Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rise of the "evil woman" trope in Korean dramas, particularly focusing on the new series "Dear X," which portrays the complex journey of a character shaped by trauma and revenge [5][10][12]. Group 1: Overview of "Dear X" - "Dear X" features the character Bai Yazhen, played by Kim Yoo-jung, who presents a stark contrast between her innocent appearance and her ruthless personality, showcasing her climb to the top of the entertainment industry [5][6]. - The series is based on a popular webtoon and directed by Lee Eung-bok, known for successful dramas, marking Tving's first major global entry [5][6]. - Following its release, "Dear X" quickly gained popularity, topping new paid user contributions for five consecutive weeks and ranking high on global OTT platforms [5][6]. Group 2: Character Analysis - Bai Yazhen is depicted as a product of severe childhood trauma, leading to her development of antisocial personality traits, where she uses her charm to manipulate others for her gain [6][7]. - Kim Yoo-jung's performance has been praised for capturing the character's duality, portraying her as both innocent and malevolent [7][8]. - The character's journey reflects a broader commentary on the impact of familial abuse and societal neglect, challenging traditional moral narratives [12]. Group 3: Trends in Korean Dramas - The article notes a growing trend in Korean dramas to explore themes of revenge and the complexities of female characters, as seen in other successful series like "The Glory" and "Pandora: The Manipulated Paradise" [10][11]. - These narratives often highlight the struggles of women against societal oppression and personal trauma, resonating with contemporary audiences [10][12]. - The portrayal of "evil women" serves as a vehicle for exploring deeper societal issues, although it risks falling into clichés if not handled with nuance [12].

Core Viewpoint - "Dear X" is a significant entry for the South Korean streaming platform Tving as it marks its first foray into the global market, showcasing a dark narrative that explores the rise of a female character shaped by trauma and revenge [4][5]. Group 1: Overview of "Dear X" - "Dear X" is based on a popular webtoon and directed by Lee Eung-bok, known for his work on hit dramas, which has contributed to its initial success [4]. - The series has topped new paid user contributions for five consecutive weeks and ranks highly among global OTT platforms, indicating strong viewer engagement [4]. - The protagonist, Baek Ah-jin, portrayed by Kim Yoo-jung, presents a stark contrast between her innocent appearance and her ruthless ambition, embodying the "evil woman" trope prevalent in recent Korean dramas [3][5]. Group 2: Themes and Character Analysis - The character Baek Ah-jin is depicted as having a complex psychological profile, shaped by childhood trauma and abuse, leading to her development of an antisocial personality [5][7]. - The narrative draws parallels with other works, such as Higashino Keigo's "Byakuyako," emphasizing the dark aspects of human nature and the consequences of a traumatic upbringing [5]. - Kim Yoo-jung's performance has been critically acclaimed for capturing the duality of her character, showcasing both innocence and malice [7][8]. Group 3: Trends in Korean Dramas - The rise of "evil woman" narratives in Korean dramas reflects a shift in storytelling, moving away from traditional "good female lead" archetypes to more complex characters driven by revenge and personal growth [11]. - Recent successful dramas like "The Glory" have set a precedent for this genre, highlighting societal issues such as bullying and the struggles of women in patriarchal settings [9][10]. - The portrayal of female characters with traumatic backgrounds challenges conventional moral narratives, inviting viewers to empathize with their journeys while questioning societal norms [11][12].