“Dear X Who Doesn’t Love Me” is a 10-episode South-Korean romance fantasy drama that premiered on TVING in July 2022. It combines familiar romantic tropes with a supernatural twist: a magical notebook that allows a young woman to make someone fall for her for one month. But beneath the gimmick lies a deeper journey about identity, self-worth, and what it means to love.
Plot & Premise
The story centres on Seo Hee‐soo (Han Ji‑hyo), a college student and aspiring lyricist who’s never had a boyfriend and suffers from low self-esteem. She stumbles upon a mysterious notebook that allows the writer to make someone fall in love with them for exactly one month. The plot follows what happens when Hee-soo uses the notebook, her relationship with her best friend Jung Si-ho (Doyoung) who has hidden feelings for her, and the consequences of relying on magic instead of real connection.
What Works
Self-Discovery & Emotional Truth
One of the strongest aspects is the way the show uses its fantasy premise to explore genuine emotional issues: Hee-soo’s insecurity, the emptiness of superficial attraction, and the idea that love isn’t about being “perfect” or magically adored. As one review noted:
“Dear X Who Doesn’t Love Me … allows viewers the space and time to re-evaluate their own personal perceptions of what love should look like.”
Accessible Format & Youthful Energy
With 10 relatively short episodes, the series is light in commitment but strong in energy. The college setting, musical aspirations, and peer-group dynamics give it a fresh, relatable feel for younger viewers.
Fantasy Hook with Relatable Stakes
The magical notebook device is a clever hook—it draws the viewer in with “what if?” but then pivots to emotional stakes where the magic becomes less interesting than the human cost. It’s a good example of a light fantasy conceit used to examine real feelings.
What Doesn’t Work / Areas to Critique
Romantic & Structural Clichés
Despite its fresh premise, the show leans into well-worn tropes: the insecure female lead, the best friend who’s secretly in love, a love triangle/square, etc. As one critic put it.
For viewers who crave originality in character arcs and relationships, that can feel limiting.
Chemistry & Deeper Characterisation
Some viewers and critics pointed out that the chemistry between Hee-soo and Si-ho didn’t always convince, and that the motivations of some supporting characters were under-explored. This weakens emotional investment at times.
Tone & Emotional Shift
While the early episodes carry a breezy, romantic fantasy vibe, the latter parts shift into more uncomfortable territory—questionable moral choices, emotional manipulation—which may alienate viewers expecting a light romantic comedy. Indeed, some fan-comments reflect frustration:
Themes & Takeaways
The Illusion of “Instant Love”
The notebook’s month-long enchantment is an allegory: real relationships cannot be magically engineered. The show suggests that shortcuts in love carry costs—not just for the enchanted, but for those around them.
Self-Worth Beyond External Validation
Hee-soo’s journey underscores that seeking love merely to prove you’re lovable is fraught. The show nudges toward the idea that loving yourself—and building sincere connections—matters more than fleeting infatuation.
Friendship, Jealousy & Hidden Feelings
The dynamic between Hee-soo and Si-ho is central: friend-turning-lover is a classic arc, but here the show also shows the pain of unspoken feelings, the resentment of being “the friend,” and the missed opportunities when communication fails.
Final Verdict
Dear X Who Doesn’t Love Me is a solid, engaging drama that mixes fantasy romance with emotional introspection. It may not break ground in every way, but it offers enough sincerity and quirky charm to be worth the binge—especially for viewers who appreciate youthful romance with a twist.
Would I Recommend It?
- Yes, if you enjoy: youthful romance, light fantasy elements, stories about self-worth and love.
- Maybe skip or manage expectations, if you prefer: deeply original storytelling, strong romantic chemistry, or purely light-hearted tone.
