SBS’s upcoming drama My Royal Nemesis is officially ready to meet viewers.
Ahead of the series premiere on May 8th, director Han Tae Seob joined stars Lim Ji Yeon, Heo Nam Jun, Jang Seung Jo, Kim Min Seok and Lee Se Hee at the drama’s press event, where the cast shared their confidence in the project.
When asked about viewership expectations, Heo Nam Jun confidently said, “I told the director while filming that the drama was so fun and that it was going to turn out amazing. I think it’ll do well. I believe we can pass 20%.”
Lim Ji Yeon agreed, saying, “I think we should hit 20%. But beyond ratings, I think this will become a drama people remember as a genuinely good series for a long time.”
The fantasy romance drama will go head-to-head in its time slot against MBC’s Perfect Crown. Asked what sets My Royal Nemesis apart, director Han Tae Seob pointed to the drama’s unique premise.
“There’s a line in our pitch document that says, ‘Good women go to heaven, but bad women go everywhere,’” he explained. “After Kang Dan Sim is executed by poison and wakes up in Shin Seo Ri’s body, she gets a second chance at life. The endless possibilities that unfold after experiencing death are the drama’s biggest strength.”
He added that the writer balanced the story’s fantasy elements with humor, romance, action and comedy, while praising Lim Ji Yeon’s performance.
“I honestly don’t know if another actress could’ve pulled off all these different sides of the character the way Ji Yeon did,” he said. “I’d say Ji Yeon herself is our biggest advantage.”
Ahead of the premiere, Lim Ji Yeon also opened up about working with Heo Nam Jun. “To be honest, I can’t imagine anyone else playing Se Gye,” she shared. “Shin Seo Ri is a character with so much emotional weight and so many things to carry that I often felt exhausted.”
She continued, “Nam Jun constantly encouraged me as Se Gye. He was like a vitamin on set that helped me get through the tough filming days. I was grateful to him, proud of him, and honestly sad when filming ended. That chemistry will naturally make its way into the drama.”
Heo Nam Jun also praised their partnership, saying, “Our chemistry was incredible. Out of all the actors I’ve worked with, she was one of the best in every way — personality included. As filming went on, everything felt more comfortable and natural. I’m really confident about our chemistry.”
My Royal Nemesis premieres May 8th at 9 PM KST on SBS.
>> PICK: 6 New Korean Dramas to Watch in May 2026
In the meantime, watch Lim Ji Yeon in Obsessed on Amasian TV for free.
Source (1)
