K-drama fans are in for a gripping ride this year with the upcoming thriller melodrama Dear X (친애하는 X). Combining elements of noir, crime, and romance, the series promises a complex story of love, manipulation, and revenge—all wrapped in a glossy showbiz setting.
Plot Overview
Baek A Jin (Kim You Jung) grew up in a violent household, enduring years of domestic abuse. To survive, she developed an uncanny ability to read people’s hearts and manipulate their emotions. Outwardly generous and kind, she hides a ruthless streak that surfaces when angered or when it serves her purposes.
Now a top actress with beauty, fame, and talent, Baek A Jin’s public persona hides her darker nature. The only person she has ever fully trusted is Yun Jun Seo (Kim Young Dae), a childhood companion who has stood by her side all her life. But in a shocking twist, Jun Seo—driven by motives of his own—sets out to orchestrate her downfall.
Another constant in her life is Kim Jae O (Kim Do Hoon), a man who also suffered abuse growing up and found solace in his connection with A Jin. She became his reason to live, creating a deep, if complicated, bond between them. Meanwhile, Im Re Na (Lee Yeol Eum), a top actress and former idol, harbors feelings for Jun Seo, adding more tension to the tangled web of relationships.
Main Cast
- Kim You Jung as Baek A Jin – A brilliant actress with a hidden sociopathic side, molded by a traumatic childhood.
- Kim Young Dae as Yun Jun Seo – Her lifelong friend and trusted confidant who ultimately turns against her.
- Kim Do Hoon as Kim Jae O – A man whose own abusive past ties him emotionally to Baek A Jin.
- Lee Yeol Eum as Im Re Na – A glamorous actress and former idol with unrequited love for Jun Seo.
Behind the Scenes
- Directors: Lee Eung Bok (Goblin, Mr. Sunshine) & Park So Hyun
- Source Material: Adapted from the webtoon Dear X (친애하는 X) by Ban Ji Un (반지운)
- Genres: Thriller, Romance, Crime, Melodrama
- Key Themes & Tags: Picaresque storytelling, abusive parents, sociopathic female lead, showbiz backdrop, tragic childhoods, unconditional love, betrayal, and revenge.
Release Schedule
- September 2025: Episode 1–2 premiere at a special festival event.
- November 2025: Full television broadcast begins.
- Platform: Details on streaming availability are yet to be confirmed, but with its high-profile cast and production, global distribution is expected.
Why Dear X Is Generating Buzz
- A Charismatic but Morally Ambiguous Heroine – Kim You Jung takes on one of her darkest roles yet, portraying a character whose beauty and talent hide a chilling manipulative nature.
- Complex Relationships – Lifelong bonds, betrayal, and romantic entanglements ensure plenty of emotional drama.
- Top-Tier Production Team – With Lee Eung Bok at the helm, viewers can expect cinematic visuals and compelling storytelling.
- Noir Melodrama in K-Drama Form – The blend of glamour and grit makes it stand out from typical romance or thriller series.
