Kim Yoo-jung Shines in 'Dear X' as Her Most Compelling Role Yet

Kim Yoo-jung returns with a career-defining role in the TVING original series 'Dear X'.

The TVING original 'Dear X' (directed by Lee Eung-bok and Park So-hyun, written by Choi Ja-won and Ban Ji-woon, planned by Studio Dragon, produced by Monster Union and Siwoo Company, provided by TVING, based on the Naver webtoon 'Dear X' by Ban Ji-woon) has received a warm reception since its release on November 6. It topped the list of contributors to TVING's paid subscriptions during its first weekend (November 7-9). According to FlixPatrol, it ranked first in the HBO Max TV show category in seven countries, including Hong Kong, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Taiwan. It also climbed to third place on Japan's Disney+ and the U.S. platform Viki, dominating global charts.

At the heart of this success is Kim Yoo-jung, who has flawlessly transformed into 'Baek Ah-jin', a woman who wears a mask to survive. Baek Ah-jin is a character with a reasoned villainy, hiding a cruel nature behind her beautiful appearance. Kim Yoo-jung captivates both domestic and international audiences with her magnetic presence. Her wide range of emotions, oscillating between emptiness and madness, provides an overwhelming sense of immersion, reaffirming her acting prowess. Following the release, social media and online communities have been flooded with enthusiastic responses such as "Kim Yoo-jung's acting is a spectacle," "Kim Yoo-jung has completely transformed," and "It's as if she has become Baek Ah-jin."

The released photos capture Kim Yoo-jung's intense performance moments. Her radiant smile brightens the surroundings before filming, and her dedication is evident as she holds onto the script until the last moment. However, once filming begins, she embodies Baek Ah-jin entirely, from her gaze to her expressions. Even after the cut sign, she remains immersed in Baek Ah-jin's emotions, focusing intently on the monitor, hinting at the reasons behind the praise she receives.

Episodes 1-4, released on November 6, depict the dark past and dangerous secrets hidden behind top star Baek Ah-jin's dazzling success. To break free from the shackles of her abusive and neglectful father, Baek Seon-kyu (played by Bae Soo-bin), she gambles with her life, using café owner Choi Jung-ho (played by Kim Ji-hoon) as a pawn. The focus now shifts to Baek Ah-jin's next moves as she leaves Yoon Jun-seo (played by Kim Young-dae) and teams up with Seo Mi-ri (played by Kim Ji-young), the head of Longstar Entertainment, to enter the entertainment industry.

Episodes 5-6 of the TVING original 'Dear X' will be released on November 13 at 6 PM.

Reporter: Kim Ji-won, TenAsia one@tenasia.co.kr