My Dearest

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Synopsis

Lee Jang Hyun is a nobleman who works as a merchant. One day, he meets Yoo Gil Chae. Her bright personality changes his life. They fall in love and have to overcome the struggles and turmoil brought about the Qing invasion.

My Opinion (No Spoiler)

Where to begin with this drama? If My Dearest doesn’t swoop awards in 2023, I will go live in a cave. This drama is AMAZING!! The story is a realistic portrayal of the struggles Joseon had to go through during the Qing invasion in the 17th century. The depiction of war and its aftermath, the political power games between the King and the invaders and internal strife within the royal court is beautiful, relatable and realistic. The tone of the drama is serious and will make you go through a myriad of emotions. As for the love story, it’s a melodramatic journey that the leads put me through. It’s burning, yet indecisive; complicated, yet so simple. But the best part of the drama remains the acting performance. Ahn Eun Jin and Namgoong Min are soooo credible. Their raw emotions are perfectly timed with the atmosphere of each scene. They deserve all the praise and success the drama received because it’s just the best. 10000% recommended!

Analysis

• The historical context
  The Qing Invasion of Joseon
  Beginning and end of the cycle
  The war and its consequences
  Political schemes and power struggle
  The King’s paranoia
• Characters
  Yoo Gil Chae, arrogant and brave
  Lee Jang Hyun, devoted and skilled
  Nam Yeon Joon and Kyung Eun Ae
  The side lovers
  The Crown Prince and the Crown Princess
• The romance
  The encounter
  The journey and its obstacles
  Proof of their fated love
  The ending, ‘Gil Chae is my hometown’
• The acting performance
• The direction
• The ambiance of the drama

The historical context: My Dearest takes place at a very troubled time during the 17th century. Indeed, Joseon is about to be invaded by the Qing Dynasty, bringing about chaos and suffering to the Kingdom and its inhabitants. Amidst this dramatic historical context, Lee Jang Hyun (Namgoong Min) and Yoo Gil Chae (Ahn Eun Jin) fight to find their way to each other.

The Qing Invasion of Joseon: In the winter of 1636, Joseon gets embroiled in a massive conflict in the region, as the Qing Dynasty decides to wage war on its small neighbor to expand its territories. Joseon, ruled by King Injo (Kim Jong Tae), unfortunately loses the fight and thus becomes a tributary of the Qing Dynasty. This means that the King is forced to give grain, raw materials, lands, and people to the Qing when requested. Moreover, Crown Prince So Hyun (Kim Mu Joon) is taken hostage and forced to live in Simyang (currently in China) for years, as a way to keep pressure on his father.

Years before this tragic event, King Injo had already survived a previous invasion named the Later Jin Invasion of Joseon in 1627. Joseon became a tributary state to the Later Jin, while the King kept traumatic memories of this period. On a political scale, the ‘good relationship’ (with quotation marks of course!) between Joseon and the Ming Dynasty, then at odds with its rival the Qing Dynasty, led Joseon to its demise 10 years later. Indeed, the Qing Dynasty formed by Hong Taiji was not recognized by Joseon. So, the Qing decided to attack Joseon in order to establish its power and supremacy in the area.

The second invasion starts in December 1636 and the war rapidly reaches Uiju, a county currently located in North Korea at the border with China. This is also where it all begins in the drama. Yoo Gil Chae, her family and friends reside in a small village close to the border called Neunggun-Ri. Due to its location, they are the first to suffer from the sudden invasion. Shortly after the beginning of the intrusion on Korean soil, the King tries to flee to Ganghwa Island, as he had previously done in 1627. But he is thwarted by the foreign army and has to take refuge at Namhan Fortress instead. Under siege and out of provisions, he eventually admits defeat and surrenders to the Qing Dynasty. This event is a major humiliation for King Injo who has to bow down to the foreign Emperor, but it can’t be worse than the suffering and pain his people have to endure. Indeed, many suffer under the yoke of the intruders’ army, made up of Manchu, Mongol and different people from tribes considered as savages only interested in wealth and women. Therefore, they would kill, steal and rape shamelessly. This barbaric behavior is depicted several times in the drama, when Kyung Eun Ae (Lee Da In) for example is attacked by a Mongol in the forest and almost raped.

