The final episode of Dear X has left viewers worldwide with strong feelings. The series, starring Kim Yoo-jung as the ambitious actress Baek Ah-jin, wrapped up its 12-episode run with a shocking and open-ended conclusion that has dominated online discussions. While the finale sparked debate among fans, the drama’s global success is undeniable, having reached the number one spot on streaming charts in over 108 countries.
The story follows Ah-jin’s ruthless climb to fame and the personal ruin she leaves behind. The ending sees her surviving a deadly car crash orchestrated by her stepsibling Jun-seo, only to walk away from the wreckage alone. This bold conclusion has divided audiences, with some fans calling it a perfect fit for the dark story, while others wanted more closure or a different ending based on the original webtoon.
How Dear X Built a Global Audience
Even before its controversial ending, Dear X was a massive international hit. The series, which premiered on November 6, 2025, quickly became one of the most-watched Korean dramas online. It consistently ranked number one in the United States on the platform Rakuten Viki and performed strongly in countries like Japan, Brazil, Mexico, France, and India.
The drama’s appeal lies in its intense, character-driven story. Directed by Lee Eung-bok, known for hits like Goblin and Sweet Home, the show presents a gripping portrait of a complex anti-heroine. Kim Yoo-jung’s performance as the manipulative Ah-jin has been widely praised for its depth, keeping audiences captivated even as her character makes increasingly cruel choices.
Breaking Down the Finale’s Major Twists
The last episode delivered several major plot turns that defined the ending and fueled fan reactions.
Jae-oh’s Sacrifice and the Exposé
Ah-jin’s longtime friend, Kim Jae-oh, plays a key role in her final downfall. Knowing that Ah-jin’s powerful and dangerous husband, Moon Do-hyeok, is a threat, Jae-oh sets a plan in motion. He allows himself to be caught and killed by Do-hyeok’s men, but not before secretly recording their confession that the murder was ordered by Do-hyeok himself. This recording becomes crucial evidence.
Armed with this proof, Ah-jin’s stepsibling and only consistent ally, Yoon Jun-seo, makes a painful decision. He works with a TV producer to release a documentary exposing all of Ah-jin’s manipulative schemes and their connections to several deaths. This exposé airs at the worst possible moment for Ah-jin—live on national television as she wins the Blue Dragon Award for Best Actress. Her reputation and career publicly implode within minutes.
The Final Confrontation and Crash
Devastated and with nowhere to go, Ah-jin finds Jun-seo. He drives them away from the city, confesses his love for her, and then deliberately steers their car off a cliff. News reports later state that Jun-seo died on impact and that Ah-jin is missing, presumed dead.
However, the final scene reveals a chilling twist. Ah-jin survived the crash. In a last act of cold detachment, she frees herself from the wrecked car, glances back at the dying Jun-seo, and walks away into the night. The series ends with her fate unknown, leaving her completely alone after a life spent using everyone around her.
Fan Reactions: Praise, Frustration, and Debate
Social media erupted with mixed reactions immediately after the finale. The divisive nature of the ending is clear from the passionate responses.
Many viewers who enjoyed the ending felt it was the only fitting conclusion for Ah-jin’s character. They argued that a traditional “happy ending” or clear punishment would have betrayed the show’s dark themes.
“It was a satisfying ending for me… A psychological thriller drama where the main character is a sociopath,” wrote one fan on X.
Another supporter noted the artistic symmetry, stating, “The opening of Episode 1 and the ending of Episode 12 mirror each other perfectly… She is in an endless loop. This is her punishment”.
Other fans expressed deep frustration, particularly those familiar with the original webtoon. The drama’s ending differs significantly from the source material, which provided more concrete, though also grim, closure for Ah-jin’s story. This change left some viewers feeling the story was incomplete.
“I just finished dear x and i feel like SCREAMING why did you leave the open ending and not the one from the webtoon,” posted one disappointed fan.
Another simply called it the “worst stupid ending of all time”.
Dear X’s Ending vs. The Original Webtoon
A major point of discussion is how the TV drama chose to conclude Ah-jin’s story differently from the webtoon it’s based on. In the original story, Ah-jin’s path involves pregnancy, facial disfigurement, and a different form of quiet revenge against Jun-seo.
The drama’s writers and director, Lee Eung-bok, created a new final act for the live-action adaptation. Lee explained that the team wanted to explore the core question of the series: “Why do we fall in love with someone who is bad for us?”. The drama’s ending focuses more on the tragic, repetitive cycle of Ah-jin’s behavior and the emotional cost to those who loved her, rather than the more plot-heavy conclusion of the webtoon.
The Future of Dear X and Season 2 Potential
The open-ended finale has naturally led to questions about a potential second season. The show leaves several threads unresolved, such as the legal fate of the villainous Moon Do-hyeok and the world’s belief that Baek Ah-jin is dead. The final shot of Ah-jin walking away alone suggests she could begin her climb to the top all over again.
As of now, there is no official confirmation from TVING or the production team about Dear X Season 2. The decision will likely depend on the continued global popularity of the show and the creative direction the writers would take. Whether the story continues or not, the finale has cemented Dear X as one of the most talked-about K-dramas of the year.
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