Actor Kim Do-hoon shared deep reflections as the TVING original Dear X concluded its run.
Dear X, which ended its run after releasing its final episode on the 4th, drew intense attention throughout its broadcast, and Kim Do-hoon, who played the role of Kim Jae-o in the drama, demonstrated his presence with steady acting and convincing expression.
From his first appearance, Kim Do-hoon captured viewers' attention. From the pure, devoted emotional line toward Baek A-jin (Kim Yoo-jung), who helped him realize the meaning of life, to the moment he throws himself to cut ties with Moon Do-hyuk (Hong Jong-hyun), he convincingly led the emotional through-line that runs through the entire drama, completing the character's three-dimensionality. In particular, the character's free and uninhibited energy revealed another charm of Kim Do-hoon and drew strong responses from viewers.
From his school days when he was on the brink to protect his younger sibling, to the emotional changes revealed through relationships with various characters later, Kim Do-hoon built the narrative with meticulous detail. Moving between action, romance and emotional scenes, he naturally guided the flow of the story each time he appeared, proving his acting ability with a wide emotional spectrum and sensuous expressiveness, earning praise from viewers.
Kim Do-hoon said, "I had many worries and expectations about how people would receive the work I prepared so diligently, but once the broadcast started, time passed so quickly that I felt regret. As it was a challenge for me, it was a work from which I learned and gained much. Above all, I am most grateful to the viewers who immersed themselves and watched together," offering his final thoughts and farewell.
Below are Kim Do-hoon's questions and answers.
Q. How do you feel about finishing Dear X?
From the first script reading to filming and the final broadcast, it took quite a long time. Because of that, I was able to make many memories and episodes with the cast and crew. I was both worried and excited about how the work would be received, but once the broadcast started, time went by so quickly that I felt regret. As it was a challenging work for me, I started after long consideration, and I learned and gained a lot, so I developed greater affection for it.
Q. You received praise that this is your role of a lifetime. What did you focus on when acting?
I prepared a lot of visually noticeable elements like hairstyle, gait, speech and facial expressions. But the core image of Kim Jae-o that encompasses all those elements, I wanted to portray as a free and pure individual. Since many characters in the drama are in tense moments, I thought there needed to be at least one character who shows free-spirited and comfortable energy. Early in the story, Jae-o, who broke his shackles, was the character who could most naturally show that side, so I focused on unadorned freedom in my performance.
Q. Reactions to Dear X and the character Kim Jae-o were intense. Did you feel it?
I particularly felt it through the reactions of people around me. I was really surprised when a friend who normally hardly watches dramas or movies told me they were enjoying Dear X. Also, on social media, even small pieces of information spark heated debates, and I could feel the reactions by seeing comments from viewers and fans who deeply empathized with the characters' emotions and situations.
Q. Which scene is most memorable?
The most memorable scene is when Jae-o fights physically with his father to protect his younger sibling. It was a very important shoot for me because it was a major turning point in Jae-o's life. Running uphill in hot weather was not easy, and the hand-to-hand combat in a cramped, shabby space was tough. Nevertheless, thanks to the staff who helped me immerse myself in the narrow set, I was able to do well, and because my body and mind were exhausted, it became a scene I remember for a long time.
Q. Is there an emotion you hope viewers feel while watching this work, or a message you want to convey?
I think Dear X is a work in which all the characters move because of the emotion called "love," and they also yearn for that love. I believe that if the Jae-o I played had received enough love in his childhood, he would be very different now. A-jin, Jun-seo, Rena and In-gang each want love and are hurt in their own ways. Therefore, I think the love in this work shows many faces that are hopeful and at the same time painful. Like the question many people ask at least once, "what is love?", if viewers reconsider the emotion and value of love after watching the drama, I think the story the work wants to convey will be felt more deeply.
Q. Any final words to the viewers?
Thank you for becoming overly immersed in Jae-o, for engaging with the actors of Dear X, communicating and discussing. As you have felt various emotions, I hope you will continue to share many stories through this work. All episodes have been released, but you can always watch and revisit them. I also sincerely thank you for the support and love you have shown Kim Jae-o.<
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