Dear X (TV series)


Dear X is a 2025 South Korean melo-thriller television series co-written by Choi Ja-won and Vanziun, directed by Lee Eung-bok and Park So-hyun, and starring Kim You-jung, Kim Young-dae, Kim Do-hoon and Lee Yul-eum. Based on Naver Webtoon of the same title by Vanziun, it depicts the rise and downfall of top actress Baek Ah-jin and her two faces hidden behind it. The series premiered on TVING with its first four episodes on November 6, 2025, at 18:00, followed by two new episodes every Thursday, for a total of 12 episodes. It is also available for streaming on HBO Max in selected regions.
The series was invited as one of six drama series in the On Screen section of the 30th Busan International Film Festival on September 18, 2025, where two of twelve episodes were screened.
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Synopsis

Growing up, Baek Ah-jin faced abuse and neglect. Early on, she learned how to mask her feelings and pull the strings for her benefit. That was how she could survive and later make her ambition a path to success. As she grew older, she turned herself into an up-and-coming actress whose beauty, talent, and charm cloaked a merciless drive for fame and power. By her side since childhood was Yoon Jun-seo. He loved and protected her unconditionally and believed his devotion could save her. As Ah-jin's actions turned darker over time, Jun-seo began to question whether he had been helping or enabling her. Another person molded by a tragic past was Kim Jae-oh, who became close with Ah-jin. He played the role of being her shadow to support and protect her while being deeply involved in her moral struggles. She rose to the top in her career amid opposition from Im Re-na, a rival actress and former idol. Re-na's presence and interest in Jun-seo developed tension and rivalry, complicating the relationships between Ah-jin, Jun-seo, and Jae-oh. As Ah-jin navigated the world of entertainment, power, and betrayal, her manipulations created a web of secrets and shifting loyalties. Those who loved or trusted her, including Jun-seo and Jae-oh, became caught in the chaos.

Cast and characters

Main

Supporting

Special appearances

Production

Development

Dear X was co-directed by Lee Eung-bok and Park So-hyun and written by Choi Ja-won, who won the grand prize at the 2018 KBS One-Act Drama Script Contest. The series is based on a popular Naver Webtoon of the same title by Vanziun, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Choi. It is planned by Studio Dragon, produced by Monster Union and Siwoo Company, and provided by TVING.

Casting

On June 4, 2024, Kim You-jung was reportedly offered the role of sociopathic actress Baek Ah-jin and was considering it. A day later, Kim Young-dae was also considering joining. According to OSEN, both actors were confirmed to star together. On June 25, Kim Do-hoon received an offer and was in talks to join the series. The next day, Hwang In-youp was confirmed for a special appearance after receiving an offer. On August 8, TVING officially confirmed the casting of Kim Yoo-jung, Kim Young-dae, Kim Do-hoon and Lee Yul-eum.

Original soundtrack

The OST singer lineup, which includes Lim Kim, Elaine Kim, Minnie, Sam Ock, Cocona, and Olivia Marsh was unveiled on November 4, 2025. The music director of the series is Gaemi. Dear X soundtrack album was released on December 8, 2025; it contains all of the singles and background tracks from the series.

Singles

Singles included on the album were released from November 6, to December 4, 2025.

Release

Dear X premiered on TVING on November 6, 2025, at 18:00. The first four episodes were released on November 6, followed by two new episodes every Thursday, for a total of 12 episodes. It is also available on HBO Max in selected regions. It was invited as one of six drama series in the On Screen section of the 30th Busan International Film Festival on September 18, 2025, where two of twelve episodes were screened.

Reception

Critical response

Kim You-jung's performance received widespread praise with The Korea Times calling it "chilling" which "anchors story about trauma manipulation".

Viewership and impact

The series marked TVING's first global release and became one of its biggest hits per Maeil Business Newspaper. According to its streaming platform TVING, "the series ranked first for five consecutive weeks in contributing to new paid subscriptions among original series, and consistently placed at the top of global OTT platforms such as Rakuten Viki, STARZPLAY, Disney+ Japan, and HBO Max".