't suffer though, it was ????
- The Qing Princess ... felt too much like a plot device rather than a real character. She saw JH as a toy and wanted to possess him, she didn't love him. She got on my nerves unfortunately...
- Yeon Jun the most useless character in all of Joseon. I mean c'mon now. A piece of untoasted white bread has more dignity, character and wits than this "scholar". Absolutely hated his guts, he did not deserve Eun Ae
- Eun Ae deserved better?? Where was her character? I understand the actress was pregnant but... eh still. The fact that she took YJ back is also... a major nono for me

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If you should one history drama only one what would you recommend? I would say My Dearest!

If you should watch only one history drama then this one! I can’t, this drama got me involved in it so much! First I wasn’t sure if I should watch it and I doubt it if it’s fits my shoe. I didn’t watch a really good history drama till now with everything involved but mostly romance and love trying to overcome all obstacles. I can’t believe I found this one! Can I ever go back watch it for the first time. The cinematography incredible, the actors omg so great and the storyline the plot it’s amazing and I still try to figure out how to overcome it! This Drama deserves more than xxxx plus and a 10 rating and I hope and wish it gets so many great things … it’s epic! This here is only my little view on things without trying to give any spoiler! The one time I felt so about a drama was as I did watch Goblin. This is the second time in my Drama life when I feel like this and I know one day I will watch it again … I need to rest now and overcome this depression to not see this two again on screen. I really wish u could do that for the first time again. <3 much love to all the involved ?

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"Do you hear it? this sound, the flowers sound"

This is not a proper review just my first thought now that I finished it and without spoilers.
Just finished it, it didn't take me long to finish this wonderful drama considering how I had to pause it many times for a short moments to heal of the much sadness and furstrating it gave me(especial in part2). I was struggling to find a TOP K-drama recently, to add to my TOP K-dramas list, but I found what I was looking for here.
I always knew how great diverse actor NGM is, he conviced me in a psycho, evil, comedy, romance, melodrama and action roles. But seeing him in melo romance will always be my favorite, because his eyes say a lot that many other actors can't say with their mouths. He deliver his lines to us through his eyes before openning his mouth. His character here will be one of the most perfect ML we ever had.
AEJ, first saw her on HP she was great, but seeing her as a FL here gave her more space to show her talent, very proud of her performance, it's not easy to show that you're a good actress in front of NGM but she did it. YGC character is one of the best well written characters, she wasn't perfect she had many flows especially her actions at the beginning but she had great character developpement and she is a survivor, strong FL that makes hard decisions and bears the consequences.
The plot wasn't perfect, but it was the closest to perfection that I saw for a while now. It made me care, feel furstrated, angry, sad, happy... and that's more than enough. 10/10 For me.

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Very powerful love story!

I became addicted to these dramas during Covid, and I’ve seen several hundred of them. For the mature people, the love story is the best I’ve ever seen, my favorite show was Empress Ki, but now it’s my second favorite. The music was exceptional. The story lines were perfect. I just wish it would have been more episodes! The ML, I will be looking out for him in more of these period pieces. His acting is believable, he’s very captivating. The leading actress is also phenomenal, she’s definitely not a weak woman. The Qing princesses acting was so good, she was a horrible wretched princess, but if the writers could add more episodes, maybe we could find out why she was so pitiful. It takes a real good show to entertain me, I’m a black woman, born in the USA, and I don’t even watch regular shows anymore because of my addiction to these period pieces, it’s definitely worth watching over again!

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One of the best Korean dramas I've seen in a long time!

The best thing about part 2 is that the pace is much faster than in part 1 which makes total sense in a way because there had to be a character buildup. In this second part there is no time to breathe, you have so many things happening that I cannot actually write about since I would spoil the drama so I'm going to leave it at that. But I will say one more thing, the cinematography is absolutely gorgeous!

The acting is excellent and of course, Nam Goong Min nailed it. Proof that he won the Daesang award. The acting overall was so good, great job to all the cast!

Beautiful OST, especially the song sang by Kai.

It's totally worth to watch this, the ending was one of the most beautiful endings ever!

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It's just a cinematic masterpiece

Everything was perfect from start to finish. I was never bored while watching every episode, and the actors were perfect in portraying their emotions.

The moral of the story is that those who are meant to be together will always find a way to each other. People have to live their lives and make their decisions, but in the end, they will end up where they're supposed to belong. Moreover, a relationship only works if the man loves the woman more than she loves him.

I just know that I will come back to watch this masterpiece; this TV series has become my comfort show.

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Amazing acting undercut by a stumbling storyline

I had a lot of hopes pinned on this drama, and for the most part, it paid off. Particularly for Part 1, I felt the raging angst of Gil Chae and Jang Hyun's separation. In Part 2, those feelings were severely dampened, and I felt the romance took a sharp backseat to the rest of the plot--something I surprisingly found myself OK with because the rest of the cast and subplots were quite compelling.

There will be spoilers throughout this (admittedly long) review. I'm trying to keep it brief, I swear. This is my first review on this website, and I think that's a testament to this drama in and of itself. I binged the whole show (Parts 1 and 2) over 3-4 days, and while it didn't pan out how I hoped for, it's been a journey that I enjoyed. This review focuses on Part 2 for the most part, although I make allusions to Part 1 as I didn't review it.

