Even before its official premiere, the original TVING series Dear X is shaking K-drama circles with intense anticipation, eyeing comparisons to past megahits like Descendants of the sun AND Guardian: the solitary and great God.
The premiere is scheduled for November 6 at 6pm KST, Dear X revealed final teasers and insider views of the main cast and production team, triggering explosive online reactions.
The series centers on Baek Ah Jin (played by Kim Yoo Jung), a woman who hides her disturbing past behind a perfect mask, and the trail of victims “the Xs” she leaves behind. Billed as a “melodrama with destructive suspense,” the drama delves into psychological turmoil while delivering gripping genre thrills.
Directed by Lee Eung Bok (Mr. Sun, Guardian: the solitary and great God, Descendants of the sun, Sweet home) and Park So Hyun, and written by award-winning Choi Ja Won and original webtoon author Vanziun, Dear X is based on the hugely popular webtoon Naver with a huge global fan base.
Director Lee joked, “This is the first time I’ve directed a drama with a villain as the protagonist. Forget light dramas, this one brings all the flavor. Enjoy it without spoilers.” He highlighted the psychological tension of the show, noting that Kim Yoo Jung brings an unparalleled intensity to the role.
The opening episodes (1–4) focus on Baek Ah Jin’s tragic backstory and evolution. Writer Choi Ja Won explained: “As viewers follow the emotional thread between Ah Jin, Yoon Jun Seo (Kim Young Dae) and Kim Jae Oh (Kim Do Hoon), they will unexpectedly find themselves empathizing with every choice.”
Vanziun added, “Episodes 1-4 highlight Baek Ah Jin’s clashes with powerful antagonists. Watching how he ‘handles’ each villain is key. Expect high-speed pacing and gripping storytelling.”
The drama also boasts an impactful cast:
- Kim Yoo Jung reinvents himself with a darker and edgier image as Baek Ah Jin.
- Kim Young Dae plays Yoon Jun Seo, a man who believes that love is salvation, emphasizing the emotional changes in his relationships.
- Kim Do Hoon plays Kim Jae Oh, Baek Ah Jin’s enigmatic accomplice, suggesting twisted yet familiar dynamics.
- Lee Yul Eum amazes as Lena, a famous actress who envies Ah Jin and tries to steal everything from her.
Already premiered at the 30th Busan International Film Festival and premiered on October 30, Dear X received praise for its tight direction, compelling screenplay and nuanced performances. Director Lee enriched the story by adding psychological layers not present in the original webtoon, earning accolades for the immersive quality of the show.
With global ambitions, Dear X will premiere simultaneously in 19 countries, including via HBO Max and Disney+ Japan, marking one of TVING’s most ambitious international launches to date.
The reactions online are already enthusiastic:
- “Kim Yoo Jung is finally back with a real adult role!”
- “A grown-up child star, now colliding with the world: so compelling!”
- “This is the most anticipated drama on TV!”
- “Lee Eung Bok + Kim Yoo Jung = instant watch!”
- “The OST is crazy. I’m already obsessed with the vibe.”
Many fans are excited about the original webtoon and are eager to see how its dark and gripping story will unfold on screen. One user wrote, “The webtoon was also crazy, and now the drama is taking it a step further.” Another added, “Lee Yul Eum’s femme fatale energy seems next level.”
From promises of spoiler-free viewing to passionate hype, Dear X has already been hailed as the next must-see K-drama film even before a single full episode is released. If early reactions are anything to go by, Dear X could redefine the K-suspense genre by 2025.
Sources: wikitree
