Kim Young Dae is preparing to break hearts with his latest role in TVING’s upcoming thriller “Dear X.” The rising star has shared fascinating insights into portraying Yoon Joon Seo, a man whose unwavering love becomes his ultimate downfall. Paired opposite Kim You Jung, this webtoon adaptation promises a dark, twisted tale of obsession, ambition, and the devastating price of unconditional devotion.
Dear X Drama: Essential Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Premiere Date | November 6, 2025 |
| Platform | TVING |
| Genre | Thriller, Romance, Drama |
| Lead Actors | Kim You Jung, Kim Young Dae, Kim Do Hoon |
| Source Material | Webtoon of the same name |
| Kim Young Dae’s Role | Yoon Joon Seo |
| Character Type | Devoted yet doomed lover |
A Love Story Wrapped in Darkness
“Dear X” centers on Baek Ah Jin, portrayed by Kim You Jung as an A-list actress who ruthlessly climbs from rock bottom to industry stardom. Behind her beautiful facade lies a cruel manipulator who uses and discards people like stepping stones on her path to fame and fortune. This isn’t your typical rags-to-riches success story—it’s a chilling exploration of ambition without conscience.
Enter Yoon Joon Seo, Kim Young Dae’s character, whose tragic love for Baek Ah Jin defines his entire existence. The newly released stills reveal a man utterly consumed by devotion, his gaze perpetually fixed on one person alone. Whether at school or beyond, Baek Ah Jin remains the gravitational center of his universe—a connection forged through shared childhood pain and loneliness.
Kim Young Dae’s Connection to the Character
When discussing what drew him to this complex role, Kim Young Dae revealed his immediate connection to the material. “I was completely drawn in from the moment I read the script, and I found the character of Yoon Joon Seo incredibly compelling. I naturally wanted to portray him,” the actor shared.
This instant attraction to the character speaks volumes about the script’s depth. In an industry saturated with romantic leads, Yoon Joon Seo stands apart as someone who believes “love is salvation”—a beautiful yet ultimately destructive philosophy that drives his every action.
The promotional stills showcase this devotion powerfully. Yoon Joon Seo’s eyes reflect tenderness and longing, hinting at the complicated emotional web binding him to Baek Ah Jin. Their childhood bond, built on shared suffering, has evolved into something far more complex and dangerous.
The Journey Toward Ruin
What makes Yoon Joon Seo particularly fascinating is his tragic trajectory. Kim Young Dae explained the character’s devastating arc: “Yoon Joon Seo is someone who stands by and supports Baek Ah Jin with unwavering devotion, but as he faces unavoidable conflict, cracks begin to form, leading him toward ruin.”
The actor emphasized his focus on “conveying the flow of his emotions and inner turmoil” as the character’s world crumbles. Even as Yoon Joon Seo walks through metaphorical mud for the woman he loves, the foundations of everything he believes begin to fracture. This descent promises compelling viewing as audiences witness a man choosing hell itself if it means protecting his beloved.
This portrayal requires tremendous emotional range—from tender devotion to desperate anguish as reality crashes against idealism. Kim Young Dae’s previous work in dramas like “Perfect Family” has demonstrated his capability for nuanced emotional performances, making him ideal for this challenging role.
Dark Romance Meets Psychological Thriller
“Dear X” represents a growing trend in K-drama toward morally complex narratives that challenge traditional romantic tropes. Rather than presenting love as inherently redemptive, it explores how devotion can become toxic obsession, how loyalty can enable destruction, and how love stories don’t always have happy endings.
The webtoon source material has already captivated readers with its unflinching examination of ambition’s dark side and the people consumed by it. Translating this complexity to screen requires actors who can navigate morally gray territories convincingly—precisely what Kim Young Dae and Kim You Jung bring to their roles.
Why “Dear X” Demands Your Attention
Beyond the compelling premise and talented cast, “Dear X” offers something increasingly rare: a willingness to explore uncomfortable truths about human nature. It asks difficult questions about how far devotion should extend, whether love can excuse manipulation, and what happens when someone realizes they’ve sacrificed everything for someone unworthy.
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FAQs
When does Dear X premiere and where can I watch it?
“Dear X” premieres on November 6, 2025, exclusively on TVING. The thriller drama is based on a popular webtoon and stars Kim You Jung and Kim Young Dae in a dark tale of ambition, manipulation, and tragic devotion.
What character does Kim Young Dae play in Dear X?
Kim Young Dae portrays Yoon Joon Seo, a man whose unwavering love for actress Baek Ah Jin (Kim You Jung) leads to his eventual ruin. Despite her cruel manipulation of others, Yoon Joon Seo stands by her with devotion, even as his world begins to crumble around him.
