“Dear Hongrang” (written by Kim Jin-ah, directed by Kim Hong-sun) was globally released in full on May 16 at 4 PM. The drama centers on Hongrang, the son of a wealthy merchant family in Joseon, who returns after going missing for 12 years with no memory of his past. Suspicion grows as his half-sister Jae-yi begins to question his identity, and an ambiguous emotional entanglement forms between them. Combining mystery and melodrama, “Dear Hongrang” has drawn attention since its planning stages.
According to Consumer Insight’s May Week 2 “OTT K-Original Content Viewer Report”, “Dear Hongrang” topped the charts for two consecutive weeks with 19% awareness and 11% intent-to-watch. Its unique setting, emotionally complex characters, narrative tension and solid cast fueled sky-high expectations.
Set during the Joseon Dynasty, “Dear Hongrang” revolves around Hongrang (played by Lee Jae-wook), who returns after a 12-year disappearance, seemingly identical in appearance and mannerisms but different in subtle, unsettling ways. The only one who doubts him is his half-sister Jae-yi (played by Jo Bo-ah), whose growing emotional turmoil drives the central conflict.
The tension arises from the mystery of Hongrang’s identity and the forbidden emotions between the two. Lee Jae-wook delivers a layered performance of unease, secrecy and longing, while Jo Bo-ah compellingly portrays Jae-yi’s inner battle between denial, suspicion and uncontrollable attraction.
Supporting actors including Jung Ga-ram, Uhm Ji-won, Park Byung-eun and Kim Jae-wook add further weight to the storyline. Director Kim Hong-sun known for “Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area”, “Traffickers”, “Project Wolf Hunting” and “The Guest” adds his signature visual flair and suspense to sharpen the genre elements.
“Dear Hongrang” is based on the novel of the same name by Jang Da-hye, which offered a literary foundation rich in symbolism. The series centers on themes of memory, truth and forbidden bonds.
However, reactions post-release have not matched pre-release expectations. Social media, forums and review platforms show a stark divide: comments range from “I binge-watched it overnight—so emotionally resonant”, “Lee Jae-wook is perfect for historical dramas” and “If you like romance, it’s great” to criticism like “Stopped after episode 2 just boring”, “Unclear direction ruins immersion” and “Too cringey despite understanding the plot.”
Particularly, many viewers pointed to shortcomings in the directing. Some said, “The story is intriguing, but the editing breaks immersion”, “The actors cry but the viewers feel nothing” and “The emotional pacing doesn’t land due to weak direction.” Others defended the show, saying, “It’s great if you follow the character arcs closely” and “Lee Jae-wook is carrying the whole show.”
Lee Jae-wook, who debuted in “Memories of the Alhambra”, has built a reputation for handling layered roles in dramas like “Extraordinary You”, “Alchemy of Souls” and “Death’s Game”. In “Dear Hongrang”, he flexes both mystery and romance in one of his most nuanced performances yet.
Jo Bo-ah also expands her acting range here. She explained, “I tried to distinctly separate the emotions Jae-yi feels for the real Hongrang versus the impostor she suspects. I wanted that contrast to be clear.” Viewers are watching to see if this delicate portrayal resonates as intended.
“Dear Hongrang” is more than a period romance it’s an experimental genre hybrid. With its bold premise of forbidden love, identity crisis, and half-sibling dynamics, it departs from traditional Korean historical dramas. How global viewers on Netflix respond to such a narrative will depend heavily on word-of-mouth and viewer engagement.
As the first Netflix historical drama since 2019’s “Kingdom” to top viewership intent polls for two consecutive weeks, “Dear Hongrang” arrived with high expectations. Now facing mixed reviews, it remains to be seen whether the series can rise to become a true hit.