The second part of My Dearest (starting from episode 10) is dedicated to the Crown Prince and Princess who are taken hostages until 1643 that marks the death of Emperor Hong Taiji. Alongside Lee Jang Hyun, the royal couple tries to support the King and the country’s situation from Simyang. Yet, the Crown Prince’s efforts are misunderstood by King Injo who sees betrayal and treason in his son’s moves. When Crown Prince So Hyun is finally allowed to go back home, it is only to die shortly after. As for the Crown Princess, she’s accused of treason by her family’s opponents, and is thus forced to take poison and end her life.

The last part of the drama relates the events from 1648 and after when the situation starts getting better for Joseon. Following Hong Taiji’s passing, Dorgon takes control as a regent. He lets go of a little bit of the control imposed on Joseon and choses to rule differently from his predecessor. The plot of My Dearest finishes approximately in 1649 – that is with King Injo’s death – and in the 1650s when Gil Chae and Jang Hyun reunite.

Beginning and end of the cycle: In 1659 – that is the 10th year of King Hyojong’s reign – the political situation has quieted down. Joseon has recovered most of its freedom, the Kingdom seems at peace and prosperous. That’s when the fictional story comes into play. In the 1st episode of the drama, Ryang Reum (Kim Yoon Woo), said to have become mad, is in jail asking for information about Lee Jang Hyun. Officials and scholars find a report relating the events from 20+ years ago. It is said that a man named Lee Jang Hyun has manipulated the Crown Prince leading him to his death, while another one – Ryang Eum – was thrown into jail because he had gone crazy. Ryang Eum is the story-teller of the drama with whom both story and History can come back to life.

The war and its consequences: Like any other major event of this kind, the Qing invasion was a massive blow for Joseon. It resulted in the deaths of many innocent people at the hands of Mongols (representing a good portion of the foreign intruders), the rape of many women and the enslavement of peasants and poor inhabitants. Many children lost their parents and became vagrants, crops were destroyed leading the poorest to starvation. Like the Crown Prince, many were taken hostage, while others were sent to the Northern borders and sold onto the slave market. This is what happens to Gil Chae, when Qing soldiers capture random people in the streets of the capital after enslaved men and women have escape. In a nutshell, the invasion led to more poverty and famine, the destruction of families scattered across the Kingdom or decimated, and the deaths of beloved friends and family members. On top of that, Joseon was forced to give most of its crops and wealth to please Emperor Hong Taiji.

Political schemes and power struggle: Amidst the chaos, Lee Jang Hyun shines as a swordsman and war strategist. His physical and intellectual abilities helped him become a skilled soldier on the battlefield, and crafty interpreter counseling the Crown Prince in Simyang. For instance, he spreads a rumor among Qing soldiers that some of them are dying of the smallpox to pressure Hong Taiji into ending the war. Thanks to his knowledge of the intruders’ language, he negotiates several times with them to protect Joseon’s interests and people. Lee Jang Hyun is a clever man who uses his enemies’ desires in his interests by offering gold, money, crops or whatever they need in exchange of favors. While in Simyang, the Crown Prince benefits from Jang Hyun’s capacities and is able to defend his realm. In the meantime, political turmoil brews in the Royal Palace, as the King slowly convinces himself that his son wants to take his throne. His ministers also scheme to oust the Crown Prince and establish their favorite as the future King. Not only does the drama focus on the external threat embodied by the Qing Dynasty, but it also emphasizes on the internal strifes that inevitably lead Joseon to its demise.

The King’s paranoia: At the end of the drama, and after years under the yoke of the invaders, the King has become greatly paranoid. He is fearful of losing his throne. This anguish is nurtured by his own concubine who dreams of positioning her son on the throne. Hence her schemes to cast doubts on the Prince’s true intentions. King Injo’s paranoia comes out victorious, as he chooses to get rid of the captives from Simyang (who barely managed to escape), cast away his sick son and execute the Crown Princess.

All in all, My Dearest makes you reflect on politics, the role they play in the lives of ordinary people and their dreadful consequences when not implemented properly. Lee Jang Hyun and the Crown Prince gave their all to save the captives, only to see them abandoned by their own King and country. This situation makes you wonder who the enemy is. Is it really the intruders as they cross the geographical frontiers? Or is the enemy coming from within the nation’s borders? From within the Palace’s walls?

Characters: My Dearest is the story of a long journey spreading over decades. That being said, it’s normal that characters would change. Add to that the horror of the war and the hardships of life, and you can definitely expect the protagonists to transform.

Yoo Gil Chae, arrogant and brave: Yoo Gil Chae is a young woman from a noble family. She’s been sheltered by her parents all her life. Hence her apparent arrogance and extreme self-confidence. She’s beautiful, clever, slightly eccentric, and somewhat reckless. She knows her worth, what she wants and how to get it. Moreover, her self-assertion gives her the advantage when talking to men. She can seduce them easily and has them all in the palm of her hand. All, except one: Nam Yeon Joon (Lee Hak Joo). Despite her efforts, he shows no interest in her whatsoever. Worse, he seems attracted to Gil Chae’s childhood friend: The innocent Kyung Eun Ae. This unreciprocated love makes Gil Chae jealous, petty and childish. Yet, she’s no quitter. She refuses to give up without giving it a go first. Here is probably Gil Chae’s best quality: Her resilience. Whether in love or at war, her determination and stubbornness are what will keep her alive during these troubled times. When the war starts, Gil Chae suddenly loses her innocence. She demonstrates incredible courage. Her desire to live is stronger than anything. Indeed, she refuses to commit suicide simply to protect her honor. This inner strength is what drives her and her friends’ journey. She is willing to attack an intruder to save her friend, to save the Crown Prince’s baby to flee on the only boat available, to dirty her hands to earn money, and even to scar her face to keep her life. She’s resourceful, brave, but also kind and warmhearted. Her family and friends are her priority. That’s why, she sacrifices her love to marry another man and put her beloved ones in safety. Yoo Gil Chae’s transformation is one of the best I’ve ever seen in Dramaland. She’s like a butterfly who deploys her wings with time. She’s an admirable character, woman, friend, daughter and lover who simply inspires. Even physically, Gil Chae goes from a lively young lady to a charismatic woman who’s seen it all.

Lee Jang Hyun, devoted and skilled: At first glimpse, Lee Jang Hyun presents himself as a wealthy merchant who doesn’t seem to care about anything but money. Rumor has it that he bought his nobility title, but is in fact a slave who enriched himself during his numerous travels. One particularity – which also turns out to be Lee Jang Hyun’s main advantage – is that he’s seen the world. He’s experienced different cultures, knows several languages, has gone through multiple life-or-death situations that all taught him how to adapt and survive in any environment. He’s also a born strategist and knows how to play his cards even with the worst hand. He’s also a skilled swordsman who can fight against dozens of soldiers at once. Later on in the drama, it is revealed that he is the son of a great scholar who faked his death after his sister’s suicide. Indeed, she had fallen in love with the family’s slave. Their father discovered it and had the slave killed. This led to his sister’s despair who decided to take her own life. Devastated, Jang Hyun chose to punish his father by taking away the only thing he cared for: His son. He pretended to die in a fire and started from scratch. Finally, Lee Jang Hyun is a man of honor too. His main concern throughout the entire drama is people. All his actions are done, so he can protect them whether they are friends or random captives. He can’t stand misplaced loyalty and values that lead to innocent people’s deaths. His second main quality is his loyalty. Once he’s given his words – or his heart – he goes all in. That’s exactly what happens with Gil Chae. He unexpectedly falls for this bubbly and difficult woman. But, he would go through Hell to save her from danger (and so he does many, many times!). This devotion eventually touches Gil Chae’s heart who can’t suppress her feelings anymore.

Nam Yeon Joon and Kyung Eun Ae: Nam Yeon Joon is Gil Chae’s first love. He’s honorable, upright, soft, but also idealistic. He learned his values in books, but has no experience of life. Therefore, his criticisms and judgements often lead to other people getting hurt (included his future wife Eun Ae) or killed. Yeon Joon sees the world in black and white, when it is actually all grey. In that sense, he shares the same perspective as Jang Hyun’s father who ruined himself and his family with his so-called principles. Moreover, Yeon Joon is unbending, proud and stubborn. He refuses to admit defeat if it means contradicting his ideals. Contrary to Lee Jang Hyun, Yeon Joon cares more about honor than people. That makes him a loyal subject to the King, but a terrible advisor for the people. I didn’t really like his character, as I believed he was blind and ungrateful. He was saved a good number of times by Lee Jang Hyun, but kept on misjudging him. Though he softens up by the end of the drama, his behavior towards his own wife was just unforgivable.

Kyung Eun Ae is a sweet, warmhearted woman. She considers Gil Chae to be her sister and thus never resented her for being harsh on her. Indeed, they grew up together. So, she knows Gil Chae through and through. Eun Ae is observant and can read her sister like an open book. Hence, her affection towards her. Gil Chae proves to reciprocate her friendship by saving her during their escape from the intruders. Their bond gets even stronger once they go back to their hometown and settle down after the war. They have become close sisters and support each other, no matter what. Kyung Eun Ae is always well-intended and shares Gil Chae’s vision of the world. Life is precious whether it’s yours or others’. She’s even willing to go to Simyang to find Gil Chae when no one else wants (not even Gil Chae’s husband!). This character goes through a beautiful evolution as well. Eun Ae used to be a fragile flower, but she toughened up over the years. She’s still a rose, but with thorns who asserts herself more. That’s the reason why she leaves Yeon Joon at the end. Indeed, Eun Ae confesses she was assaulted by a foreign intruder during the war. She was rescued by Gil Chae who killed him with a rock. Yet, she was tainted by the invader. Gil Chae told her to forget that moment. She had done nothing wrong, and should go on with her life. They swore they would take this secret to their tomb. Years after, Eun Ae finally brings it up to her now husband. Though she was expecting a cold reaction, she never would’ve thought he would blame her for deceiving him, lying to him, and not trying to protect her honor. In a word, Yeon Joon was incapable of understanding why Eun Ae had not killed herself to protect her honor after this event. Eun Ae was deeply scarred and shocked by her husband’s rejection. She was disappointed in him and thus decided to go. So long as he would not put his wife over his values, she wouldn’t be able to live with him anymore. Almost a decade after, he eventually gives in and apologizes. The ending leans towards a reconciliation between these two, though it’s unsure whether their relationship is able to recover entirely.

The side lovers: Gak Hwa (Lee Chung Ah) and Yang Reum are real obstacles in Jang Hyun and Gil Chae’s relationship. Both are selfish and obsessive, putting their feelings first over others’. They also use white lies and power to get what they want, that is separating the leads. In Yang Reum’s case, he was rescued by Lee Jang Hyun as a very young age. So, he always considered him his protector, older brother, but also admired him and loved him. His feelings have never been reciprocated. Yet, Yang Reum can’t accept to be split from Jang Hyun. I believe this reaction is due to Yang Reum’s fear to lose the only remaining pillar of his life. He’s leaned onto his ‘older brother’ all his life, he owes him his life, but never repaid it. Losing him and his affection would mean being all alone again. This fear of solitude is what pushes Yang Reum to lie thus precipitating Gil Chae’s marriage to another man.

Gak Hwa’s behavior is similar to Yang Reum in many ways. Like him, she’s all alone and in dire need of affection. She was betrayed by her husband. This wound scarred her and turned her into a vindictive person who’s willing to hurt to receive love, even if it’s not real. Hence her obsession with Lee Jang Hyun.

These side lovers realize how good of a man Lee Jang Hyun is. He gives his all to protect the people he cares for. His perceptive eye enables him to find the good behind the scars. That’s why he’s indulgent towards these two hindrances.

