Last Updated:
Dear X starring Kim Yoo-Jung faces plagiarism controversy over its poster resembling Suspect X. Makers apologised and pulled the poster ahead of its November 6 premiere.
K-drama Dear X faces plagiarism allegations over poster design similar to Suspect X.
The upcoming Korean thriller **Dear X**, starring Kim Yoo-Jung, Kim Young-Dae, Kim Do-Hoon, and Lee Yul-Eum, has sparked controversy ahead of its release. The series is set to premiere on **November 6, 2025**. However, it faced backlash when the promotional poster drew uncanny comparisons to the 2017 Chinese film **Suspect X**, which was adapted from Keigo Higashino’s novel **The Devotion of Suspect X**.
Plagiarism Allegations
On **September 8**, the makers of **Dear X** unveiled the drama’s first poster following the release of its teaser trailer. The design showcased **Kim Yoo-Jung**, portraying the lead character **Baek Ah-Jin**, peering through a torn sheet of paper with bold red English lettering of the title prominently displayed. This artistic choice soon ignited heated discussions on social media.
Netizens Lash Out
Many netizens accused the design of being a blatant copy of **Suspect X’s** poster. One user expressed, “It’s not just similar, it’s identical.” Another quipped, “I thought it was the male and female version.” A third commenter added, “I would’ve believed it was a remake.”
As more users began sharing comparisons, reactions escalated. “I’m a fan of the original… Please be mindful,” lamented one. Another stated, “Wow, it’s exactly the same. The film was so famous. Why did they copy the poster?”
Some netizens shared their disappointment more emphatically: “It’s so similar that it’s embarrassing. What was the designer thinking?”; “Did the designer really think they could get away with blatantly copying another poster?”; “This movie was so well-known. I even know the poster.” Numerous users noted that they “copied the colors, composition, and even the typography.”
Makers Respond
In response to the backlash, the production team promptly removed the controversial poster. In a statement shared via Soompi, they acknowledged, “We belatedly recognized the similarity to a particular reference and immediately discontinued its use. We sincerely apologize for causing discomfort due to our failure to thoroughly review the production process. We are committed to strengthening our review procedures to prevent such incidents in the future.”
**Dear X** narrates the tale of **Baek Ah-Jin**, a celebrated actress whose carefully crafted public image veils a ruthless disposition. As she ascends the ladder of fame by exploiting others, her relationship with a man who serves as both her protector and downfall ensnares her in a web of deceit.
Stay updated with the latest news from Hollywood, exciting movie releases, red carpet moments, box office collections, reviews, and trailers. You can also explore the best free Kpop games at kpophit.com.
September 10, 2025, 09:28 IST