TVING’s Original ‘Dear X’ is making waves worldwide — and Kim Yoo-jung is right at the center of it all with what many are calling her “role of a lifetime.”
Released on November 6, the series has seen explosive popularity both domestically and overseas. According to FlixPatrol, it topped the HBO Max TV Show charts in seven countries, including Hong Kong, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Taiwan. It also secured No. 3 on Japan’s Disney+ and America’s Viki, showing that its appeal stretches well beyond South Korea. Moreover, between November 7–9, it ranked as the No. 1 contributor to paid subscriptions on TVING, further proving its pull among local viewers.
Kim Yoo-jung’s Stunning Transformation
At the heart of this global success is Kim Yoo-jung, who’s completely transformed into Baek A-jin, a woman living behind a mask. Baek A-jin is beautiful but twisted—a villain hiding a cruel side behind her flawless image.Kim Yoo-jung’s intense portrayal quickly captivated viewers worldwide, earning her widespread praise online. Comments like “Kim Yoo-jung’s acting tour-de-force,” “Kim Yoo-jung has completely transformed herself,” and “She’s practically swallowed Baek A-jin whole” have flooded social media and online communities.
Her performance balances fragility and madness, showing off years of acting experience that result in an overwhelming sense of immersion. It’s no exaggeration to say that Kim Yoo-jung has once again reminded audiences of why she’s one of South Korea’s most dependable leads.
Behind the Scenes
Photos released from the set show both Kim Yoo-jung’s cheerful off-camera energy and her serious on-set focus. Her bright smile lights up the set, but it’s her meticulous preparation—seen in moments where she’s holding the script just before shooting—that stands out. Once filming starts, she becomes Baek A-jin completely. Even after the director calls “Cut,” Kim stays immersed, studying the monitor with intense focus. These glimpses explain why she continues to receive so much acclaim for her dedication and emotional range.
The Story So Far
Episodes 1–4 dive into Baek A-jin’s past—her painful childhood under her abusive father Baek Seon-gyu (played by Bae Soo-bin)—and the high-risk choices that pushed her into stardom. To escape her father’s grip, she gambled everything, using Choi Jeong-ho (Kim Ji-hoon), a café owner, as her pawn. Later, she entered the entertainment industry alongside Seo Mi-ri (Kim Ji-young), the CEO of Longstar Entertainment, while leaving Yoon Jun-seo (Kim Young-dae) behind.
This mix of betrayal, ambition, and survival continues to keep viewers hooked. And now, with more secrets about to unravel, attention is shifting to what Baek A-jin will do next.
‘Dear X’ (Directed by Lee Eung-bok and Park So-hyun, Written by Choi Ja-won and Ban Ji Un, and based on the original Naver Webtoon by Ban Ji Un) is planned by Studio Dragon and produced by Monster Union and Siwoo Company.
Episodes 5–6 drop on November 13 at 6 PM KST, available on TVING, HBO Max, Disney+ (Japan), and Viki.
Source (daum)
