Dear Hyeri Review: An In-depth Look at the ENA Drama’s Worthiness

The narrative centers around Joo Eun-ho, portrayed by Shin Hye-sun, a seasoned announcer who struggles to find success throughout her 14-year career in the broadcasting industry. Conversely, her ex-partner, Jung Hyun-oh, experiences a rapid rise to fame after joining the same company, contrasting sharply with Joo Eun-ho’s situation.

As Joo Eun-ho grapples with her sister’s disappearance and her painful breakup with Jung Hyun-oh, she develops a dissociative identity, assuming the persona of Hyeri. This new identity, Hyeri, embodies a carefree spirit, easily finding joy in life’s little moments. Hyeri works as a parking attendant and is smitten with Kang Ju-yeon, who is played by Kang Hoon. Kang Ju-yeon is a military veteran who becomes an announcer and falls for Hyeri at first glance.

Dear Hyeri explores Joo Eun-ho’s path as she navigates her romantic encounters while also healing from traumatic experiences and seeking closure concerning her mental health issues. Although the drama aims to depict Hyeri’s healing process, it falters due to a convoluted script and uneven character development.

Dear Hyeri Review: Even Shin Hye-sun’s Stellar Performance Cannot Salvage This Romance Focused On Mental Health

Dear Hyeri begins with a solid foundation for the lead character Joo Eun-ho, effectively portraying a relatable evolution in her mental wellbeing. This progression leads to her development of dissociative identity disorder and introduces the captivating persona of Hyeri.

Shin Hye-sun delivers a remarkable performance that convincingly differentiates Joo Eun-ho from her alter ego, Hyeri, making them feel like two distinct individuals.

Her impactful portrayal deeply engages viewers in Joo Eun-ho’s quest for joy and her struggle with mental health challenges.

In contrast, Lee Jin-wook’s character, Jung Hyun-oh, who is intended to be a charming and intelligent announcer, increasingly becomes unappealing as the episodes unfold. His treatment of Joo Eun-ho is at times incredibly harsh, leading audiences to question his affection during their 8-year relationship.

Although there is considerable anticipation around Jung Hyun-oh’s character growth, the script fails to provide reconciliation and understanding, leaving viewers frustrated and potentially disinterested.

As the plot progresses in Dear Hyeri, audiences might hope to see the leads aiding one another in overcoming their emotional turmoil; however, this healing journey is disappointingly superficial, with Joo Eun-ho appearing to be completely healed almost immediately after reconciling with her ex.

Moreover, the relationship dynamics between Jung Hyun-oh and Joo Eun-ho come off as implausible, given their superficial understanding of each other after such a long-term relationship. By the conclusion, their union feels inauthentic, relying merely on their past to justify their connection.

Meanwhile, Joo Eun-ho’s alter ego, Hyeri, alongside Kang Ju-yeon (played by Kang Hoon), offers a captivating subplot with undeniable chemistry. Sadly, the narrative tends to overlook their sincere relationship as the central focus shifts to the problematic romance between Joo Eun-ho and Jung Hyun-oh, which may frustrate viewers.

Although Dear Hyeri revolves around the theme of Joo Eun-ho’s dissociative identity disorder, the screenplay ultimately fails to deliver a satisfying exploration of Hyeri’s character arc, especially towards the end.

Ultimately, the series squanders an opportunity to delve into Hyeri’s quest for happiness as a parking attendant and her blossoming romance with Kang Ju-yeon. The attempts to address mental health issues in Dear Hyeri do not engage the audience as intended.

What began as a promising contender for the best K-drama of 2024 sadly converges into a tedious melodrama revolving around second chances, culminating in a far-fetched conclusion.

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