My Dearest Part 2 (2023)

Another milestone of epic love story & a new aspirant for the hall of fame of historical KDramas

Now that another 11 episodes of the second season of “My Dearest” have come to an end, I have a couple of additional thoughts, that I would like to add to season 1.

First.
In my opinion, the mission (I am here referring to the side note of my review for season 1) was a complete success in terms of the haunting dramaturgical interlinking of personal fates, love stories and a historical context, whose traumatic shadows for the national self-image extend to this day. Therefore I consider “My Dearest” as definitely belonging to the hall of fame of historical KDramas. And as a milestone of epic love stories, too.
So, on the one hand, there is the never-ending, tragic roller coaster of this fateful lovers... at times you may even become impatient that this (hopefully!) has to come to a happy ending soon, shouldn´t it? On the other hand, it is precisely because of those two significantly insignificant contemporaries and their personal context that we are cleverly torn ever deeper into the actual historical and political framework of that time. Whether we like it or not. Basically, we are of course primarily concerned with the touching dynamic between the two :-) but, nevertheless, we inevitably get closer to the dilemmas of the people, their problematic king and the political framework of that historical chapter, too... Thus, the emotional intensity of the love story kind of also serves as the cream topping for an audience, who is going all the way through this humiliating (preferably repressed) time for Joseon.

This brings me to the second:
I was positively surprised, how Confucian moral values (based on ruling authority, especially morality and loyalty) are openly pilloried in this production. Actually, the MBC KDrama production “My Dearest” from 2023 takes a pleasingly liberal stand, when it comes to a conclusion. Officially, in the narrative of the story, authoritarian values are upheld, but for the audience, this supposedly unerring path to ´order´ and ´harmony´ is clearly revealed to have failed.
It is said that the fish rots from the head down. Eventually, when it comes to such a stench, the noble, ethical-political teaching of Confucius must fail, too, if authority (embodied by the king, the teacher or the father) is weak, sick and delusional. Loyalty to a delusional king or an almost fanatical adherence to principles obviously borders on stupidity. Thus, it doesn't accomplish anything. On the contrary. Dramaturgically speaking, “My Dearest”´ haunting dynamic is driven by exactly this officially ethically legitimated, but then in fact again personally motivated 'stupidity' of some, who call themselves scholars or nobles. Practically speaking, it is about stranded traditional Confucian values… and therefore, as far as Joseon at that time is concerned, highly self-critical, too. (E.g. it is neither ONLY the Qing, to be blamed, nor ONLY the Joseon king…)

P.S.:
And as a third:
In my opinion, Ahn Eun-jin in the role of Gil-chae has really catapulted herself into a new league of acting over the course of the series - with her increasing presence, depth, authenticity and overall growing charisma. Respect! I'm definitely looking forward to further productions with her as female lead...

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Master class in storytelling

There are so many arcs about this drama that deserve recognition but first and foremost, an award has to go to the scriptwriter Hwang Jin Young who masterfully created an interwoven piece of fiction with historical events. The flowing narrative of Lee Jang Hyun and Yoo Gil Chae flows within a nation under constant siege.

The acting in this drama is above excellent, especially from Namkoong Min (Lee Jang Hyun), Ahn Eun Jin (Yoo Gil Chae),
Lee Hak Joo (Nam Yeon Jun) and Kim Yoon Woo (Ryang Eum). The romance and stretched ties between Jang Hyan and Gil Chae are neither overdone nor underwhelming. They are a couple drawn to each other, distrustful of one another and yearn for each other throughout. The separation arcs are not contrived but seen as a symptom of the times; those not in the ruling class are at the contrived whims of those that are. There were several times that this drama was put in pause in order to emotionally calm back down.

The secondary parts of Yeon Jun and Ryang Eum are flawlessly portrayed on screen, and I look forward to future roles they are a part of. Yeon Jun is married to Gil Chae's best friend but also secretly attracted to Gil Chae. This character does not act on his attraction, not because of duty or loyalty but because his wife's family could advance his career as a scholar. Ryang Eum was perhaps the most fascinating character because of an illicit longing for the person who saved him from a slave's life: Jang Hyun. He is pitiful, beautiful and selfish and this part in the hands of a lesser actor would have made him an antagonist that left the viewers without thought. Kim Yoon Woo's acting was flawless in the part and deserves recognition for a nuanced and emotional portrayal.

