Difference between revisions of "Dear Hongrang"

Revision as of 19:08, 6 February 2025

Profile

Drama: Dear Hongrang (English title) / Hong-Rang (working title)
Revised romanization: Tangeum
Hangul: 탄금
Director: Kim Hong-Sun
Writer: Jang Da-Hye (novel), Kim Jin-A
Network: Netflix
Episodes:
Release Date: 2025
Runtime:
Language: Korean
Country: South Korea

Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki Staff ©

Hong-Rang (Lee Jae-Wook) was born into a wealthy family and he was the successor to a large merchants' association in Joseon, but he suddenly disappeared at the age of 8. His older step-sister Jae-Yi (Jo Bo-Ah) has never given up hope on finding Hong-Rang. His mother, Min Yeon-Ui (Uhm Ji-Won), who is arrogant and the most powerful figure in the merchants' association, has experienced difficult times since his disappearance. After 12 years, Hong-Rang, now a 20-year-old man, returns, but he doesn't remember anything prior to his disappearance. He also carries with him a secret. Jae-Yi suspects that Hong-Rang is not the real Hong-Rang and she becomes attracted to him.

Notes

Based on novel "Tangeum: Geumeul Samkida" by Jang Da-Hye (published February 5, 2021 by Book Recipe).

Cast

Lee Jae-Wook - Hong-Rang
Jo Bo-Ah - Jae-Yi
Jung Ga-Ram - Moo-Jin
Uhm Ji-Won - Min Yeon-Ui
Park Byung-Eun - Sim Yeol-Kook
Kim Jae-Wook - Prince Hanpyeong

Comments

d33rama May 24 2026 11:25 am Loved this series. It's only 11 episodes, but they pack a punch. This is one of the more artistic k dramas I've seen--killer cinematography, soundtrack, editing, effects like blood splatter on the screen. Fighting scenes were action-packed. Actors are on point, lots of intense passion, emotions, heartache. The story is strong, a few weak plot points, but forgivable. This is up there in my top rated shows, I give it a 9.5/10. Lastly, I read a lot of criticism online especially about the theme of "incest" and people please, it's a show based in old Joseon times and have you watched Game of Thrones? This is child's play in comparison. Just go with the story it shakes out in the end.

Cl Mar 22 2026 7:51 am No offense Storyline was nice until romance brought sh*t Love the dark mysterious vibe Swords fight scenes were Stunning surgically precise and creative had a purpose. Would watch anytime lee jaewook slaying with a sword he is made for that. Scenes in red were unsettling I loved this. How come none speaks about the horrendous talisman human traffickin ? so disturbing and heart wrenching think it would be my roman empire from time to time . Ost wise marvelously executed matches with the context I sobbed for Mujin and cried a river for Hongramg toward the end Lee Jaewook and kim jaewook carried the show

Arian Sep 14 2025 12:03 pm This kdrama is amazing... it is very high on quality and i can't emphasize enough how much i love Lee Jae-wook acting, he is remarkable.

Kdramastan Aug 19 2025 4:18 am and special mention for kim jae wook

Kdramastan Aug 19 2025 3:17 am The vulnerability on Lee Jae wook's face when his back his exposed, the way he carries himself during the sword sequences and his innocence while shyly glancing at the FL- he's every award show winner this year . Stellar performance with a stupendous soundtrack (burning petals ) . The assumed incest though I wish was cleared before their 1st kiss

Disgust Aug 06 2025 9:10 pm Jae Yi seems shocked and disgusted seeing Hongrang's back full of tattoos. This was after both of them make love at the cave and at the hut on the mountain top. Did the script writer forgot that they make love before Hongrang was captured and his back was exposed for being a fake Hongrang? Does it mean Jae Yi shut both eyes during the whole love making session? If they make love she should have seen his back full of tattoos? This is my first time to see Cho Bo-ah acting. She is stiff and there is zero chemistry with Lee Jae Wook. I watched this drama because of Lee Jae Wook. It is a pity they chose Cho Bo-ah to act as Jae Yi. Should have selected the first actress from Alchemy of Souls - it would be great chemistry

lrt Jul 30 2025 3:33 pm No one is mentioning the themes of Frazzledrip-like torture, human trafficking or human sacrifice for spiritual gain after bathing in blood ritual which all go far beyond the use of swords, bows and arrows.

