Shocking ratings and a fate-defying romance—Lim Ji-yeon and Heo Nam-jun's drama closed with a sweeping happy ending that had viewers buzzing.
In the SBS Friday-Saturday drama My Royal Nemesis finale aired on the 20th, Shin Seori (played by Lim Ji-yeon) and Cha Segye (played by Heo Nam-jun) overcame the tragedy of their past lives and reunited in the 21st century, sealing a perfect happy ending.
According to ratings firm Nielsen Korea, the finale hit 14.1%, the show's personal best, ranking No. 1 in its time slot and No. 1 among weekly miniseries.
In the episode, Seori returned to the Joseon era to save Segye. Risking her life, she plunged off a cliff to rescue Lee Hyeon (Heo Nam-jun) from a trap set by An Jong (Jang Seung-jo). Confessing her true feelings for Segye, Seori said, "Thanks to him, I can finally breathe properly."
Back in the present, Segye was devastated to learn that Seori had fallen into a coma. But after reading Lee Hyeon's journal and realizing his dreams were real, he broke down: "I can't make you wait any longer. Come back." His voice reached Seori in the void, and she decided to return to the man she loved.
At last, the two reunited on a sweltering summer day. Seori promised Segye a lifetime together, vowing eternal love. Segye accepted, moving viewers to tears.
Meanwhile, back in Joseon, Kang Dan-sim (Lim Ji-yeon) and Lee Hyeon chose a new life, while Choi Mun-do (Jang Seung-jo) paid the price for his misdeeds. Baek Gwang-nam (Kim Min-seok), Yoon Ji-hyo (Lee Se-hee), and Mo Tae-hee (Chae Seo-an) also embraced new beginnings in their own ways.
In the final scene, Seori and Segye's narration delivered a powerful message: "The warmth of one person, just a single step of courage, is what keeps us alive. If we just keep going, a wonderful new world will unfold. You can trust me on that."
Viewers reacted wildly: "Put this in the drama textbooks," "The ending was stunningly beautiful," "At least one of them deserves the Grand Prize," and "The best K-Drama of 2026."
Meanwhile, My Royal Nemesis won hearts with a time-crossing romance between Shin Seori, a nameless actress carrying the soul of a notorious Joseon-era villainess, and chaebol heir Cha Segye. The series wrapped with Episode 14, which aired on the 20th.