Kim Young Dae is preparing to enlist after a huge K-drama success. In a recent interview with Ilgan Sports, he spoke warmly about his latest project, the TVING original series Dear X.
“I watched the rough cut before the official release, and it was genuinely fun,” Kim shared. “I usually worry about my projects, but I found myself watching it purely from a viewer’s perspective with this one.”
Dear X follows Baek Ah Jin (Kim Yoo Jung), a woman who uses an innocent facade to survive, ruthlessly crushing others as she claws her way to the top. Kim Young Dae plays Yoon Jun Seo, a man willing to walk through hell to protect her.
Despite his confidence in the show, Kim admitted the role was daunting. “It was a project that came with a lot of pressure early on,” he revealed. “However, getting the chance to work with Director Lee Eung Bok and Kim Yoo Jung made me really want to join the project. I simply focused on doing my part well.”
Yoon Jun Seo shares a layered history with the female lead. They became step-siblings as children, creating a connection that gently blurs the line between family and affection. He stands by Ah Jin in her secretive plans while quietly wrestling with his own emotions.
“My first impression was that he was a sincere romantic who’d give everything,” Kim explained. “But over time, I saw a different side. He’s a character who ignores his own emotions and holds onto the idea that he needs to be the one to save Ah Jin.”
He continued, “Love is usually about joy and warmth. But for Jun Seo, it comes through pain, struggle and conflict. It felt like tears were just beneath the surface every time I stepped onto the set. I tried to express him more through quiet moments and looks rather than words.”
Kim Young Dae had nothing but high praise for his co-star, Kim Yoo Jung.
“I was honestly a little scared when I watched her as Baek Ah Jin. That’s how real she made the character,” he said. “But I also felt concerned for her as a fellow actor, knowing how emotionally demanding that role must have been. She may be younger than me, yet she never feels like it—her experience and presence are far beyond her years.”
Born in 1996, the 29-year-old actor is preparing to enlist soon. Since his 2017 debut, he has steadily built his career with projects like The Penthouse, Shooting Stars, The Forbidden Marriage and No Gain No Love.
“I kept moving from one project to the next because I felt it was the best way to learn and grow,” Kim reflected. “Enlisting feels like a pause — a moment to breathe before starting the next chapter.”
He shared that much of his twenties was filled with worry and pressure, but he has finally reached a calmer place.
“I feel more at ease these days,” he said. “And I’m truly grateful for all the love Dear X is receiving.”
When asked if his enlistment might lead to a long career pause, Kim expressed no worries.
“I’m not worried,” he said with a smile. “I’ll chase the roles I want and approach my work with the same passion I had as a rookie when I return. Coming back will feel like a new beginning and a chance to start fresh. I’m looking forward to that chapter.”
>> ‘Dear X’ Episodes 9-10 Recap: Kim Yoo Jung’s Dangerous Marriage Ends in Shocking Cliffhanger
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