The new Korean drama Dear X has delivered one of the most devastating character deaths of the year, leaving its audience deeply shaken. The tragic suicide of the character In-gang, played by Kim Young-dae, following a cruel breakup with the manipulative protagonist Baek Ah-jin, has become a major talking point on social media, with many fans calling it the most heartbreaking moment they’ve seen on television.
A Descent Into Despair
In-gang’s tragic end unfolds after a series of emotionally crushing events. His grandmother, the only family member who genuinely cared for him, dies suddenly after a fall. While the incident was an accident, In-gang is already shattered by grief when Ah-jin chooses this moment to reveal her true nature. She coldly confesses that their entire relationship was a calculated scheme to advance her career, mocking his vulnerability and dismissing his dreams of a life together. This final betrayal proves too much for In-gang to bear. He is later found deceased in his home, with the story confirming his death was a suicide. The sequence has been praised for its brutal emotional realism, showing how relentless emotional manipulation can have fatal consequences.
Fan Reactions to a Tragic Storyline
Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), have been flooded with reactions from viewers struggling to process the character’s fate. The raw responses highlight how deeply the storyline has resonated.
One viewer expressed the collective shock, tweeting, “In-gang didn’t deserve the way she broke up with him.” They also pointed out the strategic mistake Ah-jin made by creating a powerful enemy in CEO Seo, who loved In-kang like a younger brother.
The portrayal of the breakup itself was singled out for its cruelty. Another fan commented on the sheer malice of Ah-jin’s actions, noting it was “pretty evil how she did it.” The emotional impact of the scenes was amplified by the performances, with one viewer noting, “Young Dae acting great in this scene and Yoo Jung incredible scary.”
The Making of a Tragedy
Dear X, a dark psychological thriller based on a webtoon, stars Kim Yoo-jung as Baek Ah-jin, a famous actress who uses her intelligence and charm to manipulate everyone around her. The drama explores her rise in the entertainment industry and the trail of destruction she leaves behind. Kim Young-dae plays Yoon Jun-seo, Ah-jin’s childhood friend who is trapped in a toxic cycle of love and guilt, unable to break free from her influence.
In-gang’s character, played by a supporting actor, becomes one of Ah-jin’s primary targets. She fabricates a perfect girlfriend persona to win over him and his influential grandmother, solely to elevate her own social status. The grandmother’s genuine affection for Ah-jin makes the eventual betrayal even more painful for In-gang. After losing his grandmother and then discovering the woman he loved never existed, the character is left with nothing, leading to the tragic conclusion. The drama does not shy away from showing how Ah-jin’s actions directly contribute to his downward spiral.
A Deeper Look at the Manipulation
While In-gang’s death is a direct result of Ah-jin’s manipulation, the drama also delves into the more insidious damage she inflicts on Jun-seo. Their long-standing relationship is presented as emotionally abusive. Ah-jin actively weaponizes his past trauma and insecurities to control him, creating a cycle of guilt that makes him feel responsible for her actions. After In-gang’s death, Jun-seo finally begins to see the full extent of her harm, creating a significant rift between them.
The aftermath of the tragedy sets the stage for new conflicts. CEO Seo, who was like a sister to In-gang, is now determined to use her knowledge of Ah-jin’s past to bring her down. Simultaneously, a mysterious new character is introduced—a man who has been stalking Ah-jin, suggesting that her past schemes are beginning to catch up with her in more ways than one.
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