Lance Joseph Martinez

10 Things About Heo Nam Jun, Star of ‘My Royal Nemesis’

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<p>If your <strong>TikTok</strong> feed has been anything like ours lately, chances are you’ve already come across at least one edit of <strong>Heo Nam-jun</strong>—and it’s easy to see why fans can’t get enough.</p><p>From his striking visuals to that now-viral shower scene, Heo Nam-jun has firmly emerged as one of this year’s breakout K-drama stars. After years of steady appearances in supporting and minor roles, he’s now stepping into the spotlight and proving that his moment as a leading man has finally arrived.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="925" height="525" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/efj9rk9mCeo?si=OIgoV4t9wI1we2lg" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br/></div><div><br/></div><p>And he does so opposite <strong>Lim Ji-yeon</strong> in the romantic fantasy comedy series <strong><em>My Royal Nemesis</em></strong>. The story follows a legendary Joseon-era villainess whose soul is transmigrated into the body of a modern-day actress, leading her into a tense yet captivating love-hate dynamic with a ruthless conglomerate heir.</p><p>In the series, Heo Nam-jun takes on a dual role as <strong>Cha Se-gye </strong>and<strong> Grand Prince Cheongheon (Yi Hyeon). </strong>Cha Se-gye is the cold and feared third-generation chaebol heir of Chail Group and CEO of Biojei, often described as a “monster of capitalism.” Meanwhile, Yi Hyeon is a tragic royal figure scarred by trauma, a solitary prince who hides his face behind a half-mask after surviving a mysterious fire.</p><p>Beyond the screen, interest in Heo Nam-jun continues to surge, with fans increasingly curious about his life off-camera. With that, here are 10 things you need to know about Heo Nam-jun, the rising star of <em>My Royal Nemesis.</em></p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1782204629353[image] - 4344278.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Heo Nam-jun</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>He is 33 years old.</strong></div><p>South Korean actor Heo Nam-jun was born on June 9, 1993, making him a <strong>Gemini</strong>. While Geminis are often associated with being outgoing social butterflies, the actor seems to defy the stereotype, as fans have come to know him for his shy, soft-spoken, and introverted personality.</p><p>Despite keeping a low profile, Heo Nam-jun makes sure to stay connected with fans through social media. The actor regularly shares updates and glimpses into his life on <strong>Instagram</strong> via his account, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/namjun0609?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&amp;igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw=="><strong>@namjun0609</strong></a>, much to the delight of his growing fanbase.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>He holds a degree in Drama from Sungkyunkwan University.</strong></div><p>Long before making his mark in the entertainment industry, Heo Nam-jun honed his craft at <strong>Sungkyunkwan University</strong>, one of South Korea’s most prestigious institutions, where he earned a degree in acting.</p><p>Founded in 1398, Sungkyunkwan University is a renowned private research university with campuses in Seoul and Suwon. Heo Nam-jun studied under the <strong>Department of Acting</strong> for Theater, Film, and Television, a program established in 2001 under the university’s <strong>School of Art.</strong></p><p>Known for combining traditional humanities education with hands-on media training, the department aims to nurture versatile and industry-ready performers—training that would later help shape Heo Nam-jun into the actor fans know and love today.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1782204648493[image] - 2734134.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1782204667612[image] - 3846811.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>He has a twin brother.</strong></div><p>In a <strong></strong>YouTube interview with <strong>Jang Do-yeon</strong>, Heo Nam-jun revealed that he has a twin brother, who is younger than him.</p><p>He then added, &quot;The most common question I get is whether we look alike. We don&#x27;t resemble each other at all. My brother is a complete Type T and very planned. He is taller than me and has darker skin.&quot;</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>He made his acting debut in 2019.</strong></div><p>After graduating with a degree in Drama from Sungkyunkwan University, Heo Nam-jun officially stepped into the entertainment industry, marking his film debut in the 2019 movie <strong><em>Like the First,</em></strong> where he took on the minor role of <strong>Manager Joo</strong>.<strong></strong></p><p>He then transitioned to television with a special appearance in <strong>OCN’s</strong> <strong><em>Missing: The Other Side</em></strong><em></em><em>,</em><em></em><strong><em> </em></strong>in which he portrayed<strong> Go Bong-hwan.</strong></p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1782204758174[image] - 9319739.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1782204770486[image] - 804861.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>He first gained widespread recognition with <em>Your Honor</em>.<br/></strong></div><p>Heo Nam-jun’s career didn’t start with instant spotlight, despite his current rise in popularity. He built his path steadily through small, supporting, and special roles across film and television.</p><p>Following his early TV appearance, he continued to take on minor parts in notable series such as <strong><em>Snowdrop</em></strong> and <strong><em>Perfect Crown</em></strong>, gradually establishing his presence in the industry.</p><p>After years of taking on small roles, Heo Nam-jun eventually landed a breakthrough when he was cast as one of the main characters in the 2024 South Korean crime and legal thriller <strong><em>Your Honor</em></strong><em></em><em>.</em><em></em><strong><em></em></strong></p><p>The series follows a judge who covers up his son’s murder, while a crime boss relentlessly pursues the killer, setting up a tense clash between two fathers who are willing to become monsters to protect their children.</p><p>In the series, Heo Nam-jun plays<strong> </strong>Kim Sang-hyuk,<strong></strong> the eldest son of Kang-heon, who inherits his father’s violent and ruthless nature. Despite his cold and dangerous demeanor, he becomes the only person capable of unsettling his father’s otherwise composed and calculating personality.