Through TVING's original series "Dear X," Kim Yoo-jung has made her return to the small screen with an extraordinary transformation, plunging into the role of a villain for the first time in 11 years since the movie "Elegant Lies" in 2014.

The drama is a story about Baek Ah-jin, an actress at the pinnacle of Korean acting, who disguises her cruel real nature under a beautiful mask as she rises to the top, destroying everything in her wake.

It's described as a "destruction melo-suspense" that follows Baek Ah-jin's downfall and the twisted relationships surrounding her, including Yoon Jun-seo, played by Kim Young-dae, who chooses his own form of hell in order to protect her. Long before the series started airing, his casting alone drew attention.

Reflecting on the early response, Kim shared her thoughts about the reception to the teaser and series. "When the teaser was released, we didn't expect the positive response. More people than we expected watched the trailer, and the response was positive. We were a bit worried, but we hoped the original would receive the same response. After the release, we received so many positive comments and fans loved it, which was incredibly gratifying," she said.

In an interview with MK Sports, Kim said Baek Ah-jin is the kind of character that would make any actor feel their challenge and irresistible. About the preparation for the role, she mentioned, "I was very worried because Ah-jin was so strong in the original. I was worried about how to express her and how the audience would perceive a character with such evil as the main character. I discussed this a lot with the director early on to effectively portray that precarious line."

Kim also clarified that Baek Ah-jin was not supposed to be the character for whom viewers should root. She explained her approach, saying, "When I looked at the character of Ah-jin, even though I was playing her, I didn't want to root for her. I think I approached the piece while asking myself, 'Can I root for this child? Can I throw stones at this child?'"

According to the report from Naver, Kim saw the drama as greater documentation of empathy and growth. She explained that Baek Ah-jin's story was not about capturing the isolated moments of her life: "It's not just about showing a fragmented period of A-jin's life... I thought it was important to show her growth as well."

The series has also been praised for its intensive chemistry amongst Kim Yoo-jung, Kim Young-dae, and Kim Do-hoon. Kim mentioned that the atmosphere on set was comfortable and family-like, adding that her co-stars' sincerity helped offset Baek Ah-jin's inherently isolating nature.

Now marking 22 years since her debut, Kim said the journey feels meaningful. She reflected, "Sometimes, fans and family members tell me that I did well, am doing well, and will do well... hearing those words gives me strength, and I look back and try to go forward with those feelings."