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The webtoons ending is better!
I finally finished this series and I will say it made for a very entertaining show, the actors, the music, the plot twists were all very interesting and made you anticipate the next episode...however Im giving the show a 8/10 rating because hear me out...1) The two male leads deserved a chance at true happiness and they just ended up living their lives in misery allowing themselves to be used by her
2) The main male lead.. The author was at first very Attentive to her but later realized that she is beyond saving so my thing is why not allow him to atleast have a happy ending with the other actress girl? Move away from his mother and live freely? Instead he ended up dying
3) My husband Hwang In Yeop didn't need to die like that either... maybe attempt to kill himself but not actually die.... let him live !
4) Second male lead again died because of her.... everyone around her always ends up dead! So my conclusion for this show was that she'd either end up dead.. an eye for an eye or in the mad house but again that didn't happen! Instead she ended up escaping the car crash with male lead and got away scot free meanwhile male lead died...and then thats how the show ended! I don't find that its very satisfactory at all given the fact that she has caused so many innocent people in this show to die!
Overall I think it was a good show but I didn't think the ending was satisfactory even if its adapted from a webtoon! Kill her off in the ending.. this is what she deserves! She allowed her misfortunes in life to turn her into something more Devilish than her past abusers ( Dad and Mom ) and maybe the bullies at school
SPOILER ALERT!
I read the webtoons ending... Its the only ending I accept... firstly no one dies... two male leads are alive
Stepbrother: He made the documentary exposing her for all her evil deeds and then he washed his hands clean of her and cut her out of his life... he's still an author and has started a completely different life far away from her!
Jaeoh: When Stepbrother released the documentary Ahjin tried to take her own life and Jaeoh intervened and helped her escape... he remains part of her life now and is helping her raise her child... (I think the child belongs to her Physcopathic husband
Its said that she does return sometime after and hints that she never really changed her ways so the cycle might repeat... in my opinion she should of died in both the webtoon and the drama but unfortunately she lived.... 😄😄
So 7/10 Overall for this Drama
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What started strongly, ended up falling hard
What started as a case study of an innocent looking evil character, becomes a dragged display of rising to the top and using everyone on the way.That's the story of Dear X - a psychological thriller story that starts with Baek Ah Jin's (Kim Yoo Jung) character study. The initial reception was very good, the way the characters were written and Jung's sociopath performance was absolutely terrific.
However, as the show progressed, it started losing it's grip towards the second half, due to it's tonal shift, logical inconsistencies and poor character development. For someone who was abandoned and abused, her character development was disappointing and somehow became a cliché villain towards the end.
The finale was something that could have wiped out the mess of the second half, but that too, was half-baked. The series is built on a foundation of cruel and nonsensical character actions, making it an emotionally exhausting and ultimately pointless watch, despite of one of the best acting performances in K-Drama I have seen this year.
My Rating : 3/5
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i love it when the drama is nothing like my expectations.there was a point where i was on ahjin's side, and although that changed drastically, i can't deny that her revenge plans strike me as genius. pure evil at times but a necessary evil perhaps? devestating but equally evil. HOWEVER, not at the expance of jae oh man... i called it but i'm also quite baffled with his character, because while i understand his feelings and behavior, i can't imagine myself going throught that. i may have tolerated it once, but in the long run, it's peak evil to say the least, but completely understandable from his side too. i also have to mention that i don't particularly think i've ever hated hong jonghyun's characters before, but he truly took the cake for this, epic villain!!! who would've thought he'd be such a maniac, and i loved every second of it.
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Sometimes evil wins in the end, and that sucks.
I really enjoyed the drama's storytelling and character development throughout most of the series. The cast delivered exceptional performances, and the chemistry between the leads was absolutely captivating. However, the ending was incredibly disappointing and ruined the entire experience for me. Watching the villain triumph felt unearned and left a bitter taste. The final episodes could have explored redemption or provided closure that made sense. Instead, I was left feeling frustrated and regretting the time invested. The ending contradicted the emotional journey I took with these characters, making me feel like the whole series was a waste.Was this review helpful to you?
