Kim Yoo-jung’s darkest role yet continues its grip on K-drama fans worldwide. After a jaw-dropping four-episode premiere that left viewers questioning everything about heroes and villains, Dear X returns November 13 with episodes 5-6. If you thought Baek Ah-jin’s manipulation tactics were intense during her school years, her entrance into the entertainment industry promises even more psychological warfare.
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Dear X Release Schedule & Where to Watch
| Platform | Release Date | Time (KST) | Time (IST) | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TVING | Nov 13, 2025 | 6:00 PM | 2:30 PM | South Korea |
| HBO Max | Nov 13, 2025 | 6:30 PM | 3:00 PM | Selected regions |
| Viki | Nov 13, 2025 | — | — | Global (with subs) |
| Disney+ | Nov 13, 2025 | — | — | Japan only |
The series follows a weekly release pattern: two episodes every Thursday through December 4, totaling 12 episodes of 60-minute psychological thrillers directed by Lee Eung-bok (Goblin, Descendants of the Sun).
What to Expect in Episodes 5-6
From School Corridors to Entertainment Battlegrounds: After severing ties with Jun-seo (Kim Young-dae) in episode 4’s gut-wrenching finale, Ah-jin steps into Longstar Entertainment’s spotlight. Her rise as a rookie actress won’t be the typical underdog story—this is a woman who orchestrated her father’s death and framed her only loyal friend.
The Past Resurfaces: Ah-jin’s dark history threatens exposure just as she gains momentum. Her father’s suspicious death, manipulation of Jun-seo, and web of lies create ticking time bombs in an industry built on image. The question isn’t if her secrets surface, but when—and who survives the fallout.
Jun-seo’s Breaking Point: Wracked with guilt after taking the murder confession, Jun-seo faces a crossroads. Will he crumble under the weight of protecting someone who discarded him, or will his pain harden into something dangerous? His transformation could make him Ah-jin’s greatest threat.
Jae-oh Returns: Kim Do-hoon’s character exits prison in these episodes, bringing another volatile element to Ah-jin’s carefully constructed world. Their shared trauma once bonded them—now prison may have changed Jae-oh’s perspective on their “partnership.”
Episodes 1-4 Recap Highlights
The premiere established Ah-jin as a master manipulator forged by childhood trauma. Key moments include:
- Exposing a teacher through leaked photos during school festivities
- Turning her rival’s false rumors into a scandal that banned their school from debate competitions
- Orchestrating her abusive father’s death while framing café owner Jeong-ho
- Manipulating Jun-seo into confessing to protect her
- Signing with Longstar Entertainment after Mi-ri clears her name
The series has earned an 8.1 rating on MyDramaList with 17,000+ watchers, praised for Kim Yoo-jung’s transformative performance and tight psychological storytelling.
Why Dear X Breaks K-Drama Conventions
This isn’t your typical leading lady redemption arc. Dear X centers a sociopathic protagonist whose survival mechanisms make her simultaneously sympathetic and terrifying. Based on the wildly popular Naver webtoon by Vanziun, the adaptation adds psychological layers that explore what happens when abuse survivors refuse victimhood—but cross into villainy.
Director Lee Eung-bok called it his “first villain protagonist” project, promising “full spice” psychological tension without holding back.
Watch Dear X on TVING’s official platform or check your regional HBO Max availability.
Craving more K-drama analysis? Dive into our psychological thriller K-drama guide featuring shows that mess with your mind, or explore Kim Yoo-jung’s career evolution from child actress to complex anti-hero.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Dear X based on a true story?
No, Dear X adapts the fictional Naver webtoon “친애하는 X” by Vanziun. While Ah-jin’s childhood abuse storyline reflects real social issues, the character and specific events are fictional. The drama explores psychological themes around trauma, manipulation, and survival rather than depicting actual events.
Q: Can I watch Dear X if I’m squeamish about violence?
Dear X carries an 18+ rating for violence and mature themes. The series depicts domestic abuse, murder, and psychological manipulation explicitly. Episodes include content warnings before airing. If you’re sensitive to heavy violence or abuse portrayals, this R-rated thriller may be challenging to watch.
