'Dear X' faces criticism after series omits major Ah-jin webtoon storyline

'Dear X' draws criticism from viewers after Episodes 9–10 leave out a key pregnancy plotline from the original webtoon

With the Dear X finale approaching, the K-drama is facing criticism from viewers after a significant storyline from the original webtoon was excluded from Episodes 9 and 10.

Concerns grew after fans noticed that the adaptation diverged from a major plot point involving Baek Ah-jin, portrayed by Kim Yoo-jung, prompting discussion about how the series will conclude.

In the latest episodes, Ah-jin rebuilds her public image following Heo In-gang’s suicide with support from Moon Do-hyuk, played by Hong Jong-hyun, a powerful CEO who proposes marriage in exchange for burying her secrets and elevating her stardom.

Although she accepts and they marry in Italy, Ah-jin later realises that Do-hyuk has a darker side. Meanwhile, Yoon Jun-seo, portrayed by Kim Young-dae, loses his grandfather and learns that his biological father is not who he believed. When Jun-seo confronts Ah-jin, she responds with the coldness he expected.

While the adaptation follows the webtoon closely until this point, fans are troubled that the pregnancy storyline appears to have been removed. In the original story, Ah-jin discovers that Do-hyuk’s divorce was due to his infertility, leading her to manipulate Jun-seo into a situation designed to produce a child she could claim as Do-hyuk’s.

This pregnancy drives the events leading to the webtoon’s ending. In the drama, however, Do-hyuk instead says his ex-wife was hospitalised after receiving “too much of everything,” and infertility is not mentioned.

Viewers have taken to online forums to express concerns, saying the omission significantly alters the narrative. One fan wrote that the pregnancy plotline was “major” and argued that removing it changes the thematic impact.

Others pointed to additional deviations, such as Shim Sung-hee living with Ah-jin, shifts in character motivations, and new subplots that require resolution.

Some viewers welcome the changes, noting that a different ending could provide fresh developments and leave space for a possible second season. Dear X Episodes 11–12 will release on Viki on December 4.