Dear Hyeri (2024) is a Korean drama that delves into the life of Joo Eun Ho, a 37-year-old announcer battling dissociative identity disorder. Her alternate personality, Joo Hye-ri, is a 28-year-old parking attendant, providing a stark contrast to Eun Ho's composed demeanor. The show explores the complexities of this condition, blending themes of identity, love, and healing.

The series starts strong, laying a solid foundation by introducing Eun Ho and Hyeri’s distinct personalities. Eun Ho’s life is somber and riddled with struggles, while Hyeri brings an energetic and carefree vibe that’s both endearing and refreshing. This balance keeps the early episodes engaging, as the two identities navigate their respective lives. However, as the story progresses, the focus shifts toward Eun Ho’s healing journey and the eventual “erasure” of Hyeri. While this resolution is realistic, given the harmful potential of dissociative identities in real life, it feels bittersweet since Hyeri’s vibrant personality added so much charm to the narrative.

Eun Ho’s personal story is heart-wrenching. Her breakup with her boyfriend and coworker, Jung Hyun O, stems from his reluctance to marry and his avoidance of her repeated pleas. While Hyun O secretly supports Eun Ho from the sidelines, his detached attitude makes him an unsympathetic character at times, despite Lee Jin-wook’s strong performance. Eun Ho’s pain and resilience, portrayed masterfully by Shin Hae Sun, anchor the emotional depth of the series.

On the other hand, Hyeri’s subplot brings levity and romance. Her crush on a charming announcer leads to a sweet and playful romance that’s as delightful as it is unexpected. This storyline steals the show, giving me what’s often referred to as “second lead syndrome.” Kang Hoo, as Kang Ju Yeon, shines in his role, stepping out of his usual supporting roles to deliver a nuanced performance that stands out as a highlight of the series.

However, the drama loses momentum in its later episodes. From Episode 9 onward, the story begins to settle, focusing heavily on Eun Ho and Hyun O’s past through repetitive flashbacks. These episodes also include overly drawn-out filler scenes meant to amplify the drama but instead slow the pacing. While the screenplay remains strong and emotionally resonant, the lack of surprises or fresh developments in the final stretch dampens the excitement.

Dear Hyeri is a well-crafted drama with standout performances, particularly from Shin Hae Sun and Kang Hoo. While the early episodes captivate with a mix of heartache, humor, and romance, the predictable resolution and slower pacing in the latter half detract from its overall impact. For those who appreciate emotional storytelling and character-driven narratives, it’s still worth watching. I will rate it 3.5 out of 5