My Dearest Nemesis: A Look at the Finale and Possible Season 2
The popular series My Dearest Nemesis, featuring Choi Hyun-wook and Moon Ga-young, has wrapped up its story with a gripping conclusion in episodes 11 and 12. This romantic comedy dives into the evolving relationship between workplace adversaries Baek Su-jeong (played by Moon Ga-young) and Ban Ju-yeon (Choi Hyun-wook), transforming them from rivals into partners.
In the series, Baek Su-jeong is the head of the strategic planning department, while Ban Ju-yeon serves as the director of the Yongseong Department Store. Their complicated history dates back to their teenage years, where they crossed paths through an online game; however, neither recognizes the other when they later meet professionally.
Episode Highlights: Confrontations and Revelations
The finale introduces a moment of reckoning as Ban Ju-yeon’s grandmother, Jung Hyo-sun, comes to terms with the emotional pain she has caused him over the years, leading to her heartfelt apology.
Concurrently, Baek Su-jeong faces backlash from her colleagues regarding her romantic relationship with Ban Ju-yeon.
Despite the challenges, including being offered a position by an American agency, Baek Su-jeong chooses to remain loyal to the Yongseong Department Store. Her dedication eventually pays off, with her promotion to Section Chief as the show concludes—although prospects for a second season seem slim.
Understanding the Ending: Termination of Their Contract
In episode 11’s pivotal moments, Ban Ju-yeon is tasked by Jung Hyo-sun to successfully manage a critical renewal project, with the condition that Baek Su-jeong be reinstated as his team leader. His grandmother warns him that failure would result in him moving to the United States, potentially leaving behind his position as the successor of Yongseong.
Unaware of their agreement, Baek Su-jeong grows concerned but is reassured by Ban Ju-yeon to put their best foot forward for the project’s success. Ban Ju-yeon goes to great lengths to avoid any errors during the event but finds himself in an unintended scandal when he intervenes to help a child, leading to accusations that he pushed the kid.
The incident garners significant media attention, resulting in a backlash against Ban Ju-yeon and the cancellation of a planned promotional event for his favorite game, Pirate King. In a twist, Baek Su-jeong meets with the game’s creator and explains the misunderstanding, showcasing Ban Ju-yeon’s genuine admiration for the game.
Eventually, Ban Ju-yeon secretly meets the creator, who recognizes him due to Baek Su-jeong’s description, leading to the revival of the promotional event. As the renewal project progresses, Baek Su-jeong finds herself cornered by reporters inquiring about her relationship with Ban Ju-yeon, but he intervenes to protect her privacy.
As pressures mount from their colleagues, Ban Ju-yeon suggests that Baek Su-jeong consider relocating to advance her career. However, in episode 12, Baek Su-jeong resolves to stand her ground, committed to proving their relationship is more than just office gossip.
Her support for Ban Ju-yeon culminates in a thoughtful gesture where she decorates his home with his cherished items, prompting a visit from Jung Hyo-sun. During this visit, she confronts her failures as a grandmother, leading to an emotional reconciliation between her and Ban Ju-yeon.
In a significant turning point, the couple decides to formally end their initial contract, which required Baek Su-jeong to conceal Ban Ju-yeon’s private life while he aided her career.
Season 2: The Possibility of Renewal Explored
As the series wraps up, other character arcs also find closure. Seo Ha-jin (Im Se-mi) reconciles with Kim Shin-won (Kwak Si-yang), who leaves Yongseong Department Store to partner with her in a new venture. Meanwhile, Baek Su-jeong’s brother, Baek Su-bin, embarks on a new career as a firefighter, and Baek Su-jeong takes a bold step by acquiring stocks in Yongseong.
At a significant board meeting, Baek Su-jeong and her father encounter Jung Hyo-sun and Ban Ju-yeon, with Hyo-sun acknowledging Baek Su-jeong as Ban Ju-yeon’s partner but asserting that she will continue to hold her to high professional standards.
Ban Ju-yeon ascends to a board member position within the Yongseong group, while Baek Su-jeong enjoys her promotion to section chief. The completion of these arcs suggests a conclusive end to the narrative, thus reducing the likelihood of a second season renewal by tvN. However, as of now, there has been no official announcement regarding the show’s future.
Fans can catch all episodes of My Dearest Nemesis streaming on Rakuten Viki.