Dear X

Native Title	친애하는 X
Also Know as	Chinaehaneun X
Director	Lee Eung-Bok, Park So-Hyun
Writer	Choi Ja-Won
Air Time	Thursday 18:00
Content Rating	18+ Restricted (violence & profanity)
Runtime	12 episodes
Genre	Crime, Thriller, Romance, Suspense, Picaresque, Noir
Language	Korean
Country	South Korea
Release Date	2025-11-06
End Date	2025-12-04

“Dear X” (native title: “친애하는 X”), a South Korean melo-thriller series with intense narrative and stellar cast. Premiering on November 6, 2025, on TVING, this 12-episode drama is directed by Lee Eung-bok and Park So-hyun, written by Choi Ja-won. Adapted from Vanziun’s, also known as Ban Ji-Un, popular Naver Webtoon, it promises a suspenseful exploration of ambition, betrayal, and love.

Plot Synopsis

“Dear X” follows Baek Ah-jin, a celebrated actress who climbs from a troubled childhood to stardom by manipulating those around her. Behind her charming facade lies a calculating mind harboring grudges and a willingness to destroy obstacles in her path. The story traces her ascent and inevitable downfall, intertwined with the lives of those closest to her, who grapple with love, loyalty, and betrayal.

Cast & Characters

Main Cast

Kim Yoo-jung as Baek Ah-jin: A cunning A-list actress who hides her cruel nature behind a beautiful mask.
Kim Young-dae as Yoon Joon-seo: Baek’s lifelong confidant who sacrifices everything to protect her, only to play a role in her downfall.
Kim Do-hoon as Kim Jae-oh: A man shaped by his abusive past, finding purpose through Baek Ah-jin.
Lee Yul-eum as Im Re-na: A former idol and top actress with feelings for Yoon Joon-seo, adding romantic tension.

Supporting Cast

Hwang In-youp as Heo In-gang: An idol-turned-actor with a mysterious secret.
Hong Jong-hyun as Moon Do-hyeok: Baek’s fiancé, adding layers to her personal dynamics.
Kim Yoo-mi: A supporting role enhancing the ensemble.

Reception

Critical Reviews & Audience Scores

“Dear X” has garnered significant buzz with thousands of watchers on drama tracking platforms and excitement from its film festival screening.

Controversial Start of Marketing Campaign

The series faced controversy over a promotional poster resembling the 2017 Chinese film “The Devotion of Suspect X,” prompting an apology from TVING on September 9, 2025, and a commitment to revise future materials.

Sneak Previews

The teaser and script reading reports have generated excitement, with critics praising Kim Yoo-jung’s chilling portrayal and the cast’s chemistry.

Fun Facts & Trivia

Webtoon Roots

Adapted from Vanziun’s Naver Webtoon, serialized from July 5, 2019, to September 11, 2020.

BIFF Spotlight

Episodes 1–2 will screened at the 30th Busan International Film Festival (September 17–26, 2025) in the “On Screen” section.

Technical Excellence & Artistic Elements

Co-director Lee Eung-bok is known for hits like “Descendants of the Sun,” while writer Choi Ja-won won the 2018 KBS One-Act Drama Script Contest.

Casting Buzz

Kim Yoo-jung and Kim Young-dae were confirmed in June 2024, with the full cast announced on August 8, 2024.

On-Set Incident

Kim Do-hoon underwent surgery for an injury sustained during filming, highlighting the production’s intensity.

Legacy

“Dear X” is poised to leave a mark in the K-drama landscape with its bold exploration of ambition and morality. Kim Yoo-jung’s transformative role as a sociopathic actress, alongside Kim Young-dae and Kim Do-hoon’s layered performances, sets the stage for a compelling narrative. Its festival premiere and TVING’s global reach signal its potential to resonate with international audiences, reinforcing the growing influence of webtoon-based dramas.

Summary

“Dear X” is a suspenseful story about a top actress whose rise to fame masks a ruthless persona shaped by a traumatic past. The series blends thriller, romance, and crime, offering a dark yet captivating look at human nature.