Ahead of its official release on November 6, Tving’s highly anticipated 19+ drama Dear X has already taken over the online buzz. The series, directed by successful producer Lee Eung-bok, famous for Descendants of the sun, GoblinsAND Mr. Sun– boasts a star-studded lineup and promises a darker, more cinematic version of its popular webtoon source material Naver.
Starring Kim Yoo-jung as Baek Ah-jin and Kim Young-dae as Yoon Joon-seo. Dear X tells the story of a woman who hides her true nature to survive and of a man forever marked by her. But how does this live-action adaptation differ from the original webtoon that inspired it?
A deeper look at Baek Ah-jin’s pain
The drama’s director Lee Eung-bok revealed that he focused on exploring Ah-jin’s internal struggles more deeply than in the webtoon.
“I wanted to express Baek Ah-jin’s pain more deeply than the original,” Lee said. “His laugh, his tone and his actions are all masks, and the mystery of his true emotions drives the story.”
While the webtoon depicted Ah-jin as emotionally distant, the drama delves into her trauma and moral ambiguity, turning her into a more complex anti-heroine.
Expanded character relationships
Unlike the webtoon, which mainly focused on the toxic relationship between Ah-jin and Joon-seo, the drama adds richer subplots. Supporting characters like Kim Do-hoon (as Kim Jae-oh) and Lee Yeol-eum (as Han Seo-yoo) get expanded roles, creating a web of tangled emotions and rivalries.
This broader focus increases psychological tension and makes each character’s fate seem intertwined with Ah-jin’s.
More than 19 more bold and cinematic elements
Visually, Dear X pushes the boundaries far beyond the webtoon. Lee Eung-bok, known for his elegant cinematography, collaborates with co-director Park So-hyun to create a sensual and high-stakes atmosphere.
The 19+ rating isn’t just for shock value: it’s used to heighten the emotional realism of Ah-jin’s relationships and internal turmoil. Critics and fans are already setting the tone of the trailer “disturbingly beautiful and dangerously compelling.”
A potentially different ending
The original webtoon concluded with an open ending, leaving readers to wonder whether Baek Ah-jin had found redemption or destruction. However, some clues from the production suggest that the drama could lead to a more definitive conclusion, leaning towards salvation or total ruin.
“Ah-jin’s journey will not seek pity or melodrama”, explained the director. “Viewers will be fascinated by the tension between his downfall and his possible redemption.”
Performances that redefine the characters
Both leads praised each other’s dedication to their roles.
Kim Yoo-jung said, “Kim Young-dae embodies Yoon Joon-seo perfectly. His sincerity and gaze brought the character to life.”
Kim Young-dae responded, “Kim Yoo-jung was Baek Ah-jin herself: her immersion was so strong that she pulled me deeper into the story.”
Supporting actors Kim Ji-hoon and Hwang In-yeop will make special appearances, adding even more star power to the intense psychological drama.
THE Dear X webtoon has captivated readers with its dark exploration of love and guilt, but Tving’s dramatic adaptation amplifies everything: the emotions, the images, and the stakes.
Sources: Tving, Naver Entertainment, Wikitree, News1