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1782204841216[image] - 3900118.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1782204856814[image] - 8719271.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>He achieved his breakthrough with <em>My Royal Nemesis</em>.</strong></div><p>After beginning to make waves with <em>Your Honor</em> in 2024, Heo Nam-jun reached the biggest milestone of his career yet with the hit <strong>Netflix</strong> series <strong><em>My Royal Nemesis.</em></strong></p><p>The fantasy romance follows<strong></strong> Kang Dan-shim, a notorious Joseon-era femme fatale who awakens in 2026 in the body of struggling actress Shin Seo-ri a<strong></strong>fter being sentenced to death by poison. As she navigates the modern world, she encounters <strong></strong>Cha Se-gye, the arrogant heir to a powerful conglomerate, after appearing before him dressed as a shaman and insisting she is from the Joseon era.</p><p>Starring alongside Lim Ji-yeon, who played both Shin Seo-ri and Kang Dan-shim,<strong></strong> Heo Nam-jun took on the dual roles of <strong></strong>Cha Se-gye and Grand Prince Cheongheon, earning praise for his captivating performance.</p><p>The drama quickly became a global sensation. During its first week, <em>My Royal Nemesis</em> topped <strong>Netflix’s Global Top 10 Non-English TV </strong>rankings with <strong></strong>3.9 million views from May 4 to May 10, 2026. It also entered the Top 10 charts in 44 countries, with strong viewership not only across Asia—including South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, and Thailand—but also in regions such as Europe and South America, with countries like Greece, Brazil, and Mexico embracing the series.<strong></strong></p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1782205098617[image] - 551539.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">&#x27;My Royal Nemesis&#x27; Official Poster | Photo from @netflixkr</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>His TikTok edits have garnered millions of views and likes.</strong></div><p>The series’ popularity has also extended to its cast, with viewers praising the actors for their strong performances and leaving fans wanting more.</p><p>For Heo Nam-jun, the drama sparked a noticeable surge in online attention, particularly around his viral shower scene that left viewers impressed by his on-screen charisma. Clips of him circulating on TikTok have amassed hundreds of thousands to millions of likes, with some even surpassing 3 million views, cementing his status as one of this year’s breakout K-drama stars.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>He made his first music video appearance alongside IU.</strong></div><p>In 2025, Heo Nam-jun expanded his career into the music scene as he appeared in a music video alongside South Korean icon <strong>IU</strong> for a remake of the beloved classic <strong>“Never Ending Story.”</strong></p><p>The track, one of Korea’s most iconic songs, pays tribute to the timeless film<strong> <em>Christmas in August,</em></strong> with the music video reimagining its emotional themes. This project also marked Heo Nam-jun’s first-ever appearance in a music video.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="925" height="525" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6J9ixwhDYSM?si=JPZfnEoUV-6mcZ8l" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>He won the Best New Actor award in 2024.<br/></strong></div><p>Following his breakthrough performance in <em>Your Honor, </em>Heo Nam-jun enjoyed an impressive run from 2024 to 2025, earning widespread recognition for his acting. His portrayal in the crime thriller led to<strong> Best New Actor </strong>nominations from several award-giving bodies, including the prestigious <strong>Blue Dragon Series Awards </strong>and<strong> Baeksang Arts Awards.</strong></p><p>While he ultimately went home without a trophy for <em>Your Honor, </em>Heo Nam-jun later secured his first <strong>Best New Actor</strong> win for <strong><em>When the Phone Rings</em></strong><em></em><em>.</em><em></em><strong><em></em></strong></p><p>With his standout performance in <em>My Royal Nemesis</em> receiving praise from viewers, many are already anticipating another strong awards season for the actor, with expectations of multiple nominations—and possibly more wins—this year.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1782204485390[image] - 7861124.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Heo Nam-jun during 2024 MBC Drama Awards</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>He is a proud fur dad.<br/></strong></div><p>Following his stint in <em>My Royal Nemesis, </em>many fans have been wondering whether Heo Nam-jun is a dog lover in real life—and the answer is a resounding yes. The actor has given followers a glimpse of his softer side through Instagram posts featuring his adorable white furry companion.</p><p>Beyond photos, Heo Nam-jun has also shared videos showing his affectionate bond with his pet, often seen carrying, cuddling, and playfully spending time with his beloved dog. The heartwarming moments have only made fans adore the actor even more.</p><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/C6n24NGr-Rx/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A1775683%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Lead photos from <strong>@namjun0609</strong></p>

<p>He’s stealing hearts on-screen, but fans are just as obsessed with who he is beyond the cameras. Curious about the man behind "My Royal Nemesis" breakout star Heo Nam-jun? Here are 10 things you need to know about the actor everyone’s talking about now.</p>

He’s stealing hearts on-screen, but fans are just as obsessed with who he is beyond the cameras. Curious about the man behind "My Royal Nemesis" breakout star Heo Nam-jun? Here are 10 things you need to know about the actor everyone’s talking about now.

10 Things About Heo Nam Jun, the Korean Actor Stealing Hearts in ‘My Royal Nemesis’

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10 Things About Heo Nam Jun, the Korean Actor Stealing Hearts in ‘My Royal Nemesis’

Lance Joseph Martinez

Published June 23, 2026 09:00 PM PHT

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Updated June 24, 2026 12:57 AM PHT

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