Enemies from the Past

Go Ya is the rock of her household, juggling short term gigs to keep a roof over her head as she fights to land a steady, full time job. Ten years ago her father walked out after an affair, leaving behind debts, shame, and a family that learned to survive on tight budgets and makeshift routines. Ji Seok, a divorce attorney with a reputation for blunt honesty, has a wary view of marriage and commitment. He handles breakups with clinical precision and rarely lets hope creep into his cases. When their paths cross, a cautious attraction forms and they lean on each other as a threatening situation looms, forcing them to reckon with past hurts and the cost of trust.

Directed by Kim Heung-dong and created by Kim Ji-eun, Enemies from the Past arrived in 2017 as a grounded Korean drama that leans into workplace and family tensions, with a focus on mutual care and resilience.

Critics and audiences note the show's restrained tone and its focus on character over melodrama. Thematically it grapples with economic strain, blended family dynamics, and the fragile nature of trust in modern relationships. It avoids sensational twists in favor of quiet, earned emotional beats that reflect real life and the patience it takes to rebuild after a rupture.

No major awards or nominations are documented for Enemies from the Past, aligning with its intimate approach rather than flashy recognition. Performances by Choi Yoon-young as Go Ya and Kim Tae-hyung as Ji Seok have earned praise from viewers who value grounded portrayals of resilience under pressure.

While it may not have sparked a widespread cultural phenomenon, the series contributes to a broader picture of Korean family dramas that foreground everyday struggles. Its steady pace and naturalistic acting offer a template for later shows that aim for credibility over spectacle in stories about love, responsibility, and loyalty.