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KIM YOO JUNG era, thee actress
A Soundtrack That ResonatesI have to start by saying how much I fell in love with Dear X’s soundtrack. Each song felt like the perfect companion to the action on screen. When Ah-jin was on the move, Lim Kim’s energetic “Run & Run” had my adrenaline pumping and made me feel like I was right there with her. In the quiet, intense moments, Elaine’s soulful “Insane” and Olivia Marsh’s gentle “Eyes on Me” brought tears to my eyes—I found myself humming those melodies long after the episode ended. And Sam Ock’s “Goodbye”… oh, I literally had to pause and catch my breath when that haunting piano and his voice echoed Ah-jin’s heartbreak. The music didn’t just sit in the background—it became a part of the story, pulling me into every emotion of the show.
Twists in the Tale (Story and Divergence)
The plot of Dear X kept me hooked from start to finish. Watching Baek Ah-jin rise from a wounded girl to a ruthless top actress was endlessly gripping, and I loved that the story never let me rest—the pacing was sharp, and each episode had me gasping for more. Just when I thought I knew where it was going, it threw me a wild curveball. I hadn’t read the webtoon it’s based on, but I could tell the drama was weaving its own path. For example, in the final act when Jun-seo’s fate unfolds in a way I didn’t expect—wow, it left me breathless. It was one of those endings that had me muttering, “You’ve got to be kidding me,” and then applauding the writers for taking such a daring turn. I’m still thinking about it days later.
Character :
What I loved most about Dear X was how real and complicated the characters felt. Baek Ah-jin isn’t your typical heroine – she’s brilliant, ambitious, and full of survival instinct. I actually felt sorry for her because of the hell she went through as a child, and was impressed with her for being so ruthless. Kim Yoo-jung brought out every layer of Ah-jin’s personality so completely that I was torn between sympathy and intrgue throughout the show. Then there’s Yoon Jun-seo (Kim Young-dae), Ah-jin’s loyal friend. Watching his unwavering love slowly turn into heartbreak literally made my eyes tear up. And Kim Jae-oh (Kim Do-hoon), the gentle shadow always by her side – his quiet loyalty and grief devastated me. Even Im Re-na (Lee Yul-eum), the rival actress, was more than a typical villain; her jealousy and pain made her feel real and tragic. All these characters felt so human that I kept wondering Diving Into Darkness (Bold Themes)
This show didn’t hold back on the dark stuff, and I loved it for that. Dear X is brave – it plunges into trauma, sociopathy, betrayal, and obsession without sugarcoating a thing. I remember one scene where Ah-jin confronts her past and it literally made my skin crawl (in the best way). It’s the kind of series that makes you stop and ask yourself tough questions about right and wrong. Honestly, I found myself thinking, “Why do people dont get her, i root for her?” That kind of moral grey area kept me thinking long after I turned off the TV. The show’s willingness to tackle such heavy themes is what makes it unforgettable to me.
This Show Isn’t for Everyone
I have to admit, Dear X is not an easy watch, and it definitely won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. If you go in expecting a sweet romance or a clear-cut hero, you might be shocked (and maybe even upset) by how twisted it gets. I remember reading comments from fans and critics who said they began watching expecting something completely different – and honestly, they are lame. The show is intense and relentless. But for me, that’s what made it special. Yes, it can be brutal and unforgiving, but those very qualities made it so compelling. I will recommend it everyone, coz its art.
An Underrated Gem Deserving More Love
I’ve been telling everyone I know: Dear X is criminally underrated and deserves a lot more attention. Seriously, this is the kind of show that should sweep awards season. The writing, the directing, the soundtrack – everything came together so beautifully. I found myself replaying scenes and quoting lines because I was so blown away. It breaks my heart that more people aren’t talking about it. I truly hope word of mouth will spread, because the cast and crew absolutely deserve the spotlight. I wouldn’t be surprised if, in a few years, it’s talked about as a hidden masterpiece.
Final Thoughts: More Kim Yoo-jung, Please!
I could go on and on, but I’ll wrap it up by saying: Dear X was a ride unlike any other. It made me feel a whirlwind of emotions – excitement, heartbreak, anger, awe – and it stayed with me long after the final credits. It was intense, it was beautiful, and it was so incredibly well-crafted. And Kim Yoo-jung… wow, she really knocked it out of the park as Ah-jin. Watching her fully own that complex role was electrifying. I’m already first in line for anything she does next, especially if it’s as dark and challenging as this. Dear X might not be for everyone, but to me it’s pure gold.who I was really supposed to root for.