Sanja Jul 25 2025 4:12 am Beautiful story. Thank you all of you !

Bunny Jul 15 2025 12:15 am Spoilers included

Here are the only valid complaints: 1) Jo Bo Ra is the Gal Gadot of kdrama acting. One facial expression that's half happy, half stunned, neither of which were turned on during the correct scenes. Even her cry looked well rehearsed. Practically ruined the whole experience.

2) The director had to be high out of his mind. The sequencing, shot selection, line delivery choices, were all seemingly done by 3 different people who didn't communicate with each other.

So many examples but the one that truly irritates me is the placement of the love scene. I've got no complaints about the scene itself (aside from point #1) but shouldn't it have been Before they were found when they were professing their love under the moonlight instead of One Scene After She Was Dying From A Poisoned Arrow? I was so uncomfortable with the timing, I couldn't get into it.

Whoever decided to zip this storyline along with no time to waste was a genius as well as an idiot. When exactly did the siblings have time to form this great love? But thanks for not making us "will they/ won't they" for 10 episodes.

Here are the only valid praiseworthy notes: 1) Both Jae Wooks together in a kdrama fan girls w** dream. They played the hell outta their roles. The third guy and the mute were also good.

2) The backstabbing by all was wonderfully exciting and the twists were unpredictable.

3) The two year time jump did not shove a toddler sized Hongrang Jr in there but instead gave us more of a Eliza Hamilton ending.

By the way, the ending was good.

Kang Lee No Jul 11 2025 4:50 am the most chaotic sageuk ending i've ever seen , what the hell

Ahj J Jun 28 2025 11:12 am I chose to watch this drama because I am a big fan of LJW since I watched Alchemy of Souls. Like Alchemy, LJW again showed his great acting and swordplay skills. However, the FL in Dear HR is a let down after LJW had been paired in Alchemy with such talented and captivating partners in JSM and later with GYJ. It's a step-down. Facial expression hardly changes always looking terrified.

KST Jun 26 2025 1:39 pm The ost is amazing and attractive.

KST Jun 26 2025 1:37 pm Amazing drama. This drama would have been more interesting and get famed if the plotline is clear. Watched it because of Lee jae wook and Jo bo ah.

Toomuchbinge Jun 23 2025 11:38 am A hot mess for a mere 11 episodes, this is why a novel should not be cramped like this. I bet the novel version has a much better pace. The tv though, director chose the wrong thing to focus, no need for the cringy incest relationship imo. Waste of episodes. The missing hongrang unveiling is so convenient, and hurt the fundamental of the story. Too many unnecessary fight scenes i dont care anymore. A sad ending that i also dont care at that point. Onto the next drama.

teerstat Jun 23 2025 6:11 am Another damsel in distress drama. The romance storyline does not feel right. Though the action scenes of LJW is superb! Not one of the best saeguk there is.

Mythoughts78 Jun 22 2025 2:26 pm Ok, first and foremost, Lee Jae-Wook acting and actions in this drama is beyond anyone’s imagination, he’s a great actor in all the drama he’s in, but this drama here took it to a whole another level. The storyline was great as well, it’s different than the other Joseon Dynasty- Goryeo drama. The show was refreshing and exciting.

Lucy Kay Jun 14 2025 7:03 am Out of all the characters in the show, In-hoe was my favourite. He was the only one that stayed true. I deserved so much better The story was going so well till the romance came in. It would have been so much better without it honestly. There wasn't any solid reason for Jae-Yi to fall in love with Hongrang in the first place. I didn't see how the emotions came about. If the story focused more on finding the Snowman and the painter, I'd have given this show a 10/10. The romance was unnecessary Some scenes were barbaric. The painter is a really sick psycho. If you're not into dark themed kdrama, then don't want this one. Otherwise it was a good show. I'd give it a 6.8/10. The music was amazing especially Burning Petals by 4bout

Belle Jun 13 2025 11:41 am This romance shit messed up a good storyline Pretty bad!!!

