Kim Ji-hoon Captivates with 'Dear. X' Role, Delivering a Powerful and Resonant Performance
Actor Kim Ji-hoon has enchanted viewers with his portrayal of Choi Jeong-ho, a former professional baseball player turned cafe owner, in the TVING original series ‘Dear. X’. His nuanced and deeply emotional performance has brought significant depth to the character's narrative.
In the episodes released up to the fourth installment on the 6th, Kim Ji-hoon skillfully depicted Choi Jeong-ho, a key figure who becomes an accomplice to the protagonist Baek Ah-jin (played by Kim Yoo-jung) and experiences profound life changes through their relationship. Choi Jeong-ho is characterized by his strong sense of justice, unable to overlook wrongdoing or ignore those in need. Even after his baseball career was cut short due to an injury from a teammate's dangerous play, he harbored no resentment, instead offering genuine support, showcasing his inherently good nature.
However, just as he was on the verge of a comeback with a new opportunity, his life took a dramatic turn when he became entangled in a scheme by Baek Ah-jin, whom he had hired as a part-time employee. Kim Ji-hoon's commanding presence, established from his first appearance with captivating gaze, immediately drew viewers in. A particularly striking scene in the second episode's ending, where his eyes meet Baek Ah-jin's while chasing a pickpocket, hinted at an unpredictable storyline through the stark contrast in their gazes.
Throughout the series, Kim Ji-hoon adeptly conveyed Choi Jeong-ho's complex inner world, balancing genuine human warmth with a cautious wariness towards malicious individuals, thereby heightening viewer engagement. He meticulously portrayed the character's emotional turmoil, shifting from the despair of unexpected misfortune to the confusion and betrayal felt towards someone he trusted. In a scene during a police investigation, his anguished reflection, "It feels like something orchestrated by someone," vividly captured his dawning realization and denial of being trapped in Baek Ah-jin's ploy, pushing the drama's immersion to its peak.
The cliffhanger ending of the fourth episode, masterfully executed by Kim Ji-hoon, amplified anticipation for future developments. His depiction of Choi Jeong-ho, imprisoned and gazing at Baek Ah-jin, now a famous actress on television, left a profound and lingering impression, conveying a complex mix of betrayal, emptiness, and bitterness with quiet intensity. Kim Ji-hoon succeeded in bringing the character's story to life through his seasoned acting, presenting him not merely as a victim but as a relatable human figure, whose struggle to maintain sincerity amidst turmoil resonated deeply with the audience.
Following the episode release, Korean netizens flooded online communities and social media with reactions such as, 'I was so immersed, I felt like Choi Jeong-ho was the main character,' 'It's a feast of acting. I felt drained after watching,' and 'Kim Ji-hoon's presence from the start was so impactful, and his visuals are top-notch.'