K-SNAPP

[Global Pick] Season 2? Spinoff? The Heat Around 'My Royal Nemesis' Still Won't Die Down

'My Royal Nemesis' creators tease bold ideas for a potential 'Season 2'

My Royal Nemesis, Lim Ji-yeon, Heo Nam-jun, Interview, Spinoff, Season 2
임지연, 허남준 [사진: SBS]

After SBS drama My Royal Nemesis wrapped to strong ratings, a season 2 and spinoff interview with the production team went viral on global K-snapp, igniting fresh buzz.

Recently, director Han Tae-seop and writer Kang Hyeon-ju shared behind-the-scenes stories and future ideas in an interview about My Royal Nemesis. The series follows the romance between rookie actress Shin Seori (played by Lim Ji-yeon), who is possessed by the soul of a notorious Joseon-era villainess, and chaebol heir Cha Segye (Heo Nam-jun), a "monster born of capitalism." The show ended on June 20 with an 11.8% viewership rating (Nielsen Korea), and fans have been loudly calling for a follow-up ever since.

Writer Kang said, "I believe Seori and Segye's story reached a satisfying period," adding, "Their modern-day arc already wrapped up happily." Still, Kang explained, "If we absolutely had to write a season 2, it would probably tell the story of their past lives, Dansim and Lee Hyeon." Kang continued, "It would begin with Dansim awakening and embarking on a journey to the Qing with Hyeon," imagining the love and adventures of Dansim—"a modern-day 'part-time job pro' dropped into Joseon"—and Hyeon, who has shed his status as a prince.

Director Han pictured a season 2 in a slightly different direction. "I found it amusing that fans wanted a spinoff called 'Lee Hyeon and Dansim's Wonderful Old World'," Han said, adding, "If we were to launch a season 2 right now, a body-swap setup for Seori and Segye could be fascinating." Han also noted, "If Lim Ji-yeon and Heo Nam-jun played each other's characters, it would be an acting party—and seriously fun to watch."

With My Royal Nemesis closing on a happy ending, fans are watching closely to see if the series will make a shocking return as a spinoff or season 2—just like they've been hoping.