Actress Kim You-jung, 26, has returned with a never-before-seen 'sociopath' persona. Known for her long-standing image as the 'nation's little sister' since debuting at the age of five, Kim's transformation into a fatal femme fatale has been met with rave reviews from viewers.
Kim You-jung stars as Baek Ah-jin, a character filled with desire and venom, in 'Dear X,' which premiered on the 6th. The series tells the story of Baek Ah-jin, a woman who wears a mask to escape hell and rise to the top, and the 'X's she cruelly tramples on. The show is rated for mature audiences.
Kim You-jung became the center of attention as soon as the teaser was released. She captivated audiences by portraying everything from a naive teenager to a glamorous and sharp top star. Her decadent portrayal, a stark contrast to her previous bright and lovable roles, delivered a fresh shock.
In 'Dear X,' Kim You-jung showcases her 23-year acting career, anchoring the drama. Her character, Baek Ah-jin, is a sociopath with antisocial personality disorder. She manipulates and uses others as tools for her purposes, deliberately approaching men with utility.
However, defining her solely as a villain oversimplifies her complex narrative. Beneath her cold exterior lies a void and deficiency. Her life was shattered by abuse and threats from her parents and stepmother during childhood, making it hard to entirely despise her. Kim You-jung skillfully portrays the psychological fractures caused by her unhappy upbringing, using her striking looks and intelligence to dominate others. A particularly chilling scene in episode 3 shows her smiling and crying simultaneously after being severely beaten by her father.
At the production presentation, Kim You-jung described Baek Ah-jin as a character who, even with a still expression, evokes tension and curiosity about her thoughts. She chose to express emotions by subtracting rather than exaggerating, aiming to instill a sense of unease in viewers. True to her words, Kim conveys tension, coldness, and emptiness through her inscrutable expressions.
Co-stars Kim Young-dae and Kim Do-hoon also received praise for their performances. Both actors play characters who blindly side with Baek Ah-jin, yet they bring depth and variety to their roles, avoiding one-dimensional portrayals.
Viewers have responded with comments like "Time flies by," "I intended to watch casually but ended up fully engaged," "Kim You-jung's gaze is terrifying," "Baek Ah-jin's life is so pitiful it brought tears," and "Kim You-jung's visuals are stunning."
With the solid foundation of the original work and meticulous direction, anticipation builds for the remaining episodes, and all eyes are on Kim You-jung's successful dramatic transformation.
By Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr