“Dear X” tells the story of Baek Ah Jin (Kim Yoo Jung), a young woman deeply traumatized by the tragedy of domestic violence. Raised amidst trauma and yearning to escape the darkness, Ah Jin learned to observe, conceal, and manipulate the emotions of others to survive. She used her innocent appearance to hide her ambitions and achieve a certain status in the entertainment industry. With an angelic face but a hidden coldness, Baek Ah Jin became an alluring and two-faced character: seductive and dangerous at the same time.
Audiences commented that “Dear X” created a dark yet captivating atmosphere, in which Kim Yoo Jung completely broke away from the sweet image that previously defined her. Her performance was praised for its precision, richness of nuance, and for accurately conveying the character’s complex psychological transformation. Many felt that the role of Baek Ah Jin marked a turning point, allowing Kim Yoo Jung to shed her “nation’s sister” image and become a mature and complex actress.
Before its release, “Dear X” was embroiled in controversy over the plagiarism of its poster, forcing the team to withdraw the image and apologize to the public. However, these controversies did not diminish the film’s popularity, especially considering the large cast of well-known actors.
Kim Yoo Jung shared at the press conference that she was drawn to the character as soon as she read the script. “I didn’t see it as a big challenge. If I had thought too much about the pressure, I wouldn’t have been able to concentrate. I read the original webtoon to understand the character’s nature and then conveyed the emotions through my eyes. I hope the audience can feel it,” she stated.
When asked about the dating rumors with her co-star Kim Do Hoon in Nha Trang in September, Kim Yoo Jung laughed, “We laughed for three minutes when we heard the news. That shows the public’s interest in the film.”
Kim Young Dae caused controversy by playing the lead role in the film Dear X. Contrary to expectations for Kim Yoo Jung, Kim Young Dae’s participation as the male lead has generated concern among the public. His recent projects, such as “Reach for the Moon” and “Marriage is Not a Loser,” were criticized for their lack of originality and received low viewership ratings.
In “Reach for the Moon,” the drama that ended on October 31, Kim Young Dae played Ham Ji Woo, a talented CEO who dreams of becoming a singer. This character has a tender romance with Jung Da Hae (Lee Sun Bin), an employee with a difficult past who is always striving to improve herself. However, the public commented that there was no chemistry between him and his co-star, that his voice was monotonous, and his expression rigid. The immaturity in his gestures made Ji Woo’s character lack emotional depth.
This situation occurred in “Marriage Without Loss,” the film he starred in alongside Shin Min Ah. Many believe that Kim Young Dae has an advantage in terms of looks and cinematic resources after the success of “Penn War,” but he has yet to demonstrate the necessary acting ability.
Kim Young Dae’s appearance in “Dear X” thus became a significant test. It was an opportunity for him to shed his image as an unknown and, at the same time, demonstrate his ability to work well with an experienced co-star like Kim Yoo Jung. However, the initial reaction showed that viewers remained more focused on the female lead’s excellent performance than on his own.
With “Dear X,” Kim Yoo Jung proves she is ready to take on complex roles, exploring the female psyche in modern society, where fame and emotional masks can be dangerously intertwined. The maturity of her performance leads audiences to believe this will be one of the most memorable roles of her career.
On the other hand, Kim Young Dae needs to prove himself more if he wants to escape the image of a “handsome but expressionless actor.” Because in the fiercely competitive world of Korean dramas, looks alone are not enough.