The Crown Prince and the Crown Princess: The Crown Prince and Crown Princess are by far my favorite side characters of the drama. Both are upright and care for their people. They refuse to conspire to get the throne or more power. On the contrary, they’d rather dirty their hands and find solutions to protect Joseon. Stuck in Simyang, they keep their heads held high in front of the intruders. They also support each other in their ordeals, use their knowledge on farming and politics to make the best out of their tough situation. Above all, they are open-minded. They listen to Jang Hyun’s advice, even when they seem far-fetched. In that sense, this couple is just extraordinary. The love and trust they have for each other prove they are the perfect candidates as rulers of the Kingdom. Unfortunately, their righteousness becomes their weakness when other mischievous protagonists turn the King against them. The scene that best represents their love is when the Crown Princess dies and sees the Crown Prince again. In death, they are finally reunited.

The romance: The least we can say is that Gil Chae and Jang Hyun go through hoops to get together. Even when it all seems lost, Lee Jang Hyun keeps his promise and comes back to his soulmate.

The encounter: Lee Jang Hyun and Yoo Gil Chae meet shortly before the war. The former has just arrived in Neunggun-Ri as a merchant, while the latter resides there with her family and tries to find her match. Both are proud and often get into battle of wits that transpire a certain intellectual compatibility. However, Gil Chae has her eyes set on Yeon Joon. So, she’s absolutely not inclined to reciprocate Jang Hyun’s feelings. As for him, he’s fallen head over heels for this bright woman who stands up to him.

The journey and its obstacles: The love story is as long and complicated as the events occurring in the country. Gil Chae and Jang Hyun embark on a long journey during which their paths will meet, only to diverge again. I won’t go through all the events that happened, as it would be too long. But, I think there’s one point important to mention: No matter what comes their way, either Gil Chae or Jang Hyun makes the first step towards the other. For instance, Jang Hyun accepts to fight on the battlefield to find Gil Chae after she escaped war. He finds her in the forest, then on an island, then when she’s enslaved in Qing. All along, he uses politics and his skills to free her. As for Gil Chae, she chooses to follow her heart by the end of the drama. She’s made aware of Lee Jang Hyun’s actions that put her in safety all these times. Even her husband had lied and pretended he had rescued her when Jang Hyun was in reality the man in the shadows. Considering everything they’ve been through and the love they share for each other, Gil Chae goes to Simyang to save him this time and risks it all. Held prisoner for having helped the captives to run away, Jang Hyun is tortured and left for dead. Gil Chae retrieves his body at the last-minute and puts him in safety. She uses her resourcefulness and determination to do what’s right: Protect the one she loves. I really liked to see how the roles between Jang Hyun and Gil Chae were reversed in the last episodes. Generally, it was Jang Hyun going through fire for Gil Chae, only to see her slip through his fingers. By the end, it’s Gil Chae who endorses that role and fights for Jang Hyun. Together, they have gone through war, deception, a coward husband, an aggressive lover, a jealous friend and brother, thousands of miles between them and the passing of time. Breaks up resulted in their inability to communicate their feelings properly through words, but their reunion is the outcome of their actions driven by love.

Proof of their fated love: My Dearest is a historical drama as much as it is an incredible romance. From the get-go there are several proofs that Gil Chae and Jang Hyun are meant to be. It starts with Gil Chae’s dream. She sees a man on the beach who she knows is her husband. She can’t see his face, but she has a feeling deep down that this person is her soulmate. Her dream is realized at the end when she finds Lee Jang Hyun on the same beach during the sunset. Jang Hyun fought against many soldiers and was badly hurt. He lost his memories, but somehow remembered all the details of his love story with Gil Chae. The second element that unites beginning and end of the drama is the reference to the sound of flowers. Jang Hyun mentions it the first time he sees Gil Chae, smiling on the swing. He has the impression that he can hear the sound of flowers. He recalls it again on the beach while he’s fending for his life against the King’s soldiers. He’s almost convinced he’s going to die. So, he thinks about Gil Chae and the sound of flowers. This is also what concludes the drama when Gil Chae and Jang Hyun are reunited at last. Other objects can be mentioned as symbols of their love: The red ribbon Gil Chae gives to Jang Hyun to keep him safe during the war; the dagger Jang Hyun offers to Gil Chae; and of course the engraved rings they wear as a couple. Last but not least, the house where they settle down is the perfect depiction of their relationship and future as a pair.

