Kim Yoo Jung and “Dear X”: A Performance That Shook the World

Kim Yoo Jung shines in Dear X, TVING’s global sensation.
A dark tale of ambition and power captivating viewers worldwide.
Her most intense and unforgettable role yet.

The original TVING drama Dear X has become a global phenomenon shaking the Korean entertainment scene. Since its release on November 6, the series has achieved an impressive record by reaching the No. 1 spot in paid TVING subscriptions within just four days. Its success didn’t stop there, as Dear X quickly conquered international markets, topping HBO Max charts in seven Asian countries including Indonesia, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Taiwan, while also ranking third on Disney+ Japan and Rakuten Viki in the United States.

Directed by Lee Eung Bok and Park So Hyun and adapted from the popular Naver webtoon of the same name, Dear X stands out as one of TVING’s most ambitious dramas of 2025. The series’ strength lies in the seamless synergy of its direction, script, and, above all, Kim Yoo Jung’s extraordinary performance. More than just a revenge story, Dear X delves deep into ambition, manipulation, and the price one pays for power.

Kim Yoo Jung as Baek Ah Jin: The Fallen Angel in a Cruel World

In Dear X, Kim Yoo Jung unveils a side of herself the audience has never seen before through her portrayal of Baek Ah Jin, a famous actress hiding a dark past and a manipulative soul behind her angelic face. Raised in an abusive household, Ah Jin grows into a complex figure determined to escape her pain. Through haunting flashbacks, we witness her journey from a tormented child to a teenager saved by two loyal friends, Yoon Jun Seo (Kim Young Dae) and Kim Jae Oh (Kim Do Hoon), and finally to a woman who will sacrifice anyone to survive.

One of the most striking moments comes when Ah Jin clasps the hand of Seo Mi Ri (Kim Ji Young), the CEO of Longstar Entertainment, and declares:

“I’ll climb to a place where no one can touch me. I want to be reborn at the very top.”

This powerful line becomes a chilling metaphor for ambition, as every step toward the top leaves destruction below. With its fast-paced development, unpredictable twists, and emotional intensity, Dear X traps viewers in a web of fascination and revulsion toward its protagonist. Writer Choi Ji Woon even described Ah Jin as “a protagonist who cannot be loved, supported, or hated,” emphasizing her emotional complexity that keeps audiences captivated.

Kim Yoo Jung’s performance has become the centerpiece of global praise. On X (formerly Twitter), countless viewers celebrated her ability to convey raw emotion in every scene.

“Give her all the awards for this expression. How can you look emotional, angry, and disappointed all at once?”

A bloody yet haunting smile from one key scene went viral worldwide, with fans calling it “the acting peak” of her career. Another post that gained traction read:

“This scene gave me chills, Yoo Jung’s acting here is insane!”

Rather than relying on lengthy dialogue, Kim Yoo Jung embodies Ah Jin through her piercing gaze, subtle expressions, and chilling half-smiles that blur the line between victim and villain. In an interview, she reflected,

“There were moments I thought, ‘Am I really like this?’ I became so immersed in Ah Jin that I couldn’t even remember filming some scenes. I believe everyone has many versions of themselves, and I tried to find the most honest side of Ah Jin.”

It’s no wonder many viewers are calling Dear X the defining project of Kim Yoo Jung’s career, marking her complete transformation into one of the most powerful actresses of her generation.

According to FlixPatrol, Dear X continues to dominate rankings, reaching No. 1 across seven Asian countries and the top three in Japan and the U.S. As one viewer summarized it:

“Dear X is absolutely unstoppable! It shot straight to No. 1 during its first weekend. It’s not just winning hearts in Korea, but around the world.”

Backed by Studio Dragon, Monster Union, and Siwoo Company, and written by Choi Ji Woon, Dear X has proven itself to be one of the most talked-about dramas worldwide. With Kim Yoo Jung’s chilling transformation, stunning cinematography, and a story that explores the destruction behind ambition, Dear X stands as TVING’s boldest achievement yet.

Episodes 5 and 6 are set to air on November 13 at 6 p.m., and global audiences are eagerly waiting to see how Baek Ah Jin’s descent and rise continue in this gripping tale of power and deceit.

Source: JTBC, TV Reports, Sports Seoul