Netflix Non-English No. 1 'My Royal Nemesis' — A Joseon Villainess Awakens in the Modern Era

'My Royal Nemesis' — A Joseon Villainess Awakens in Modern Seoul The SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'My Royal Nemesis' has taken the center of attention in 2026. Right after its first broadcast on May 8, it reached No. 1 in Netflix's Global Non-English category (with about 3.9 million views in the first week) and entered the Top 10 in 44 countries worldwide, including South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, and Thailand, as well as Greece, Brazil, and Mexico. This marks the first time an SBS Friday-Saturday drama has topped Netflix's weekly Global Non-English chart during its premiere week. What It Is About The plot can be summarized in one line — the soul of a Joseon-era villainess enters the body of a modern-day actress. A notorious villainess of the century, sentenced to death by the king she served, opens her eyes to find herself in modern Seoul. Navigating a new world and its opportunities, she clashes at every turn with a cold-blooded chaebol who would sacrifice anything for his business. However, realizing she needs his help to rewrite her destiny, she stops at nothing to win him over to her side. It is a romantic comedy that layers a love-hate romance over a reincarnation and possession fantasy. Cast — Lim Ji-yeon's Return as a 'Villainess' The lead is Lim Ji-yeon. The actress, who left a strong impression as Park Yeon-jin in Netflix's 'The Glory' and as 'Seoul' in 'Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic Area,' this time plays a 'villainess from Joseon.' Heo Nam-jun plays opposite her, with Jang Seung-jo adding strength to the cast. It is directed by Han Tae-seob of 'Cheer Up' and written by Kang Hyun-joo of 'You and I in the Starlight.' Broadcast & Viewing Information Network: SBS, Every Friday·Saturday at 9:50 PMEpisodes: Total 14 episodes, June 20 FinaleStreaming: Also available to watch on Netflix Key Viewing Points Lim Ji-yeon's tone variations — How she blends the 'villainess' into comedy and romance.Comedy of clashing eras — The laughter that emerges when Joseon values collide with modern Seoul.Love-hate chemistry — The relationship of the two as they go from enemies to accomplices, and into something more. Summary 'My Royal Nemesis' is a work that elevates the familiar ingredients of 'possession fantasy + love-hate rom-com' through Lim Ji-yeon's presence and its fast-paced plot. It is highly recommended to binge-watch on Friday and Saturday nights, or on Netflix, leading up to the finale on June 20.