LEAH AAAAAAAAAA Jun 07 2025 1:18 am I recently watched the series Dear Hongrang, and I just wanted to share how much I truly enjoyed it. The story was incredibly engaging and well-written, and it kept me hooked from beginning to end.

What stood out to me the most was the amazing performance of Lee Jae-Wook. His acting was powerful and emotional, and he portrayed his character with such depth and sincerity. He brought the story to life in a way that left a lasting impression on me.

The plot of the drama was also something I really loved. It was unique, filled with twists and emotions, and it made me think deeply about the characters and their journeys. Every episode made me want to watch more.

Thank you for creating such a wonderful series. I look forward to watching more dramas like this in the future.

Erika Close Jun 06 2025 4:15 am Absolutely fabulous movie. I cried. Such skilled actors. I hate it came to an end. I was hoping in the end she would have had a baby. But it left me so mesmerized. Could not sleep ha to watch the last 3 episodes at once

SueTiramisu May 30 2025 6:37 pm Story is interesting. LJW impeccable. OST is unique and like a breath of fresh air. I mean, ppl may say things about the hindi-influenced track, but you know that when ppl hear it, they will know it is from DearHongRang and nowhere else.

Shocking and disturbing indeed, and So twisted, the way they wanted to construct that bell....but isn't that the purpose? Love! (But i am twisted anyway, haha)

There are a few loopholes (like why would you wear white when you're trying to escape a bunch of assassin, and a few more) and the amount of backstabbing and betrayals were enough to make your head spin -

Love love love! (But will probably not watch it again, as wonderful as it was, definitely caused me k-trauma, though not as much as Scarlet Heart Ryeo)

Friday May 30 2025 3:15 am The cinematography of this drama is beautiful but the story is disturbing! The music is horrible! I just want to focus my comments on how fantastic Lee Jae Wook and Cho Bo-Ah acting are! Completely mesmerizing! LJW portrayed his role exactly as it was described in one of the dialog: “ The more I see him, the more refined he seems. It is as if I am looking at a waterfall frozen in the snowy winter. Fair and pure. Strong and sharp, yet graceful. His keen intellect and aura are those of no ordinary man”. Exatly like that! He is still young but yet very talented! Great come back LJW! I will always keep following your career!

Nicoleta M May 29 2025 7:12 pm Masterpiece! Suspense! Acting! The OSTs! Loved it!

Renwa May 28 2025 11:51 pm Having watched all 11 episodes, I restrained myself from immediately reviewing Dear Hongrang until I calmed down. Mixed emotions is an understatement describing my experience. It is not my intention to be the drama police nor suggest any degree of censorship but I would hope that restraint, reflection and responsibility were operating with the drama’s writers and directors. There were aspects of this drama that were just barbaric. Watching children being tortured is just plain irresponsible. Are there even guidelines governing the placement of child actors participating is such sadistic scenes? What about the codes and descriptors that tip off a potential viewer? So this is what artistic freedom means? Shame on Netflix for sponsoring this drama. All that said, I very much enjoy period dramas especially with the competent actors in this one. Not sure why anyone would choose to be in this one. There was good casting and charisma amongst the leads with gripping movement towards solving the mystery. But OMG what a horrific barbaric secret. The fight scenes seemed overly represented and excessive as a whole. Just wish other choices would have been made in the script and drama as a whole.

Ji May 26 2025 3:21 am The show started off well. I had high expectations when I saw that the two main characters were siblings—finally, a story without romance between the leads to look forward to! But of course, that wasn’t the case.

Still, I really enjoyed the first six episodes. The storytelling felt tight and compact. While some things might seem unclear at first, the answers do come later on.

Around the middle, the plot began to shift—not necessarily go off-track, but the focus moved from the mystery of the Snowman and the Painter to the marital conflict between the Shim couple. I was never a fan of Chief Shim. He shows no real care for his family and comes off as an insecure, greedy old man.

As always, Jaewook and Jaewook delivered. I especially enjoy when LJW plays intense roles like Hongran, and KJW takes on psychotic artist characters. I really hope to see them work together on another project in the future.