The hardest and most riveting part of this drama was how it handled those captured by enemies and the unflinching pious attitude of elite nobility. A society more concerned with purity, bloodlines and social acclaim than aiding those who were helpless. I've read much about historical Korean standards towards women and most dramas will tell the story but not in a way that involved me emotionally. In this drama, the women, children and elderly who were captured, released and then brutally murdered by a cowardly king and court, shined a spotlight that could not have been brighter on societal hypocrisy. Again, the screenwriter created a beautiful, brutal world that has relevance in modern times. Brilliant and timeless writing by a master.

I've rarely called any drama masterful, but this title is deserved by all involved. If you're undecided if it's worth the time, please push play. You'll never regret it.

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my dearest

"My Dearest" is a shining gem in the world of
television series, deserving every one of its five
stars. From the moment I started watching, I was
hooked by the exceptional acting, enthralling plot,
and overall production quality that this show offers.
Home
{ * | 86%
The acting in "My Dearest" is nothing short of
brilliant. Every character is portrayed with depth and
authenticity, making it easy to emotionally invest in
their stories. The cast's performances are so
genuine that you forget you're watching actors - it's
like peering into the lives of real people. This level of
skill and dedication from the actors truly elevates
the show to greatness.
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Discussions
The song track of the series is a work of art in itself.
Every song selection complements the mood and
atmosphere of the scenes perfectly, enhancing the
emotional impact of key moments. Whether it's a
heart-wrenching ballad during a poignant scene or
an upbeat tune during a joyous celebration, the
music adds an extra layer of depth to the viewing
experience.
Cinematographically, "My Dearest" is a visual feast.
The camera work, lighting, and overall composition
are all executed with meticulous attention to detail.
The stunning visuals enhance the storytelling,

In conclusion, "My Dearest" is a masterpiece that
excels in every aspect a series should. With
outstanding acting, an engrossing plot, a beautiful
song track, and stunning cinematography, it has
earned its place as one of the finest series to grace
the screen. If you're looking for a show that will
captivate your heart and mind, "My Dearest" is an
absolute must-watch.

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The best Kdrama of 2023, without a doubt ☆✲ﾟ｡(((´♡‿♡`+)))｡ﾟ✲☆

EPIC MASTERPIECE, PAINFULL AND HISTORICALLY REALISTIC

PLOT: FL, a very beautiful girl, attrrracts the attention of everyone, except that of the man she loves, now married to her best friend. The ML is a mysterious man, and the FL, not knowing what he has done for her, doen't trust him and married a captain. Nevertheless, barbarians invade the territory and the country is now subject to the Qing, a cruel and merciless dynasty in its conquest....
The Qing invade Joseon, to recover soldiers, labor and supplies, in order to overthrow the Ming dynasty & conquer/unite the territory of what will become China.

PROS:
+ Namkoong Min as ML is exceptional. Really !! I knew he was a great actor, but he brings this complex and tormented character to life in a phenomenal way. He IS Jang Hyun ...and he makes us love him.
Without a doubt, one of his greatest roles. (•̀ᴗ•́)و ̑̑

+ Ahn Eun Jin as FL, is also outstanding. She is strong, resilient, smart.

+ the characters are complex, divided between their desires and their responsibilities, tossed around by events. I hate the character of Ryan Eum (played by an excellent actor) whose affection/love for his "big brother" and jealousy are deeply toxic.

+ The series also transcribes the principles, the confucius morality, the values ​​of the time: the different social classes, the (very weak) statuts of women, the little importance of some human lives, etc. It was really a hard time !!

+ The OSTs are now on my playlist,and stay in my head for a long time.

+ The production is excellent: credible and bloody war scenes ; the tensed, heavy atmosphere of these times of war is well rendered; the cinematography is exceptional.

+ The storyline is solid and the historical aspect seems respected. It is a period which has never or rarely (to my knowledge) been brought to the screen.

CONS:
NONE.

=> Don't miss this gem !! ╰(✿´⌣`✿)╯♡

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BEST ROMANCE DRAMA BY FAR.

