Actor Kim Do-hoon has shared his heartfelt reflections following the conclusion of the TVING original series Dear X, which released its final episode on December 4. Throughout its run, the drama generated powerful buzz, and Kim Do-hoon captivated viewers with his intense portrayal of Kim Jae-oh.
From his first appearance, the actor caught attention with a compelling combination of raw energy and emotional depth. His character’s journey from pure devotion toward Baek Ah-jin (Kim Yoo-jung) to self-sacrificing moments aimed at breaking free from Moon Do-hyuk (Hong Jong-hyun) was brought to life through a nuanced performance that strengthened the drama’s emotional core. His free-spirited yet vulnerable charm revealed a new facet of Kim Do-hoon, earning him wide acclaim.
Below is Kim Do-hoon’s full Q&A interview about his experience with Dear X.
Q. How do you feel now that Dear X has ended?
“From our first script reading to filming and finally seeing the completed episodes, it was quite a long journey. I built so many memories with the cast and crew. I worried and hoped that viewers would accept the project well, but once it began airing, time passed so quickly that I felt sad when it ended. Since it was a challenging project for me, I learned and gained so much from it the affection I have for this drama is huge.”
Q. Viewers called Kim Jae-oh your ‘career-defining character.’ What was your main focus while acting?
“I prepared a lot of visual elements hairstyle, walking style, tone, and expressions. But beyond that, I wanted the core of Jae-oh to be portrayed as someone free and pure. Since many characters are trapped in emotional turmoil, I thought at least one person should carry a sense of ease and freedom. Jae-oh, having broken away from his restraints, naturally embodied that energy, so I focused on expressing unfiltered freedom.”
Q. Did you feel the strong reactions to both the drama and your character?
“I felt it most through people around me. A friend who almost never watches dramas told me he was really enjoying Dear X, and that surprised me. I also sensed the response through SNS seeing viewers passionately discussing even the smallest details and empathizing deeply with the characters and their emotions.”
Q. What was your most memorable scene?
“The scene where Jae-oh fights with his father to protect his younger sibling. It’s a major turning point in Jae-oh’s life, so it was extremely important for me as well. Running uphill in the hot weather wasn’t easy, and filming the fight in a cramped, rundown space was physically tough. But thanks to the staff who helped me stay immersed, I pulled through. Because it was so demanding emotionally and physically, it remains one of the most memorable scenes.”
Q. What message do you hope viewers take away from Dear X?
“I think Dear X is a story where every character moves because of ‘love’ and desperately seeks it. If Jae-oh had received enough love in his childhood, he would have been a completely different person. Ah-jin, Jun-seo, Re-na, In-gang they all want love in their own way and get hurt because of it. The drama shows both the hopeful and painful sides of love. Just like the question we all ask at some point ‘What is love?’ I hope viewers reflect on the meaning and value of love after watching.”
Q. A final message to viewers?
“Thank you for immersing yourselves in Jae-oh and for sharing your thoughts and emotions with all of us. Even though all episodes have been released, the drama is always there for you to revisit. I’m sincerely grateful for all the support and love you gave to Jae-oh.”
With Dear X receiving one of the most explosive reactions of the season, Kim Do-hoon’s emotionally layered performance has further solidified him as a rising actor to watch.
Sources: Daum
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