[Press Release] CJ ENM's "Dear X": STARZPLAY's "Best of 2025"

("Dear X" Best of 2025 on Starzplay)

CJ ENM's drama "Dear X" has been selected for STARZPLAY's year-end curated list, "Best of 2025". The list features 10 standout titles from 2025 and is compiled based on viewership data, positioning "Dear X" as a strong finish to its global momentum across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

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Notably, the "Best of 2025" lineup includes two Turkish titles, one Indian title, and one Korean title, which is "Dear X". The remaining six titles are comprised of Hollywood content and other global offerings, underscoring "Dear X"'s competitiveness within a highly international slate.

Produced by Studio Dragon, "Dear X" is a melodrama-thriller that follows Baek Ah-jin, a seemingly flawless star who hides a ruthless side behind her mask. Based on the global hit webtoon, the series traces her downfall and a desperate love that blurs the line between devotion and manipulation.

The series launched with Arabic subtitles on November 6 on STARZPLAY as a simulcast; audiences in the region could enjoy the title at nearly the same time as viewers in Korea.

According to STARZPLAY, "Dear X" delivered steady upward traction throughout its run. It entered the Top 4 early on, moved into the Top 3 through mid-episodes, and reached the Top 2 toward the finale. The title climbed to No. 2 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia. This performance is regarded as a standout example of how a Korean drama simulcast can translate into tangible audience response and results in the region.

In addition, on STARZPLAY, "Dear X" reportedly delivered strong viewership during the Christmas and year-end season, further reinforcing the title's presence throughout the peak holiday period. 

In Korea, "Dear X" also proved to be a strong domestic hit as a TVING Original, ranking No. 1 among TVING Original series for five consecutive weeks following its release.

Sebastian Kim, Head of Content Distribution Business Unit at CJ ENM, said, ""Dear X"'s performance reflects the combined impact of a near real-time simulcast, strong localization through Arabic subtitles, and a compelling character-driven narrative. Going forward, we will continue to strengthen our simulcast and localization strategies through partnerships with leading global platforms, including STARZPLAY, and further expand our touchpoints with audiences across the MENA region".

Meanwhile, "Dear X" also achieved notable results on other platforms. It concluded its run on Rakuten Viki as the No. 1 weekly title across the Americas, Europe, and Oceania. According to FlixPatrol, the series also reached No. 1 on Disney+ Japan. "Dear X" is also one of the top-performing Asian titles to be streamed on HBO Max in 17 countries and regions across Asia Pacific, including Southeast Asia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.