I don't know how else to describe this drama other than the fact that this is a MASTERPIECE.

My Dearest is simply not as hyped up as it needs to be. "One of the best historical kdramas, best 2023 historical kdrama", guys this is THE drama for me, NOT just in 2023, and not enough words can express how much I love this kdrama. I get that this is a historical kdrama so it's not really a lot of people's thing, but coming from someone who's also not a typical fan of watching historical kdramas (like seriously given the option I would choose a modern drama over historical 9/10 times, usually because I'm not a fan of political/historical stuff and seeing historical costumes) this is an absolute must watch. From the scenery, the story, the acting, the character themselves, to the romance, everything was so perfect to me. Emphasis on 'to me', because I know some people were disappointed with Part 2.

Let's start off with the storyline. For those of you who may not know, the drama's premise is based on Gone With the Wind, Yoo Gil Chae being Scarlett O'Hara and Lee Jang Hyun being Rhett Butler. If you know GWTW, trust me when I say this has a much more satisfying plotline, and while the characters start off acting exactly the same, the character development is outstanding and the latter half of the drama is nothing like the original movie/novel it is based off of. For those that don't know GWTW and decided to search it up, this is a lot less icky since in the original Scarlett is in love with her cousin and they even kiss once - bleh. My Dearest takes place in the 1600s and while I was a little confused with all the history stuff in the beginning, I still understood what was happening for the most part. Basically, the Qing Dynasty is invading the Joseon Dynasty because the Qing are at war with the Ming, and Joseon has friendly relations with the Ming. To sever these relations, the Qing invade Joseon to have an upper hand on the Ming. Anyways, if you're looking for a drama with interesting MCs, friendship, romance, backstabbers, and an interesting storyline, this is the one!! My credentials: Some of my top dramas are Move to Heaven, 2521, Law School, Youth of May, A Time Called You, Penthouse (mostly szn 1), Alchemy of Souls, Our Beloved Summer, and All of Us Are Dead, so if we have the same taste, maybe give this one a shot!

Now down to the actual review part (spoilers!!)

Part 1 - Characters:
Gil Chae. Rich Gil Chae, poor Gil Chae, beautiful Gil Chae, ugly Gil Chae. From an immature, spoiled noblewoman to a selfless and courageous fighter within a few episodes. Her character development was one of my favourite things in this drama. The way she was forced to grow up quickly to protect her friends and family was heartbreaking to watch, and Ahn Eun Jin literally killed this role. The way GC had such modern perspectives in a historical setting was very refreshing and not enough people thought the way she did! The way she reassures Eun Nae that it's not her fault she was almost assaulted by an invader. To be honest their entire friendship with each other and their maids was so heartwarming. The way these women care and look out for each other is not something we see enough in dramas these days.

Jang Hyun. "Do you hear it? It's the sound of the flowers blooming." This line changed lives. The most romantic line I have ever heard come out of someone's mouth. The way Lee Jang Hyun is the STANDARD of standards is something that needs to be studied. He took green flag to the top of the flag pole and kdrama men are fighting for their lives to reach him. I completely understand why people say Namgoong Min is an incredible actor. This was my first time watching one of his roles and I was shell-shocked, in awe of this man's acting. The way his eyes speak volumes of his emotions is insane. He went from being a selfish playboy who never wanted to get married, to the most caring man who only wanted to keep GC safe and would marry her if she allowed it. From someone who didn't even have the word loyalty in his dictionary and couldn't write a single word about it on an exam, to someone who had the most unwavering loyalty to GC during the most difficult times. Part 1 was truly engaging, especially with JH's fight scenes that were very well directed. I just love when men are smart and useful, and that is exactly what JH is throughout this entire drama.

Eun Nae. She is simply so pure and innocent and you can't help but feel bad for her. Growing up in a society of very one track minded women, telling everyone moments before disaster strikes that if you're so much as even touched by an invader your chastity is ruined and you become a disgrace to society (because that's what's important apparently). I can't believe this is truly how people thought back then when this happened, it's absolutely heartbreaking that they place 'chastity' over women's' lives. EN was such a good friend to GC and knew her so well, and didn't even mind it when GC was in love with Yeon Jun (but of course it wasn't true love). I'm so glad that in this version GC never sabotaged EN for YJ's love, and simply chose methods that involved attempting to seduce him lol. She knew from the start where GC's heart was and she was definitely the captain of this ship. bless her. She even supported GC on running away with JH if it would make her happy.

