This review may contain spoilers
A story of compassion behind manipulations
The plot of Dear X follows an actress who will do anything to stay on top and a man who loves her yet tries to bring her down. While the finale focuses on this central conflict, the story leading up to it explores manipulation and compassion.When people fail to show compassion, they often struggle to recognize it in others. For Ah Jin, goodness seemed tied to power and status, which led her to use those around her to maintain her position. Yet she overlooked a crucial truth: the people she exploited genuinely loved her for who she was—Cafe Boss, In Gang, In Gang’s grandmother, CEO Moon Do Hyuk, Jae Oh, and Jun Seo. Her ambition blinded her to their sincerity, causing everything to crumble—even after Jun Seo offered her a chance at redemption.
I also love the title Dear X. To me, the first “X” represents Ah Jin’s mother—the one who shaped her to become a monster that she is. The final “X” is Jun Seo—the person she aspired to be, her other self.
In essence, the “X” in Dear X is Ah Jin herself.
Manipulation is a common theme in K-dramas, often portrayed through strong female leads. But strength does not erase wounds or weaknesses. Baek Ah Jin stood out because of this complexity. Kim Yoo Jung masterfully portrayed her as both manipulative and vulnerable. Despite Ah Jin’s schemes, her pain and loneliness made her a character I sympathized with. Kim Young Dae and Kim Do Hoon complemented her brilliantly. Young Dae’s nuanced acting made Jun Seo’s emotions relatable, while Do Hoon’s calm yet emotionally rich performance captured Jae Oh’s subtle warmth. Together, the “Kim Trio” balanced the drama’s tension with depth and heart.
Among the supporting characters, my favorites were:
Cafe Boss, who showed Ah Jin genuine compassion from the start.
Jae Oh, a healing presence when Ah Jin struggled with herself.
Moon Do Hyuk, a complex figure who felt like a mix of Jae Oh and Jun Seo.
Jun Seo, the mirror of Ah Jin and the one who reflected her potential for love and honesty.
Writing this review shows how much I enjoyed Dear X. Unlike other dramas that focus solely on manipulation or the trope of a “strong female lead,” this series explored a delicate balance of manipulation and compassion. It highlighted how the characters’ emotions shaped Ah Jin’s life and hinted at what could have been if life had been kinder to her.
As for the ending—it is very Ah Jin: bittersweet and open. She loses the men who loved her, yet Moon Do Hyuk remains, waiting patiently, a testament to his genuine care.
It left me with the question "What if life was a bit nice to her?"
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It's mid/ potential skip
So far on episode 5 and it's not catching my attention. It keeps on going with flash backs and is hard to follow. I'm kind of bored to be honest. I see the ratings are low. I don't think it's the acting per se but the story line is no good for me. I am considering skipping it. I have seen many young love shows like the classics: hidden love, When I fly towards you, etc. and this is no where near that level. Decided to drop it.Was this review helpful to you?
worth the hype.
Pretty good. loved Zhou Ye and her playful character. I fell in love with Cheng Lei and his morally grey character. Love that they are always true to themselves till the end, no matter the circumstances. Love their chemistry and the storyline. I also enjoyed the complex characters like the emperor and Chu Zhao, because you don't really know their next move.My only qualm is that they couldn't have made He Yan's school days character any less believable; it's almost ridiculous, but the overall plot saves it. I also wish the 5 buddies of He Yan had more screentime. AND I wish there was a bit more suffering and crying on my end; that'll make a 10/10 drama for sure.
overall worth the hype: 9/10
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plot with no stakes, no real consequences
it was cute and fun but if you’re looking for a serious story and/or a serious romance, this isn’t it. it’s one of those shows you watch in between shows that you’re waiting for.lots of plot twists that didn’t make sense, hard to follow what the actual rules are and what the stakes are, if any. i was so ??? that kang siyeol’s grandma was in ONE episode after the switch and then never again lol weird ass plot device that could’ve had more meaning but whatevs.
the chemistry was there, but i didn’t believe they were all in for each other. when there are rarely any stakes, even dying isn’t that permanent, then it’s hard for me to see strength in their connection. all the actors were great, but the roles they played didn’t have enough depth in their writing or directing.
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Love hidden in a photograph!
I would be lying if I said this drama will offer you a storyline that is out of this world; however, it has its own charm! It may not be a top-tier drama in some aspects but it’s a good watch especially if you don’t set your expectations too high based on similar ones you might have seen. While watching this drama you will be taken through a coming-of-age ride. There’s a touch of high school moments, youth romance, friendships, family affairs, goal-getting moments, and, like anyone’s life, some ups and downs as the various characters navigate their journeys.Overall, despite having some moments of being meh the narrative is enjoyable. You will like this drama if you like high school dramas transitioning to university and life afterwards, neighbours/best friends becoming lovers. I must say one can enjoy this drama better if not compared with those with the same tags. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea but I am sure some will find it a good episode filler because of the lightness it offers! It really has a predictable plot and storyline so be geared for that!
