Kim Yoo-jung has done it all—or so we thought. She’s charmed us as the bright, optimistic character, won our hearts as the leading lady, and inspired us as the heroine. Now she’s trying something she’s never done. The villain who wears kindness like a mask. “Dear X” flips everything you know about K-drama heroines, and it’s coming this November to mess with your emotions in the best possible way. Here’s everything you need to know about the new K-drama “Dear X” in November 2025 and why this show deserves a spot on your watch list.
“Dear X” (친애하는 X) Korean Drama 2025
This isn’t a romance drama where love fixes everything. “Dear X” brings you a psychological thriller that asks uncomfortable questions about survival, revenge, and what happens when victims refuse to stay victims. Kim Yoo-jung’s new K-drama redefines what a leading lady can be. The show’s early festival reviews have already called it “bewitching” and unforgettable.
What “Dear X” Is Really About
Baek Ah-jin is a top actress whom everyone loves. She stands before the cameras, looking absolutely flawless. Her fans scream her name. Directors fight to work with her. Her smile could light up Seoul. But that smile? It’s a mask she learned to wear as a little girl, trying to survive an alcoholic mother who used fists instead of love.
The story takes you inside Ah-jin’s world, where beauty becomes a weapon and kindness turns into strategy.
She climbed out of poverty by learning exactly what people wanted to see, and then she gave them that performance every single day.
She protects her empire by taking down anyone who poses a threat. And yes, she does it all while looking like the sweetheart that the public adores.
The Cast of “Dear X”
Kim Yoo-jung transforms into Baek Ah-jin, the actress with a heart of ice wrapped in designer clothes. She’s playing someone who reads people like scripts and uses that knowledge without mercy.
This role marks a complete departure from her previous warm roles, and according to [reviews from the Busan International Film Festival], she’s absolutely nailing the darkness.
Kim Young-dae plays Yoon Jun-seo. He’s known Ah-jin forever. She trusts him without question. He’s kept her secrets safe and cheered on her dreams for years. And then? He becomes the reason she falls. That kind of betrayal cuts deep.
Kim Do-hoon steps into the role of Kim Jae-oh, a man who shares Ah-jin’s traumatic past of surviving abuse. He found his purpose through her and became her devoted shadow, willing to do absolutely anything to keep her safe. Think of him as the person who’ll cross every line she draws.
Lee Yul-eum brings Lena to life, a former idol turned actress who competes with Ah-jin professionally while secretly loving Jun-seo. She adds romantic tension to an already complicated web of relationships.
The supporting cast includes Kim Yi-kyung as rival actress Shim Sung-hee, Bae Soo-bin as Ah-jin’s heartless father who abandoned her for money, and special appearances by Hwang In-youp as an idol-turned-actor with secrets of his own.
The Creative Team
Lee Eung-bok directs this psychological journey, and his resume speaks volumes. He’s the mind behind “Sweet Home,” “Descendants of the Sun,” and “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God.” The man knows how to blend stunning visuals with stories that grab your heart and refuse to let go.
Choi Ja-won adapted the screenplay from the popular Naver webtoon by Ban Ji-woon. She took home the grand prize at the 2018 KBS One-Act Drama Script Contest, proving she knows well how to bring complex characters onto the screen.
Studio Dragon, Monster Union, and Siwoo Company joined forces to produce this series, bringing serious budget and resources to every frame.
Why You’ll Want to Watch This Show
“Dear X” premiered two episodes at the 30th Busan International Film Festival in September 2025 before its official release. Festival selections aren’t given to just any drama, and this honor signals something extraordinary waiting for viewers.
The original webtoon ran from 2019 to 2020 and built a devoted following who couldn’t stop discussing Ah-jin’s moral complexity. Fans have waited years to see this adaptation come to life with the production quality it deserves.
Kim Yoo-jung herself prepared for months to portray someone who had learned to hide every genuine emotion. That dedication shows in early reactions praising her “devious” and captivating performance. You’re not just watching an actress play a role; you’re watching a complete transformation into someone who’ll make you question everything about heroes and villains.
Where and When You Can Stream “Dear X”
Mark your calendar for November 6, 2025. The first four episodes drop that Thursday at 6:00 p.m. KST on TVING in South Korea. International viewers can catch it on HBO Max, and Viki will provide subtitles for global audiences who want to join the conversation.
The show consists of 12 episodes in total, each lasting 60 to 70 minutes. That’s plenty of time to get completely absorbed in Ah-jin’s world and maybe lose some sleep thinking about her choices.
A Story That Stays With You Long After the Credits Roll
November brings “Dear X,” and it’s got something rare in the K-drama world. The heroine isn’t simply good or bad. She’s both. Victim and villain wrapped together. Broken in some ways, brilliant in others. She’ll make you care about her right before she makes your skin crawl.
Kim Yoo-jung picked a bold character to play. This could reshape how everyone sees her as an actress. She’s got a talented crew behind her who can make it work.
When you finish watching, you’ll probably ask yourself the same question the show poses: how far would you go to escape your past, and would you recognize yourself when you finally got there? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
In the meantime, watch the exclusive highlight from the upcoming K-drama “Dear X” below.
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