My Dearest (2023)
A sweeping Korean historical romance set against the devastation of the 1600s Qing invasion, where love and survival collide in the Joseon dynasty.
My Dearest - Series Information
- Original Title: 연인
- First Air Year: 2023
- Last Air Year: 2023
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Mystery
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 21
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: Korean
- First Air Date: August 4, 2023 (Mexico - B-15), August 4, 2023 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: MBC
- Production Companies: MBC, 9Ato Entertainment
- Production Countries: South Korea
- Alternative Titles: 戀人 (TW), Закохані (UA), 연인 (KR), Lovers (US), 恋人 (CN), มายเดียเรสต์ (TH), ချစ်သူ (MM), 戀人 (香港)
My Dearest - Plot
A love-story between a noblewoman and a mysterious man who shows up in her hometown set in the 1600s during the Qing invasion.
My Dearest - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a first look at this sweeping Joseon-era romance:
My dearest whom I miss and love very much
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My Dearest - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Namkoong Min
- Ahn Eun-jin
- Lee Hak-ju
- Lee Da-in
- Kim Yoon-woo
- Ji Seung-hyun
- Park Jeong-yeon
- Kwon So-hyun
- Park Kang-seop
- Choi Moo-seong
Writers
- Hwang Jin-young
My Dearest - FAQs
Is My Dearest based on a true story?
My Dearest is a fictional love story, but it unfolds against the very real backdrop of the Second Manchu invasion of Joseon in 1636-1637. The political turmoil, the siege of Namhan Mountain Fortress, and the eventual surrender of King Injo are all rooted in documented Korean history, lending the drama a powerful sense of authenticity.
Where can you stream My Dearest?
My Dearest is available to stream on OnDemandKorea (with subscription or ad-supported viewing) and on Kocowa, including through the Kocowa Amazon Channel. These platforms offer the full 21-episode run with English subtitles for international audiences.
Who plays the leads in My Dearest?
The drama stars Namkoong Min as the enigmatic Lee Jang-hyun and Ahn Eun-jin as the spirited noblewoman Yoo Gil-chae. Their on-screen chemistry became one of the most talked-about aspects of the series, earning widespread praise from Korean drama fans and critics alike.
What makes Yoo Gil-chae a standout character?
Yoo Gil-chae breaks the mold of the typical sageuk heroine. She starts out vain, headstrong, and fiercely ambitious — qualities rarely celebrated in period dramas. Watching her evolve through heartbreak and war into someone of genuine depth and resilience is one of the most compelling character arcs in recent Korean television.
Is My Dearest worth watching for non-K-drama fans?
Absolutely. My Dearest earned strong critical praise and viewer devotion for its emotionally rich storytelling, stunning period production design, and performances that feel genuinely lived-in. Even viewers unfamiliar with Korean historical dramas found themselves swept up in the romance and the weight of its wartime setting.
How many episodes does My Dearest have?
My Dearest consists of 21 episodes across a single season. The series aired on MBC in South Korea beginning August 4, 2023, and concluded the same year. The extended episode count gives the story ample room to develop its characters and explore the emotional toll of war on love and family.
What are some shows similar to My Dearest?
Fans of My Dearest often enjoy The Red Sleeve (2021) and Alchemy of Souls (2022) for their blend of romance and historical intrigue. Nirvana in Fire (2015) and Magnificent Century (2011) offer similarly epic period storytelling from China and Turkey respectively. When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025) is another acclaimed Korean drama worth exploring.
When did My Dearest first air?
My Dearest premiered on August 4, 2023, in South Korea on MBC. It was simultaneously released in Mexico on the same date. The series ran through the latter half of 2023 and wrapped up its single season of 21 episodes before the year's end.
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