The actress who once captivated Korea with a record-breaking 42.2% viewership in Moon Embracing the Sun is making her most daring transformation yet.

Kim Yoo-jung, one of Korea’s most beloved actors, is returning in Tving’s upcoming original series Dear X — a psychological thriller and melodrama that’s already generating massive buzz ahead of its November 6 premiere.

Selected for the “On Screen” section at the 30th Busan International Film Festival, Dear X previewed its first two episodes to an overwhelmingly positive response. Directed by Lee Eung-bok and Park So-hyun, the series adapts the popular webtoon by Ban Ji-woon, offering a dark yet captivating portrait of ambition and deception.

A Woman in Disguise, and the Exes She Destroyed

Dear X follows Baek Ah-jin (played by Kim Yoo-jung) — a woman who hides her sociopathic nature behind a perfect façade to rise to the top.

Born into abuse and manipulation, Ah-jin grows into a cold and calculating actress who will do anything to succeed. After winning the Best Actress award, she’s suddenly exposed on a talk show titled “DIM HEART: The Two Faces of an Actress,” where her cruel past is revealed by those she once trampled on — her “exes.”

The webtoon’s protagonist, known for having antisocial personality disorder, shocked readers with her complex psychology. Fans are eager to see how closely the drama mirrors the original — and whether Ah-jin will meet the same chilling fate.

Early viewers at BIFF were full of praise:

  • The synchronization with the webtoon is insane.
  • Kim Yoo-jung’s casting is perfection — her beauty and intensity are lethal.
  • The preview was amazing; I can’t wait for the full release.

Kim Yoo-jung’s Boldest Role Yet

Since her debut at age 4 in a Crown Sando commercial, Kim Yoo-jung has grown from a talented child star into one of Korea’s most respected actresses. From Moon Embracing the Sun to Love in the Moonlight, Backstreet Rookie, and My Demon, she has proven her versatility across genres.

In Dear X, Kim Yoo-jung takes on her darkest role yet — a beautiful sociopath whose charm hides a terrifying emptiness. In the teaser released on September 24, her sharp gaze and cold expression captivated viewers, showcasing her emotional depth and acting maturity.

A Star-Studded Cast

Joining Kim Yoo-jung are Kim Young-dae and Kim Do-hoon, two of Korea’s most promising young actors.

Kim Young-dae, known for Extraordinary You, The Penthouse, and Moon in the Day, plays Yoon Jun-seo, a man with a deep connection to Ah-jin’s painful past.

Meanwhile, Kim Do-hoon, who gained fame through Disney+’s Moving and The Escape of the Seven, takes on the role of Kim Jae-oh, Ah-jin’s loyal yet tormented companion.

The chemistry between the three stars — along with the drama’s slick visuals and intense storytelling — has already positioned Dear X as one of the most anticipated K-dramas of 2025.

Buzz Before the Premiere

Adding to the hype, rumors of a romantic relationship between Kim Yoo-jung and Kim Do-hoon circulated last month after fans noticed their off-screen closeness. While both sides quickly denied the reports, the story only fueled public curiosity about their on-screen chemistry.

Kim Yoo-jung Dear X dramapeople' 'sad' 'crying' 'darkness' 'bokeh.

Dear X will stream exclusively on Tving starting November 6, blending suspense, romance, and psychological drama in a story about beauty, lies, and the dark side of ambition.

With Kim Yoo-jung’s electrifying transformation, a powerhouse directing team, and global fan anticipation, Dear X is already shaping up to be the next major milestone in K-drama history.

Sources: Daum