Bae Soo-bin Delivers a Chilling Performance in 'Dear X'

Actor Bae Soo-bin captivates audiences with his intense performance in 'Dear X'.

The TVING original series 'Dear X', which premiered on October 6, is directed by Lee Eung-bok and Park So-hyun, with a screenplay by Choi Ja-won and Ban Ji-woon. Produced by Studio Dragon, Monster Union, and Siwoo Company, and based on the Naver Webtoon by Ban Ji-woon, the series follows Baek Ah-jin (played by Kim Yoo-jung), a woman who wears a mask to escape hell and rise to the top, and the stories of the 'X's she cruelly tramples on. The series quickly climbed to the top of TVING's real-time popular drama rankings after the release of its first four episodes.

Bae Soo-bin transforms into Baek Seon-kyu, the father who views his daughter Baek Ah-jin (Kim Yoo-jung) as a mere means of making money. From his first appearance, Baek Seon-kyu exudes a chilling presence devoid of any paternal affection. In a shocking scene, after causing the death of his wife, who was abusive towards their daughter due to alcoholism, he threatens his daughter by saying, "From now on, you do as I say. Otherwise, you'll be thrown away too."

Throughout the series, Baek Seon-kyu continues to reveal his ruthless nature, treating his daughter as his possession and source of income. His frantic calls for his daughter at her school, where they had been estranged for a long time, and his aggressive behavior when she refuses to give him money, showcase his menacing demeanor and chilling laughter, leaving viewers on edge.

Bae Soo-bin masterfully portrays Baek Seon-kyu's madness and rage with detailed expression. His unique visual transformation, including disheveled hair, a burgundy suit, and white loafers, leaves a strong impression. His eyes, breathing, expressions, gait, gestures, voice, and tone all contribute to his complete immersion into the character, enhancing the drama's suspense. Particularly in scenes with Kim Yoo-jung, his cold, emotionless gaze instantly freezes the atmosphere, intensifying the suspense.

In episodes 3 and 4, Bae Soo-bin's character meets his demise in a gambling scene orchestrated by Baek Ah-jin. Even in his final moments, his maniacal gaze completes his character's downfall, showcasing his overwhelming acting prowess. When Baek Ah-jin presents bundles of newspaper instead of money, Bae Soo-bin's transition from insane laughter to explosive anger perfectly captures the character's complex emotions. As he faces his daughter's sociopathic nature, his subtle facial tremors and dimming eyes portray Baek Seon-kyu's internal turmoil as he dies.

Meanwhile, 'Dear X' releases two episodes every Thursday on TVING.

Reporter: Kim Se-ah, TenAsia haesmik@tenasia.co.kr