Yeon Jun. What interesting words to describe trash. This man deserved none of these women's love. He was a fool for wanting to protect a King that ran away without even knowing how to fight, it was so pathetic. He definitely was stringing GC along when he knew he would never actually get with her because she didn't fit the typical wife standards. I don't know what EN sees in him and she deserves 100000 times better.

Ryang Eum. What a controversial character!! Although I know we all hate him for what he did, let's face it, it was necessary to continue the story. Dude gave us part 2. I hate YJ more than RE. While RE was indeed selfish and wanted JH to himself while knowing JH would never reciprocate his feelings, let's be sooo for real we would've done the same for JH lol.

Part 1 - Storyline:

To those who thought the drama was boring in the first few episodes, it was necessary to depict the difference in quality of life before, during, and after the Qing invasion. The way the setting went from bright, colourful, and lighthearted scenes of noblewomen only worrying about whether they'll get married or not, to dark, cold, and violent tragedies was a thrilling transition. Again, those fight scenes with JH were one of the more interesting things in Part 1 and it was so cool see JH's swordsmanship. The constant bickering and teasing of our MCs was so funny and kept things hopeful even when disaster strikes. The way they kept on reuniting whether they both knew it or not, was so defining of them as soulmates. The whole invasion taking place was what made it thrilling, worried about what other tragedies would befall our main characters.

After the invasion ended we were again given GC and JH obstacles, with GC not being over YJ and basically telling JH to leave with the Crown Prince. While I want to say it was dumb for her not to have moved on from someone who shows no intentions of being with her, I completely understand it because he was who she grew up admiring for the longest time. YJ is someone she knows while JH is someone who came into her life a few months ago, how scary it would be to trust and love someone she didn't fully know yet? She had to be given time to grow and understand her feelings. In that time GC only grew even further and proved herself to be a savvy independent businesswoman who knew how to make money without a man having to help her.

No matter what people say, she WAITED for JH and I know RE misunderstood that she was engaged but she only agreed after thinking JH was dead because she wanted a better life for her family (especially cause YJ that hoe went off to help the King and left EN to fend for herself), my girl had MOUTHS TO FEED. Anyways, their reunion in Pt. 1 was short-lived but gave us so many romantic scenes. What do you mean JH bought her dozens of floral shoes, what do you mean he asked her to run away with him, what do you MEAN he said he'd become her servant and not just her husband??? Her fiancée knew what he was doing using her dad to get her to stay with him, because deep down he knew her family was the only reason she agreed to marry him and it wasn't because she ever fell in love with him, not once. I can't even remember the asshole's name while writing this. Won Moo. That bitch. Him and YJ fall into the same category - GARBAGEE.

The ending of Pt. 1 brought me to tears, literally nonstop waterfalls, and I never wanted a happy ending for two characters more than for GC and JH. I actually cried in almost every episode here whether it was getting emotional over GC's selflessness, JH's disappointment in winning over GC, or their heartbreaking departures from each other. The most enticing Part 1 to a drama and I will never forget it.

Part 2 - Storyline:

GC and JH apart yet again, and this time not just a few months but a few years. GC is married, JH has a literal princess after him, possibility of the couple getting together?? (never zero!). JH once again proving how smart he is by advising the Crown Prince on how to deal with the Qing's demands. Also, still have to give credit to RE for pushing JH to save the Joseon captives, while he's not by his side in the first half, JH still held up on his end. Although I do think this is something JH would have done regardless. At the end of the day, he is simply someone who deeply cares even when he says he doesn't. And dare I say RE character redemption for telling GC's family about her disappearance. But of course her husband assumes the worst instead (do I hear... insecure jerk!?). Not even joking, him giving up her bail money to those thieves, just because he heard she was sold already is a whole other level of dickhead men in kdramas.

GC truly had it hard in life, and somehow continued to have it hard in Pt. 2. This girl has been through so much like please give her a break. The way she found a way out of every horrible situation she had been in when she had me so worried for her, and how she refused to seek JH's help because she was ashamed of leaving him. The scene where he sees her at the stand about to be sold was so heart wrenching. The way he let her go thinking she'd live her best life even without him and she ended up where he never thought she would. Their love for each other after so many years is what kept me going and you can see it in the way they look at each other. Gag Hwa (the princess) needed to leave them alone omg. But honestly, the GH storyline was so interesting to me, the way they made her slightly similar to GC in the sense of them both not following typical standards for how they should act as women. But you could tell how different she was with the way she thought about people (like the captives). In a way I think she was very similar to JH in Pt. 1, that same type of selfishness and the pride she carried herself with. But JH changed himself for the better. I wanna say what she did to GC only drew the two closer together for the better. JH was so hilarious for pretending to be sick for that long.

One thing I admired is that GC had her own morals and values that she always followed, nothing happened between her and JH until she got an explanation from her husband. Too bad it wasn't an explanation she got but the biggest betrayal. I can't believe that man went and got remarried, while leaving his wife he claimed to care about to die. The thing that had me most upset was the way people were treating her after she was literally kidnapped. The way her own sister was worried she was r**** not because she cared about her but because of their reputation, and the way her own father tried to kill her as he thought it was the only way she could live with herself. The only one who truly cared about her wellbeing back at home was EN. The was exactly what she needed to realize though for her to finally go to JH. Even her own family could not accept her, so she could go to the one who accepted her no matter what, after leaving him once before because of her family. Seriously guys the scene makes me tear up just thinking about it. His acceptance of what she had been through was so beautiful and she finally found a place of comfort and safety she had always longed for. I know some people were debating whether or not she was assaulted but in truth it didn't matter - what mattered was JH didn't care about any of that stuff, she was it for him. We again got to witness the constant pushing and pulling, the distance and the longing, it made my heart feel emotions I've never felt before. It might've been frustrating for some people, but for me, it was the best part of this entire drama. It's the buildup of their romance that's so grand and obvious until they finally collide - what the universe always meant for.

Then tragedy strikes again - surprised, not really. Basically people die and JH wasn't there to save them - oh no they have to follow history, it's fine, we got an episode and a half of peace, I'm not complaining. I truly only cared about GC and JH's ending. All I have to say is, King was so worried about his position for what, bro had to give it up one day.. also that concubine of his? Maddening, and I felt so bad for the Crown Prince and Princess. Also, GH letting go of JH is totally mirroring JH letting go of GC, although it was her threatening him with a knife before she did that lol. The captives finally go free - yay! Honourable mention for Jong Jong and Gu Jam. Then the King's people is sent to kill all the captives, seriously this guy is something else. GC was absolutely spot on about YJ though, since Pt. 1 she said she admired him for never changing and always following his own set of rules, and that's exactly what he did. He was just like everyone else and believed women should kill themselves than continue living if they were touched by invaders, even failed to accept his own wife who has done nothing but support him and she was only grabbed by her wrists. Then goes onto almost kill JH (side note, glad JH's dad died cause he was another disappointing character). Then of course JH nearly dies YET AGAIN. I know some people found the two times memory loss thing ridiculous but lowkey? I'm not sure if it was intentional bc I heard they might've changed the ending for the viewers. But you know how RE told GC the first time JH lost his memory that he thought JH would remember her of all people, and that's exactly what he did the second time. The only thing he remembered was literally only her. Heartbreaking, but beautiful, their reunion (so many reunions) on the beach was gorgeous and I'm just so glad they got the happy ending they deserve. I think his memory loss also caused him to forget RE in that mental hospital cell though poor guy.

Their love story spanned years, and that's one of my favourite things. Their feelings remained the same throughout everything and developed the strongest love I've ever seen, overcoming the greatest obstacles ever to be together. I know since this is a historical kdrama revolving around war and everything, so obviously there are more extremities on what they sacrifice for each other but that's exactly what tugged on my heart strings this entire drama. I don't really get the people saying Pt. 2 wasn't as good, but it may also be that I binged Pt. 1 and 2 while only waiting for the last 2 episodes. While obviously not as great as Pt. 1, Pt. 2 did not fall short of my expectations and I take noo criticism on this lol. People have not seen a GREEN flag until they've seen JH. Every single actor in this drama really sealed the deal, no one was lacking and their delivery for everything was perfect and met my expectations for what people were saying as a great drama. Truly the best drama I have seen by far. IT'S SO DEAR TO ME no one understands!!!

