Episode 7 of My Dearest Nemesis (그놈은 흑염룡, Geunomeun Heukyeomryong), which aired on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 8:50 PM KST on tvN, marks a pivotal turning point in the series. As the drama reaches its halfway mark, the episode masterfully balances laugh-out-loud moments with heartfelt emotional stakes, deepening the connection between Baek Su-jeong (Moon Ga-young) and Ban Ju-yeon (Choi Hyun-wook). With Ju-yeon’s bold pursuit of Su-jeong and her internal struggle to reconcile her feelings, Episode 7 sets the stage for even more romantic tension and character growth.
Overview of My Dearest Nemesis
Adapted from Hye Jin-yang’s popular webtoon He’s a Black Dragon, My Dearest Nemesis is a 12-episode romantic comedy that follows the tumultuous relationship between Su-jeong, a pragmatic team leader at Yongseong Department Store, and Ju-yeon, the company’s perfectionist heir. Unbeknownst to them, they were once online gaming crushes—Su-jeong as “Strawberry” and Ju-yeon as “Black Dragon.” Their past humiliation (his middle-school confession and her rejection) fuels an enemies-to-lovers arc set against the backdrop of a competitive workplace.
The drama airs every Monday and Tuesday at 8:50 PM KST on tvN and is available for global streaming on Viki. Episode 7, which aired on March 10, 2025, is the seventh installment in the series, which premiered on February 17 and will conclude on March 25, 2025.
Context Leading to Episode 7
To fully appreciate the significance of Episode 7, let’s recap the key moments from the previous episodes:
- Episodes 1-4: The drama introduces Su-jeong and Ju-yeon’s shared history, revealing that 16 years ago, middle-schooler Ju-yeon confessed to high-schooler Su-jeong online, only to be rejected during a disastrous in-person meetup. In the present, their professional rivalry reignites, with sparks flying by Episode 4, which sets up a business trip that becomes a turning point in their relationship.
- Episode 5: During the business trip, Su-jeong and Ju-yeon share a drunken kiss over makgeolli, a moment that shifts the dynamic between them. Friends Kim Shin-won (Kwak Si-yang) and Seo Ha-jin (Im Se-mi) uncover their past as first loves, though the leads remain unaware of their shared history. The kiss ends the episode on a cliffhanger, raising the romantic stakes.
- Episode 6: Ju-yeon forgets the kiss due to alcohol, leaving Su-jeong confused and hurt. She labels him a playboy and rejects him as a potential romantic partner. Meanwhile, Ju-yeon’s grandmother, Chairwoman Jung Hyo-seon (Kim Young-ok), belittles his heir status, pressuring him to suppress his feelings. By the end of the episode, Ju-yeon recalls the kiss—but it’s too late, as Su-jeong goes on a blind date, setting the stage for further complications.
Episode 7 Summary
Episode 7, titled “The Second Act Begins,” shifts gears into Ju-yeon’s bold pursuit of Su-jeong, blending comedy with deeper emotional stakes. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the episode:
Opening Tension
The episode picks up with Su-jeong actively avoiding Ju-yeon at work following her blind date. A pre-release clip shows Ju-yeon cornering her, smiling softly as she avoids eye contact. Fans found her flustered reactions hilarious, especially in light of the kiss and a prior awkward fitting room moment from Episode 6. Their “game of tag” dynamic kicks off, with Ju-yeon determined to address their unresolved feelings.
Jealousy and Family Lunch
One of the episode’s standout moments occurs when Ju-yeon spots Su-jeong with a man—her younger brother, Su Bin (Son Sang-yeon)—and mistakes him for a romantic rival. In a comedic yet endearing scene, Ju-yeon crashes a family lunch, leading to a series of misunderstandings. Fans praised his “jealous but cute” demeanor, while Su-jeong’s family warms up to him, adding a layer of slapstick humor to the episode.
Grandmother’s Shadow
A heavier subplot emerges as Ju-yeon’s grandmother, Chairwoman Jung Hyo-seon, plans to visit his study room, where he hides his treasured otaku items (comics, game relics). A flashback reveals that she once burned his belongings, and Su-jeong overhears her blaming Ju-yeon for his parents’ death. This revelation adds depth to Ju-yeon’s character, explaining his guarded nature and the immense pressure he faces as the company heir. Fans expressed heartbreak over his past, with many calling for his happiness.
First Kiss Confession
In a poignant moment, Ju-yeon confesses to Su-jeong that their kiss was his first, catching her off-guard. This revelation forces Su-jeong to confront her own feelings, though she remains hesitant. A scene where Su-jeong draws a “wall of reality,” citing reasonable boundaries despite her growing affection for Ju-yeon, highlights her internal conflict and sets the stage for further emotional development in future episodes.
Cliffhanger Ending
The episode ends on an emotional note, with Ju-yeon’s pursuit intensifying and Su-jeong’s walls still firmly in place. Fans reacted with tearful emojis, suggesting that the episode’s emotional stakes left a lasting impact. The unresolved tension sets up Episode 8, where the fallout from Su-jeong’s blind date and Ju-yeon’s relentless pursuit will likely take center stage.
Production and Reception
Directed by Lee Soo-hyun (Delightfully Deceitful), Episode 7 masterfully balances workplace hijinks with raw emotional moments. Moon Ga-young’s portrayal of Su-jeong’s flustered resistance and Choi Hyun-wook’s earnest performance as Ju-yeon keep the chemistry “top notch,” according to fan comments.
Fan reactions have been overwhelmingly positive:
- Many praised the comedic chase, calling it “SO FUNNY.”
- Others expressed heartbreak over Ju-yeon’s past, urging the show to “let my man be happy.”
- Some appreciated the realism of Su-jeong’s stance, describing it as “hurts but reasonable.”
Episode 7 scored an average rating of 4.5 percent according to Nielsen Korea. The buzz surrounding Episode 7 suggests sustained hype and a growing fanbase.
Where to Watch
- Live: tvN at 8:50 PM KST.
- Streaming: Viki (with English subtitles available shortly after airing).
Final Thoughts
Episode 7 of My Dearest Nemesis delivers a perfect blend of comedy, jealousy, and emotional depth, marking a significant shift in the series’ tone. Ju-yeon’s bold pursuit and Su-jeong’s internal conflict create a compelling dynamic, while the introduction of heavier subplots adds layers to the characters. As the drama enters its second act, fans are eagerly anticipating how the relationship between Su-jeong and Ju-yeon will evolve.
Have you watched Episode 7 yet? What were your favorite moments? Share your thoughts and predictions for Episode 8 in the comments below!
