If the feels in question are cosmically tragic lovers, then Red Sleeve Cuff is the low-hanging fruit there. A much lighter, but still fated, take would be 100 Days My Prince.

But something tells me that these are so well-known and frequently-seen that they won’t be the new, shiny thing that distracts the OP from the long delay between Parts 1 and 2.

So, how about something a bit different: Why not Hyena or Mystic Pop-up Bar? Those two have a (very) few of the same qualities (not to each other, but to a tragic sageuk love story), and they just might hold your attention a bit while you wait…

I’m planning to rewatch REBEL by the same writer during the break.
SEVEN DAY QUEEN has got all the melo and tragic love if you wanted more angst
Not a Kdrama but OUR FLAG MEANS DEATH is a dark comedy with pirates and Jang-hyun kinda reminds me of a pirate sooooo…

I think The Nokdu Flower did the same by following history and showing the hard conditions in these times. The romance was more positive! Not as present but not as hurtful.

My Country could make you like the end of My Dearest first part in its own way 😅

For a ligther mood, there are good fusion sageuks : Moonlight Drawn by Clouds, The King's Affection, Secret Guesthouse, Under The Queen Umbrella.

Hmm... has this Beanie seen Arang and the Magistrate? I just finished it, and now I'm bursting at the seams to recommend it to someone!! Its OTP is separated by the gulf of Life - she's a ghost, and he's not. It's epic, romantic, and bittersweet in the best way. For a non-fantasy romantic sageuk, I also recommend Bossam: Steal the Fate. The OTP is magnetic together. They're separated by social strictures - she's a widow (and a noble), and he's a commoner, but they would walk through fire for each other (eventually, after they get past their antagonistic bickering). Good luck!! 👍

Maybe Tale of Nokdu? Had a bit of everything and was an overall very satisfying drama! Feel like it'll help pass the time till part 2 but in a way that gives you a breather from the melodramatic angst and and heaviness.

6 flying dragons should sustain it

The historical background in MY DEAREST is pretty much close to the actual history. It has been the easiest sageuk to follow because its timeline parallels history.

Since movies are shorter but packed with information related to MY DEAREST, I'd recommend:
-THE FORTRESS (politics/battles)
My Dearest was also filmed in the same location.
-WAR of the ARROWS (action)
The movie inspires the wedding, Ryang-eum's bow, and more.
-NIGHT OWL
Good watch for Part 2 (Crown Prince So-hyeon and Injo)

Dramas:
- CRUEL PALACE WAR of the FLOWERS
In the first 10 episodes, you'll get to know Lady Jo, the current state of King Injo, Crown Prince Sohyeon, and his wife Crown Princess Minhoe.
- THREE MUSKETEERS
Crown Prince So-hyeon

-CHUNO, aka SLAVE HUNTERS, is the best follow-up drama to My Dearest.

I think I'm going with Mr. Sunshine. Different era (mostly), but lots of barriers keeping people who love each other apart, plenty of tragedy, heaps of war, VERY memorable love square that will have you choosing sides faster than a world cup. Might hold the record for making me ugly cry the longest after a drama episode ended.

If, on the other hand, you want something to give yourself a break in between halves (being in the feels for an entire month in between My Dearest Parts sounds tiring to me - but you do you!) then I'd go with something like Gaus Electronics for a vibe that's as opposite as possible. Stick around for the end credits scenes, only cry from laughing, and go back in next month refreshed! Both are good strategies, just make sure you're taking care of yourself!

Watch Gone With The Wind to contemplate the fate of Part 2.

Great drama recommendations by everyone 👍

I know the mandate is for recommendations to keep in the feels ... but let us not emotionally exhaust ourselves and wring out more tears from our already swollen eyes let us swing in the opposite direction and find something to giggle over instead.

Me, I’m going to drown in sorrow. Doomed love, doomed lovers, bring them on. Almost finished rewatching J drama Hundred Million Stars from the Sky
45 minute episodes go down so smooth , perfect for binge watching.
Next up is Franco Zeffirelli’s production of Shakespeare’sRomeo & Juliet (1968) I saw this in the theatre when it came out. Thanks mom !
I will give Damo a go,14 Eps, sounds good, has been recommend ! Ha Ji-won too.

Red Sleeve Cuff is a very good one.
If you want something similar to the relationship between Jang-hyun and Gil-chae, try Can We Be Strangers?/Strangers Again?.

You Are My Spring is also cool. And maybe a sprinkle of My Liberation Notes.
And, maybe Bossam.

I would totally recommend Mr Sunshine if you haven't watched it yet. It's daebak!

I'm not very good at history, but I thought Return of Iljimae took place during the same time period. Any historical watchers that can me know if I've got that right?

Good watch either way with some of the most interesting female characters I've seen---independent (making own money) and living outside of contemporary values while surviving during a time of war just as our Gil Chae.

Currently I am watching Chief Kim, trying to catch up on Namkoong Min's work.
I was trying to read more about Bloody Heart on this site, I was wondering about what you all thought about it, but I did not find any articles or recaps about it. I found it to be good and I would recommend it.

Disclaimer: I am not watching My dearest so only have the occasional comment and fan wall post to ascertain the mood but I wondered whether Live up to your name would be a good compromise. The time travel element adds a different feel to a proper sageuk so would serve to lift the mood as the angst seems overpowering. A lighter watch in terms of the struggles of the main couple may also be helpful to help recharge the batteries before part two kicks in.

Bossam!!!!!!!!!!

Any of these:

Goblin
Moonlight Drawn By Clouds
My Country
Mr. Sunshine
Bossam

To complement the angst mood I would recommend Red Sleeve Cuff and Moon Lovers. Also, after seeing fellow beanies comments, I believe My Country, Mr. Sunshine and Nokdu Flower are great recommendations too.
If you want a lighter drama, there is 100 Days My Prince, Hwarang, Tale of Nokdu, Moon Light Drawn by Clouds and The King Affection.

I am probably in the minority but I'd say "Mirror of the Witch" would also be an applicable rec and a worthwhile watch. It's not a perfect drama by any means but it will make you feel things, one way or another lol.

Recommendations:
Keep You In the Same Feels: Seven Day Queen and The Princess Man
Same Time Period: Movie - The Fortress and War of the Arrows
Restrained Love: Bossam: Steal the Fate
Feel Good: Queen In Hyun's Man, Mr Queen, Under the Queen's Umbrella
Angsty C-drama: Till the End of the Moon

Currently Watching:
C-drama: Who Rules the World - I am enjoying the story of the leads. Crushing on Yang Yang.
K-drama: Behind your Touch - I like this and find it hilarious

Chuno (The Slave Hunters)
Damo
Conspiracy in the Court
Mr. Sunshine
My Country
Bossam
Nokdu Flower

The Princess' Man. One of my favorite sageuks, romance & melodrama--lots of angst over whether they will ever get together.

And of course, the US 1939 film "Gone with the Wind." And read the novel by Margaret Mitchell.

Queen For Seven Days, Bloody Heart, Lovers of the Red Sky, Bossam,