On the bright side, I liked that most issues which seemed problematic weren’t dragged out or exaggerated, be it the 1ML’s family affairs, FL’s career choice, second couples’ relationship problems, or the transition of the first couple from friends to lovers. I also liked that despite the plot being a common one, the directors and screenwriters didn’t sugarcoat things by trying to make it complicated or worst case scenario, trying to make an issue out of a tissue😏. They just let the story flow with the common storyline while allowing its own charm to be unleashed.
The actors and actresses really did their best to bring the characters to life. The main leads seemed really comfortable around each other which made the friends to lovers troupe believable. The second FL carried the coldness like her life depended on it to the point that one would feel like punching her! The second ML character development was well executed. Both main leads’ family members understood their assignments.
The family aspect of the drama was mainly focused on the main leads. Though they were background stories, you can clearly see and tell how they shaped their overall story. The FL having grown up in a loving family shaped how she grew up to be an ever cheerful girl despite the overprotection from the father. The ML, having grown up in a partially dysfunctional family, drew closer to the FL, who was always his shoulder to lean on.
I really liked the friendship circle in the drama. The friendship arc isn’t a major highlight of this drama but it has enough screen time for you to appreciate it. Though they had individual paths to follow they still clicked. Despite distance coming among the friendship group, different life goals, and tastes, they always found their way back to each other! Shan was a brother to the whole group in a very admirable manner! He was always a call away🥹🥰
The romance aspect is also well played. The drama has more than one couple to look forward to! The main leads’ love story is a cute one as they have quite a lot of noteworthy moments during their relationship. You can clearly note that it was a transition from being friends to lovers because once they got into a relationship even the FL questioned how it was different from them being friends besides that they were now kissing 😫🫠but you will eventually get the answer. Anyway, their relationship had its cute and heartwarming moments. A noteworthy thing is how the ML took photography as a way of him communicating his love and feelings for the FL hence the title of my review🤗. I like how the main ML & FL were such bundles of joy around each other! I liked the third and mature couple because it somehow foreshadowed the route the main leads’ relationship was bound to take.
The downside is that there are moments especially during the first episodes where there aren’t smooth transitions between scenes making it seem as if some of them were cut short leaving you feeling like, “ umm okay is that it!? Ohh we're already onto the next scene? Was that scene meant to end just like that!?”
The only side story I didn’t like was that of the second FL part-time job drama. I felt like it got more screen time than it deserved! The second couple really did stress me out here and there mainly because of the lady’s attitude which could have been portrayed in better ways. I also felt like there could have been better ways to deal with the main leads’ long-distance relationship without a breakup! The breakup resulted in the last four episodes being dragged as the main leads took some time to properly sort out their issues and be honest about each other’s feelings. Their push-pull relationship wasn’t really necessary 😫🥺
I would recommend you watch this drama if you are up for a light drama with heartwarming moments despite having a common storyline. Yes! We did get a very cute happy ending!🥰
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Coming of age
Not gonna lie, I watched this drama specifically for Zhao Tingyi, but really liked the underlying theme of the female lead’s journey. She was very sweet but not weak even when she was younger and still a bit naive in a lot of ways. The scene with the pet dog was adorable. Jason and Patty were both really good supporting characters too. Bravo 🤩Was this review helpful to you?
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No revenge, The sweetness turns bland.
I watched this last year since i want to see another Ma Xin Yu works. I have no problem with Ma Shi Yao works but his drama is average for me. After watching this, feels bland to my taste. No chemistry, No sparks and there is plenty of kisses scene and the leads only do the task without looking the emotion. Not really good.This version focuses on the romantic relationship ML and FL with numerous kissing scenes and a decent level of emotional tension. The plot is relatively weak, with many story elements left undeveloped. The revenge plot isn't clear enough; FL's motives are insufficient, and her goals are unclear. Feels in this version FL was too lazy to do anything. Many details are only implied in dialogue and not shown on screen. FL's motivation for revenge isn't foreshadowed early on.
Revenge scenes have been significantly reduced, so you supposed to watch as a sweet drama about the ML pursuing FL but if there is no chemistry it would be too bland.
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Earnest & heartfelt performance won me over
I gravitate towards Chinese vertical dramas since last year and with iQIYI expanding their catalogue, I discovered this title there. I only watched a handful of K verticals and most of them were meh despite handsome leading men. I must say I enjoyed this drama immensely.What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - OMG I loved that FL is an heiress too so she had equal status to ML in terms of social standing. She was down-to-earth & hardworking. I liked that she worked at another company instead of at family business.
2. ML characterisation - Sweet & nice guy. I liked that he was genuinely concerned about FL.
3. Romance - Their first meeting was a meetcute. I liked that they made a deal and then remained respectful of each other. I also liked the progress of their relationship. Their first intimate scene was hot.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant and FL's butler.
5. Acting - Earnest & heartfelt performances. I really liked their chemistry.
6. Plot - Nothing new because I have seen too many C verticals but the plot of this drama was executed well.
What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Stealing credit isn't cool.
Favourite scene
When they realised their feelings for each other
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A predictable but enjoyable romcom
I had mixed feelings going into this one as the reviews were very mixed. I went in expecting not very much and was pleasantly surprised. The FL and ML had good chemistry. The love triangle was short which was great as some of them drag on to the point of being uncomfortable and/or boring.The sister-in-law was brilliantly acted. I also really enjoyed the ML's mother's acting - so funny.
