'Dear X' showcased Kim Do-hoon's standout performance that drove the flow of the drama.
The TVING original 'Dear X' — which recorded high buzz the moment it was released (directed by Lee Eung-bok and Park So-hyun, written by Choi Ja-won and Ban Ji-woon, planned by Studio Dragon, produced by Monster Union and Siwoo Company, presented by TVING, original work Naver Webtoon 'Dear X' [author Ban Ji-woon]) — tells the story of Baek A-jin (played by Kim Yoo-jung), who wears a mask to escape a hellish reality, and the Xs who are trampled by her. As A-jin's meticulous plan to climb to the top as an actor raises tension, Kim Do-hoon added to the show's momentum with his fluid acting and drew attention.
Kim Do-hoon played Kim Jae-o, who, after finding a reason to live in A-jin, helps her. Kim Jae-o, whose connection to A-jin was severed after he was imprisoned on charges of killing his father, had no choice but to watch her from afar even after his release. But a chance encounter brought him back into A-jin's world, opening a new chapter as her blind supporter.
Reuniting with A-jin, Jae-o stayed by her as if returning to his childhood and moved only for her. He erased traces of the past that held A-jin back and directly handled the things she needed to reach higher. Yet his attitude of carrying out her requests without question showed Jae-o's consistent stance.
His fearless willingness to act can sometimes appear reckless, but combined with a crafty ability to avoid suspicion under a meticulous plan, it completed a balance of tension and ease. Through such control of tempo, Kim Do-hoon enhanced Jae-o's vitality and, every time he appeared, shifted the mood of scenes to deepen immersion in the drama.
Jae-o's straight-ahead approach also heightened the drama's tension. His devoted gaze that listened only to A-jin and looked only at her eyes made the character of Jae-o clearer, and A-jin — who shows a relaxed expression and a natural smile only in front of him — added a subtle warmth to their relationship. The ambiguous chemistry the two portray accentuated the allure of a ruinous romance.
As Kim Jae-o's deepening feelings intersect with A-jin's plan, interest is focused on what changes will follow and what ripples will be caused as he becomes entwined with various characters. Kim Do-hoon's three-dimensional acting adds vitality to the drama and raises expectations for future developments.
The TVING original 'Dear X' is released on TVING every Thursday.
[Photo] TVING original 'Dear X'
[OSEN]