South Korean actress Kim You-jung has opened up about the demanding nature of her latest role in the Tving original series "Dear X," describing how hiding her character's emotions proved to be the most challenging aspect of the performance. The 12-episode drama, which premiered on November 6, showcases a dramatic transformation for the actress as she takes on a character unlike any she has portrayed in her extensive career.
In "Dear X," Kim You-jung plays Baek Ah-jin, a woman who conceals her ruthless nature behind a carefully constructed facade as she fights to escape her personal nightmare. The series follows not only Ah-jin's journey but also examines the lives of the people she tramples on her path to freedom, symbolically represented by the "X" in the title. The cast includes Kim You-jung alongside Kim Young-dae and Kim Do-hoon in key roles.
During a recent interview at a Seoul cafe on November 25, Kim You-jung expressed her gratitude for the positive public reception. "I put a lot of work into this project, so it feels great to see people responding positively," she shared. The actress revealed that friends have jokingly commented on her transformed presence, saying "Friends joke that they get scared when I look at them now. It makes me laugh because it means I portrayed Ah-jin well."
The adaptation from a popular webtoon brought additional pressure, as Kim You-jung was conscious of meeting the expectations of the original work's devoted fanbase. "The original fandom is huge, so I was nervous," she admitted. "I focused on capturing the essence of Ah-jin from the webtoon." This responsibility to honor the source material while bringing her own interpretation to the character required careful balance and dedication.
The most significant challenge Kim You-jung faced was mastering the art of emotional restraint. "Ah-jin has a subtle aura that hides her true intentions. I tried not to overplay anything," she explained. "By stripping away expressions and relying less on visible emotion, I hoped viewers would feel the same uncertainty I felt while reading the webtoon." This approach required the actress to work against her natural instincts as a performer, creating internal tension that translated into compelling screen presence.
Kim You-jung's piercing, unsettling gaze has become one of the most praised aspects of her performance. She revealed her preparation process: "For certain scenes, I practiced making my eyes appear sharper, even ghostly. I wanted every character around Ah-jin to feel tension." Her co-star Kim Young-dae confirmed the effectiveness of this technique, stating that her stare was "terrifying, even though I knew it was acting."
The series has achieved remarkable success on the streaming platform, with Tving reporting that "Dear X" has maintained the number one position in new subscriber contribution for three consecutive weeks since its release. This achievement underscores the strong buzz and viewer engagement the drama has generated across South Korea.
Central to the drama's impact is Kim You-jung's nuanced portrayal of a character who defies simple categorization. Baek Ah-jin, though beautiful and brutal, emerges as an unexpectedly sympathetic figure through the actress's interpretation. "She's difficult to understand – and in some ways, I didn't want to understand her," Kim You-jung reflected. "As an actor, emotion often rises naturally, but Ah-jin wouldn't reveal hers. Hiding those emotions was the hardest part."
The actress described her gradual process of connecting with the character's psychology. "Once I accepted Ah-jin's mindset, it became easier. Her desperation to protect herself felt painfully real," she said. This emotional journey required Kim You-jung to explore darker aspects of human nature while maintaining the character's compelling complexity.
Surprisingly, audience reactions differed from Kim You-jung's initial expectations. "I thought viewers would never root for her, but many people said they felt sorry for Ah-jin. That was surprising and a new experience for me," she noted. This unexpected empathy from viewers speaks to the depth and authenticity of her performance.
The physical demands of the role also tested Kim You-jung's limits. She recalled particularly challenging scenes: "The fight with my character's father took three to four days to film. It drained me physically and mentally. By the end, I was so exhausted I could hardly stand." These intense sequences required not only physical stamina but emotional resilience to maintain character consistency across multiple filming days.
Playing Baek Ah-jin prompted deep philosophical reflection for Kim You-jung. "I thought a lot about what humanity even means," she shared. "It made me reflect on my relationships, my morals and my life. Saying it now, I realize how attached I've become to this project." This personal growth through her craft demonstrates the transformative power of challenging roles.
With a career spanning 22 years since her debut in a 2003 Crown Confectionery commercial, Kim You-jung has successfully navigated the difficult transition from child actor to leading adult performer. Despite her established status in the industry, she maintains a humble perspective on her career trajectory. "There is a long road ahead," she emphasized. "Being an actor means constantly showing and proving yourself. I'm grateful for the positive response, but I want to stay grounded. I'm trying to lower my expectations and approach the next step with a fresh mind."
"Dear X" will conclude with its final episode on December 4, marking the end of what has become a career-defining project for Kim You-jung and a significant success for the streaming platform.
