by Netflix’s Dear Hongrang brings haunting beauty and emotional tension to the screen, blending historical intrigue with a story of identity, memory, and the unsettling bonds of love.
Led by Lee Jae-Wook and Cho Bo-Ah, this period mystery-romance draws viewers into the cloaked corridors of Joseon’s merchant elite, where secrets fester and trust becomes a dangerous luxury.
Profile of Dear Hongrang
- Title: Dear Hongrang (탄금 / Tangeum)
- Director: Kim Hong-Sun
- Writer: Jang Da-Hye (novel), Kim Jin-A
- Network: Netflix
- Episodes: TBA
- Release Date: May 16, 2025
- Genre: Historical, Mystery, Romance
- Language: Korean
Plot: Dear Hongrang
At eight years old, Hong-Rang (Lee Jae-Wook) vanished without a trace—leaving behind a family steeped in sorrow and speculation. Born into Joseon’s wealthiest merchant household, he was once poised to inherit it all.
Twelve years later, Hong-Rang returns. He’s alive—but fragmented. His memory is gone, and a strange air clings to his presence. Jae-Yi (Cho Bo-Ah), his devoted older step-sister, has been searching for him ever since his disappearance. But the boy she knew is no longer the same—and she begins to suspect this young man may be an imposter. As her suspicion deepens, so does her attraction to him, complicating their already fragile reunion.
Main Cast: Dear Hongrang
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Lee Jae-Wook as Hong-Rang – The missing heir whose return stirs more questions than comfort.
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Cho Bo-Ah as Jae-Yi – A strong-willed step-sister caught between devotion, doubt, and desire.
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Jung Ga-Ram as Moo-Jin – A mysterious figure with links to Hong-Rang’s past.
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Uhm Ji-Won as Min Yeon-Ui – The formidable matriarch who will stop at nothing to protect her power.
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Kim Jae-Wook as Prince Hanpyeong – A nobleman whose presence adds tension to the already complex web.
Who Should Watch Dear Hongrang?
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Fans of psychological mystery and period dramas with slow-burning tension.
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Viewers drawn to rich, atmospheric cinematography and multi-layered character dynamics.
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Those who enjoyed dramas like The Crowned Clown, The Tale of Nokdu, or Mr. Sunshine.
Why You Should Watch Dear Hongrang
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Lee Jae-Wook’s transformation – His portrayal of a fractured soul returning to a world he doesn’t recognize is both chilling and mesmerizing.
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A forbidden bond – The chemistry between Jae-Wook and Cho Bo-Ah pushes the boundaries of family, love, and identity.
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Mystery with depth – It’s not just who Hong-Rang is, but why he returned, and what secrets lie behind the curtain of his disappearance.
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Visually captivating – From Joseon-era hanboks to shadowy palaces and merchant halls, the production immerses you in a rich historical tapestry.
Final Verdict
Dear Hongrang is a haunting period drama that weaves suspense, emotion, and taboo into a gripping narrative.
With standout performances and a story that constantly questions truth and identity, it promises to be one of 2025’s most unforgettable dramas. A must-watch for those who appreciate period pieces with psychological complexity and emotional intensity.
