(Minor)
Triangle Details
Feelings form around the FL from multiple MLs, but her own lack of romantic investment prevents this from functioning as a standard triangle. The FL does not reciprocate either side of the triangle. One ML provides loyalty and support, while another experiences fixation that grows increasingly unstable.
My Notes / Opinions
A compelling but chaotic thriller that starts strong before losing narrative focus in the final stretch. Early episodes form a coherent setup built around obsession, ambition, and one sided affection, and the show initially hints at a possible redemption trajectory for the FL. But from the mid-point onward, the story introduces abrupt tonal shifts, new characters with little groundwork, and plot turns that feel disconnected from what came before. The tension becomes increasingly erratic, and several character arcs collapse under inconsistent writing, especially the ML’s late stage choices and the FL’s sudden emotional detachment after earlier signs of depth.
The supposed romance never develops into anything mutual. Instead, it functions more as emotional bait, with the FL remaining distant while the MLs orbit her with varying levels of devotion and fixation. Even promising dynamics lose direction once the plot pivots sharply in the later episodes.
Despite these structural issues, the acting (especially the FLs) is the show’s standout strength. The FL delivers a layered performance that carries much of the drama’s impact, and the supporting cast elevates scenes that might otherwise feel disjointed. Overall, Dear X works best as a dark character study and thriller, but not as a romance, and the final episodes shift into territory that feels disconnected from the drama’s earlier foundation. I did enjoy it for what it was though.