Life can throw unexpected challenges our way, and mental health is a complex aspect of our well-being that often goes overlooked. Addressing mental health issues early can prevent them from escalating into more significant problems. However, recognizing the signs of a mental health issue can be difficult, as these problems may not always be immediately apparent. When mental health issues do arise, having a strong support system of family and friends is crucial. In recent years, K-dramas have increasingly tackled mental health topics with sensitivity and authenticity. From It’s Okay to Not Be Okay to Love Next Door, these dramas have shed light on mental health issues in a non-judgmental manner. Dear Hyeri, starring Shin Hye Sun and Lee Jin Wook, is the latest addition to this growing list and premiered on September 23, 2024.
Dear Hyeri Review: Shin Hye Sun leads a tricky slice-of-life romance navigating dual personalities & identity crisis in new K-drama
Dear Hyeri tells the story of Joo Eun Ho (played by Shin Hye Sun), a senior broadcast journalist. She works a morning shift from seven to four and is one of the most popular faces of the channel. She is in cross hairs with Jung Hyun Oh (played by Lee Jin Wook), her ex-boyfriend and the channel’s leading reporter. Eun Ho and Hyun Oh were dating for several years and lead a lovely lifestyle too but the two broke up after Hyun Oh did not want to commit for marriage. Since then, Eun Ho has grown bitter towards any emotions of love and affection.
Parallel to this story, we see Joo Hye Ri (again played by Shin Hye Sun), an introverted night owl who runs a parking lot management with a friend. Spoiler alert – this is Joo Eun Ho’s alter ego. She has a crush on Kang Ju Yeon (played by Kang Hoon), a reporter at a new channel. She is also seen visiting a therapist and talking about her insomnia and her closed-off behavior. Hye Ri is surprised to see Hyun Oh and she thinks that characters from her story are coming to life.
But in the end of episode two, it is revealed to us that Joo Eun Ho has a split personality disorder. From morning seven she is Eun Ho, from evening seven she is Hye Ri. She also lives in separate apartments while she inhabits either personality. Four episodes of the show have aired so far. Shin Hye Sun as Hye Ri and Jo Eun is an interesting mix of characters. Her character deals with a trauma that led to her developing another personality. In short flashbacks, we see that Eun Ho would often think of Hye Ri as her friend and constant companion. Shin Hye Sun gives a stellar display of her acting skills as she switches both these personalities.
Jung Hyun Oh is still a mystery. As an audience, it is difficult to make a judgement about his character yet because while he broke up with Eun Ho all those years ago, he still looks out for her. One cannot help but feel that perhaps more to that story than he lets on. He is perhaps the modern brooding man who dresses in a gentlemanly fashion and show love through actions only. Lee Jin Wook does a great job here and his chemistry with Shin Hye Sun is quite lovely to see on screen.
We know that Ju Yeon lost his brother and that his family, especially his mother has not been able to come out of that trauma. He is trying to fill his brother’s shoes and at the same time trying to find his own identity. He is quite straightforward at work without a second thought to his personal or social life. Hye Ri finds Ju Yeon to be kindred spirit, but there is a lot to unpack for both of them before they eventually unravel themselves. Kang Hoon plays the role of a troubled Ju Yeon very well. His face is stony when required and his eyes speak volumes during vulnerable moments.
Coming to the pacing of the drama, it is working just fine. Dramas like these that deal with sensitive topics needs the time and space to place the story gently in front of its audience. Adding haphazard twists and unexpected turns to such a story would remove the story from being a heartwarming tale. Each episode is just about an hour each and shows us a short epilogue that tells more about each character. All in all, Dear Hyeri is a drama that you need to watch if you want to indulge in some heartache, melodrama, mental health discussion and a viable set of performances by the cast.
What is with modern K-dramas and mental health issues? They are marching on a staggering beat to talk about the unspoken and deal with the undealt. It is truly heartwarming to see mental health issues being represented in mainstream media. It creates a safe space for the fans to discuss their problems, find comfort and solace, and also work towards helping each other.
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