Performances That Blew Me Away
I can’t gush enough about the acting in this drama. Kim Yoo-jung as Ah-jin? Absolutely stunning. She had this eerie grace – one moment she’d charm you with a smile, the next she’d give you the coldest stare – and I believed it every single time. I was on the edge of my seat during her scenes, wondering which side of Ah-jin we’d see. Kim Young-dae tore my heart out as Jun-seo; every time he looked at Ah-jin with love and confusion, I felt his pain too. Kim Do-hoon’s portrayal of Jae-oh was heartbreakingly gentle – his devotion and sadness were palpable. Even Lee Yul-eum made the icy Re-na feel real and tragic. Seriously, the entire cast owned these roles and made me feel every emotion alongside them.
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Kim Yoo-jung's portrayal of Baek Ah-jin is simply masterful. She manages to capture the character's duality, being at once charming, ruthless, and deeply damaged, making you feel a strange mix of repulsion and sympathy.
The drama tackles serious issues such as child abuse, personality disorder, and trauma bonding.
"Dear X" is a must-watch series for those looking for a K-drama that dares to explore the darkness of the human psyche and go beyond the clichés.
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Baek Ahjin Exceptionally Creeped Me Out with her acting
The story starts strong with the initial thrill keeping you jaw clenched and focused but then the repetitive plot sets in the monotony. The intense and engaging opening deserved a better conclusion.However, applaud Baek Ahjin for her acting skills, playing the socio n psychopath. She really gave me the chills time to time. At times it felt as if witnessing a true crime.
The other actors too did an amazing job, but I wouldn't be able to give enough due credit, since I started the series just for ahjin's performance.
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AH JIN RLUES ??
No law ever stated that anyone can just kill someone by driving them over a cliff as justice, instead you gather your evidence and present them to the police to prosecute said person.But here we have everyone claiming to be “good” people in their reviews/comments, all clamoring and cheering for Ah Jin to die in a murder/suicide situation, instead of facing justice. She is a sociopath/psychopath, but all you so called “good” people, what is your excuse? But my girl is a survivor and I am sure happy she did not die especially not at the hands of such a useless pathetic character as Jun Seo.
As for Jun Seo, who made him Judge, Jury and executioner? who the hell is he to decide to take Ah Jin’s life? Who gave him that right? Is he the police, is he the court of law, is he the president? Such a pathetic delusional loser simp with a savior complex giving the “I am such a good person so I have to rid the world of the evil Ah Jin” narrative irks me to no end.
Her equally “evil” husband got away Scot free but you don’t see the self righteous mobs with their vitriol, why you may ask? because he’s a man but Ah Jin is a woman who did not give 2 shits about their precious Oppas. How dare a woman treat people like that, especially such handsome men😔😔😔
You all can keep crying🤣🤣. My girl survived🫢🫢. Hopefully there is a season 2 and she comes back and takes down her husband 💪💪
No one can ever make me hate her.
Kudos to the actress. What a phenomenal performance 👏👏👏
Also the rest of the cast did such a fantastic jo
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The ending disappoints, but the acting and music carry the drama.
[SPOILERS IN THE 1ST PARAGRAPH. Please skip it if you want to avoid them]I didn’t like the ending. It felt rushed, and the fact that nothing happens to her psychopath husband is frustrating, making Jae-oh’s sacrifice feel wasted rather than meaningful. Junseo’s death also feels strange and poorly handled!
But Dear X still works for me largely because of Kim Yoo Jung’s performance. Her acting is absolutely insane and, in my opinion, hard-carries the entire drama. I’ve watched her since we were both kids, and while her acting has always been good, this role truly gives her the space to show her full potential.
The music deserves special praise too, it’s beautifully chosen and greatly amplifies the overall mood. Every track fits Dear X’s vibe perfectly. Give them a listen: Devil’s Angel by Minnie, Insane (Soft Ver.) by Elaine Kim, Ego by Cocona, and Run & Run by Lim Kim.
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beauty privilege is real
selama nonton ini di kepala cuma kepikiran emang beauty privilege is real karena bisa diliat ahjin ini manipulatif & red flag final boss tapi masih aja pada setia sama dia apalagi cowo-cowo, tapi emang perlu di garis bawahi masa lalunya dia juga kejam banget beban hidupnya dia tuh dari kecil ga abis-abis. makanya salut banget sama orang yang dari keluarga yang diperlakukan kejam tapi masih berusaha jadi orang baik karena jujur aku ga menyalahkan kenapa ahjin jadi orang jahat bukan sebagai pembunuh tapi manipulatif dll. tapi alangkah baiknya jangan diikuti ya malah ceramah. aktingnya oke bangetWas this review helpful to you?
