Who is X in Dear X? Kim Yoo-Jung as Baek Ah-Jin in Dear X Image Credit: TVING | Monster Union | Siwoo Company
Dear X has captivated audiences with its intense storytelling, morally complex characters, and psychological twists. At the center of the drama is Baek Ah-Jin (played by Kim Yoo-Jung), a seemingly flawless celebrity whose actions leave viewers questioning her motives and morality.
Many fans and critics have asked, “Is Ah‑Jin a Psychopath or Sociopath?” Given her emotional detachment, manipulative tendencies, and calculated cruelty.
This article explores her character in depth, compares her behavior to clinical definitions, and analyzes what makes her one of the most intriguing figures in recent K-drama storytelling.
This article will also address the question: Is Ah‑Jin a Psychopath or Sociopath? to provide a deeper understanding of her character.
Table of Contents
- Who Is Ah‑Jin in Dear X?
- What Do Critics and Reporters Say About Her Psychopathy Traits?
- Psychopath Vs Sociopath
- So — Is Ah‑Jin a Psychopath or Sociopath?
- Why It Matters
- Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is Ah‑Jin in Dear X?
Baek Ah‑Jin, played by Kim Yoo‑Jung, is the central character in Dear X. Based on the manhwa and the K-drama, Ah-Jin is a top actress who hides “two faces” behind her flawless public persona.
At the start of the series (and webtoon, she is described as someone who “has a neurological condition that is said to affect approximately 4% of the human population. She is a sociopath.”
Several media outlets have described the character as having antisocial personality disorder, calling her a sociopath who uses others to get what she wants. But others argue that she should be classified as a psychopath.
What Do Critics and Reporters Say About Her Psychopathy Traits?
Ah‑Jin is said to have not been born a “monster”, but to have become one. Her backstory reveals severe abuse: an alcoholic mother, a violent father, and an abusive stepmom — experiences that shaped her twisted worldview and a need to survive.
Through her rise to stardom, she exhibits deep manipulative behavior, exploiting people for her own gain. When she sees a need to use people, she turns on her angelic charm and manipulates them to do her evil deed for her. And in the end, they end up in trouble (or in jail) for their actions.
Psychopath Vs Sociopath
With such a dark upbringing and cunning personality, many viewers are wondering whether Ah-Jin should have been labeled a psychopath instead of a sociopath (as what the manhwa says).
To fully understand this, let’s break down the two:
- Sociopathy / Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): Characterized by a pattern of manipulation, disregard for others, lack of empathy, and often a history of unstable relationships.
- Psychopathy: Often seen as a more severe form of ASPD; includes superficial charm, shallow emotions, and a higher level of manipulative, calculating behavior.
These definitions align with standard psychological frameworks. To further explain the difference between the two, you can read this other article we covered.
So — Is Ah‑Jin a Psychopath or Sociopath?
Based on what’s known:
- She clearly exhibits sociopathic traits: emotional coldness, manipulation, and using people as tools.
- However, her behavior also leans toward psychopathy: her ambition, calculated cruelty, and lack of remorse mirror more extreme antisocial behavior.
That said, Dear X seems to frame her pathology more thematically than clinically. She’s not just evil — her trauma shapes her, and her cruelty is a survival mechanism as much as a power play. Critics call her a “monster made by absence of love.”
Ah-Jin knows how to manipulate people and even mentions that it’s her hidden power– that she knows how to read people. And she uses her trauma, abuse, and beauty to get what she wants.
Why It Matters
Labelling Ah‑jin as a psychopath or sociopath isn’t just about her character — it’s central to how Dear X explores themes of power, trauma, and ambition. Her “Xs” (the people she targets) reflect both her past wounds and her ruthless drive for control.
But her “monstrous” behavior isn’t depicted as purely innate evil. Rather, the drama frames her as a complex, deeply scarred person using her brilliance and beauty to survive and dominate. She’s not simply a villain — she’s a trauma-shaped force.
Will she finally meet her match in the end of Dear X? Right now, we can only wait as the show continues to drop more episodes. But if you’ve read the manhwa, no spoilers, please!
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where did Dear X premiere?
Dear X premiered on November 6, 2025. It’s available to stream on TVING, with international availability on Viki and HBO Max in certain regions.
What is the story of Dear X about?
Dear X follows Baek Ah-Jin, a top actress whose glamorous exterior hides a dark, manipulative side.
Who are the main actors in Dear X?
The show stars Kim Yoo-Jung as Baek Ah-Jin and Kim Young-Dae as Yoon Joon-Seo, her lifelong friend.
Is Dear X based on something?
Yes — Dear X is based on a Naver Webtoon by Vanziun.
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