Why "My Dearest" Is the Only K-Drama I’m Still Watching

If I’m being honest, this year did not start with me sitting comfortably and binge-watching dramas like it was in past years. Being so busy between personal goals, responsibilities, and trying to keep up with life in general, my screen time for movies and series reduced so much. So when I saw the prompt question, I had to pause a bit.

Unlike previous years where I jumped straight into K-dramas, this year welcomed me in quite slowly. I managed to watch a few Korean movies like “Sweet & Sour” and “Pretty Crazy,” along with two animated movies, “Zootopia” and “Luck.” which I shared my reviews on them because they were light to fit into my tight schedule. Then this:

So far, My Dearest is not just the first Korean drama I started this year, it is also the only one I’m currently watching, and I’m genuinely enjoying every bit of it. I started the series almost at the beginning of the year, but due to how packed my days have been, I only got to episode 9 out of 21 just yesterday. Yes, it’s been a slow watch, but surprisingly, that hasn’t reduced my interest at all.

I decided to start the series mainly because of the lead actor, Namgoong Min whom I had watched in “Our Movie” last month. His performance in that movie were subtle in many ways. He carried his role with so much control and emotional balance that it stuck with me long after the movie ended. So when I found My Dearest, it felt like a safe choice to start the year.

And thankfully, I wasn’t wrong about my choice.

My Dearest is set during a turbulent historical period, and the drama blends romance, survival, and emotional growth in a way that feels grounded rather than exaggerated. At the core, the story follows a man who appears detached and emotionally guarded, and a woman whose life and beliefs are challenged by war, loss, and love. Their relationship doesn’t feel rushed or forced but develops gradually, a slow-burn love.

Namgoong Min plays his role with quiet strength, how he doesn’t rely on loud emotions or dramatic outbursts, made his character believable. Instead, his expressions, body language, and calm delivery do most of the work. You can tell there’s a lot going on beneath the surface, even when he says very little. This is one of the reasons I’ve stayed hooked despite going slowly.

The lead actress also deserves credit. Her character starts off in a place of emotional safety but as the story progresses, she’s forced to confront harsh realities. Watching her grow, struggle, and adapt has been one of the most interesting parts of the drama for me. Her performance feels natural, and her reactions to pain, confusion, and love are quite so relatable.

What I like most about My Dearest is that it doesn’t try too hard to impress. The story unfolds at its own pace. Some episodes felt heavy, others felt calm, and that balance makes it easy to stay invested. Even though I’m only on episode 9, the emotional foundation of the series is already strong enough to keep me coming when I'm free.

January has been busy, but My Dearest has quietly become part of my busy days. It’s the kind of drama I look forward to watching when I finally get a moment to rest. I’m enjoying taking my time with it because it fit perfectly into my January pace... Slow, meaningful, and worth the time.