HBO Max is strengthening its Korean drama lineup with the global release of Dear X, a new 12-episode series adapted from the acclaimed Naver Webtoon. The project, produced by TVING, drew early attention after being featured at the 2025 Busan International Film Festival and is slated to begin streaming on 6 November.
Starring Kim Yoo Jung and Kim Young Dae, Dear X explores the darker side of fame and the long-lasting consequences of public scandal. The story follows Baek Ah Jin, a former top actress whose rise to stardom is cut short after a controversy turns her from beloved figure to tabloid target. Forced into silence and seclusion, Ah Jin disappears from the industry just as quickly as she rose to prominence.
The drama reignites when Ah Jin returns years later under a new identity, hoping to quietly rebuild her life. But her plans unravel when she encounters Joon Seo, a prosecutor whose own future was derailed by the same incident. His discovery of her secret sets the stage for a tense, reluctant partnership as they begin to unravel the truth behind their shared downfall.
Industry watchers note that Dear X stands out for its layered portrayal of celebrity culture, addressing issues such as online harassment, media sensationalism, and the fragility of public opinion. The series balances these themes with psychological tension and a slow-burn emotional arc between its lead characters, offering viewers both suspense and intimacy.
Production staff have highlighted the show’s cinematic approach, noting its muted palette, sharp urban visuals, and narrative pacing reminiscent of prestige drama formats. These elements reflect HBO Max’s strategy of courting international audiences through high-quality Asian originals, a market where demand continues to grow.
Kim Yoo Jung’s performance as Ah Jin has been singled out as one of the drama’s most anticipated elements, marking a shift toward more mature, psychologically complex roles. Meanwhile, Kim Young Dae’s turn as a morally driven prosecutor adds a counterweight to the story’s emotionally charged core, creating a dynamic that pushes the narrative beyond typical romance-thriller conventions.
With rising global interest in K-dramas and webtoon-based adaptations, Dear X arrives at a pivotal moment for the platform. HBO Max has been expanding its Asian catalog, betting on titles with strong fan bases and crossover appeal. The inclusion of a project showcased at Busan further underscores the streamer’s investment in high-profile Korean content.
Dear X will be available exclusively on HBO Max beginning 6 November, with new episodes released weekly.