The ending, ‘Gil Chae is my hometown’: Lee Jang Hyun’s actions have been dependent on Gil Chae ever since they met. For a man who lost his beloved sister and abandoned his father, he’s always been on the road. Several times, the merchant is asked about his hometown. But, he can’t seem to give a proper answer. Lee Jang Hyun has been uprooted. He has nowhere to return to, no safe haven. That is until he meets the love of his life. Gil Chae becomes his ‘hometown’. She’s the person he wants to return to. The symbol of his home where he feels loved, sheltered and cared for. Like for a geographical hometown, Jang Hyun yearns for Gil Chae. He longs for his comeback to her. He wants to protect her. That’s why at the end, he goes to every place where he’s met Gil Chae without really remembering why. He ends up at the house in the forest where they said they would live together one day. Following the puzzle pieces of their past, Gil Chae is able to trace him back to the house and find him safe and sound. Though he doesn’t recalls her at first, Jang Hyun eventually recovers his memories. Yoo Gil Chae is indeed his hometown. The place his heart intuitively went back to.

The acting performance: From the leads to the side characters, not a single actor failed to amaze me in this drama! So, it’s not a surprise that the cast walked off with around 10 prices at the 2023 MBC Drama Awards. Namgoong Min and Ahn Eun Jin, respectively playing Lee Jang Hyun and Yoo Gil Chae, were super credible whether it’d be in love scenes or melodramatic moments. I was also a huge fan of both actors, but they shone even brighter in My Dearest demonstrating the vast spectrum of emotions they are able to play (especially the hard ones like crying, yearning, suffering…). I wouldn’t have been able to imagine anyone else as the main couple, and seems like it’s the same for the public as they won the MBC Best Couple Award. Well deserved! Also, I really need to lay it out there because I think we don’t recognize her talent enough. But, Ahn Eun Jin has stolen my heart ever since Hospital Playlist and Only One Person. She’s extremely talented and deserved the praise and award. Even the secondary characters of this drama didn’t disappoint. From Kim Jong Tae playing King Injo, to the royal couple embodied by Kim Mu Joon and Jeon Hye Won (my favorite Crown Prince and Princess) and Yang Reum played by newcomer Kim Yoon Woo; there’s not a single flaw to the performance they delivered. They made the story believable and put me through a myriad of emotions that sent me on a crazy roller coaster.

The direction: And if you think that the drama can’t deliver more than it already has with this amazing plot and its incredible cast, well you’re wrong! Helmed by director Kim Sung Yong (who did The Veil with Namgoong Min), the drama offers beautiful cinematography and aesthetics. The war scenes for instance convey the tension and the anguish of the soldiers, while Jang Hyun and Gil Chae’s kiss scene in the field is a flawless depiction of ephemeral happiness. The sun, the flourishing nature, and the presence of the protagonist in the middle of this vast field form a blissful painting. Even the colors of Gil Chae’s hanbok match the setting perfectly. So, thumbs up! However, my favorite scene will remain the one on the beach. Lee Jang Hyun and Gil Chae are like stranded on the sand, facing the immensity of the sea. Each cut inform viewers on the evolution of their connection in that moment. The setting sun gives a dreamy vibe that reminds Gil Chae’s imaginative husband whom she’s finally encountered. That drama is visually a marvel. Each cut is a wonder for the eyes that support the intrigue and creates synergies between what’s obvious and what’s latent between characters.

The ambiance of the drama: As My Dearest is a historical drama based on actual events, the tone is serious and leans towards the melodrama – difficult to create a lighthearted story amidst war and chaos. Thus, the narrative is relatable and resembles storytelling, as it mixes real dates with the fictional love story of the main protagonists. Though the ambiance is generally heavy, characters bring light to the darkened 17th century. Lee Jang Hyun and Yoo Gil Chae often engage in petty fights, they play hard-to-get, or even argue for no real reason. Though the story starts on a rather joyful – and innocent note – it slowly develops into a more serious intrigue, as characters grow stronger in the face of adversity. Lightheartedness gives way to hope, a different type of light that brightens up the drama until the big finale. And the direction is there to support this shift. On the beach, the rays the of the sun pierce through the darkness of the night.