'Dear X' Star Kim Yoo-jung Transforms into a Villain, Tops HBO Max in 7 Countries

[Financial News] The international response to the TVING original series 'Dear X' has been remarkable. Co-directed by Lee Eung-bok of 'Sweet Home' and Park So-hyun, and written by Choi Ja-won and Vanziun, 'Dear X' quickly made an impact after its release on the 6th. Within just four days, it ranked first in paid subscriber contributions during its debut weekend (7th–9th).
According to TVING on the 10th, the series has captivated not only domestic audiences but also viewers overseas. As the first Korean drama to debut on both HBO Max and the global section of Disney+ Japan, 'Dear X' has soared to the top spot in the HBO Max TV show category in seven countries, including Hong Kong, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Taiwan, according to FlixPatrol, a site that tracks global OTT content rankings. The show also climbed to third place on both Disney+ Japan and Rakuten Viki in the United States, quickly becoming a global sensation.
Based on a popular webtoon of the same name, the series brings together direction, script, and acting to create a powerful and provocative drama. The intense plot twists and unpredictable developments are heightened by the standout performances of Kim Yoo-jung and the rest of the cast.
Kim Yoo-jung plays the lead character, Baek Ah Jin, who, as writer Choi Ja-won describes, is 'a character you can't simply love, support, or even hate.' To break free from the hellish cycle that traps her, Baek Ah Jin manipulates others and exploits their goodwill, presenting herself as an angel while hiding her true, villainous nature.
Episodes 1–4, released on the 6th, depict the past of Baek Ah Jin, a top star actress in Korea. Raised in an abusive household, she endured the death of her mother Im Seonye (played by Lee Seo Ahn), her father Baek Seon-gyu’s (Bae Soo-bin) remarriage, and ongoing conflict with her stepmother Hwang Ji-seon (Kim Yoo-mi), living a life akin to hell. During her school years, classmates Jun-seo Yoon (Kim Young-dae) and Kim Jae-oh (Kim Do-hoon) became her saviors and allies, whom she used to achieve her own goals. After failing to enter college due to her father, Baek Ah Jin’s resentment and hatred grew, leading her to orchestrate a cruel gamble using Choi Jeong-ho (Kim Ji-hoon) as a pawn. Facing a crisis where all truths are about to be revealed, Baek Ah Jin accepts the hand offered by Seo Miri (Kim Ji-young), CEO of Longstar Entertainment, declaring, 'I want to be reborn at the very top,' signaling her relentless pursuit of the spotlight.
Meanwhile, episodes 5 and 6 will be released at 6 p.m. on the 13th.

jashin@fnnews.com Shin Jin-ah Reporter