“Dear Hyeri” Draws Criticism for Dismissing Mental Health Concerns

Initially heralded as a potential autumn gem, *Dear Hyeri* has, unfortunately, sparked outrage among viewers as it nears its finale, with a storyline criticized for its insensitivity towards dissociative identity disorder.

It’s perplexing how *Dear Hyeri*, which debuted with significant potential, has unraveled into its present form. In the first six episodes, Shin Hye Sun demonstrated her remarkable talent as a leading actress, skillfully navigating the dual roles of Joo Eun Ho and Hyeri, who coexist within the same individual.

While Joo Eun Ho remains emotionally tied to his former lover, Jung Hyun Oh (played by Lee Jin Wook), Hyeri is currently romantically involved with broadcaster Kang Joo Yeon (portrayed by Kang Hoon). Due to the trauma stemming from his younger sister’s disappearance, Eun Ho’s mental stability declines, resulting in the emergence of dissociative identity disorder. Initially, the narrative and character arcs were coherent and engaging, even portraying dissociative identity disorder through a scientific lens that allowed audiences to empathize with the two men who adore a woman grappling with mental health struggles.

However, this depth seems to have faded as recent episodes have reduced *Dear Hyeri* to a simplistic love triangle. The narrative has exploited Eun Ho’s challenges merely to inflict pain on the male supporting character, only to hastily reinstate the lead couple’s relationship. In an aired moment, when Hyun Oh learns about Eun Ho’s condition and his link to Joo Yeon, he immediately shifts his focus to whether the two remain a couple, seemingly oblivious to Hyeri’s well-being until reminded by the supporting character to prioritize her health over her romantic engagements.

Moreover, Hyun Oh had previously alienated the audience with his egocentric actions, choosing to end his relationship with the female protagonist while simultaneously trying to impede her from moving forward with her life. He would frequently utter hurtful remarks, asserting that his behavior was ultimately beneficial for her. Although it appeared that Hyun Oh and Eun Ho would not reunite, viewers were taken aback when the story ended with Hyeri rekindling her romance with her ex, culminating in a kiss at the very location of their prior separation. The emotional atmosphere and visual storytelling elicited powerful feelings, yet left many viewers discontent, as they flooded social media with critiques targeting Eun Ho’s obstinacy and refusal to accept reality.

To add to the discontent, in the most recent episode, even without Hyeri’s identity, Eun Ho joyfully dines out with Joo Yeon, mimicking Hyeri’s gestures to elicit a smile from her. This act fails to convey any sense of healing; instead, it feels dismissive, merely “rubbing salt into the wounds”of the male supporting character, who genuinely cared for Hyeri’s second identity. The final goodbye handshake was also disrupted by the male lead’s arrival. Meanwhile, both Joo Yeon and Hyun Oh seem at peace with their choices, compelling Joo Yeon to endure her situation’s emotional toll, which leads to intensified criticism of *Dear Hyeri*.