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Right, well just finished Dear X and I have thoughts. Started off really enjoying it with Kim Youjungs acting, she was so cativating and believable. Her expressions were amazing. I loved Junseo at the start but then i got a bit bored and annoyed of him doing the same expression in every scene. I really expected more from this drama. I like the exploration of aspd and child abuse and how abuse haunts u ages after I think that was quite realistic, along with the convo with the stepmum about her being nice to her sometimes was the worst part and then shed fall for it again. Which is so realistic and the hardest part. She fascinated me because you felt bad for her and that this was her survival tactic but she also manipulated everyone and used them without a care which made us wary. When dealimg a mental illness in a piece of media its very important to potray it well and with understanding. I feel they didnt quite handle it with care. Aspd IS a complex disorder that doesnt MAKE you "a bad person" but it is debilitating and can be harmful for that person and others around them, left untreated. You can not have empathy but also be able to care about someone. U still have emotions with it just not all. It makes sense that she was self destructive. I just wish she had more than that. It was a flat character, not actresses fault but writers. Along with the other character who had nothing else but either loving and caring abt Ahjin to the detriment of themselves or hated her. It wasnt complex enough.
Her dating Ingang was like, okay? But after all that I was like what the hell was the point in him in this drama then? And in the last few eps it just this bad guy making her feel crazy and it got worse and worse through out the eps. They should of had either Ingang or that new husband guy having both was irrelevant and strange. Even her and Junseos relationship felt unnecessary towards the end. It felt plot holey and things that shouldnt of just been brushed over or dropped, were. There were a few different people who tried taking her down and all those random plots fell flat and unimportant and were just dropped. It became a mess. Im annoyed it couldve been so good. But it just went all over the place and didnt make sense, very unsatisfactory. The ending was shit too like what? Right... the story, writing let it down a lot. I love a dark drama but I got more bored as it went on when at first I was excited turned into lets just finish this. Im disappointed. ://
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Dear. ImCOnfused
Dear. X was a great was to end the year. 2025 failed to make a great impression on me. I can't really think of show stopping, amazing, spectacular shows from this year... Maybe like officer black belt and like season two of WHC2? Idk, it failed miserably. I think other years have done better, and i can already tell the new year will be much better. Some of the dramas that started in 25' and ending in 26' are still airing like "ProBono," which seems promising so far.Anyways, this was one of the highly anticipated shows of the year. I think the directors did an amazing job with the filming of this show. the scenes were amazing and very emotional and dark. Some parts cringed me out like the clips of her at the cathedral style award building, it looked so green screen LOL. But the show was filmed great, nonetheless.
The scripts and storyline is where more issues pop up. I don't have a problem with the characters themselves, i think they were actually written really good. They had a lot of dept and went through many emotions throughout the course of the episodes. I actually appreciated how dark they made the episodes, even going as far as to kill off all of those who are around her. It showed her true colors. The problem I have is with the ending.
Maybe, I'm not intelligent enough to understand the ending, but i found it to be too loose ended. I literally have no idea what happened. The whole country is looking for her, her childhood best friend just died, she managed to run off, and all you see if her staring at the car in which her friend is dying in, and it's... OVER??
I feel that that ending was high key terrible idk? I can't really even think of maybe other possibilities because it was so bad. I guess i can see how maybe the writers what the watcher to make their own conclusion, but the only thing i can think of is that she wouldn't be able to achieve her dreams of being on top, now that she's sacrificed literally everyone around her and for nothing. I assume she would be found and put on trial for EVERYTHING she's done. So, i guess the writers knew what they were doing, but i couldn't help but feel empty afterwards, and maybe that was their intention the whole time.
After some time i think I've thought of ways to end this show proper because after sharing my opinion on TikTok through a comment section, a girl attacks me, telling me that if i didn't like the ending, " i didn't understand the show." ??? My initial thought was to be embarrassed for this person... idk i always thought that these types of things were opinion based or at least just many perspectives. Anyways i think that the show could have dived into her mental health disorder towards the end. They could have shown her even getting treatment at a mental hospital for her clear issues. I think this would have been a better ending for a show that's definitely not getting a second season, idk i just hated how open the actual ending was. Cause how are they gonna barely mention in the end how she got issues, but then not go into it as it pertains to her really...
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