The arrival of actor Hwang In-youp in the TVING psychological thriller Dear X has become the biggest talking point of the show’s latest episodes. His character’s entrance and immediate, sharp chemistry with Kim Yoo-jung have captivated viewers, leading to a wave of online demand for the two stars to lead their own full-length series.
A Shift in the Story
Dear X, which is based on a popular webtoon, follows the story of Baek Ah-jin, a top actress played by Kim Yoo-jung who hides a manipulative and ruthless personality beneath her charming public image. The drama released its fifth and sixth episodes in mid-November 2025, introducing Hwang In-youp as Heo In-gang, a former idol who has become one of the industry’s most in-demand actors. His character carries a sense of emptiness beneath his successful exterior. While initially just professional colleagues at the same agency, the dynamic between In-gang and Ah-jin quickly evolved, becoming a central focus of the narrative and culminating in a kiss that sets the stage for the drama’s next phase.
Fans React to the Spark
Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) erupted with praise for the pair’s magnetic on-screen presence. Fans are overwhelmingly asking producers to cast Kim Yoo-jung and Hwang In-youp in a new project together, believing their chemistry deserves more screen time.
One user passionately declared, “NOW CAST THEM AGAIN IN A LONG 16 EPS K-DRAMA,” a sentiment that was echoed by many others. Another fan commented on the quality of their connection, stating, “Honestly this level of chemistry deserves a 16-episodes romance drama of its own coz crumbs arent enough we want a whole MEAL.” The demand for a romantic comedy starring the two is high across the platform, with one fan noting, “THE CHEMISTRY BETWEEN INYEOP AND YOOJUNG IS ABSOLUTELY INSANE, IT’S AT ITS PEAK! THEY TRULY DESERVE A 16-EPISODE ROM-COM.”
“GIMME THEN IN A FULL FLEDGED DRAMA NO MATTER WHAT!! LIKE WTF IS THIS CHEMISTRY,” one fan tweeted, capturing the general excitement.
The public’s reaction highlights a strong desire to see the partnership extend beyond a cameo, with fans suggesting everything from a romance drama to an angst-filled series to fully utilize their acting range.
Kim Yoo-jung’s Noteworthy Transformation
The buzz around the new pairing comes amid widespread acclaim for Kim Yoo-jung’s performance in Dear X. The role marks a significant departure from her previous “Nation’s Little Sister” image, showcasing her range as she plays a complex and morally grey character. At the drama’s press conference, Kim explained her approach to the character of Baek Ah-jin. She shared that she aimed to create tension even in stillness, focusing on a subtle, eerie unease rather than overt displays of emotion. Critics and audiences alike are calling her performance career-defining, with the series earning an 8.7 rating on IMDb.
What to Expect Next
With the story now at its midpoint, the upcoming episodes seven and eight of Dear X are scheduled for release on November 20, 2025. The plot is expected to explore the aftermath of the new relationship between Ah-jin and In-gang. Tensions are predicted to rise as Re Na, In-gang’s ex-girlfriend, reacts to the development. The storyline will also follow Jun-seo, Ah-jin’s childhood friend, as he potentially realizes the extent of her manipulation. The series continues to air on TVING in South Korea and is available internationally on platforms like Viki and HBO Max in select regions.
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