'My Dearest' tells story of a couple during war in traditional period piece

In an era when most historical dramas are adopting a fantasy-genre twist, MBC's new drama “My Dearest” aims to deliver a traditional periodic piece about two lovers during the Qing invasion of Joseon in the 17th century. Starring...

From left, actors Lee Hak-joo, Lee Da-in, producer Kim Sung-yong, actors Namkoong Min, Ahn Eun-jin and Kim Yun-woo pose for a photo during a press conference for ″My Dearest″ at MBC Hall in Mapo District, western Seoul on Friday. [NEWS1]

In an era when most historical dramas are adopting a fantasy-genre twist, MBC's new drama “My Dearest” aims to deliver a traditional periodic piece about two lovers during the Qing invasion of Joseon in the 17th century.

Starring Namkoong Min and Ahn Eun-jin as the two leads, “My Dearest” does not have the now-common fantasy element in most of the other recently-aired historical dramas — reincarnating characters, nine-tailed mythical creatures or people with superpowers.

But the drama has an element that will definitely engage viewers, according to the main cast and producer — a heartfelt story of two lovers amid a war. The Qing invasion took place in the winter of 1636 and ended with its victory, setting the foundation for a tributary relationship with Joseon.

Main poster for ″My Dearest″ [MBC]

“The Qing invasion of Joseon was the most earth-shattering event of the Joseon Dynasty [1392-1910] and our drama is set in that period,” producer Kim Sung-yong said during a press conference for “My Dearest” at MBC Hall in Mapo District, western Seoul, on Friday.

“We tell the story of characters who seek meaning, love and hope during those times. I wanted to really depict the times and historical background accurately in ‘My Dearest.’”

Namkoong, who plays Lee Jang-hyun opposite Ahn’s Yoo Gil-chae, is returning to the small screen in a romantic role for the first time in five years and in a period piece for the first time in ten. He previously played the lead in hit dramas such as “Taxi Driver 2” (2023), “One Dollar Lawyer” (2022) and “Hot Stove League,” (2019-2020), all of which did not have a romance plotline.

Namkoong Min plays Lee Jang-hyun, the male lead, in the new MBC drama ″My Dearest″ [MBC]

“I did not join ‘My Dearest’ particularly because of the romance element but because the overall story was very well structured,” Namkoong said during the press conference. “Romance was just a part of that. But the romance in ‘My Dearest’ is unlike anything viewers have seen before. It is very heart-wrenching and harrowing.”

Having won the Grand Prize at the 2020 SBS Drama Awards for his performance in “Hot Stove League” and another Grand Prize at the 2021 MBC Drama Awards for “The Veil” (2021), Namkoong was asked whether he feels pressured by the accolades and his reputation as a success-insured actor to bring home good ratings.

“I think I have grown more confident after the Grand Prizes, and I do believe I can achieve high ratings and good reviews,” he said. “I cannot be entirely sure, of course, because it is all up to chance. But I do feel the pressure and confidence simultaneously. What I can say for sure is that I put my all into ‘My Dearest’ and have given the best performance I can give.”

Ahn Eun-jin plays Yoo Gil-chae, the female lead, in the new MBC drama ″My Dearest″ [MBC]

For Ahn, who previously starred in dramas such as “The Good Bad Mother” (2023) and “The One and Only” (2021-2022), “My Dearest” is her first lead role in a period piece. It was difficult to immerse herself in the role of Gil-chae at first, but she eventually settled into the part and enjoyed it.

“I required a lot of practice and loading for the role, so to speak,” Ahn said. “My colleagues and the producer helped me a lot and when I finally adapted to the role I could enjoy filming in different beautiful locations around Korea.”

Actors Lee Hak-joo, Lee Da-in and Kim Yun-woo play supporting roles in “My Dearest.” For Lee Da-in, this is the first time she is starring in a major role since her marriage to singer Lee Seung-gi on April 7, 2023.

“It feels very special to be making my comeback to the small screen in ‘My Dearest,’” Lee said. “Everybody on the set was so very helpful and the producer was extremely keen to cast me, which was touching. I think this is the first time that a producer or director has wanted me on set so badly.”

“My Dearest” airs its first episode on Friday evening at 9:50 p.m. on MBC. It can also be streamed on Wavve.

BY LIM JEONG-WON [lim.jeongwon@joongang.co.kr]