Val torreggiani May 25 2025 7:06 am I watched to the end to try and make sense of the story. It was very difficult. 11 episodes felt as if important explanations were left out. Why did they FL love ML so? Why were FL followers always dirty and in rags even at the end. For a western viewer there were too many very similar faces, especially servants. I could go on a lot more but I think casting and a shortened number of episodes made this very difficult to understand.

Irav May 23 2025 4:58 pm First time commenting and thats because this series did not sit well with me, i was watching 2X just to get the story and all. For some it’s a masterpiece but for me this series is not it.

DC May 22 2025 7:22 pm Lee Jae Wook have completely stole my heart! Though this one made me cry like a baby at the end, his talent is exemplary. He’s extremely handsome as well, those deep eyes and his lips, very unique. His ability to go in any direction, powerful to cute and innocence. He’s just great and have never failed to bring joy to my heart. I will continue to follow his work.

Mia May 22 2025 3:51 am To keep it short for everyone who doesn't like to read a lot: give this show time and a chance, you won't regret watching. Might have a spoiler continuing from here: I'm glad I didn't listen to the "bad" comments/reviews and continued on watching the show. It's definitely a lot to unpack and more of a slow burn type of storyline, with a slight rushing at the end yet everything you need to know will unravel at the end. A bittersweet tragedy. The cast, staff, overall everything did an amazing job. This is a good one, recommended!

Shaoly May 21 2025 3:31 pm A perfect tragedy for tragedy lovers like me, plot or acting; both are 10/10

Nina May 21 2025 4:03 am Okayyy....Lee Jae Wook needs an award. It was slow in the beginning but the end makes soooooo much sense. Jo Bo Ah and LJW chemistry is Amazing. Their acting had me in tears! Very good, I recommend.

Madeleine May 21 2025 12:59 am I enjoyed the first half of the drama. The acting is very good. The story was strong for the first 7 episodes and then fell apart. It got predictable, gory, too many sword fights (with trick photography rather than beautiful martial arts) etc. Disappointed.

saint May 20 2025 11:47 pm K-Trauma all over again. Arrghhh!!!

Jeiel May 20 2025 10:26 pm The scene felt just like the one in My Dearest. It was really nice—not a single boring moment. As usual, Lee Jae-wook acted so well, especially in the sword fighting scenes. It was so fun to watch. Even though he’s not super handsome, he looks handsome because of how good he acts. Hahaha. I really thought it would have a happy ending, but it turned out sad. It would’ve been okay if the girl ended up pregnant. I thought that maybe after two years, she’d have a baby or something—or was I just imagining it? The ending was just so sad. His life as Hongrang was so painful. It really hurt to watch.

Eeng ✨

G May 20 2025 7:38 pm Idkkky the comments down there are so negative lol. This series was so good! Enjoyed every second of it. Heads up it’s a K-Trauma but sooooo worth it

Nimi May 20 2025 3:20 pm In hoe is my best character,he left a big presence even though he was mute. I’m glad that boy is getting recognized in the industry. Lee Jae wooo once again proved he’s a great actor,Jung garam didn’t disappoint me and once again I saw why I choosed him in love alarm. The female lead and the whole story I couldn’t understand I’m sorry. The ost that sang “eh eh” is why I continued watching,I really like the ost but whenever I start watching the drama I’ll fall asleep immediately.

Renee May 20 2025 11:45 am If I hadn't already watched this drama and just read the comments, I probably would have been put off - And would have missed watching a really great drama. Wish it had been more than 11 episodes. Wish they will make a sequel with Hongrang and Jae-Yi would reincarnate into a different era perhaps and a happier ending for us. For this series, I watched it in 3 days straight ... unheard of for me. And I am still buzzing from it. Worth every moment.

Kik May 19 2025 6:27 pm Lee Jae Wook was the star. He played his character role perfectly. This drama reminded me of My Country: The New Age, which fell flat when it came to chemistry and acting. Dear Hongrang brings the family drama with a serial killer into ancient period series.

Xii May 19 2025 12:34 am This started off as a story that could've been great, instead it feels like the director or someone got lost and lazy, relying too heavily on perversion, violence & gore - and almost completely losing sight of what the story could've evolved into. The original basis which gets the viewer interested and draws empathy - gets thrown out for cheap tricks, lewd scenes and loads of blood & violence.

