Kim You-jung's 'Dear X' Captivates Global Audiences with Its Intense Storyline

The TVING original series 'Dear X,' starring actress Kim You-jung, is receiving an enthusiastic response from international audiences.

Directed by Lee Eung-bok and Park So-hyun, with a script by Choi Ja-won and Ban Ji-woon, 'Dear X' is based on the popular Naver webtoon of the same name by Ban Ji-woon. The series, which premiered on November 6, has been reimagined into a more intense and provocative series through the synergy of direction, script, and acting.

Kim You-jung plays Baek Ah-jin, a character who manipulates others and uses goodwill to break free from the shackles of her personal hell. As described by writer Choi Ja-woon, Baek Ah-jin is a protagonist who evokes complex emotions, being neither entirely lovable nor entirely detestable.

'Dear X' demonstrated its potential as TVING's most anticipated release of 2025 by ranking first in subscriber contributions during its debut weekend (November 7-9). The series has captivated viewers not only in Korea but also internationally. Released as the first entry on HBO Max and Japan's Disney+ global brand, it topped the HBO Max TV show rankings in seven countries, including Hong Kong, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Taiwan, according to FlixPatrol. It also reached third place on Japan's Disney+ and the U.S. platform Viki.

The first four episodes, released on November 6, delve into the past of top star actress Baek Ah-jin. Raised in an abusive household, she endured her mother Im Sun-ye's death, her father Baek Sun-kyu's remarriage, and conflicts with her stepmother Hwang Ji-sun. During her school years, Yoon Joon-seo (Kim Young-dae) and Kim Jae-oh (Kim Do-hoon) were her saviors and allies, whom she used to achieve her goals.

After failing to enter college due to her father, Baek Ah-jin harbored resentment and hatred, leading her to orchestrate a cruel gamble using Choi Jung-ho (Kim Ji-hoon) as a pawn. Facing the threat of her secrets being exposed, she allied with Seo Mi-ri (Kim Ji-young), the CEO of Longstar Entertainment, declaring her ambition to rise to the top and be reborn at the pinnacle.

Episodes 5 and 6 of TVING's 'Dear X' will be released on Thursday, November 13, at 6 PM.

Reported by Kim Se-ah, TenAsia haesmik@tenasia.co.kr