Where to Watch My Dearest Seasons 1-2 Online (2026): Free & Paid Streams in US, UK, AU, CA, KR, India & SEA

The historical romance K-drama My Dearest quickly became one of the most talked-about Korean dramas of 2023. With its emotional storytelling, stunning cinematography, and unforgettable performances, the series gained a massive global fanbase.However, finding where to stream this gem can be tricky, as it isn't available on global giants like Netflix in most regions . To help you on your journey, we've compiled a detailed guide on where to watch My Dearest Parts 1 and 2, tailored for viewers in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, South Korea, India, and key Southeast Asian countries.

About My Dearest Seasons 1&2: A Quick Overview

If you've recently fallen down the rabbit hole of the sweeping Korean sageuk drama ** My Dearest (Yeon-in) **, you're not alone. This 2023 masterpiece, starring the phenomenal Namkoong Min and Ahn Eun-jin, has captured hearts worldwide with its intense love story set against the backdrop of the Qing invasion of Joseon .

Set during the Qing invasion of Joseon, My Dearest follows the turbulent love story between the mysterious nobleman Lee Jang-hyun and the strong-willed aristocratic woman Yoo Gil-chae. As war devastates the country, their relationship evolves through sacrifice, separation, and reunion. The drama blends sweeping historical events with deeply emotional romance, making it a must-watch for fans of epic Korean historical dramas.

Its cinematic visuals, haunting OST, and powerful performances have made it a must-watch, earning critical acclaim and a passionate international fanbase.

Drama Overview

Plot Summary: My Dearest  is a critically acclaimed South Korean historical melodrama (21-26 episodes) starring Namkoong Min and Ahn Eun-jin. Set during the 17th-century Qing invasion of Joseon, it follows the turbulent romance between a mysterious, cynical nobleman and a confident noblewoman as they navigate war, separation, and personal growth. 

Where to Watch My Dearest Online: Country-by-Country Streaming Guide

Whether you are watching for the first time or revisiting this epic, here is your definitive 2026 global guide to streaming My Dearest (Part 1 & 2) across all major regions.

🌐United States (US)

Viewers in the US have several excellent options to stream the series. While it’s not on Netflix, it is available on a mix of mainstream and niche K-drama platforms .

Platform	Main Information
Hulu	The series is available to stream for all Hulu subscribers .
Rakuten Viki	A fan-favorite platform for Asian content, Viki offers the drama with high-quality subtitles in multiple languages
Kocowa+	This service, operated by the three major Korean broadcasters (KBS, MBC, SBS), offers content hours after it airs in Korea. You can access it via the Kocowa channel on Amazon Prime Video or directly through their app .
OnDemandKorea	A free (ad-supported) streaming service focusing on Korean content .

🌐United Kingdom (UK)

For UK-based fans, the options are slightly more niche but still provide excellent access to the show.

Platform	Main Information
Rakuten Viki	The primary destination for UK viewers to watch My Dearest with a passionate community of subtitle fans .
Kocowa+	Available in the UK, Kocowa+ offers a vast library of Korean dramas, variety shows, and K-pop content, including My Dearest .

🌐Australia (AU)

Australian viewers can follow the same path as their UK counterparts.

Platform	Main Information
Rakuten Viki	The most accessible platform in Australia for this specific title.
Kocowa+	Also available in Australia, providing another solid subscription option for K-entertainment fans .

🌐Canada (CA)

Canadian streaming options closely mirror those in the US.

Platform	Main Information
Rakuten Viki	A reliable choice for streaming the series .
Kocowa+	Canadians can access Kocowa either through the Kocowa channel on Amazon Prime Video or via the standalone Kocowa+ app .
OnDemandKorea	This free service is also available in Canada .

🌐South Korea (KR)

As the home country of the production, Korea offers the most direct access to high-definition broadcasts and behind-the-scenes content.

Platform	Main Information
MBC	MBC is the original broadcaster where the drama premiered in 2023.
Wavve	As the streaming service of the three major public broadcasters, Wavve is a primary source for the show.
Viki & Kocowa+	Both international services also operate and offer the show for local viewers, often with the added benefit of multi-language subtitles .
Coupang Play	Often hosts the series for its subscribers with high-speed streaming.

🌐India (IN)

Good news for Indian viewers: you can watch My Dearest for free.

Platform	Main Information
Amazon MX Player / Airtel Xstream Play	In India, the streaming rights are held by Amazon MX Player. You can watch the entire series online at Airtel Xstream Play or through the Amazon MX Player app. It is available with U/A 16+ rating and often includes dubbed versions in Hindi .
Rakuten Viki	While some K-dramas are moving to local streamers like Zee5 or MX Player, My Dearest remains a staple on Viki in India.

