K-drama fans, prepare yourselves for one of 2025’s most anticipated thrillers. “Dear X” isn’t just another romance drama—it’s a psychological deep dive into ambition, manipulation, and the price of success, starring two of Korea’s most beloved actors in career-defining roles.
Table of Contents
Meet the Power Cast of “Dear X”
| Actor | Character | Role | Recent Hit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kim You Jung | Baek Ah Jin | Manipulative A-list actress | My Demon (2024) |
| Kim Young Dae | Yoon Joon Seo | Protective love interest | Moon in the Day (2023) |
| Kim Do Hoon | TBA | Supporting role | Moving (2023) |
| Lee Yul Eum | TBA | Key supporting character | Revenge of Others (2022) |
| Hwang In Youp | TBA | Special appearance | Why Her? (2022) |
The Dark World of “Dear X”
Based on the popular Naver webtoon of the same name, “Dear X” follows Baek Ah Jin, an A-list actress who climbs from rock bottom to the top of the industry by using other people. But this isn’t a typical rags-to-riches story—it’s a chilling examination of how trauma shapes monsters.
Behind the beauty and glamour lies a woman shaped by trauma and an unquenchable thirst for success. Kim You Jung’s character endured domestic violence as a child, learning to survive by hiding her emotions and manipulating others through psychological insight.
Kim You Jung’s Career-Defining Role
After her breakout performance in “My Demon” alongside Song Kang, Kim You Jung is taking on her most complex character yet. Baek Ah Jin represents a complete departure from her previous sweet, innocent roles. This character demands emotional range that spans from vulnerable victim to calculating manipulator.
The actress has been building her dramatic credentials steadily, and “Dear X” positions her as one of Korea’s most versatile young actresses. Her ability to portray both victim and villain in the same character promises to be mesmerizing.
Kim Young Dae’s Protective Promise
While details about Kim Young Dae’s Yoon Joon Seo remain mysterious, the promotional materials hint at a man determined to protect Baek Ah Jin despite her dark nature. This dynamic creates fascinating tension—how do you save someone who’s become their own worst enemy?
Kim Young Dae, fresh from his memorable role in “Moon in the Day,” brings a compelling intensity to romantic leads. His chemistry with Kim You Jung, already evident in promotional stills, suggests a relationship that will be both passionate and tragic.
The Psychology Behind the Manipulation
What sets “Dear X” apart from typical K-drama thrillers is its psychological depth. Baek Ah Jin doesn’t manipulate people for fun—she does it for survival, a skill learned in childhood trauma. This adds layers of sympathy to what could have been a simple villain story.
The drama explores how victims can become perpetrators, and how the entertainment industry’s cutthroat nature amplifies these tendencies. It’s a mirror held up to celebrity culture and the human cost of fame.
TVING’s Bold Programming Choice
Dear X is scheduled to premiere on TVING on November 6, 2025, positioning it as the platform’s major fall offering. TVING has been making aggressive moves in the streaming wars, and “Dear X” represents their commitment to mature, complex storytelling.
The platform’s willingness to tackle darker themes shows confidence in Korean audiences’ appetite for sophisticated narratives beyond typical romantic comedies.
Visual Storytelling and Direction
The recently released poster showcases Kim You Jung in a striking transformation—gone is the innocent face we know, replaced by sharp eyes that seem to peer into souls. The visual design promises a noir-influenced aesthetic that matches the psychological complexity of the story.
The casting of experienced supporting actors like Kim Do Hoon adds gravitas, while Lee Yul Eum’s inclusion suggests strong female ensemble dynamics that will complement the central love story.
What Makes This Different
Unlike typical revenge dramas where protagonists seek justice, “Dear X” presents a morally ambiguous lead who uses people for personal gain. The challenge lies in making audiences root for someone who’s fundamentally manipulative—a testament to both the writing and Kim You Jung’s acting prowess.
The webtoon adaptation trend continues to deliver unique stories that traditional TV development might shy away from, giving viewers fresh narratives with built-in fan bases.
FAQs
Q: Is “Dear X” suitable for all audiences?
A: “Dear X” deals with mature themes including domestic violence, psychological manipulation, and trauma. It’s targeted at adult audiences who appreciate complex, morally ambiguous storytelling rather than traditional romantic fare.
Q: Do I need to read the webtoon before watching “Dear X”?
A: While reading the original webtoon can enhance understanding, the drama is designed to be accessible to new viewers. However, webtoon readers will appreciate seeing how the adaptation translates the source material’s psychological depth to screen.
