Kim Yoo Jung and Kim Young Dae’s much-anticipated K-drama Dear X is finally arriving on OTT this November. Here’s a complete guide to the release date, streaming platforms, cast lineup, plot expectations, and why this dark romantic thriller is one of the most awaited Korean dramas of 2025. The upcoming Korean drama Dear X is generating buzz as one of the most anticipated OTT releases this November. Starring Kim Yoo‑jung and Kim Young Dae, the series promises dark intrigue, intense romance and dramatic twists. Here’s everything you need to know — from when and where to watch, to what you can expect, and the full cast lineup.
Release Date & Streaming Platforms
- Dear X is set to premiere on 6 November 2025, with its first 4 episodes dropping on that date.
- The primary platform is South Korea’s streaming service TVING at 18:00 KST.
- For international viewers, streaming will be available on platforms including Viki, and select regions on HBO Max (18:30 KST, 6 Nov) and others.
- It consists of 12 episodes, with a staggered schedule (first 4 episodes on launch day, then 2 per week) across about 5 weeks.
- The show also received a sneak preview screening with 2 episodes at the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) before the full launch.
So mark 6 November on your calendar if you’re ready for something gripping.
What to Expect: Story & Tone
Dear X is adapted from the popular webtoon of the same name by Vanzium. The tone mixes melodrama and thriller elements, exploring power, identity, deception and obsession.
Plot in brief:
- The central character is Baek Ah‑jin (played by Kim Yoo-jung) — once scarred by her past, she reinvents herself to become a top actress. But beneath the glitz lies a ruthless survivor, masked in charm.
- Then there is Yoon Joon‑seo (Kim Young Dae) — her childhood friend, protector turned someone whose devotion might lead him into darkness as her life spirals.
- As Ah-jin climbs, leaving “X’s” (those she’s betrayed or used) in her wake, the story explores her downfall and the fallout from her ambition.
Expect electric performances, emotional complexity and a character study rather than just a light romance. The show’s creators include acclaimed names like directors Lee Eung‑bok and Park So‑hyun, and writer Choi Ja‑won, adding heft to the anticipation.
Cast Lineup
Here’s a breakdown of the major cast members:
- Kim Yoo-jung as Baek Ah-jin: A star with a double life — glamorous on the surface, calculating beneath.
- Kim Young Dae as Yoon Joon-seo: The man who’s always been by Ah-jin’s side, but whose love may cost him everything.
- Kim Do-hoon: Takes on a key role (as Kim Jae-oh) — a man shaped by pain, drawn into Ah-jin’s orbit.
- Lee Yul-eum: Cast in the series as well, playing a rival or supporting character that ties into the web of relationships.
- Supporting cast includes Kim Yi‑kyung, Bae Soo‑bin, Kim Yoo‑mi, Kim Ji‑young and special appearances from Hwang In‑yeop and Kim Ji‑hoon.
The ensemble promises depth — not just glamour. The character dynamics seem primed for tension, betrayal, loyalty and power plays.
Why It’s Worth Watching
- Star power: Kim Yoo-jung and Kim Young Dae are both popular actors; this is their first major on-screen collaboration in this kind of complex thriller‐melodrama.
- Originality: Though based on a webtoon, the subject — a top celebrity’s hidden darkness and the cost of ambition — is not your usual light romance. The thriller element adds edge.
- Production quality: With big-name creators behind it (Lee Eung-bok, Park So-hyun) and a mature, dark tone, the show is built for premium streaming audiences.
- Global accessibility: Since it’s available internationally via Viki and other platforms, fans outside Korea can watch it soon after premiere.
- Buzz and anticipation: The early poster, trailer and festival preview have set the tone for something quite bold.
Things to Keep in Mind / What to Watch For
- Tone: It’s going to lean dark — don’t expect a straightforward feel-good romance.
- Character complexity: The lead characters are morally ambiguous; viewers may need to engage actively with the narrative.
- Release timing: While the first 4 episodes drop together, you’ll need to wait for the rest — patience is needed for the full 12-episode arc.
- Platform availability: Check whether Viki (or your local streaming service) supports your region and subtitle/language options.
- Fan expectations: Because it’s adapted from a popular webtoon, some fans may compare it heavily to the source material — so it might be interesting to see how faithfully it adapts and where it diverges.
Final Take
If you’re on the lookout for a K-drama that blends glitz with grit, ambition with betrayal, Dear X looks set to deliver. With its combination of strong cast, high production values, and a story that promises to dig into the darker side of stardom, it stands out among the November 2025 releases. So whether you’re already a fan of Kim Yoo-jung or just curious about a thriller-melodrama that isn’t afraid to explore shades of grey — this one’s worth putting on your “to-watch” list.
