'Dear X' Kim Do-hoon, "After watching the drama, reconsider the feelings and values of love"

Actor Kim Do-hoon shared his thoughts on the conclusion of the TVING original 〈Dear X〉.

In the drama 〈Dear X〉, which aired its final episode on the 4th, Kim Do-hoon played the role of ‘Kim Jae-oh’. Kim Do-hoon convincingly led the emotional line that runs throughout the entire drama, from the pure love he feels for Baek Ah-jin (Kim Yoo-jung), who made him realize the meaning of life, to the moments he throws himself to cut ties with Moon Do-hyuk (Hong Jong-hyun), completing the character's depth. In particular, the character's free-spirited and unrestrained energy revealed another charm of Kim Do-hoon, drawing the audience's response.

Below is the Q&A session celebrating the end of 〈Dear X〉 sent through his agency Peak J Entertainment.

Q. What are your thoughts after finishing 〈Dear X〉?

From the first script reading to filming and the final broadcast, it took quite a long time. During that time, I was able to create many memories and episodes with the actors and production team. I had a lot of worries and expectations about how the work would be received, but once the broadcast started, time flew by too quickly, and I felt a sense of regret. Since it was a challenging project for me, I learned and gained a lot from it, and I think that’s why I have developed a greater affection for it.

Q. There have been praises calling it a life-changing character. What aspects did you focus on while acting?

I prepared a lot of visually noticeable aspects like hairstyle, gait, speech, and expressions. However, I wanted to express the core image of ‘Kim Jae-oh’ as a free and pure character. Since many characters in the drama are in sensitive moments, I thought it was necessary for at least one character to show a free-spirited and comfortable energy. At the beginning of the story, Jae-oh, who breaks free from his shackles, was the character who could naturally show that, so I focused on portraying his unadorned freedom.

Q. The reactions to 〈Dear X〉 and the character ‘Kim Jae-oh’ have been enthusiastic. Did you feel it?

I particularly felt it through the reactions of those around me. I was really surprised when a friend who usually doesn’t watch dramas or movies told me they found 〈Dear X〉 interesting. Also, I could feel the reactions by seeing heated discussions happening on social media with just small bits of information, and comments from viewers and fans deeply empathizing with the characters' emotions and situations.

Q. What is the most memorable scene?

The scene where Jae-oh fights with his father to protect his younger sibling is the most memorable for me. It was a very important shoot for me as it marks a significant turning point in Jae-oh's life. Running up a hill in the hot weather was not easy, and the hand-to-hand combat in a cramped and shabby space was also quite challenging. Nevertheless, thanks to the staff who helped me immerse myself in the narrow set, I was able to do well, and because it was physically and mentally demanding, it became a scene that I will remember for a long time.

Q. If there are feelings you want viewers to experience while watching this work, or a message you want to convey, what would it be?

I believe 〈Dear X〉 is a work where all characters are moved by the emotion of ‘love’ and yearn for that love. I think if Jae-oh, the character I played, had received enough love in his childhood, he would have been very different from now. Ah-jin, Jun-seo, Lena, and In-gang also want love and get hurt in their own ways. Therefore, I think the love in this work shows both hopeful and painful faces. Just like the question many people ponder, “What is love?”, I hope that after watching the drama, viewers will reconsider the feelings and values of love, and that the story I want to convey will resonate even more.

Q. Lastly, a word to the viewers

Thank you for immersing yourselves in Jae-oh and the actors of 〈Dear X〉 and for communicating and sharing stories with us. I hope you continue to share many stories through this work as you have felt various emotions. Although all episodes have been released, you can always watch and meet them again. I sincerely thank you for the support and love you have shown to Kim Jae-oh.