Kim You Jung is about to shock fans with her most daring role yet in TVING’s psychological thriller “Dear X.” The beloved actress opens up about portraying Baek Ah Jin, a manipulative A-list star with a haunting past—a character unlike anything she’s ever played before.
Dear X Drama At A Glance
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Drama Title | Dear X |
| Platform | TVING |
| Premiere Date | November 6, 2025 |
| Lead Actors | Kim You Jung, Kim Young Dae, Kim Do Hoon |
| Genre | Psychological Thriller, Suspense |
| Source | Webtoon “Dear X” |
A Star Built on Manipulation
Based on the hit webtoon, “Dear X” tells the gripping story of Baek Ah Jin, an A-list actress who climbs from rock bottom to stardom by using and discarding people along the way. Behind her stunning beauty lies a cruel nature and a secret past she’s desperate to keep hidden.
Kim You Jung brings this complex character to life, revealing a woman who wears masks both literally and figuratively. The drama explores her eventual downfall alongside the desperate love of Yoon Joon Seo, portrayed by Kim Young Dae, a man willing to embrace darkness to protect her.
From Innocent Student to Glamorous Villain
The newly released stills showcase Baek Ah Jin’s shocking transformation across three pivotal moments. First, we see her as a seemingly innocent student with a faint smile in a classroom—an image that radiates normalcy and youth.
The second photo delivers a chilling contrast: disheveled wet hair, hollow eyes, and an unsettling emptiness that hints at the trauma lurking beneath her surface. This haunting image raises questions about what drove her to become the person she is today.
Finally, she emerges as the ultimate success story—a dazzling red carpet goddess basking in camera flashes and adoring crowds. Having buried her dark past, she’s achieved everything she wanted, but at what cost?
Why Kim You Jung Said Yes
Taking on such a dark role wasn’t an easy decision. Kim You Jung admitted having apprehensions about the challenging subject matter and genre. However, the opportunity to explore new territory with a talented director, cast, and crew ultimately won her over.
“The drama features a colorful cast of characters and many stories,” she explained. “I thought I would be able to gain many new experiences from it.”
Acting from Emptiness, Not Fullness
What makes Kim You Jung’s approach to Baek Ah Jin particularly fascinating is her unique method. Instead of adding layers to create complexity, she focused on stripping away—conveying the character’s inner void.
“Baek Ah Jin resorts to any means necessary to get what she wants, and she lives her life wearing a mask,” Kim You Jung shared. “Because of her innate disposition and environmental factors, she can come off as someone who is only strong and provocative.”
Her solution? Embrace the emptiness. “Rather than adding something more to fill her out, I focused on emptying her inner self and conveying her emptiness,” she revealed. “I acted while feeling her deep inner emptiness inside my own bones.”
This counterintuitive technique demonstrates Kim You Jung’s growth as an actress. By embodying the character’s emotional void, she trusts that viewers will sense the hollowness behind Baek Ah Jin’s manipulative charm—making her even more unsettling.
A Character Who Sees Through Everyone
Baek Ah Jin’s superpower is her ability to read people and manipulate them effortlessly. She understands what makes people tick and exploits their weaknesses without hesitation. This psychological insight, combined with her willingness to do whatever it takes, makes her a formidable force.
Yet Kim You Jung’s portrayal promises to reveal the tragedy beneath the cruelty—a woman shaped by hellish circumstances who chose survival over morality, leaving a trail of victims in her wake.
Breaking the Mold
This role marks a significant departure for Kim You Jung, who’s primarily known for playing endearing, wholesome characters. Her willingness to embrace such darkness showcases her range and artistic ambition. It’s the kind of career-defining role that separates good actors from great ones.
The drama also raises compelling questions: Can someone who’s caused so much harm deserve love? Is redemption possible for those who’ve crossed certain lines? And what happens when carefully constructed facades finally crumble?
For more K-drama updates and insights into Korean entertainment’s biggest stars, check out our latest drama coverage and trending entertainment news.
Mark Your Calendar
With its psychological depth, compelling characters, and Kim You Jung’s transformative performance, “Dear X” promises to be one of the most talked-about dramas of the season. The November premiere can’t come soon enough for fans eager to see this darker side of their favorite actress.
FAQs
Q: When will “Dear X” be available to watch?
A: “Dear X” premieres on November 6, 2025, exclusively on the TVING streaming platform.
Q: What makes Kim You Jung’s character in “Dear X” different from her previous roles?
A: Kim You Jung plays Baek Ah Jin, a manipulative A-list actress who uses people to climb to fame while hiding a dark past. This marks her first villainous role, contrasting sharply with the innocent.