🌐Southeast Asia (SEA): Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand

For viewers in Southeast Asia, regional platforms hold the keys to this drama.

Platform	Main Information
Viu	This is a major OTT player in Southeast Asia. You can likely stream My Dearest with high-quality subtitles in your local language (e.g., Bahasa Malaysia, Thai, Tagalog) on Viu.
Rakuten Viki	Viki is widely available across all these countries and is a safe bet for streaming the show .
Kocowa+	While perhaps less common than Viu, Kocowa services are accessible in these regions for those seeking an alternative

📊Quick Streaming Availability by Region

📌Tips for Watching My Dearest Internationally

✔ Check regional availability – streaming rights differ by country.

✔ Use platforms specializing in K-dramas like KOCOWA+ or Viki for the most reliable access.

✔ Look for multilingual subtitles if you’re watching outside Korea.

Best Platforms to Watch My Dearest: Features & Viewing Options

For international fans of the award-winning historical masterpiece My Dearest (연인), finding a platform that offers high-definition quality, accurate subtitles, and smooth streaming is the ultimate goal. Here are the 5 best platforms to watch My Dearest (Seasons 1 & 2) in 2026, categorized by region, features, and pricing.

1.Rakuten Viki: Best for Community Features & International Accessibility

Rakuten Viki is one of the largest global streaming platforms for Asian dramas. It is known for its community subtitle system, making many shows accessible in dozens of languages.

If you are looking for the most "community-driven" way to experience the Joseon-era epic My Dearest, Rakuten Viki remains the gold standard for international fans in 2026. Because this drama relies heavily on historical nuances and deep emotional subtext, Viki’s unique features make it a top-tier choice.

⏩Best for: International viewers in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and India.

⏩What You Can Watch

On Viki, you have access to the complete MBC original broadcast of the saga:

• My Dearest  Season 1& 2 with high-quality subtitles in dozens of languages

• Extensive library of Asian television programs and movies across many genres 

• Content from Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand

• Must-watch titles include historical epics, romantic fantasies, and variety shows

The drama has been distributed on Viki in several international regions

⏩Key Features for Fans

• Community-powered subtitles: Fans subtitle content in over 200 languages—often within hours of release 

• Free plan available: Watch with ads at 480p resolution 

• Social viewing experience: Comment and interact with other viewers while watching

• Curated collections: Themed playlists and recommendations based on viewing history

⏩Subscription Fees & Viewing Model

In 2026, Viki operates on a "Freemium" model with tiered access:

Tier	Price (Monthly)	My Dearest Access	Quality/Experience
Basic (Free)	$0.00	First 2–3 episodes	Standard Definition (480p), Heavy Ads.
Viki Pass Standard	~$5.99	Full Access (Seasons 1 & 2)	High Definition (1080p), No Ads.
Viki Pass Plus	~$9.99	Full Access + Partner Content	Includes KOCOWA+ titles and early access to new shows.

• Free trial: 7 days on paid plans 

⏩Who is the Target Audience?

Rakuten Viki is specifically designed for:

• International viewers who need subtitles in less common languages

• Fans who enjoy community interaction while watching

• Viewers who want a free option with ads

• Those who prefer paying monthly without long-term commitment

2. Viu: Best for Southeast Asian Viewers

Viu is a leading OTT video streaming service launched in 2015 and owned by PCCW Media, a Hong Kong-based media company . It operates primarily in Asia, specializing in delivering premium Asian content with local language subtitles shortly after broadcast. Viu has partnerships with major Korean broadcasters including MBC, SBS, KBS, CJ E&M, and JTBC.

If you are located in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, or South Africa, Viu is arguably the best way to experience the heartbreak and heroism of My Dearest. 

⏩Best for: Viewers in Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia.

⏩What You Can Watch

Viu offers the complete, uncut saga of Lee Jang-hyun and Yoo Gil-chae:

• Season 1 & 2 (Complete): All 21 episodes are available in their original broadcast length.

• Latest Korean dramas within hours of Korea broadcast, including Queen of Tears and The Penthouse: Season 4 

• Variety shows and K-Pop content

• Content from Korea, Japan, China, and Thailand

• Viu Originals exclusive to the platform

⏩Key Features for Fans

• Fast subtitles: Premium subscribers get episodes within 8 hours of Korean airing 

• Free access option: Free users can watch with ads after a 3-day delay at 480p resolution 

• Localized experience: Subtitles in Bahasa Malaysia, Thai, Tagalog, and other regional languages

• Offline downloads: Premium subscribers can download unlimited content 

• Multi-screen streaming: Watch on multiple devices simultaneously 

⏩Subscription Fees & Viewing Model

Viu maintains a highly accessible "Freemium" model. Pricing varies slightly by country (e.g., Singapore Dollars vs. Philippine Pesos), but the structure remains consistent:

Tier	Access Level	Video Quality	Experience
Viu Free	Limited episodes	Standard (720p)	Includes video ads; 72-hour delay for new episodes.
Viu Premium	All Episodes (S1-2)	Full HD (1080p)	No ads; unlimited downloads; priority access.
Price (Monthly)	~$3.00 – $5.50 USD	(Depending on your local market/currency)

Note: Many mobile carriers in SEA (like Singtel, Globe, or Maxis) offer Viu Premium bundled with data plans at a discounted rate.

