The intense psychological thriller Dear X is captivating audiences around the world. The story follows Baek Ah-jin, a top actress played by Kim Yoo-jung, who hides a dark and manipulative personality behind her beautiful public image. While the plot and performances are major draws, the showโs filming locations across Seoul and Gyeonggi Province play a vital role in building its mood. These real-world places create the perfect backdrop for Ah-jinโs dual life, shifting from sleek urban offices to quiet, reflective spaces. For fans wanting to walk in the characters’ footsteps, many of these locations are open to the public.
Urban Streets and the Entertainment Industry
Much of Dear X unfolds in the modern, fast-paced environment of Seoul, reflecting the competitive world of entertainment where Ah-jin fights for success.
A key urban backdrop is World Cup-ro in Hapjeong-dong, Mapo-gu. This street in Seoul captures a metropolitan vibe that fits Ah-jin’s complicated life. The area is known for its trendy cafรฉs and indie art scene. Nearby, World Cup-ro-5-gil offers a quieter contrast, with its mix of modern buildings and hidden cafes often used for the drama’s emotionally charged moments.
To film scenes inside the ruthless entertainment industry, the production used the Ilsan Marshal Building in Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang. This office complex doubles as the drama’s entertainment company headquarters. Its modern and sleek design mirrors the high-pressure, competitive atmosphere portrayed in the show. Another brief but notable urban spot is the Ilsanseo-gu Health Centre Intersection in Goyang, which appears in fast-paced chase scenes and flashbacks.
Quiet Spaces for Emotional Reflection
Not every scene in Dear X is set in urban chaos. The drama uses several serene locations to highlight characters’ personal struggles and moments of introspection.
Bundang Memorial Park in Yatap-dong, Seongnam provides a peaceful setting for emotional flashbacks and reflective moments. The park’s quiet landscape offers a break from the show’s heavier storylines and is open to visitors.
For more personal character scenes, the production chose Dowonjang, a traditional Korean restaurant in Eungam-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul. This spot, known for its homely meals and classic decor, gives viewers a taste of authentic Seoul culture while advancing the plot. Pyeongan Church in Sunhwa-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul also serves as a solemn backdrop for dramatic sequences where Ah-jin confronts her traumatic past.
Studios and Controlled Sets
Many of the drama’s most intense indoor scenes were filmed within professional studio spaces, allowing for greater control over the psychological atmosphere.
Hospital scenes were filmed at Urban Works Studio in Deokyang-gu, Goyang, a facility commonly used by Korean dramas for medical sets. This studio is not open to the public. For the show’s darker psychological moments, the team used Nogosan Studio in Nogosan-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. This well-known filming location is often used for thrillers and music videos.
Even the most ordinary locations can become memorable. A GS25 convenience store in Ilsandong-gu, Goyang appears in a brief but crucial scene, showing how everyday life can be woven into compelling storytelling.
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A Global Hit with Local Roots
Dear X began streaming on November 6, 2025, on TVING in South Korea and on HBO Max in many international regions. The show quickly became a global success, ranking first on HBO Max’s TV show chart in multiple countries and performing well on other international platforms.
In a recent interview, star Kim Yoo-jung discussed the challenge of playing such a complex role. She aimed to keep viewers feeling conflicted about her character.
โFrom the beginning, I actually hoped that viewers would end up feeling deeply conflicted and even confused later on โ in a good way,โ Kim said. She noted that the emotional demands of the role were so intense that she experienced lapses in short-term memory during filming.
The final two episodes of the 12-part series are set for release on December 4, 2025.
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