Kim You Jung trades her wholesome image for something sinister. The newly released highlight teaser for TVING’s “Dear X” reveals a ruthless A-list actress who climbs to fame by stepping on everyone in her path—and the two men willing to destroy themselves for her.
Table of Contents
Dear X Drama Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Premiere Date | November 6, 2025 (6 PM KST) |
| Platform | TVING (Viki for international) |
| Episodes | 12 (initial 4-episode drop) |
| Release Schedule | Weekly (details TBA) |
| Source Material | Webtoon by Oh Kyung Eun |
| Genre | Psychological Drama, Melodrama |
| Director | Lee Eung Bok (Sweet Home, Descendants of the Sun) |
The Devil You’ll Love to Hate
Based on the webtoon by Oh Kyung Eun, “Dear X” follows Baek Ah Jin—an actress who weaponizes beauty and charm to manipulate everyone around her. Kim You Jung’s character climbs from rock bottom to A-list stardom, leaving a trail of broken people behind.
The October 30 highlight video opens with chilling narration about Baek Ah Jin’s dual nature: wearing an “angel’s mask while hiding a devil’s face.” Her traumatic childhood, marked by parental abuse and a shocking death, shattered her emotional capacity, transforming her into someone who views people as stepping stones rather than human beings.
For more psychological K-drama coverage and dark character analyses, check our Korean entertainment hub.
The Two Men Who Enable Her
Yoon Joon Seo (Kim Young Dae) serves as Baek Ah Jin’s savior through “long, hellish years.” When she tests his devotion by asking “How far would you go for me?”, his answer reveals complete surrender: “Anything—whatever you want.”
Kim Jae Oh (Kim Do Hoon) offers a different flavor of toxic devotion. Living without purpose until Baek Ah Jin calls him a “useful guy,” he finds meaning through servitude. His pledge—”Use me as much as you want. You’re everything to me”—showcases the dangerous codependency at this drama’s core.
These relationships explore the psychological dynamics between manipulator and enabler. Both men willingly sacrifice themselves, raising questions about whether victims of manipulation bear responsibility when they consent to their own destruction.
The Perfect Enemy: Lena
Lee Yul Eum portrays Lena, Baek Ah Jin’s top-star rival. Unlike the devoted men, Lena sees through the facade, creating a “fierce war of nerves” whenever they cross paths. This rivalry promises cat-and-mouse psychological warfare between equals who understand each other’s ruthless nature.
The ally/enemy dynamic structures the drama’s conflict—two men offer unconditional support while one woman provides the only genuine threat to Baek Ah Jin’s carefully constructed empire.
Kim You Jung’s Career Gamble
This role marks a dramatic departure for Kim You Jung, beloved for innocent characters in “Love in the Moonlight” and “Backstreet Rookie.” Playing a calculating sociopath demonstrates her range while risking the wholesome image that made her a household name.
The casting choice itself generates intrigue—audiences accustomed to Kim You Jung’s warmth will struggle to reconcile that image with Baek Ah Jin’s cold manipulation, creating cognitive dissonance that enhances the character’s deceptive nature.
Watch her previous work in Lovers of the Red Sky on Viki to appreciate the contrast.
Director Lee Eung Bok’s Dark Vision
Director Lee Eung Bok brings prestigious credentials, having helmed “Descendants of the Sun,” “Goblin,” and “Sweet Home.” His ability to balance emotional intimacy with sweeping visual storytelling suits this psychological character study.
The highlight teaser showcases his signature cinematic quality—atmospheric lighting emphasizes moral ambiguity while close-ups capture micro-expressions revealing characters’ true intentions beneath polished exteriors.
For more K-drama director profiles and production insights, explore our behind-the-scenes coverage.
Webtoon Adaptation Expectations
Webtoon adaptations face unique challenges translating illustrated internal monologues to screen dialogue. “Dear X” must externalize Baek Ah Jin’s manipulative calculations without heavy-handed exposition.
The source material’s popularity among Korean readers created high expectations. Fans will scrutinize casting choices and plot adaptations, making opening episodes crucial for establishing credibility with the existing fanbase.
Four-Episode Premiere Strategy
TVING’s decision to drop four episodes immediately (rather than the standard two) signals confidence in the content’s binge-worthiness. This strategy hooks viewers deeply before settling into weekly releases, reducing abandonment rates.
The extended premiere allows proper establishment of Baek Ah Jin’s backstory and motivations—crucial for a character whose actions might otherwise seem cartoonishly evil without context.
The Psychological Manipulation Angle
“Dear X” enters a crowded field of K-dramas exploring toxic relationships and emotional manipulation. What distinguishes it is the protagonist’s self-awareness—Baek Ah Jin knows exactly what she’s doing and feels no remorse.
This contrasts with sympathetic antiheroes who struggle with moral conflict. Her complete emotional detachment creates a character study of sociopathy rather than a redemption arc, potentially making her one of K-drama’s most purely villainous protagonists.
What the Teaser Reveals
The highlight video emphasizes visual contrasts—pristine beauty hiding inner darkness, public persona versus private cruelty. Cinematography uses shadows and harsh lighting to symbolize moral ambiguity while dialogue reveals the manipulative tactics Baek Ah Jin employs.
Particularly striking is how both male leads frame their devotion—not as healthy love but as willing self-destruction. This positions “Dear X” as commentary on codependency and the psychology of enabling abusive relationships.
FAQs
Q: Is Dear X suitable for viewers uncomfortable with dark psychological themes?
A: No, “Dear X” features heavy themes including childhood abuse, emotional manipulation, and toxic relationships. The protagonist is an unrepentant manipulator who uses people ruthlessly, making this unsuitable for viewers preferring lighter content. Unlike K-dramas with morally gray characters who eventually redeem themselves, Baek Ah Jin appears designed as a genuinely dark protagonist without redemptive arcs. Viewer discretion is strongly advised for those sensitive to psychological abuse portrayals or who prefer traditionally heroic protagonists.
Q: Will Dear X be available for international viewers simultaneously with Korean release?
A: Yes, Viki will stream “Dear X” for international audiences. However, subtitle availability may lag slightly behind the Korean premiere depending on volunteer translator workflows. TVING originals typically receive priority treatment from streaming partners, so expect subtitles within 24-48 hours of Korean release. The four-episode premiere on November 6 will establish the release pattern for subsequent weekly episodes throughout the series run.