THE GOOD
- The pacing of the drama in general was excellent. There were rarely plot points that lingered for more than an episode, which made the frustration of their existence (e.g., the amnesia storyline, miscommunications, the repeated separations and reunions of our main couple) easier to bear. I found myself appreciating it because the story moved briskly forward. However, there was the related drawback of timeline issues.
- The scenes that were built up to be emotional more than delivered. I can't get Namgoong Min's eyes out of my head--they are SO expressive and tender and carry every emotion. Just his gaze alone! Scenes like the one where he sees her 'for sale', or whenever he and Gil Chae are saying goodbye. The whole scene where she's pretending to be pregnant and you can feel the mixed feelings of 'this is all I ever wanted for you, but this could have been our life for real'. It was achingly beautiful. Ahn Eun Jin more than held her own (ugh, the way she looked at Jang Hyun towards the end!), but I think Namgoon Min stole the show. The emotional acting, yes, but also the fighting choreos, as well as the way he emotes through his words. Actually scratch that--gotta call out him and Ahn Eun Jin for that one scene in Part 1, when they meet, and you hear the audio overlay of them looking back on that moment from the future. The sad happiness in their voices captures the heartbreak of their romance so very clearly, so early on in the drama. Beautiful.
- The cinematography was utterly gorgeous at parts. Cinematic, but also artistic. So many times did I want to pause and paint a whole scene. Coupled with the costuming, and the way the characters (esp. Gil Chae) are gradually and gracefully aged as the show went on...excellent.
- I loved how they treated the SA storyline for Gil Chae. For everyone, but particularly Gil Chae. By keeping it subtle and purposely vague, the writers solidified the theme of 'not losing value' because of it. Gil Chae is never defined by what happened to her, and her confessing it to Jang Hyun and Jang Hyun alone--and we, as an audience, don't ever see a moment of her thinking about it alone--then becomes a powerful scene where she's trusting him with the knowledge, knowing he won't see her differently. It's a sensitive topic that was handled very well imo.

THE BAD
- Timeline--I had no sense of it. I couldn't tell at all. Was Ryang Eum meant to be in jail for 20 years? Neither Gil Chae ages, nor Jang Hyun, nor Ryang Eum (even though his hair turns grey). Yet the dialogue (and the scholar who finds him) suggests that it's been many years, possibly enough years for the scholar to have grown from a boy to a man. I assumed that it was 3-ish years, because that makes most sense all things considered, but I'm still confused. The timeline issue was exacerbated in the final episode, but it was ever-present throughout the show, a by-product of the brisk pacing. The costuming and side cast (babies) did a lot to help contextualise, and I liked how subtle that was. However, because Jang Hyun never changes and only Gil Chae begins to look more mature, it's hard to gauge how much time has passed from the start of the show to the end. My guess is ten years.
- Ryang Eum???? There is no closure to his character. Does he wander the earth thinking Jang Hyun is dead? That's so sad! And who captured him? What did he say that they called him insane? Also, the actor is 22 but the character is supposed to be, what, 8 years younger than Jang Hyun, max? Maybe 10-12, at a stretch? Again, timeline issues. It made it a little hard to follow.

THE UGLY
- The story and plotting was a mess. I found that the main pattern in this drama was for Gil Chae and Jang Hyun to reunite and then separate, reunite and separate, over and over again. It got tiring after a while, and it didn't make sense after a certain point because truly? I missed the selfish Gil Chae and Jang Hyun. I wanted them both to dig their heels in a little and fight to stay together (like Gil Chae tried to stay by his side in Shimsang. But then, what? He called her shameless and chased her away? OUCH.)
- Related to the above, the last half of the final episode was stretched out, repetitive, and made me impatient. Although the emotional climax was a beautiful note to end the drama on, it was somewhat ruined by the panned out shot of Gil Chae and Jang Hyun hugging, and you can hear him sobbing but the shot they chose features a blank-faced Jang Hyun. What????? I blame the editing but it made me laugh out loud. And this is coming from someone who hugely enjoyed the way the show was directed, and the slow-paced shots between Gil Chae and Jang Hyun where it felt as if the episode was paused, but it was the characters who were that still, not the video. It didn't work as the final shot, however, because it completely broke the emotional bubble for me.

OVERALL
All I wanted from this show was to sob over a relationship that appeared to be tender, heart-breaking, and romantic. That was it. That didn't happen. While I didn't feel let down by the ending, exactly, I wanted something MORE that the writers just weren't able to deliver.

Part 1 set-up the angst and the heartbreaking ache of their separation beautifully, but the plot was a lot more coerced in Part 2. For example, Gil Chae being kidnapped to the Qing was so mindlessly illogical, even if it provided an excuse for the leads to reunite. I wanted to see more of Gil Chae's spunk, too, as well as her innocent happiness. For a large part of the drama, Gil Chae and Jang Hyun only loved each other when they were apart. I know it was intentional to show Gil Chae's immaturity ("I will stop teasing you when you grow a little more"), but I wished we'd have seen some more light-hearted flirting between them before the first kiss.

That said, the acting not only makes up for most of my cons here, it surpasses them. Namgoong Min and Ahn Eun Jin carried oceans in their eyes, and I'll be thinking about them for a while. Even if the plotting didn't carry it across, the acting was every bit as tender, as heart-breaking, and as romantic as I could have wished for, and this drama is one that I'll remember for a long long while.

(Oh, and while I was already an Ahn Eun Jin fan from The Good Bad Mother...Namgoong Min has earned another admirer of his works. I didn't like him at all in The Undateables, and now I can't fathom why. He is a masterclass in emotion.)

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