My Dearest
In the midst of the Joseon Dynasty, My Dearest weaves a tale of love, sacrifice, and resilience. Starring Namkoong Min as Lee Jang Hyun, a mysterious and enigmatic man with a painful past, and Ahn Eun Jin as Yoo Gil Chae, a spirited noblewoman who dreams of love, the drama portrays how two people from vastly different worlds come together during turbulent times. Lee Jang Hyun's life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Yoo Gil Chae. While he appears aloof and disconnected from the world, his interactions with her awaken emotions he has long buried. Yoo Gil Chae, on the other hand, is determined to escape the confines of her aristocratic life, but the hardships of war force her to confront the harsh realities of survival and her true feelings for Jang Hyun. The series also features Lee Hak Joo as Nam Yeon Joon, a devoted scholar with unshaken ideals, and Lee Da In as Kyung Eun Ae, Yoo Gil Chae's loyal friend whose own story adds depth to the narrative. As war ravages the land, these characters navigate love and loyalty amidst the chaos, questioning what they are willing to sacrifice for those they hold dear. My Dearest is more than just a love story; it’s a poignant exploration of human connections and resilience in the face of adversity. With stunning cinematography, heartfelt performances, and a gripping storyline, this drama has captivated audiences worldwide, making it a must-watch for fans of historical and romantic Korean dramas.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 연인 (Yeon-in)
🌎 Also Known As: Lover, Beloved, The Lover
🎭 Genres: Romance, Historical, Drama
🏷 Tags: Love During War, Joseon Era, Sacrifice, Emotional Story, Strong Female Lead
✍ Screenwriters: Hwang Jin Young
🎬 Directors: Kim Sung Yong
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 20 (2 Parts)
🗓️ Aired: August 4, 2023 – September 2, 2023 (Part 1)
📅 Airing Days: Friday, Saturday
📺 Original Network: MBC, Wavve
⏰ Duration: 70 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ (Suitable for ages 15 and above)
Best Scenes
- Lee Jang Hyun and Yoo Gil Chae’s First Encounter: The intense and emotional meeting sets the tone for their turbulent yet captivating relationship.
- The Farewell Scene: A heartbreaking moment where the two leads part ways, showcasing their deep emotions and the sacrifices they make for each other.
- Battlefield Reunion: Amidst the chaos of war, Jang Hyun and Gil Chae reunite, reflecting the power of love even in the harshest conditions.
- Eun Ae’s Confession: A touching scene where Eun Ae expresses her feelings, adding depth to her character and the storyline.
- Jang Hyun’s Heroic Stand: Jang Hyun’s brave act during a critical battle highlights his character’s growth and dedication to those he loves.
Filming Locations
- Naju Image Theme Park: This historical park served as a primary location, showcasing authentic Joseon-era architecture.
- Gochang Seonunsan Mountain: Beautiful mountain landscapes add grandeur to the drama’s war and romantic scenes.
- Jeonju Hanok Village: Traditional Korean houses perfectly capture the historical essence of the drama.
- Sancheong Historical Villages: These locations provide a realistic backdrop, immersing viewers in Joseon-era life.
- Hapcheon Image Theme Park: Known for its historical settings, this park enriched the drama’s war and market scenes.
Visual Design and Costumes
- Authentic Joseon Outfits: Costumes meticulously reflect Joseon-era fashion, highlighting the social classes of each character.
- Yoo Gil Chae’s Vibrant Hanboks: Her elegant and colorful attire symbolizes her noble background and emotional journey.
- Battle Gear Details: The costumes of soldiers are historically accurate, enhancing the realism of the war scenes.
- Scenic Set Design: Lavish palaces and rustic villages create a visually immersive experience, balancing luxury and simplicity.
- Use of Natural Light: Cinematography relies on natural lighting to reflect the raw and emotional tone of the series.
Themes and Messages
- Resilience in Adversity: The characters endure war, heartbreak, and personal challenges, showcasing human strength.
- The Power of Love: The story emphasizes love’s ability to bring hope and healing even during the darkest times.
- Sacrifice and Loyalty: The drama portrays the sacrifices made for love, family, and one’s country.
- The Impact of War: It delves into the physical and emotional toll of war on individuals and relationships.
- Self-Discovery: Characters grow and evolve as they face hardships, highlighting the journey of self-realization.
Interesting Facts
- Namkoong Min’s Transformation: He underwent rigorous preparation to portray Lee Jang Hyun’s layered personality authentically.
- Authentic Historical Research: The production team worked with historians to ensure accurate depictions of the Joseon era.
- Ahn Eun Jin’s Breakout Role: Her portrayal of Yoo Gil Chae earned widespread praise and marked a turning point in her career.
- Two-Part Format: The series is divided into two parts, allowing for a deeper exploration of the storyline.
- High Viewer Ratings: My Dearest received exceptional ratings, becoming one of the most talked-about dramas of 2023.
Awards
“My Dearest” has garnered significant acclaim, earning several prestigious awards:
-
2023 Grimae Awards: The drama secured five awards, including the Grand Prize, Best Directing, Best Lighting, Best Actor (Namkoong Min), and Best Actress (Ahn Eun Jin).
-
60th Baeksang Arts Awards (2024): “My Dearest” was honored with the Best Drama Award, recognizing its outstanding storytelling and production quality.
-
2023 MBC Drama Awards: The series dominated the event, winning nine awards. Notably, Namkoong Min received the Grand Prize (Daesang) for his portrayal of Lee Jang Hyun.
