In ‘Dear X’ K-Drama when Baek A-jin was young, her home was not safe. Violence shaped her world. To endure, she learned to read people and twist their emotions. She became skilled at hiding her true self. People saw kindness, but underneath was something sharp and cruel. If she was crossed, she struck back without regret.
Now she is a star. A famous actress. Beautiful, admired, and untouchable. But her rise is not without shadows. By her side stands Yoon Jun-seo, a man who gave her everything. He loved her. He trusted her. Yet, he also holds the key to her destruction.
There is also Kim Jae-o, another figure bound to her since childhood. His life too was marked by abuse. In her, he once found light. For him, she was a reason to keep breathing. But devotion can turn dark, and their bond feels heavy, almost dangerous.
And then comes Im Re-na. She is a top actress, once an idol, with her own hidden longing. She loves Yoon Jun-seo. That desire tangles her fate with Baek A-jin in ways that will not end gently.
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From Webtoon to Big Stage
The story of Dear X is not one of soft emotions. It is twisted, cruel, and bold. Baek A-jin is not a gentle heroine. She is ruthless. She climbs over others, wearing charm like armor. Some will hate her. Some will admire her. But no one can look away.
The drama is adapted from a popular webtoon. Readers already know how chilling she can be. Her cruelty is not softened. She is unapologetic, and that makes her fascinating. The writers, Choi Ja-won and Ban Ji-woon, kept the sharp edges intact. This decision sets the series apart.
The project is also drawing attention because of the names behind it. Director Lee Eung-bok has made some of the biggest Korean hits of the past decade. Goblin. Mr. Sunshine. Sweet Home. Each series carried weight and impact. His touch almost guarantees ambition. Adding Park So-hyun, known for fearless drama production, gives it more bite.
The casting too is strong. Kim Yoo-jung takes the lead as Baek A-jin. She has been praised for shifting between innocence and menace. Kim Young-dae plays Yoon Jun-seo with intensity. Kim Do-hoon and Lee Yeol-eum bring depth as Jae-o and Re-na. Together, the four make a charged ensemble.
You can watch the teaser – here. (It is age-restricted video can be only watch on Youtube)
Official Invitation to BIFF
Dear X is not waiting quietly for release. It has already been invited to the 30th Busan International Film Festival in the “On Screen” section. This section highlights upcoming series that will later stream on platforms like Tving. Only select works are chosen, and this year, Dear X stands among them.
This invitation is no small thing. It shows the growing power of K-dramas at global festivals. It also signals how Tving positions itself. In past years, it brought Yonder, Ransom, A Bad Luck Day, and more to Busan.
The lineup proves that Tving wants to shape itself as a serious home for bold stories. Dear X K-drama Busan International Film Festival becoming part of that lineup strengthens its weight.
At Busan, some episodes will be shown for the first time. That means critics, fans, and industry watchers will get an early look. The response there could shape its reputation even before the November release. Curiosity is high. Will it match the webtoon’s harshness? Will Baek A-jin shock viewers the way she did readers?
Dear X is going to release on November 2025, with 12 episodes on TVING.
Why This Series Feels Different
The tone of Dear X is destruction melodrama. It is not soft romance, it is not simple revenge either. It mixes suspense, betrayal, and love that feels poisonous. That blend is rare. Korean dramas often soften their leads to gain sympathy. Here, the main character may stay cold to the end.
There is risk in that choice. Audiences sometimes want redemption. They want closure. But if the series stays true to its source, Baek A-jin will not be tamed. She will remain cruel, manipulative, and striking until the last scene. That is what made the webtoon unforgettable.
The festival buzz adds pressure. Once Dear X K-drama Busan International Film Festival premieres, it cannot hide. The reviews will spread fast. If the execution is strong, it may become one of the most talked-about dramas of 2025. If not, it could be remembered as wasted potential.
Final Thoughts
There is something haunting about this story. It looks at ambition, survival, and the cost of power. Baek A-jin is not a role model, but she is a mirror.
She reflects what people do when trapped in cruelty and hunger for control. That kind of character unsettles. It makes viewers uneasy, but also keeps them watching.
With its world premiere at Busan and a strong creative team, Dear X is set to make noise. Whether that noise turns into praise or criticism depends on how fearless the series remains. One thing is certain: this drama will not pass quietly.
How Does this Article Make You Feel?
Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.
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