Analyzing the Complex Conclusion of 'Dear X'

Credit: Courtesy of Viki

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Dear X

Since its premiere in early November, Dear X ( X) has gripped Korean drama enthusiasts with its twisted narrative following actress Baek Ah-jin (portrayed by Kim Yoo-jung of My Demon). The series explores the ascent and decline of Ah-jin, who leverages manipulation and charm to rise within Koreas entertainment world, indifferent to the damage she inflicts along the way.

The drama, adapted from Vanziuns popular webtoon, is brought to life under the direction of Lee Eung-bok and Park So-hyun, known for hits like Goblin, Mr. Sunshine, and Sweet Home.

Spanning 12 episodes, the series diverged from its source material in the final act, yet it still delivers significant repercussions for Ah-jin. Lee described the adaptation as an opportunity to explore emotional depth, stating the adult-oriented later episodes were newly created for the drama. He aimed for viewers to oscillate between rooting for Ah-jin and feeling conflicted by her actions.

The Story of Dear X

The drama chronicles Baek Ah-jins journey from a traumatic childhood to becoming a top actress in Korea. The narrative unfolds in three tragic stages:

• Childhood and adolescence: Ah-jin copes with her fathers murder.
• Early career: Her romance with actor Heo In-gang (Hwang In-youp of Family By Choice) ends in his suicide.
• Downfall: Ah-jins actions lead to the deaths of confidantes Kim Jae-oh (Kim Do-hoon of Love Scout) and ex-stepbrother Yun Jun-seo (Kim Young-dae).

Dear X stands out in Korean drama for its portrayal of a morally complex female anti-hero. The series invites viewers to empathize simultaneously with Ah-jin and those she harms, making it difficult to determine whose success they should root for.

Early on, Ah-jins struggles make her more relatable. She acts immorally but is also a victim of abuse and poverty, which allows viewers some leniency. As her career progresses, her power grows while her victims gain sympathy, making her actions harder to excuse.

The Dark Turning Point

Ah-jin dates In-gang strategically to boost her fame, but he genuinely loves her and envisions a future together. After the death of In-gangs mother, Ah-jin abandons hope of a normal life, ending the relationship cruelly. In-gang subsequently dies by suicide, and Ah-jin moves on, demonstrating her pragmatic and often ruthless approach to relationships.

The Controversial Ending

The final act introduces villain Moon Do-hyeok (Hong Jong-hyun), who manipulates Ah-jin into marrying him after her professional collapse. This leaves Jun-seo, still grappling with family revelations and personal sacrifices, feeling abandoned. Despite his loyalty, he comes to accept Ah-jins unchanging priorities.

As Ah-jin lives under her husbands oppressive control, her closest ally Jae-oh sacrifices himself to protect her. Jun-seo exposes Ah-jins manipulations publicly, coinciding with her Blue Dragon award victory. In the dramatic finale, Ah-jin survives a car crash caused by Jun-seo, leaving him behind as she resumes her relentless pursuit of power and survival.

Ah-jins Fate

Ah-jin does not achieve a traditional happy ending. While she attains wealth and recognition, her childhood trauma keeps her trapped in cycles of self-destruction, preventing genuine emotional connections. Her victories are overshadowed by isolation and moral compromise, cementing the series as a tragedy centered on ambition and survival.

Differences from the Webtoon

The drama follows the webtoon until the final act. In the original, Ah-jin manipulates Jun-seo to secure marriage with Do-hyeok, which eventually leads to her attempted suicide. Jae-oh saves her, and they escape to Hong Kong, raising a child together. Later, Ah-jin abandons the child for another wealthy suitor. While the ending differs, both versions highlight Ah-jins relentless drive and moral ambiguity.

Author: Aiden Foster