Affinity

Same FL, same director, same sizzling chemistry and an amazing OST that will sadly never be released. Will have to do some suspension of disbelief on some plot elements for both dramas, and Embrace is less "supernatural scifi romance" and more "action romance", but if you want a protective ML with ambiguous morals and motives, lots of domineering sexy vibes and kissing scenes with the same overall vibe, you'll love it.

This might have spoiler, but i tried to keep vague

Similarities:
- Thriller Dramas
- Romance Dramas
- Psychological Dramas
- Xie Xin Xu (Affinity) is manipulative like Baek A Jin (Dear x)
- Both rely heavily on slow-burn psychological tension instead of action, keeping the focus on emotional stakes and internal conflict
- Both stories center on leads who are emotionally damaged and shaped by past trauma or abnormal environments
- Anti-social behaviours


Difference:
- Dear X is a South Korean Drama
- Affinity is a Chinese Drama
- Dear X is hugely concentrated on romance unlike Affinity
- Affinity involves a virus, while Dear X doesn't
- Baek A Jin (Dear X) is an emotionally guarded, manipulative, and driven by survival and ambition
- Wu Nong Yu (Affinity) is gentle, empathetic, and curiosity-driven, shaped by science rather than survival instincts
- Yun Jun Seo (Dear X) is a trusted confidant whose role is rooted in emotional dependence and power imbalance
- Xie Xin Xu (Affinity) is an emotionally detached and antisocial, with conflict stemming from logic vs emotion, not social ambition
-In Dear X the relationships are volatile and destructive, driven by fear, control, and unspoken resentment
- In Affinity the bond is mysterious and fated, exploring attraction beyond conscious choice or morality
- Baek A Jin (Dear X) isn't a weak female lead who needs a man to save her all the time unlike Wu Nong Yu (Affinity)

Both involve plot surrounding blood types/blood infections generating different categories of humans and are science fiction. Both have possessive MLs and are heavily romance focused. ABO Desire is a BL whereas Affinity is not. Both are shorter dramas.

A similar formula is used here, with the lead character obsessed with the girl and unable to resist meeting her. He possesses a fantastic trait that makes him both addicted to her and fiercely protective of her. Excellent chemistry and cool special effects!