Kim Do-hoon Makes a Strong Impression in 'Dear X'

Kim Do-hoon has left a strong impression with his role in 'Dear X'.

Released on the 6th, the TVING original series 'Dear X' tells the story of Baek Ah-jin (played by Kim Yoo-jung), a woman who wears a mask to escape hell and rise to the top, and the tales of the Xs she cruelly trampled on.

Kim Do-hoon plays 'Kim Jae-oh', a character who finds a reason to live through Baek Ah-jin, the only person who understands him, and becomes her shadow, offering blind faith and support. Jae-oh first appears during their high school days, capturing attention.

Caught stealing in the classroom by Ah-jin, Jae-oh reacts nonchalantly and becomes intrigued by Ah-jin, who reaches out to him first. Sharing a sense of camaraderie due to their similar circumstances, they naturally grow closer. Jae-oh, at Ah-jin's suggestion, takes on the task of lending and collecting money from students. He shows deep trust, willing to act without hesitation for Ah-jin's requests, and operates behind the scenes with bold actions for her plans. He also demonstrates meticulous care by keeping their relationship a secret to protect Ah-jin, the top student.

Living a powerless life under domestic violence, Ah-jin's words, "You're not useless. At least not to me," resonate deeply with Jae-oh. This moment marks the first time he feels the value of his existence and becomes a pivotal turning point in his life.

However, Jae-oh becomes a murderer in an unexpected situation while trying to protect his beloved sister from his father's violence and decides to turn himself in. Calling Ah-jin for a final farewell, Jae-oh says, "Live well, Baek Ah-jin," with a bitter smile. His words, spoken while holding back tears, convey a complex mix of fear, terror, emptiness, and relief, leaving a lasting impression.

Kim Do-hoon, noted for his high synchronization with the original character even before the release, portrays the character's rough edges with a short hairstyle, school uniform fit, and seemingly unrestrained natural gestures. His eyes shift between cold and warm depending on the situation, completing the character's multidimensional charm. The contrast between his raw, rough exterior and the tender side shown only in front of Baek Ah-jin adds depth to the narrative, depicting the process of a wounded and deficient character being shaken and filled.

From the first broadcast, Kim Do-hoon has made a strong presence known, heralding the birth of a new iconic character in 'Dear X'. As the story of Kim Jae-oh and Baek Ah-jin, which began in their school days, expands into adulthood, there is growing interest in how it will unfold. His deepened acting is expected to heighten the tension and immersion of the series.

Meanwhile, Kim Do-hoon was embroiled in dating rumors with Kim Yoo-jung last September. Reports emerged of sightings of the two at a Vietnamese airport in May, and both shared photos from a trip to Nha Trang on social media.
In response, Kim Yoo-jung humorously clarified at a press conference, "I called him almost immediately after the article came out. We laughed for three minutes straight. I laughed a lot while talking with the director too, and we thought it was good because it meant people were interested, so we hoped the project would do well."

Tae Yuna, Ten Asia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr