Dear X- Episodes 1-2
Dear X – Episode 1 Recap:
From the very first scene, Dear X pulls us into Baek Ah-jin’s complicated past. We meet little Ah-jin, a child stuck in a home with an abusive alcoholic mother. Her father does nothing… until one fateful day he drags her mother outside, throws her down the stairs, and tells Ah-jin to cover it up. It’s shocking, heartbreaking, and already tells us just how complex Ah-jin’s world is. Fast forward, and we see the grown-up Ah-jin stepping onto a red carpet; stunning, untouchable, and a top actress with a dark streak: antisocial tendencies, manipulative skills, and a past full of secrets and tragedies.
Back in 2016, high school Ah-jin is already showing the clever, ruthless side we’ll come to know. When photos of their teacher Ms. Kwak’s affair surface on the school board, Ah-jin casually drops a reminder of her own “revenge” when the teacher had called her an orphan. Meanwhile, Sim Sung-hee, Ah-jin’s X, can’t help but feel competitive and maybe a little wary, of her.
And then there’s Joon-seo, who’s basically smitten with Ah-jin from day one, giving up his spot on the debate team just to make her happy. Naturally, Ah-jin ends up being teamed with Sung-hee and her friends, and chaos ensues. From spilled water to love letters twisted into insults, Ah-jin proves she’s a mastermind of manipulation and it’s thrilling to watch.
We also get a glimpse of Ah-jin’s underworld side: running a loan shark operation at school with Kim Jae-o. She’s calculating, fearless, and always three steps ahead. By the end of the episode, Sung-hee begins to realize she might have underestimated Ah-jin, and the tension between them sets the stage for a high-stakes rivalry that feels like it will explode at any moment.
Dear X – Episode 2 Recap:
Episode 2 dives deeper into Ah-jin’s past and her complicated relationship with her parents. We see her at her mother’s grave, reflecting on how she faked a wrist injury to cover up an art assignment mistake. Flashbacks take us to 2007, when her mother coerced her into stealing and then tragically dies. The dangerous adults in her life keep circling: her father, Baek Sun-gyu, and his new wife Ji-sun, Joon-seo’s mother, both hiding dark secrets. Ah-jin overhears their plans and begins scheming to protect herself and Joon-seo.
Back in 2016, the high school drama continues with Sung-hee trying to use Ah-jin’s father against her. Of course, Joon-seo steps in to save the day, and Ah-jin orchestrates another clever plan by exposing Sung-hee’s notebook full of student secrets. Watching Sung-hee get her comeuppance is oddly satisfying, and it’s clear that Ah-jin’s intelligence and meticulous planning are part of what makes her so magnetic.
Meanwhile, Kim Jae-o’s family drama takes a dark turn, but Ah-jin is always there, calm and strategic, guiding him through a plan that helps him survive the situation with minimal damage. We also see her university dreams challenged when her tuition is threatened, but Joon-seo quietly supports her, showing just how much they trust and rely on each other.
The episode ends with Ah-jin surviving a near-fatal encounter orchestrated by Ji-sun, and Joon-seo firmly by her side. Their bond is unshakeable, and it’s heartwarming to see him hold her hand, promising never to let go. Even in chaos, their connection feels real, grounded, and protective.
By the end of Episode 2, we’ve seen just how smart, fearless, and complex Ah-jin is, how dangerous her enemies are, and how steady Joon-seo’s support remains. Plus, little hints of romance, rivalry, and revenge are simmering beautifully.
DramaZen's Opinion
Dear X kicks off with a bang, immediately pulling viewers into Baek Ah-jin’s turbulent life. From her tragic childhood to the cunning, confident adult she becomes, Ah-jin is the kind of character you can’t look away from. Episodes 1 and 2 perfectly balance high school drama, psychological chess games, and dark secrets from the past, giving us a heroine who’s smart, fearless, and utterly compelling.
The rivalry between Ah-jin and Sung-hee is deliciously tense, full of clever schemes, embarrassing exposes, and the kind of manipulation that makes you gasp and laugh at the same time. Meanwhile, Joon-seo’s quiet devotion adds warmth and stability to Ah-jin’s chaotic world, grounding the story with real heart.
Throw in Ah-jin’s secret loan-shark operation, family betrayals, and early hints of romance, and you have a story that’s equal parts thrilling, clever, and emotionally engaging. These first two episodes set the stage beautifully, making you eager to see just how far Ah-jin will go to protect herself and how many lives she’ll turn upside down along the way.
If you love K-dramas with smart, morally grey protagonists, suspenseful plot twists, and a touch of high-stakes romance, Dear X is definitely one to watch.
