Synopsis

Cast & Crew

Episodes

Reviews (7)

In the high-stakes world of fine dining, Yoon Do Gun is the meticulous and passionate head chef at Laura Dining, the Michelin-starred crown jewel of Seoul's culinary scene. But his hard-won stability shatters when the restaurant's enigmatic owner, Laura, hires the free-spirited and wildly talented Jung Woo—a rival chef with a mysterious past and a devil-may-care attitude. Forced into a bizarre competition for the sole head chef position, the two men must work side-by-side in the same kitchen, their contrasting philosophies clashing like oil and water. Do Gun is all discipline and tradition, while Jung Woo is chaos and innovation. Yet, as they spar over menus and battle for control of the stoves, an unexpected tension simmers beneath the surface—a magnetic pull neither can ignore. Set against the backdrop of gleaming pots, sizzling pans, and breathtaking plated dishes, My Sweet Dear is a tender, slow-burn romance that explores what happens when rivalry turns into reluctant respect, and then into something much deeper. With only eight bite-sized episodes, this Korean BL serves up a delectable mix of emotional intimacy, playful bickering, and quiet moments of vulnerability. While the plot may have its rough edges, the chemistry between the leads and the gorgeous food cinematography make it a tasty treat for fans of sweet, uncomplicated love stories. It's a story about finding your perfect partner—in the kitchen and in life.

So Joon Moon

Cast

Jang Joo Yeon

Cast

Jang Eui Soo

Cast

Lee Chan Hyeong

Cast

Jang Do Yoon

Cast

Jo Seo Hu

Cast

Oh Seung Jun

Cast

Viki

Cast

Food

Cast

Gay Romance

Cast

E01

My Sweet Dear Episode 1

Season 1 · Oct 21, 2021

~ min

E02

My Sweet Dear Episode 2

Season 1 · Oct 21, 2021

~ min

E03

My Sweet Dear Episode 3

Season 1 · Oct 28, 2021

~ min

E04

My Sweet Dear Episode 4

Season 1 · Oct 28, 2021

~ min

E05

My Sweet Dear Episode 5

Season 1 · Nov 04, 2021

~ min

E06

My Sweet Dear Episode 6

Season 1 · Nov 04, 2021

~ min

E07

My Sweet Dear Episode 7

Season 1 · Nov 11, 2021

~ min

E08

My Sweet Dear Episode 8

Season 1 · Nov 11, 2021

~ min

6.9

out of 10

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sweet_tooth_shipper

August 15, 2025

8/10

I can't help but love this! Yes, the plot has holes and the ending is rushed, but the chemistry between Do Gun and Jung Woo is just adorable. From their first tense kitchen encounter to that soft moment at the beach, I was grinning like an idiot. Jang Eui Soo’s smoldering looks and Lee Chan Hyung’s earnest vulnerability made my heart flutter. It’s short, sweet, and exactly what I needed on a lazy Sunday. If you're here for the fluff and the feels, this delivers.

logic_over_fluff

October 2, 2025

4/10

It pains me to be harsh, but this drama wasted its premise. A Michelin-star chef forced into a competition with a mysterious newcomer? That could have been a tense, dramatic story. Instead, we get illogical character motivations (why would the owner do that? why does no one explain anything?), a nonsensical villain, and an ending that solves conflict with a wave of the hand. The romance feels unearned because the writers never bothered to flesh out the characters. I wanted to like it, but it’s just a pretty mess.

lens_and_light

January 28, 2026

7/10

Visually, this series is a hidden gem. The warm lighting in the kitchen, the careful composition of every dish shot, and the way the camera lingers on the actors' expressions—there's a real artistry here. The beach scene with the ferris wheel and twilight sky is stunning. Even the shaky cam during conflict adds to the raw, indie vibe. I wish the script had matched the visual quality, but if you appreciate a beautiful frame, My Sweet Dear is worth watching for the eye candy alone. The food porn is top-tier.

melody_miner

March 14, 2026

6/10

The soundtrack here is a mixed bag. Some tracks are catchy and fit the mood perfectly—like the upbeat track during the kitchen montages. But the ballad that plays during the emotional peak felt generic. And why, oh why, does the music box play 'O Tannenbaum'? That German Christmas carol completely pulled me out of the scene. Still, I added a couple of songs to my BL playlist. The main theme is nice enough, but overall, the music doesn't elevate the show the way it could have.

consent_and_care

December 10, 2025

5/10

I appreciate that this drama tries to show a romance between men without making a big deal about their sexuality—there's no coming-out angst, no homophobic bullying, which is refreshing. However, the power dynamics here are troubling. Jung Woo's character deceives Do Gun for most of the series, and Do Gun forgives him without any real discussion or accountability. As a viewer concerned with healthy relationships, I found that problematic. Also, the lack of communication about consent in the intimate scenes feels rushed. It's cute, but I wish it modelled better boundaries.

side_couple_fanatic

September 5, 2025

5/10

Where is the side couple? The supporting kitchen staff are just cardboard cutouts. I kept waiting for a b-story between the two cute sous chefs or the friendly server guy, but nothing. The show focuses entirely on the mains, and while they have okay chemistry, the lack of any other romantic or even friendly subplot makes the world feel empty. Korean BLs often do this—put all eggs in one basket—and it leaves me wanting more depth. Without a second couple to root for, the drama feels one-note.

novel_comparison_guy

November 20, 2025

6/10

I understand this is an original script, not based on a novel, so I can't compare it to source material. But as a purist who loves well-constructed stories, I found the plot extremely thin. It feels like a first draft—ideas are introduced (the rivalry, the secret contract, the threatening investor) and then abandoned. The characters lack backstory, which makes their emotional turns feel unearned. For an original drama, I expect more care in the writing. It's not terrible, but it could have been so much richer with better character development.