The Masked Star of “Dear X”: Kim Yoo Jung’s Darkest Role Yet

Kim Yoo Jung leads Dear X, a dark drama of fame and deceit.
With Kim Young Dae and Kim Do Hoon, the story dives into obsession and guilt.
Premieres November 6 on TVING and HBO Max.

The highly anticipated TVING original Dear X is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about Korean dramas of the year. Directed by Lee Eung Bok, known for masterpieces like Goblin, Mr. Sunshine, and Sweet Home, the psychological melodrama dives into the cost of fame, identity, and morality, wrapped in an intense story of beauty and betrayal. The series stars Kim Yoo Jung, Kim Young Dae, Kim Do Hoon, and Lee Yeol Eum, portraying complex characters entangled in ambition, guilt, and obsession.

At the center of the story is Baek Ah Jin (Kim Yoo Jung), a top actress who hides her cruelty and manipulative nature behind a flawless public image. Dear X portrays her dangerous ascent to success and the people she crushes on her way to the top. As excitement builds ahead of its November 6 premiere, critics and fans alike have hailed the show as one of Lee Eung Bok’s most daring and artistically ambitious projects to date.

Inside the Production: Pain, Rumors, and Honest Confessions

The Dear X production conference held on October 30 at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall in Seoul gathered director Lee Eung Bok and lead actors Kim Yoo Jung, Kim Young Dae, Kim Do Hoon, and Lee Yeol Eum. The session, which began with excitement, turned heartfelt as the cast opened up about the challenges and unexpected moments that defined the production.

Actor Kim Do Hoon revealed that he had suffered a serious injury while preparing for a motorbike scene earlier this year.

“I had an accident while practicing for a motor scene,” he said. “I always try to stay safe when filming, but it was something I couldn’t have imagined. I learned that I must always be careful.”

The actor fractured a bone near his left forearm, underwent surgery, and spent 24 weeks in rehabilitation before making a full recovery. He shared that the experience allowed him to connect more deeply with his role as Kim Jae Oh, the blind assistant who loyally supports Baek Ah Jin in the story.

Based on a popular webtoon of the same name, Dear X follows a woman’s ruthless pursuit of success and the “X” figures she steps on to reach it. Beneath its glamorous façade, the show delves into psychological depth and the fragility of human morality.

Kim Yoo Jung, taking on one of her boldest roles yet, reflected on the challenge of portraying a woman whose beauty conceals a dark, destructive soul.

“Because it’s adapted from a webtoon, I studied both the original and the script,” she said. “I focused on the stillness, the eyes, the silence, because I wanted viewers to feel uneasy when they couldn’t read what Ah Jin was thinking.”

Instead of relying on exaggerated emotions, Kim chose subtle restraint, communicating through silence and expressionless gazes.

“I didn’t want anyone to automatically defend Ah Jin,” she explained. “The goal was to make people follow her journey while questioning her choices.”

Director Lee Eung Bok praised Kim’s nuanced performance.

“This isn’t just about being evil,” he said. “It’s about asking, ‘Can someone truly live like this?’”

Meanwhile, Kim Young Dae, who plays Yoon Jun Seo, the man who loves Ah Jin despite her sins, described his character’s affection as both tragic and delusional.

“Jun Seo believes he can save Ah Jin,” he said. “Even if it means falling into hell himself.”

The conversation highlighted how each actor brought their personal interpretation to the story, turning Dear X into not just a dark melodrama but a study of human emotion, redemption, and loss.

Online Frenzy: From Dating Rumors to Global Hype

Even before its release, Dear X had already become a trending topic across social media platforms, not only for its cast’s chemistry but also because of dating rumors involving Kim Yoo Jung and Kim Do Hoon. The speculation began after photos surfaced online, allegedly showing the two together during a trip to Nha Trang, Vietnam. Both agencies immediately denied the rumors, clarifying that it was a group trip with the entire cast and staff following the end of filming.

Kim Yoo Jung later recalled the incident with laughter.

“We called each other right after the rumors came out and laughed for three minutes straight,” she said, lightening the atmosphere.

Director Lee Eung Bok joked, “I’ll give you more photos next time,” prompting laughter throughout the room. Kim Young Dae shared that he called to confirm the news since he couldn’t join the trip, while Lee Yeol Eum added, “It was so funny seeing it become news when all of us knew about it already.”

Despite the rumors, the online excitement surrounding Dear X continues to grow. Fans have flooded X (formerly Twitter) with comments expressing impatience, curiosity, and admiration for the cast.

“Yeayy seeing Young Dae in Jo Seokhoon mode again!”

“After Suzy and Yoo Jung, another beautiful actress playing a psychopath? I’m in 😍.”

“Remember guys, this isn’t a romance 😭.”

“Can’t wait for this to air!”

“#DearX Daebak! Ahjin x Junseo fighting!”

Adding fuel to the excitement, a viral post featuring Hwang In Youp’s look as Heo Inkang, a cold and mysterious figure opposite Kim Yoo Jung, caught fans’ attention for its emotional tension and striking visuals. The post confirmed that Dear X will be available on TVING, HBO Max, and Viki, further amplifying global anticipation.

Following its warm premiere at the 30th Busan International Film Festival, Dear X marks TVING’s first major global collaboration with HBO Max, set to release simultaneously across 18 Asia-Pacific countries. The first four episodes will drop on November 6 at 6 PM KST, promising an experience filled with beauty, cruelty, and emotional depth.

With its haunting direction, layered performances, and morally complex narrative, Dear X is not just another thriller; it is a mirror of human fragility, asking how far one will go to survive behind a perfect mask.

Watch the Dear X trailer here

Source: OSEN, Star Today, MBC Entertainment, The Korea Economic Daily, and social media posts on X