Jo Bo-ah Shares Insights on Netflix’s “Dear Hongrang” and Her Life After Marriage
On the morning of May 19, Jo Bo-ah held an exclusive interview at a café in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, to discuss her latest project, the Netflix historical mystery melodrama Dear Hongrang.
Directed by Kim Hong-sun, known for hits like Money Heist: Korea and The Guest, Dear Hongrang is set in the Joseon era and follows the story of Hong-rang, the heir to Joseon’s largest merchant family, who mysteriously returns after 12 years of disappearance with no memories. His half-sister, Jae-i, is the only one who suspects his true identity, as complex emotions and secrets begin to unravel.
Marking her first major project since her surprise marriage last October, Jo Bo-ah reflected on the filming experience, “We filmed for eight months and wrapped up last May. Filming as single Jo Bo-ah but releasing now as a married woman feels very different.” She added, “Marriage opens a new chapter. Watching Dear Hongrang feels like seeing a younger version of myself onscreen.”
At the previous press conference, Jo Bo-ah expressed a mix of nervousness, excitement, and a bit of worry about returning to the industry after a hiatus. She praised the compelling script, top-notch production quality, and the chemistry with co-star Lee Jae-wook. After the Netflix release on May 16, Jo Bo-ah shared a touching moment, saying, “I watched the series with my husband. There are romantic scenes, but he understands my work. I was too focused to catch his reactions, but I think he enjoyed it.”
Jo Bo-ah’s marriage to a non-celebrity businessman, kept private for two years before their October 2024 wedding, surprised many fans. She described her husband as “handsome, kind, and humorous,” emphasizing her commitment to maintaining a clear boundary between her personal life and career.
On family plans, Jo Bo-ah lightheartedly said, “In this era of low birth rates…” but highlighted her strong family values, “My parents raised me in a warm, loving home, and I want to live the same way,” revealing her aspiration to emulate their harmonious relationship.
While Dear Hongrang captivates audiences worldwide, it has sparked some controversy due to its portrayal of complex sibling relationships that some viewers interpret as incestuous, despite the characters not being biologically related. Additionally, the series has faced criticism over subtitle quality. Nevertheless, Dear Hongrang has topped Netflix charts across multiple regions, solidifying its global success.
As Dear Hongrang streams on Netflix, Jo Bo-ah continues to impress fans as a leading actress balancing new personal milestones with a flourishing career. Her candid interview offers a rare glimpse into her evolving life and upcoming projects.