Feels like the writer wrote one story, while the lazy egoistic director or someone totally messed everything up with their overly heavy penchant for evil & horror, where almost all the characters suffer terribly & then are just killed off in the end ...zero creativity in that. What a waste of what had the potential of being a really good balanced story.

Cathy May 18 2025 8:57 pm So many great comments, but I gotta say that by the end of the empty first episode, I had a difficult time hearing the name Hongrang. The story did not make sense, different situations within the story were well done. Much of the acting looked like acting instead of people's characters coming out. Lee Jae Wook, one of my favorites, carried the whole drama.

kay May 18 2025 7:57 pm loveeee it . 200% worth watching.

Wendy May 18 2025 7:13 pm Lee Jae Wook and Jo Jae Yun are back together again lol

Zeila May 18 2025 6:32 pm Writer Jang Da-Hye must be a twisted, sadistic psychopath. Watching saeguks you expect a little blood and gore...not that it is needed, they just like to include it. But showing the sadistic treatment of not only the adults, but the Children is just sick. I was looking forward to watching this due to the cast. However, lots of loopholes (how did they dig such a huge hole with their hands, and so quickly?), lots of jumping around...too many bad guys in the same clothes. In most scenes you could not tell who was fighting who. Actually, the whole premise of this show is just barbaric and cannot be called "entertainment". Ending was horrible. Netflix's subs in Korean shows are so illiterate they sometimes change what is actually happening in the scene or have nothing to do with the scene.

Koyangie May 18 2025 12:53 pm Superior performance by Cho Bo-Ah. The drama lacks a cohesive storyline throughout. The main characters with exception of Cho Bo-Ah are stiff and unappealing characters who displays no emotions or feelings, they act like robots. All this does not make for a crowd pleasing drama. Disappoint!

Magda May 18 2025 12:47 pm Ok, I want to redeem myself. I just finished this kdrama and all I gotta say is: my head hurts, my heart aches, I feel empty. What a story! It was so beautiful, yet so tragic. I finished it 30 min ago but I can't stop thinking about it. The first episodes were questionable, but it became more and more intense towards the ending. I would say it's a must watch for kdrama lovers. This was my 154th kdrama and for me, it's the best kdrama of 2025 so far. Very well done!

BagMyHeartOut May 18 2025 4:32 am Great and very engaging K-drama that puts you on the edge of your seat all throughout... Kudos to the cast, writer, director, and crew! Lee Jae-wook "joka" is such a promising young actor. He'll definitely go places.

Oshini Lanka May 17 2025 7:17 pm Such a beautiful story with a sad ending. Great acting and great storyline.

Osas May 17 2025 2:21 pm I’m confused is this a romance series how I want it to be romance so bad

Jae May 17 2025 7:25 am Both of my favorite actors are here, Kim Jaewook and Lee Jaewook! <3 Their performance is impeccable. I have read some parts of the webtoon version and I think this one is better. I just wish that they made it into 12 episodes instead of 11. It would be more interesting to include scenes of the backstory of Gwigokja and Prince Hanpyeong. And I wish for more heart-fluttering moments between Jaeyi and Hongrang, even though the current released version has been already quite decent to show why they eventually fall for each other. Overall, I love it.

minmin May 16 2025 7:21 pm also i Love jung garam he is such a good actor and is sooo handsome ugh and the fact that he's acting with lee jaewook makes it even better !! double kill!!!

minmin May 16 2025 7:18 pm just started watching this and is it just me or is the sound really off ? sometimes its like im watching from another room, the sound is low and crispy? im using jbl headphones so i know its kot coming from me but from the kdrama itself. also as much as i love jo boah and lee jaewook as actors on their own, i have to say im actually quite weirded out by the pairing together, they don't really look good as a couple leading actors, maybe bc the age difference is noticeable ? i mean jo boah is a young actress but lee jaewook looks so young that i can't seem to get over the age difference lol im not really into noona romance in general, the only time it worked was alchemy of souls bc they never actually talked abt it and jung somin could pass for a 20 year old if she wants. anyway overall im gonna finish this then come back to give an opinion on the story itself

Dee May 16 2025 4:31 pm Beautiful drama 11 episodes watched release day , Lee Jae Wook was marvelous. The drama has a lot of intriges, the music was amazing, found it on Spotify. For the first time LJW had a very steamy scene, but i loved it . I recommend it

Ella May 16 2025 4:24 pm Will try and finish it just started though

Magda May 16 2025 1:02 pm I honestly don't think LJW is HongRang. My guess is that Hongrang is either the deaf cute guy ( Kim Min Ki) or he's actually dead. We'll see how my prediction goes when I finish the series.

