Crime thrillers have a knack for leaving lasting impressions, whether it’s through gripping storytelling, shocking plot twists, or complex characters. In 2025, Dear X, a Korean crime thriller based on the 2021 webtoon by Vanziun, has emerged as a show that does all of this and more. With an electrifying performance by Kim Yoo-jung as Baek Ah-jin, Dear X has quickly become one of the most talked-about shows on platforms like Letterboxd, where fans are still reeling from the brutal final twist.
The show explores themes of manipulation, trauma, and self-destruction, all seen through the eyes of a young woman determined to climb her way to the top no matter the cost. But it’s the shocking conclusion of Dear X that has left viewers speechless, with the ending confirming that some characters never truly change, no matter the chaos they wreak along the way. Here’s why Dear X has become a hit and the twist that has left audiences unable to stop talking about it.
Overview Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Show Title | Dear X |
| Premier Date | November 6, 2025 |
| Genre | Crime Thriller, Psychological Drama |
| Main Character | Baek Ah-jin (Kim Yoo-jung) |
| Supporting Characters | Yoon Jun-seo (Kim Young-dae), Kim Jae-oh (Kim Do-hoon) |
| Key Themes | Manipulation, Power, Revenge, Trauma |
| Notable Twist | Ah-jin’s brutal, cold response to Jun-seo’s sacrifice |
| Rotten Tomatoes Score | 95% |
What Is Dear X About?
At the heart of Dear X is Baek Ah-jin, a young woman who has clawed her way to fame and success through manipulation and deceit. Played by Kim Yoo-jung, Ah-jin’s journey is one filled with pain, power, and betrayal. She grew up in an abusive household, enduring neglect and trauma, including the murder of her father, which shaped her into the person she became. Over the years, she learned to mask her true emotions and use her pain as fuel for manipulation, eventually becoming one of Korea’s most celebrated actresses.
The series follows Ah-jin’s life in 12 intense episodes, focusing not only on her career but also on her complex relationships with those closest to her. Throughout the show, she manipulates people to get ahead, including her childhood friend Yoon Jun-seo (Kim Young-dae), who secretly harbors feelings for her, and Kim Jae-oh (Kim Do-hoon), her longest friend who is fiercely devoted to protecting her. Ah-jin’s romantic relationship with actor Heo In-gang (Hwang In-youp) adds another layer of complexity to her character. While she uses him for her career advancement, In-gang remains a sincere and unconditionally loving partner, offering Ah-jin the kind of affection she desperately needs.
However, tragedy strikes In-gang’s family, and Ah-jin, despite the opportunity to choose love and happiness, falls back into her self-serving ways. This marks the beginning of her downward spiral as she continues to hurt those around her in her relentless pursuit of success.
Fans Can’t Get Over the Brutal Finale of Dear X
By the time the series reaches its finale, Ah-jin’s downfall is inevitable. Jun-seo, after learning that Ah-jin will never truly change, decides to expose her manipulative ways to the public, just as she wins the prestigious Blue Dragon award for a movie role. This public revelation destroys everything Ah-jin has worked for, leaving her with nothing but her shattered reputation. Jun-seo, still caring for Ah-jin, chooses to be by her side, even as she faces the consequences of her actions. They hit the road together, but what follows is a gut-wrenching twist that leaves viewers in shock.
In a tragic turn of events, Jun-seo drives the car off a cliff in an attempt to end it all, but to everyone’s surprise, Ah-jin miraculously survives. In a flashback, she climbs out of the wreckage, finding Jun-seo still conscious but gravely injured. Instead of offering any comfort or help, Ah-jin’s reaction is cold, and she lets out a cruel laugh before disappearing into the night.
This moment encapsulates the essence of Ah-jin’s character: ruthless, self-serving, and incapable of change. The finale confirms that Ah-jin’s journey was never about redemption, and despite all the hurt she caused, she remains unscathed, continuing on her destructive path.
“The ending of Dear X does more than shock—it makes a definitive statement about the character of Ah-jin. She’s the kind of person who will never truly change, and that final twist hits harder than anything that came before.” – Rachel Moore, TV Critic
Dear X and Its Complex Protagonist
One of the standout features of Dear X is its portrayal of Baek Ah-jin. As the protagonist, Ah-jin is a deeply flawed character, one whom viewers may find themselves simultaneously rooting for and against. Throughout the series, the audience is offered glimpses of Ah-jin’s vulnerability, particularly in her relationship with In-gang, which makes her final actions all the more devastating.
