It’s a big weekend for Korean drama fans. On one hand, My Royal Nemesis just had its most explosive episode yet. On the other, a brand new action-comedy with a powerhouse trio of actors made its highly anticipated debut. Here’s the full ratings breakdown and everything you need to know about both shows.
My Royal Nemesis Hits 9.5% — A Massive Leap
On May 22, SBS’s My Royal Nemesis soared to its highest viewership rating yet — an average nationwide rating of 9.5%, marking an impressive jump of 3.5 percentage points from its previous all-time high of 6.0%.
That makes it the most-watched programme of any genre airing on Friday night — a remarkable achievement for a show that premiered just two weeks ago.
My Royal Nemesis rose to No. 1 on Netflix Korea’s “Today’s Top 10 Series” chart just two days after its premiere, and viewers have been particularly impressed by Lim Ji-yeon’s performance — praising how naturally she switches between historical-drama intensity, comedy, and emotional vulnerability.
My Royal Nemesis — Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Network | SBS / Netflix |
| Airs | Every Friday & Saturday at 9:50 PM KST |
| Episodes | 14 |
| Run | May 8 – June 20, 2026 |
| Lead Cast | Lim Ji-yeon, Heo Nam-jun, Jang Seung-jo |
| Genre | Romantic Comedy / Fantasy |
| MyDramaList Rating | 8.6 / 10 |
| Latest Rating | 9.5% nationwide |
What’s It About?
My Royal Nemesis tells the story of a legendary Joseon villainess whose soul transmigrates into the body of a nameless actress — and her love-hate relationship with a ruthless modern tycoon. Think sharp political intrigue, fish-out-of-water comedy, and slow-burn romance all wrapped into one wildly entertaining package. Wikipedia
Fifties Professionals — Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Network | MBC / Viki / HBO Max |
| Premiere Date | May 22, 2026 |
| Airs | Every Friday & Saturday at 9:50 PM KST |
| Episodes | 12 |
| Lead Cast | Shin Ha-kyun, Oh Jung-se, Heo Sung-tae |
| Genre | Action Comedy / Mystery |
| Premiere Rating | 4.4% nationwide |
What’s It About?
Starring Shin Ha-kyun (The Auditors), Oh Jung-se (We Are All Trying Here), and Heo Sung-tae (Phantom Lawyer) — our trio may look like ordinary ajusshis now, but in their prime, they each reached the very top of their respective fields.
Jung Ho-myung (Shin Ha-kyun) was once the No. 1 National Intelligence Service agent until he was framed during a mission. Now in his fifties, he runs a Chinese restaurant while secretly trying to clear his name. Meanwhile, North Korean spy Bong Jae-soon (Oh Jung-se) suffers from amnesia following a drowning accident a decade ago. After ten years of living in hiding on remote Yeongseon Island, unexpected events pull all three men back into the dangerous worlds they left behind. Dramabeans
The series premiered to an average nationwide rating of 4.4% for its first episode — a solid debut for a new show facing stiff competition in the same time slot as My Royal Nemesis.
This is the kind of ensemble-driven Korean action comedy that Korean television does best — blending laughs with genuine stakes and veteran actors clearly having the time of their lives.
The Weekend Verdict
Two very different shows. Both worth your time. My Royal Nemesis is on a rocket ship toward double digits and cementing itself as one of 2026’s standout romantic fantasy dramas. Fifties Professionals is the action-comedy dark horse of the season — and with Shin Ha-kyun, Oh Jung-se, and Heo Sung-tae together on screen, it has every ingredient to become a major hit.
For more K-drama ratings updates, episode recaps, and OTT streaming guides, check out our K-drama hub and streaming news on TechnoSports.