⏩Who is the Target Audience?

Viu is the perfect match for:

• Viewers in Southeast Asia who want local language subtitles

• K-drama fans seeking fast post-broadcast availability

• Those who prefer a regional platform with strong community presence

• Users wanting a free ad-supported option

3. KOCOWA+: Best for Latest Episodes & Hardcore K-Drama Fans

If you are a K-Drama purist living in the Americas, KOCOWA+ is arguably the most prestigious way to watch My Dearest. Because KOCOWA+ is a joint venture between the "Big Three" South Korean broadcasters (MBC, KBS, and SBS), you are essentially getting the content straight from the source.

Since My Dearest is an MBC production, KOCOWA+ provides the most "official" digital version of the series available in 2026.

⏩Best for: Fans in North and South America seeking official network quality.

⏩What You Can Watch

KOCOWA+ serves as the definitive archive for the My Dearest saga:

• My Dearest episodes

• Korean dramas from MBC, SBS, and KBS

• Korean news, variety shows, and movies

The platform even offers some content free with ads, making it one of the few semi-free legal option

⏩Key Features for Fans

• Convenient integration: Watch within the Prime Video app you already use

• Same fast subtitles: English subs within 6 hours of Korean airing

• Consolidated billing: One payment through your Amazon account

• Family sharing: Leverage Amazon Household settings if applicable

⏩Subscription Fees & Viewing Model

KOCOWA+ offers a flexible, no-contract model geared toward high-end viewers:

Plan Type	Pricing (USD)	Features
Daily Pass	$0.99	24 hours of full access—perfect for a weekend binge-watch.
Monthly Plan	$6.99	Unlimited access to the entire library; no ads; 1080p quality.
Annual Plan	$69.99	Saves roughly 15% annually; Includes 150+ hours of exclusive content.

Note: KOCOWA+ is also available as a "Channel" add-on for Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV users in the US, allowing you to pay for it through your existing billing accounts.

⏩Who is the Target Audience?

KOCOWA+ is the perfect match for:

• US-based viewers who already have Amazon Prime

• Those who prefer consolidated streaming apps and billing

• Users who want KOCOWA+ content without creating a separate account

4. OnDemandKorea: Best Free ad-supported streaming

OnDemandKorea is a streaming service focused entirely on Korean entertainment. The platform provides thousands of Korean TV shows, movies, variety programs, and news broadcasts directly from major Korean broadcasters.

And OnDemandKorea (ODK) is a great option to watch My Dearest Seasons 1-2, especially if you are based in the Americas and are looking for a mix of free and premium Korean content. It is one of the most established streaming services for Korean entertainment in North America 

⏩Best for: Korean diaspora audiences in North and South America

⏩What You Can Watch

ODK offers the full breadth of the My Dearest experience:

• The Full Saga: Both My Dearest  Part 1 and Part 2 are available in high definition.

• MBC Network Content: Since ODK has a direct partnership with MBC, you get the standard TV versions along with high-quality clips and highlights.

• Variety & News: You can also watch the news segments and entertainment talk shows (like Section TV) that interviewed Namkoong Min and Ahn Eun-jin during the show's peak popularity.

⏩Key Features for Fans

• Instant Availability: ODK is known for uploading content almost immediately after it airs in South Korea. For a completed show like My Dearest, this means the library is robust and includes all special clips.

• Dual Language Support: While it caters heavily to native speakers, it provides high-quality English subtitles for most of its "Premium" drama content.

• Cross-Device Sync: The ODK app is exceptionally well-integrated across web, mobile, and Smart TV platforms (Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV), making it easy to switch between your phone and your living room.

• O-Point System: ODK sometimes uses a loyalty system where active users can earn points to use toward content.

⏩Subscription Fees & Viewing Model

OnDemandKorea uses a "Free-to-Premium" ladder. However, please note that for high-demand dramas like My Dearest, most episodes are eventually moved behind a paywall.

Plan	Pricing (USD)	Features
Free (With Ads)	$0.00	Limited access to older episodes; Standard Definition (SD) only; Heavy ads.
ODK Premium	~$6.99/mo	Full Access to S1 & S2; High Definition (1080p); No ads; Exclusive content.
ODK Premium (Annual)	~$69.99/yr	All Premium features with a significant discount for long-term subscribers.

