The premiere of "My Dearest Nemesis" unfolds in the year 2009, introducing us to Baek Su-jeong, a tireless overachiever whose dedication to her studies knows no bounds. Despite her relentless pursuit of excellence, bullies relentlessly remind her of her lack of a mother, financial stability, and social connections. They attempt to exploit her vulnerabilities, but Su-jeong, with her unwavering resolve, fiercely fights back, her pragmatic demeanor unyielding. However, beneath her armor of independence, she harbors a longing for a first love she can trust and lean on.
Meanwhile, her brother, Su-bin, spends his days immersed in the virtual world of video games. Su-jeong, burdened with the responsibility of nurturing him and managing their father's absenteeism due to work, constantly nags him. When Su-bin's gaming companions look down on him, her protective instincts kick in, vowing to propel him to the pinnacle of his gaming career within just three days, regardless of the sleepless nights it may entail.
In the thick of their quest, Su-jeong encounters Black Dragon, a 22-year-old gamer whose initial encounters with her are marked by brusqueness due to their age gap. However, fate conspires to unite them, forming an unstoppable duo in their quest to vanquish the formidable villain. At one crucial juncture, Black Dragon rescues her, leaving her heart irresistibly captivated by his bravery and skill.
He extends an invitation for her to join his esteemed team, Team Fatal Attack, comprising three other talented gamers. Initially, her healer avatar becomes the subject of their good-natured ribbing. In a moment of candor, she reveals her true identity as a girl and changes her in-game moniker to Strawberry. The team members' teasing escalates, playfully remarking on the palpable chemistry between her and Black Dragon, much to her secret delight.
As Su-jeong and Black Dragon spend more time together, their bond deepens, with him inquisitively probing into her family background. In return, he confides in her his own solitary existence, devoid of parental figures. They forge a pact of mutual reliance, their feelings for each other blossoming in the virtual and real worlds alike. Their daily text conversations and gaming sessions become the cornerstone of their burgeoning romance.
An offline team meeting is eventually scheduled, where the other members of Team Fatal Attack reveal themselves in flesh and blood. Ultimate Pro, with her fierce, badass aura mirroring her avatar, arrives first. Q-Tip, an emo boy, and Bean Bug, a sweet-faced young man, round out the team. They share that Black Dragon, notoriously elusive in real life, will attend solely for Su-jeong's sake, setting the stage for an encounter fraught with anticipation and excitement.But their jaws drop in astonishment when a 15-year-old aspiring rock star makes an appearance. Black Dragon, whose singing leaves much to be desired and oozes cheese, embarrasses everyone present. Su-jeong, mortified, bolts out of the venue. He chases after her and, in the middle of the bustling street, declares his undying love. To her humiliation, even her bullies witness this scene, and Su-jeong labels him pathetic before storming off, as his bodyguards hastily escort him away. At home, tears streaming down her face, she reminisces about her first love, branding it as nothing short of embarrassing.
Fast forward to 2024, where Su-jeong has transformed into a "director terminator." Her ideological clashes with corrupt directors have led to the resignation or dismissal of all three. Her team trembles in fear and awe, wondering who the next director will be.
The scene shifts to Ban Ju-yeon, who goes undercover to expose corruption within the Yonsung Group. As the chairwoman's sole grandson, he takes his duty to protect the company seriously. He leads a clandestine life, concealing his passion for rock music to prevent his adversaries from exploiting it. His next mission: to double sales as the new director of Yonsung Department Store — and, coincidentally, he'll be working with Su-jeong's team.
At a rock concert, Ju-yeon receives an urgent call from his grandmother, summoning him to the hospital. In his haste, he accidentally bumps into Su-jeong's car. He attempts to settle the matter abruptly, but Su-jeong, furious at his rudeness, hops into his car to ensure he's not a scoundrel. Reluctantly, he agrees to take her to the hospital. He feels as though he's seen her somewhere before, while she mistakes his familiarity for a come-on. Annoyed, he melts into the crowd.
Su-jeong, disbelieving, vents to Ultimate Pro, who's grappling with the challenges of her new restaurant. Suddenly, it dawns on Su-jeong that Ju-yeon bears a striking resemblance to Black Dragon, sending shivers down her spine.
Meanwhile, Ju-yeon is compelled to attend an employee's funeral. His grandmother, kind to the deceased's young son, evokes a poignant memory for Ju-yeon. In a flashback, his grandmother scolds him for crying and accuses him of causing her son's death.
In the present, he's constantly reminded of the delicate balance he must maintain as his grandmother's heir apparent. Even the smallest misstep could spell doom. He takes these warnings in stride, retreating to his hidden otaku sanctuary within his otherwise sleek bedroom to unwind.
The following day, as he surveys the headquarters with curious eyes, Ju-yeon is incessantly assailed by Su-jeong's booming voice, a cacophony of grievances about wayward drivers, subpar meals, and the director's flawed hiring practices. It transpires that she shoulders an exorbitant workload whenever the directorial seat remains vacant, prompting her to vow, this time around, to foster a rapport with the incoming director. Meanwhile, Ju-yeon meticulously jots down suggestions for improvement, earning the admiration of Chief Kwon. He then pays a visit to his friend, Designer Chief Kim Shin-won, maintaining a careful distance despite Shin-won's perception of him as a younger sibling. Shin-won, a clumsy playboy, finds himself on the receiving end of Ju-yeon's stern warning to steer clear of office romances, only to have Ju-yeon dart away as Shin-won inadvertently soils his shirt.
The team catches sight of Ju-yeon entering his office and urges Su-jeong to extend a cordial greeting. Reluctantly agreeing to engage in the usual office politics, she bursts in unannounced. To her astonishment, she finds him in the midst of changing his shirt, revealing an imposing dragon tattoo adorning his back. Her shock intensifies when she realizes he is none other than the elusive hit-and-run driver. As My Dearest Nemesis Episode 1 draws to a close, he clamping a hand over her mouth to silence her impending revelation.
