'Dear. X' Ignites Busan International Film Festival with Star-Studded Premiere

TVING's original series 'Dear. X' has successfully concluded its official schedule at the 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), garnering significant attention and positive responses.

Invited to the 'On Screen' section of the festival, which ran from October 17th to 19th, the series met with audiences through various events, starting with the opening ceremony red carpet, followed by screenings with director-to-audience (GV) sessions and outdoor stage greetings.

The red carpet event on October 17th at the outdoor theater of the Busan Cinema Center saw the attendance of main cast members including Kim Yoo-jung, Kim Young-dae, Kim Do-hoon, and Lee Yeol-eum. The actors reciprocated the enthusiastic cheers and flashes from the audience with bright smiles and waves, further heating up the atmosphere.

The following day, October 18th, the first two episodes of the 12-part series were screened for the first time at Lotte Cinema Centum City, accompanied by a GV session. Studio Dragon's Kim Yun-hee CP and the cast were present, where Kim highlighted the drama's appeal, stating, "You'll witness the actors' incredible performances, and you'll feel a perverse thrill, unable to either root for or hate the character 'Baek Ah-jin.'"

Kim Yoo-jung, who portrays 'Baek Ah-jin' with a radical transformation, expressed her affection for the project: "I felt a great charm not just because it's different from my previous roles, but due to the entire narrative. Witnessing the story of extreme emotions and tangled complex relationships felt like looking in a mirror, and I hoped to convey a silent message through this work."

Kim Young-dae, taking on the role of 'Yoon Jun-seo,' shared his thoughts: "It was an honor to meet the audience first at BIFF before the official release. 'Dear. X' is a drama you can't help but get immersed in. I sincerely ask for your interest and love."

Kim Do-hoon, who plays 'Kim Jae-oh,' revealed the effort behind his performance: "The character 'Kim Jae-oh' felt the most challenging among those I've played. I pondered how to portray a character who moves forward relentlessly, and it was a very rewarding, albeit difficult, experience."

Lee Yeol-eum, whose character 'Lena' appears later in the series, conveyed her sincere wish: "I am truly happy to greet you through 'Dear. X.' Just as I cried and laughed with 'Baek Ah-jin's' story, I hope many people will empathize and love it."

On the final day, October 19th, a second GV screening was held, followed by an outdoor stage greeting at the Busan Cinema Center, allowing for interaction with even more audience members. Actor Kim Yi-kyung, who plays 'Shim Sung-hee,' joined the stage greeting, teasing her role: "Unlike the original webtoon, you'll meet a more fleshed-out character, who conflicts with 'Baek Ah-jin' and initiates the story during their high school days."

'Dear. X' is a destructive melodrama suspense that depicts the downfall of top actress Baek Ah-jin, who hides her cruel nature behind a beautiful facade, and the desperate love of Yoon Jun-seo, who chooses hell to protect her. Following its premiere at the 30th BIFF, the series has received praise for its artistic direction, captivating visuals, intense subject matter, compelling story, and the actors' bold transformations. The drama is set to be released on TVING on November 6th.

Kim Yoo-jung began her career as a child actress and has maintained a consistent presence in the entertainment industry since her debut in 2003. She has gained widespread popularity for showcasing a broad acting spectrum across various genres. In 'Dear. X,' she is expected to deliver a groundbreaking performance with a character distinct from her previous roles.