My Royal Nemesis is a 2026 South Korean romantic comedy fantasy television series written by Kang Hyun-joo and directed by Han Tae-seop. It stars Lim Ji-yeon, Heo Nam-jun, and Jang Seung-jo. The story follows a notorious Joseon-era villainess whose soul enters the body of a struggling actress in modern Seoul, where she develops a love-hate relationship with a ruthless tycoon. The series aired on SBS TV from May 8 to June 20, 2026, and is also available on Netflix.
Plot overview
The series begins in the Joseon dynasty, where Kang Dan-shim rises through the court by cunning and ambition to become a royal concubine. After she dies from poison, her soul awakens three centuries later in 2026 and takes over the body of Shin Seo-ri, an actress who appears only in minor roles in historical dramas. Adapting to the modern world, Dan-shim crosses paths with Cha Se-gye, the heir to a major business group, and the two form a tense relationship marked by conflict and attraction.
Cast and characters
Lim Ji-yeon plays both Seo-ri and Dan-shim, while Heo Nam-jun plays Se-gye and the scarred prince Yi Hyeon. Jang Seung-jo plays Choi Moon-do and the Joseon king Yi Jae. The supporting cast includes Lee Se-hee, Kim Min-seok, and Kim Hae-sook, who plays Seo-ri's grandmother. The historical storyline and the modern storyline are linked through characters who appear in both eras.