The TVING original series Dear X (directed by Lee Eung-bok, Park So-hyun; written by Choi Ja-won, Ban Ji-un; produced by Studio Dragon, Monster Union, Siwoo Company; provided by TVING; based on the Naver webtoon by Ban Ji-woon) wrapped up its official three-day schedule at the 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). The drama was selected for the On Screen section, drawing both local and international attention ahead of its November release.
Red Carpet and Stage Events
The festival officially kicked off on the 17th with the red carpet at the BIFF Outdoor Theater. Kim You-jung, Kim Young-dae, Kim Do-hoon, and Lee Yeol-eum greeted audiences with smiles and waves, responding to loud cheers and flashes. On the following two days (18th and 19th), the cast took part in GV screenings and stage greetings, meeting audiences directly. Actress Kim Yi-kyung, who plays Shim Sung-hee, also joined on the 19th. She said, “‘Shim Sung-hee’ is a character who meets ‘Baek Ah-jin’ in high school and causes conflict, starting the story. Unlike the original work, you can expect a richer character, so please look forward to it.”
First Screenings and Audience Reactions
On the 18th, the first two episodes of the 12-part series were screened at Lotte Cinema Centum City. Studio Dragon CP Kim Ryun-hee called the drama “a showcase of the actors’ acting power show.” She explained, “You will feel a sense of immoral pleasure where you can neither root for nor hate the character ‘Baek Ah-jin.'”
Actor Kim You-jung, who plays the ambitious and manipulative Baek Ah-jin, said: “It’s not just because this character is different from the ones I’ve played before; I found the entire work incredibly charming. Watching the story of extreme emotions and complex relationships, I felt a sense of empathy as if looking into a mirror, and I had the expectation that I could convey a silent message through this project.”
Meanwhile, Kim Young-dae, taking on the role of Yoon Joon-seo, commented: “Although there is still time until the official release, it was an honor to meet the audience first at the Busan International Film Festival. I believe ‘Dear X’ is a work you can’t help but get immersed in. I hope for your great interest and love.”
Kim Do-hoon, portraying Kim Jae-oh, admitted the role was his hardest yet: “The character ‘Kim Jae-oh’ felt the most difficult out of all the characters I’ve played. I struggled with how to portray a character who only moves forward without looking back, making various attempts, and it was a challenging experience.”
Lee Yeol-eum, who appears later in the story as Lena, said: “I’m very happy to greet everyone through ‘Dear X’ this time. Just as I cried and laughed along with ‘Baek Ah-jin,’ I hope many people will empathize with and love this show.”
Dear X – Korean Drama, 2025
- Title: Dear X
- Hangul: 친애하는 X
- Original: Ban Ji-woon’s Naver webtoon “Dear X”
- Also Known As: Chinaehaneun X
- Genres: Thriller, Romance, Crime, Melodrama, Suspense
- Director: Lee Eung Bok, Park So Hyun
- Airs On: Thursday
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Release date: Nov 6, 2025
- Country: South Korea
- Running time: 60 min.
- Watch on: TVING
Drama’s Themes and Release Date
Dear X follows Baek Ah-jin (Kim You-jung), a top actress who hides her ruthless nature behind a flawless image, and the “Xs” she steps over while climbing to the top. It also depicts the destructive love of Yoon Joon-seo (Kim Young-dae), who chooses ruin to protect her.
The series has been praised at BIFF for its sophisticated direction, strong visual elements, and bold performances. It introduces what producers describe as an unprecedented “downfall melodrama suspense” genre.
The TVING original series will premiere exclusively on Thursday, November 6th, on TVING. (As of now, there’s no confirmed release schedule for global OTT viewers.)
Source (daum)