Kim Yoo-jung’s portrayal of Ah-jin is nothing short of spectacular, as she brings a depth to the character that makes her more than just a villain. Ah-jin’s motivations are rooted in her traumatic past, which makes her both sympathetic and terrifying. She manipulates her way to the top, but her lack of true emotional connections leaves her hollow, unable to form genuine relationships. This complexity is what makes Dear X so engaging. While viewers may want Ah-jin to succeed, they are constantly aware of her dark side, which grows more pronounced with each episode.
The show isn’t just about Ah-jin’s rise to fame, but also about the psychological toll that her behavior takes on those around her. Jun-seo, who always stood by her, becomes the catalyst for Ah-jin’s undoing, and his actions in the finale are as much about protecting her from herself as they are about giving her the ultimate consequence of her manipulative ways.
Key Characters and Their Roles
| Character | Role | Key Traits | Connection to Ah-jin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baek Ah-jin (Kim Yoo-jung) | Protagonist, ambitious actress | Manipulative, self-serving, emotionally distant | Central character whose manipulations drive the plot |
| Yoon Jun-seo (Kim Young-dae) | Childhood friend and secret lover | Devoted, protective, self-sacrificing | Exposes Ah-jin’s manipulation, ultimately drives her to a dramatic end |
| Kim Jae-oh (Kim Do-hoon) | Longtime friend and protector | Loyal, nurturing, trusting | Supports Ah-jin throughout her rise, but remains aware of her flaws |
| Heo In-gang (Hwang In-youp) | Actor and boyfriend | Honest, sincere, loving | Ah-jin’s manipulative relationship with him contrasts with his genuine affection |
| Moon Do-hyeok (Hong Jong-hyun) | Ah-jin’s villainous husband | Ambitious, cold-hearted, calculating | Part of the series’ overarching theme of toxic relationships |
Why the Finale Has Fans Talking?
The brutal finale of Dear X has sparked intense debate among viewers. Fans have expressed their frustration with the ending, as many had hoped for a more satisfying resolution for Ah-jin. Some viewers, in fact, were “praying for her downfall,” only to see her continue down a path of destruction, seemingly unscathed. As one reviewer wrote on Letterboxd, “Love the show, BUT WHY DID THEY END IT LIKE THAT?”
This reaction speaks to the strength of the series and its characters. The shocking finale is exactly what makes Dear X so unforgettable. It doesn’t provide easy answers or wrap things up in a neat little bow. Instead, it leaves viewers questioning what they just witnessed and contemplating the complexity of the characters’ motivations. The twisty, unpredictable nature of the show ensures that Dear X stays with its audience long after the credits roll.
“The ending of Dear X may be polarizing, but it’s the kind of conclusion that sticks with you. It’s bold, unsettling, and perfectly in line with the show’s exploration of toxic ambition and manipulation.” – James Gordon, TV Analyst
Why Dear X Is a Must-Watch Thriller?
In a year filled with intense crime dramas and psychological thrillers, Dear X has proven to be one of the standout shows of 2025. With a compelling performance from Kim Yoo-jung and a narrative that constantly keeps you on edge, the series is an exploration of the lengths people will go to for power and control. The finale, though controversial, serves as a powerful commentary on the protagonist’s inability to change and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
Dear X isn’t just another crime thriller, it’s a study in human nature, showing both the fragility and ruthlessness that exist in people who have been scarred by their past. It’s a show that will have you thinking long after you’ve finished the final episode, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
FAQs
Dear X follows Baek Ah-jin, a young woman who rises to fame using manipulation, hiding the trauma from her past. The show explores her relationships, the consequences of her actions, and the brutal twist that seals her fate.
The main character is Baek Ah-jin, portrayed by Kim Yoo-jung. She is a manipulative actress whose rise to fame is built on lies and manipulation.
In the final twist, Baek Ah-jin survives a car crash orchestrated by her friend, Jun-seo, who tries to save her from her self-destructive ways. However, she coldly abandons him, confirming that she will never change.
The finale leaves Ah-jin unscathed and still on her path of destruction, which has divided viewers who were hoping for her downfall or redemption.
The show delves deep into Ah-jin’s psyche, showing how her traumatic past shaped her manipulative behavior and inability to form genuine connections.