Otherwise, some actors are not that good here. The music is also not your typical historical kdrama sound. The pace is a little weird. It feels eerie at times. Some shots are very beautiful with the traditional houses and greenery overshots. Overall, the action so far is intriguing, that's why I'll try to watch all eps.

Ivan May 16 2025 9:47 am Not so good for me.

We started watching because of the lost hongran and keep watching few eps more

However, the story becomes dull. They forgot the hongran missing and focus in the love story of the fake hongran and the brother.

So we stop watching. Inconsistent drama dont deserve to be finish. Lols.

Or maybe not just our cup of tea.

Ty

Mo May 16 2025 9:28 am @Chey - Tastefully Yours is not Netflix original. It is from Channel ENA.

Chey May 16 2025 9:09 am @R.U. Not in the case with Tastefully Yours though. Please do check it out.

R.U. May 16 2025 8:27 am for you guys that not know, any netflix original series will have all episodes uploaded once at release date

Chey May 16 2025 1:06 am Agree with @nan! Are all the episodes available at once today?

Shadow Lee May 03 2025 3:05 am Kind of reminds me of the plot of Hwarang with Park Seo Jun in it. The main lead also pretended to be FL brother.

Dora Apr 30 2025 2:00 am @Dinnie ML knows he is not the half-brother, and FL is also sure that he is not her half-brother. So both know already.

@Nan Yes, all at once.

Dinnie Apr 21 2025 1:58 pm I can't get over the fact that they're step siblings? even if he's not the real one, does she fall in love with him because she doesn't think he's the real deal or does she justify liking him by saying he's not the real deal

Nan Apr 20 2025 9:10 am Most important question: All Episodes At Once!?

Jillibean Apr 19 2025 1:54 pm Not till May 16th? Lol! How shall we wait?

Voice voice voice Oct 10 2024 9:49 pm WOW!!! Kaneki and Mo Tae Goo previous lives will be in this drama!!! Can't wait!

Beverly Aug 20 2024 6:17 am Lee Jae Wook my all time favorite. I loved him in Alchemy of Souls and Dodosolaso. He is best. Can't wait for this drama. Netflix hurry Please

olivia Jul 25 2024 1:24 pm I’m sorry…. The step sister falls for her brother…… I’m deadddddd

k Jan 08 2024 3:05 am Are u serious? My 2 favorite actors in same drama again after Death game? Such a pair 2 Jae Wook so excited ?

RuiZhen Dec 21 2023 11:21 pm Can't wait to see Uhm Jiwon. She's amazing actress and she always give surprised in every character. If u watch little women and you know what I mean

Lala Oct 18 2023 4:00 am bboaaaa❤️

lol Oct 07 2023 6:25 pm Cant believe kim jae wook just a support actor here.

Dee Oct 07 2023 2:09 am I can’t wait to watch this Netflix drama! It’ll be interesting to see how Hong Rang and Jae Yi will show affection towards one another when they are supposed to be siblings… ?

Maya-ssi Sep 20 2023 11:11 pm hey yo!! we've got two Jae-Wook here....

Ms Qureshi Sep 20 2023 12:38 pm xD

TsuTsu Sep 20 2023 12:37 pm Jaewook playing the Mudeok/BuYeon role as the confused identity ?

ikr Sep 20 2023 8:37 am Wow the casts are amazing!! Can't wait!! And two handsome Jaewook in a drama awwww <3 <3

Marie Sep 20 2023 6:45 am Hmmm, loved the plot!

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Difference between revisions of "Dear Hongrang"

Revision as of 19:08, 6 February 2025

Contents

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Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki Staff ©

Notes

Cast

Comments

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