Music:

Lastly, the music. The soundtrack has never left my mind since I completed this drama. I listen to it every night before I fall asleep. With My Heart was beautiful, sang by both Kai and Ahn Eun Jin. My other favourites are The Painted on The Moonlight, and My Star. But my true favourite was definitely the instrumentals, it's etched into my brain - Fate, My Dearest, Lyrical, and With My Heart instrumental.

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Absolutely the Best Love Story

According to MDL, I've watched at least 114 K-Dramas; several of them over 100 episodes.
This one has shot straight up to Number One, after watching it all.

My awards:
Most Breathtaking Actor: Namkoong Min (Lee Jeong Hyeon)
Most Convincing Character Growth: Ahn Eun Jin (Yu Gil Chae)
Most Tragic Character (tied with Bidam [Seondeok]): Kim Yoon Woo (Ryang Eum)
Most Inspiring Support Role: Choi Mu Seong (Gu Yang Cheon)
Most Supportive Friend: Ahn Eun Jin (Kyung Eun Ae)

Honorable Mentions:
Most Delusional/Pathetic Character: Moon Sung Geun (Lee Yeon Hyeon's ... spoiler)
2nd Most Delusional/Pathetic Character: Lee Hak Joo (Nam Yeon Jun)

Best Ending Ever: My Dearest (Part 2)

Cannot recommend this drama highly enough.
You have to watch it to believe it. I will never forget it.
Also, cinematography to die for.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ... ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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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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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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BEST HISTORICAL KDRAMA !!!!!!

After a long time a drama that is soothing as well as which could prick ones heart have got to watch ,the potrayal of lead characters is quite appreciatable and commendable , when they longed for each other we longed for them to be together more , even though there were episodes were the leads doesn't have scene together one doesn't feel to skip because each character had a worthy story to tell about .
Two characters who called themselves selfish but when the time came they forgot themselves and fought for others with all their might , The depiction of female lead is quite good neither a whining girl who is waiting for her prince nor a girl who can fight off ten men but simply a girl who is strong willed and believes in what she does , her characters growth from the beginning to the end is vast . Talking about lead male ,what to say when the actor emotes with his eyes even we shed our tears along with him , the character is too deep , a noble born man but do like to be known as man who brought noble title with money , tells he has no empathy for people but all he did was simply live for them , a hero who doesnt gives a motivational speak of patriotism but someone who simply speaks with his actions , his words not nurtured by many yet it was all him who had wise ideas and tried to colloborate with everyone , courage not in his words but in his veins , last but not the least that laugh with that "aigoo"! how can one forget it , the depth of his love for his Gil chaye makes one wonders what is it to love a person , even after knowing she was pregnant though she was decieving him with it he simply wanted her to be happy , he wants nothing but simply her happiness.
If someone ignored this masterpiece thinking they have no taste in historical drama they are simply fathoming a brilliantly written and acted drama , which could show you one of the finest lovestories of joseon era ❤️

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Best drama I have ever watched

Best drama I have watched so far, since I started watching dramas 8 years ago. it is the best drama I have ever seen, no hyperbole. My words cannot express how great this drama is and my words cannot do it justice so I'll keep this short. it was deeply satisfying to watch. There are so many important, intertwined themes, still relevant to modern day, such as unrequited love, sexual assault, fanaticism, and so much more. and it makes it very deep and cerebral despite also being a love story. it might not be for everyone but I loved it so much. I couldn't stop watching it. but it is one of those few TV shows or movies that stay with you forever and that you never forget because it has such an impact. I will never forget this one. not only was it a joy to watch, I feel like I learned something (and not just about Korean history). the way it treats the subject matter and themes is brilliant. I will definitely have to rewatch it again someday. I hope it comes out on DVD so I can buy it, I love it soo much. and I hope they make more dramas like this in the future. one last thing: the main actors are gorgeous and brilliant.

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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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