
My Dearest (2023): Should Your Family Watch It? – Cocoflix Guide
By Meera Pillai · Sep 15, 2026
Audience rating: ★ 8.3 (56 votes)
Genres: Drama, War & Politics, Mystery
Cast: Namkoong Min, Ahn Eun-jin, Lee Hak-ju
CocoFlix critic verdict
This sweeping historical drama offers a poignant love story against a tumultuous backdrop, making it a compelling watch for families who appreciate deep narratives and emotional journeys, though younger viewers might need a little patience.
CocoFlix editorial score: 8.2/10 — our editors' own rating, separate from audience scores
A Canvas of History and Heartbreak
“My Dearest” immerses families in an intricately developed Korea in the seventeenth century during the chaos of the Qing invasion. This series is not a boring lesson in history because it uses a stirring love story to tell the tale of a feisty noble lady and a man with a scrambled past who settles in her village. The setting of the series is an excellent example of the human spirit and how the events of life change the landscape of the ordinary. This is a series with high impact emotional scenes that attract the audience into a world of loyalty and love with an emphasis that is tested. In the early episodes, the peace is shattered, and the canvas of life is ruined by the approaching war and loss of life. For those who enjoy historical epics that instead of frenzied action, offer beautifully developed characters with excellent emotional impact, this series is a must see.
Who Will Be Captivated, Who Might Wander
If you are a lover of adult-oriented drama, you'll find plenty to enjoy in this compelling historical period series. While history serves as an important backdrop to the main characters, it doesn't take over the show's overall narrative. Strong performer ratings, and audience growth from the very first episode, proves this show’s great potential to capture the interest of a large audience. For fans of historical dramas involving war and romance, 17th-century England should be a great draw. Though, for those needing the fast action and shots, teenage cricket fans may find this a little dull. The primary romance of the show is strong, although the themes of war and political intrigue serve a big part of the plot and will require a level of focus. So while, for one reason or another, this may not be the best family show to sit and watch together, older families may enjoy this series. Fans of this show may appreciate the show's depth and maturity, but should be warned it does contain a lot of serious moments so it may not be appropriate for children.
Performances That Anchor the Epic
Performances are the star of “My Dearest.” The ensemble carries the weight of an ambitious storyline. Namkoong Min as the enigmatic man, performs wonderful strength and vulnerability in his portrayal, especially in the silent depth expressed in the character’s eyes. There is a beautiful balance to the strength and survival of his character, hidden depths and devotion, while following him through the chaos makes him a character worth following. Ahn Eun-jin’s portrayal of the noblewoman is wonderful. She brings a great deal of depth and believable range to the emotion of the story and the romance, while bringing great depth and courage to the role in the midst of the epic historical events and heroic deeds. The leads have wonderful chemistry. Other wonderful additions like Lee Hak-ju and the rest of the cast offer wonderful human drama and depth to the complex character arcs in the tapestry of history.
Navigating the Lengthy Saga
“My Dearest” provides an immersive experience that you have the power to appreciate, however, there are technicalities regarding pacing and thematic density that you should consider ahead of that. Being a historical period piece that covers a considerable amount of time, and includes several character arcs, it is understandably a large commitment. The narrative is deliberate to include thorough treatment of the characters and the world, which is a strength of the piece, but would likely test the less patient viewers. The story is broken into two parts, which somewhat indicates the breadth of the narrative, that requires focus and is sustained. The combination of genres ‘Drama,’ ‘War & Politics,’ and ‘Mystery’ means that lighter moments are often broken by substantial emotional and psychological weight and tension that is often shown and examined with respect to war. While this dimension is appreciated, it should be noted that it is not always an easy show to watch. Some members of the family might appreciate the show, and some might find it to be a lengthy and indulgent watch. This show is definitely meant for patient viewers.
The Living Room Verdict: Is it a Family Affair?
There is no deny that "My Dearest" is a fantastic series that captured the attention of viewers in India with a massive peak of 12% of the national television rating. With an audience rating score of 8.3, the series has rightly earned its fame. Indian families looking for a historical Indian Drama with a period romance will surely appreciate and enjoy this drama series. While the series has some mature themes of war and political struggles, young and less mature audience members may lose interest due to the slow pace of the series. However, the amazing performances and beautiful storytelling makes the series a fine choice for most family members. With thought provoking performances and intense story telling, the series is sure to keep viewers immersed in the drama. Even though the story has a long and slow pace, keep your focus and enjoy the historical drama of courageous and selfless love.
✓What works
- A sweeping and deeply emotional historical romance.
- Outstanding lead performances by Namkoong Min and Ahn Eun-jin.
- Richly detailed 17th-century historical backdrop during the Qing invasion.
- Engaging blend of drama, war, and compelling character journeys.
✕What falls short
- Pacing can feel slow for viewers accustomed to faster narratives.
- Heavy themes of war and political struggle may not suit all audiences.
- Requires a significant time commitment due to its lengthy series format.
Reviewed by Meera Pillai · Streaming & OTT · Last updated Sep 15, 2026
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