Envy, Friendship, And Rivalry: 4 Reasons To Watch C-Drama "Dear Enemy"

If you’re craving a drama that’s mature yet emotionally engaging, the newest C-drama “Dear Enemy” should be on your radar. “Dear Enemy” is a compelling modern story that explores womanhood, marriage, envy, friendship, and rivalry through the lens of three very different women. Whether it’s the pain of watching a marriage fall apart or the quiet envy between longtime friends, “Dear Enemy” doesn’t shy away from the messy realities of life.

From sharp dialogue, layered characters, and emotionally charged plot lines, here are four reasons to watch Chinese drama “Dear Enemy.”

Warning: spoilers ahead!

Not just a love story

In a dramascape filled with romantic leads and grand gestures, “Dear Enemy” dares to go in a different direction. While romance exists on the sidelines, it’s never the main event. Instead, the drama offers a nuanced, character-driven story about womanhood, ambition, betrayal, and the invisible standards society expects women to meet, whether they pursue careers, choose family, or attempt to balance both.

At the center of “Dear Enemy” are three very different women: Luo Man (Gao Ye), Chen Kai Xi (Michelle Chen), and Zhong Qing Cheng (Wan Peng). Luo Man and Chen Kai Xi were once inseparable college friends studying literature. Years later, Luo Man is a celebrated screenwriter, while Chen Kai Xi has become a stay-at-home mom, married to the man she once loved fiercely in her youth. Although they keep up appearances as close friends, their relationship has curdled into a subtle rivalry, with each resenting and envying what the other has. Zhong Qing Cheng, on the other hand, an ambitious influencer and aspiring actress, unintentionally becomes entangled in Chen Kai Xi’s troubled marriage and adds a layer of tension to the already delicate balance between the former best friends.

Fleshed-out female leads

“Dear Enemy” may not reinvent the wheel plot-wise, but what sets it apart is the depth and humanity of its three central women. Luo Man, Chen Kai Xi, and Zhong Qing Cheng aren’t just archetypes—they’re complex, flawed, and painfully real.

On paper, Luo Man seems like she has it all: a successful screenwriting career, industry respect, and financial independence. But beneath that confident exterior lies deep-seated insecurity. While she loves the independence her hard work is offering her, she envies Chen Kai Xi, whom she sees as someone who “won at life without trying,” beautiful, married, and seemingly effortless in her wins. In one striking analogy, Luo Man compares herself to the hare who gives the race her all, only to watch a swan, Chen Kai Xi, win simply by existing. It’s raw, bitter, and deeply human. Her resentment turns Chen Kai Xi into a villain in her own mind, even when that’s far from the truth.

Meanwhile, Chen Kai Xi’s carefully curated image as a wealthy housewife begins to unravel. Initially judged through Luo Man’s biased lens, we soon learn that Kai Xi once chose love over money, fought her family to be with her husband, and poured herself into her family. Her seeming perfection hides quiet heartbreak, self-doubt, and a longing for identity.

Then there’s Zhong Qing Cheng, who at first glance seems like a typical social media “homewrecker.” But there’s more to her than meets the eye—she’s a woman with ambition, boundaries, and agency, refusing to be just another trope in someone else’s story.

A fresh take on storytelling

“Dear Enemy” sets itself apart with a unique storytelling style that avoids the overused flashback trope. While some dramas rely heavily on flashbacks to explain character motivations or past events, sometimes to the point of confusion, “Dear Enemy” uses them sparingly and purposefully, ensuring the viewer never loses track of the timeline.

Instead, what makes the show especially engaging is its creative use of fourth wall breaks. Much like the beloved British series “Fleabag,” Luo Man occasionally speaks directly to the audience, adding an intimate, often humorous layer to the narrative. These moments not only help to pace the story but also draw the viewer into her inner world, making you feel like a confidante in her journey.

However, it’s worth noting that Luo Man is a flawed and admittedly unreliable narrator. Her commentary doesn’t always reflect the full truth, which adds a compelling layer of ambiguity to her point of view. You’re entertained, but you’re also left questioning what’s real and what’s tinted by her own biases. It’s a clever narrative device that keeps things fresh and keeps viewers guessing.

A story about friendship

While “Dear Enemy” may begin with tension and resentment between Luo Man and Chen Kai Xi, it slowly peels back the layers to reveal a heartfelt story about healing old wounds. As Luo Man steps in to help Chen Kai Xi navigate her crumbling marriage, the two begin to reconnect and rediscover the bond they once shared. Through moments of vulnerability, honesty, and unexpected support, their friendship is rekindled, stronger and more genuine than before. It’s a touching reminder that even the most fractured relationships can mend with time, empathy, and a little effort.

Start watching “Dear Enemy”:

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Javeria is a binge-watching specialist who loves devouring entire K-dramas in one sitting. Good screenwriting, beautiful cinematography, and a lack of cliches are the way to her heart. As a music fanatic, she listens to multiple artists across different genres and stans the self-producing idol group SEVENTEEN. You can talk to her on Instagram @javeriayousufs.

Currently watching: “Spring of Youth,” “Second Shot at Love,” and “Our Unwritten Seoul.”
Looking forward to: “Squid Game Season 3” and “Good Boy”