⏩Who is the Target Audience?

OnDemandKorea is the perfect platform for:

• North American Residents: The service is strictly geo-restricted to the United States and Canada.

• The Korean Diaspora: It is a favorite for Korean-Americans/Canadians who want to watch dramas exactly as they appear on Korean television.

• Bilingual Viewers: While it has English subs, it is also a great platform for those who speak Korean and don't want subtitles cluttering the screen.

• Smart TV Users: ODK has one of the most stable and user-friendly "Big Screen" apps compared to smaller niche streaming services.

How to Watch My Dearest Seasons 1-2: Tips for New Fans

Stepping into the world of My Dearest (연인) is an emotional commitment. Set during the 17th-century Qing invasion of Joseon, it is a sweeping epic that rewards patient viewers with one of the most profound romances in K-Drama history.

To ensure you get the most out of your first watch in 2026, here are five essential tips for new fans.

✅Understand the "Part" System

When the show originally aired, it was split into two distinct parts. Most streaming platforms now simply list them as Season 1 and Season 2, but the tone shifts significantly between them.

• Part 1 (Episodes 1–10): Focuses on the "spark" of romance and the sudden, violent disruption of Joseon life by the invasion.

• Part 2 (Episodes 11–21): Deals with the gritty reality of prisoners of war and the long-term emotional scars of conflict.

• The "Special" Episode: Don't skip the final episode! Make sure your platform includes Episode 21, which was an extended finale added due to the show's massive popularity.

✅Choose Your Platform by "Vibe"

As we discussed, your location determines your options, but your preference for how you watch is just as important:

• For the "Community" Feel: Use Rakuten Viki. The "Timed Comments" are invaluable for My Dearest because the plot is heavy; seeing other fans react in real-time makes the heartbreaking moments easier to bear.

• For Technical Perfection: Use KOCOWA+ or OnDemandKorea. Since the show features stunning cinematography - think snowy mountain escapes and golden-hour fields—you want the high bitrate these platforms offer to avoid "pixelation" during dark scenes.

✅Lean into the "Sageuk" Context

My Dearest is a Sageuk (historical drama), meaning the characters speak in a formal, poetic manner.

• Historical Background: It helps to know that the Qing Invasion of 1636 is a real, traumatic event in Korean history. The "Crown Prince Sohyeon" and the "King Injo" featured in the show were real people.

• Translation Matters: If a subtitle seems overly formal or repetitive (using words like "My Lord" or "Dearest"), it’s because the show is capturing the strict social hierarchy of the time.

✅Prepare for the "Slow Burn"

This is not a fast-paced rom-com. The relationship between Lee Jang-hyun and Yoo Gil-chae is built on missed connections, letters, and years of separation.

• Character Growth: Yoo Gil-chae (the female lead) starts off as somewhat spoiled and immature. Don't give up on her. Her character arc is one of the best in television history as she evolves into a resilient survivor.

• Tissue Warning: By the time you hit Season 2, you will need them. The show is famous for its "Melodrama" tag for a reason.

✅Follow the Soundtrack (OST)

The music in My Dearest acts as a narrator. Key tracks like "With My Heart" by Kai or "The Painted On The Back Of My Heart" by Miyeon (of (G)I-DLE) often play during pivotal scenes to signal a character's internal thoughts.

• Tip: If you hear a specific string melody start to swell, pay close attention to the characters' eyes—the show often relies on "acting with the eyes" more than dialogue.

✅Consider Binge-Watching vs Weekly Viewing

Because the story is highly emotional, many fans prefer to binge multiple episodes at once.

However, you can also pace yourself:

• Binge-watching – ideal for intense storytelling

• Slow watching – better for understanding historical details

Choose the style that fits your viewing habits.

📌Quick Checklist for Your Marathon

• Check Resolution: Is it 1080p? (The cinematography deserves it).

• Check Version: Does it include the Episode 21 finale?

• Supplies: Snacks for the lighthearted early episodes; tissues for the rest.

By following these simple tips, you're all set for an unforgettable journey with My Dearest. Enjoy every heartbreaking, beautiful moment!

My Dearest Streaming & Viewing FAQs: Quick Reference

When diving into a deep historical melodrama like My Dearest, viewers often run into technical or regional hurdles. To help your readers navigate these smoothly, here is a breakdown of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding streaming and the viewing experience in 2026.

If you love historical romance dramas with deep character storytelling, My Dearest is definitely worth watching from start to finish. With the right platform, good subtitles, and a little understanding of the historical setting, new fans can fully enjoy one of the most acclaimed Korean dramas of recent years.Happy streaming~