Overall it was a good light watch, reminding me of the other recent show, Dynamite Kiss.
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Cute chemistry but plot needs improvement
I watched Yu Yin and Gan Wang Xing version this year and i quite like their chemistry. The styling was quite pretty and i like Yuyin dress. Both of the leads somehow got their dramas like Schrodinger's cat since most of their drama i watch rarely do magic for me. But if you like simple equal of math theory if negative meets negative it could bring plus do this drama is like that. I enjoy this version even the plot was quite average.Personally this script could be another good girl 2.0 even i feel this one was better than good girl. The good thing this drama has a more complete romance storyline, perhaps focusing mainly on the relationship. ML was attracted to the FL's intelligence before marriage, but after marriage, he pretends to be oblivious while watching her act like a little white rabbit – it's quite sweet to watch.
Recommended to watch if you prefer romance development.
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'The Finicky Maestro Can't Help But Fall for the Feral Pianist, Paris Film no 2
'Nodame Cantabile: The Movie II' concludes the live-action version of Nodame Cantabile. I wanted to really love it, but it fell short of what I had expected.Remember how film 1 sets up this movie? She feels Chiaki is so far away and she needs to rise up.
In film 2, she is going in that direction, but she sabotages herself and thus does not reach her potential.
To be fair, since this centres on Nodame, the comedy and some of the slapstick comedy are back. If that is what you're here for, something that somewhat resembles the TV series, this is for you.
Overall, it's still a good watch, but don't expect this to have the same impact as the ending of the TV series and film 1. Nodame Cantabile presents Chiaki as someone rising, but Nodame has potential, but she may or may not choose to actualise.
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Baby's first costume C-drama
Okay so like most dramas, I would say this show is able to just barely pass on most of the basic criteria.
The costumes were okay, the music was okay, the plot was okay. Everything was JUST FINE for the most part. Truly MID at times.
I really liked the 2nd lead couple out of the three, they were the only ones who I was really invested in. The main leads were too dumb for me and the 3rd couple was boring to watch.
I also liked the action direction, the fights were very well thought out and creative for what the drama had to work with.
The things that bothered me:
This drama employs forced marriage to further the plot and once the main leads do get married, they both get REALLY DUMB. ( like mess up plans that are of NATIONAL importance because of stupid jealousy tropes.)
Bro we get it, you love your wife, put the fries in the bag.
Too many comedic scenes that were unfunny and out of place.
Lack of communication which leads to dumb misunderstandings that are resolved basically immediately. This show will look you in the eye and WASTE YOUR TIME.
The arcs are too long and take forever to resolve.
FL is supposed to be important but they forget about her having a brain until basically the final arc. (it disappears whenever her husband is in the room.)
The plot relies on the villains being incompetent.
Everything is tied up so abruptly, and it's REALLY predictable.
The editing is abysmal, too many cuts and strange decisions. You'll be watching the most serious reveal and the editing looks like a YTP meme. Insane.
It was better than I expected, and I remember having some very deep thoughts about the plot and the characters… but I've forgotten everything now. I think that sums up my feelings on the entire show. It could have been great with some deeper, more creative writing, a bigger budget and a longer runtime.
Good watch to fill time, but don't expect a diamond in the rough.
This show watches like it was made for babies, it's not offensive though.
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Disappointing
I normally dont write reviews, but this had such high ratings I had to add a review. This series started out okay and I had high hopes for it, but was very let down. I thought we were going to get another series like Manner of Death, as in a crime drama that just happened to have gay characters, but plot focused. This was not what we got! The focus was very much JoongDunk as a couple and some crazy plot that was not developed well and got more and more lost as the episodes went on. The acting was also more and more mediocre as the espisodes went on from the actors across the board. I also saw this after watching High School Frenemy which did a great job focusing more on the plot, but still developing the character relationships. I was expecting even better from these more experienced actors.Unfortunately, I think most people got stuck on the fact that it was their favorite couples and seemingly ignored everything else that is needed in a good production.
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My heart is full
This is a pure, wholesome, melt your heart kind of love. It's rare for me to give a 10/10. But the feels I had with this one are exactly what I'm always searching for. This is one that I wish I could re-watch for the 1st time over and over again. Their romance will live rent free in my heart.I love that there is no messy break up or awful miscommunications. This is a pure fluffy first love romance.
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Very bad plot and unmatched acting skills
I really wanted to love this, especially as a fan of Kim Hye-yoon’s incredible work in Lovely Runner.However, the characterization and plot development here fell short.
While Kim Hye-yoon is a powerhouse, her 'Gen Z gumiho' was written with an annoying edge that her naturally dramatic acting style only amplified, making the character hard to root for.
This was made worse by the total lack of balance with Lomon. He was far too passive; compared to her high energy, he felt devoid of personality and emotional range. Most importantly, he lacked that signature K-drama 'ML gaze'—his eyes never truly sold the idea that he was in love with her.
The two felt like completely different colors that just didn't mix. WIth a strong ML 's acting, the story might be worth watching.
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