Jo Bo-ah Overcomes “Knock-Off” Fallout, Returns in Netflix’s Historical Mystery Romance Drama “Dear Hongrang”
Actress Jo Bo-ah is making her highly anticipated comeback in the Netflix original historical mystery romance Dear Hongrang, set to premiere on May 16. The drama marks her return following the indefinite postponement of Disney+’s Knock-Off, which was affected by the controversy surrounding actor Kim Soo-hyun.
About “Dear Hongrang”: Content and Cast Lineup
Dear Hongrang tells the story of Hong-rang, the son of Joseon’s most powerful merchant clan, who returns home 12 years after going missing — with no memory of his past. Only his half-sister Jae-yi, played by Jo Bo-ah, suspects something is off, leading to a mysterious and emotionally charged relationship between the two.
The cast lineup includes a mix of freshness and talent: Lee Jae-wook, Jung Ga-ram, Uhm Ji-won, Park Byung-eun, and Kim Jae-wook, all joining Jo Bo-ah to form a strong ensemble.
Behind the scenes, Dear Hongrang boasts an impressive creative team. Director Kim Hong-sun, known for Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area, The Guest, and Voice, teams up with writer Kim Jin-a of Apple TV+’s sci-fi thriller Dr. Brain. Their collaboration promises to deliver a gripping and visually immersive experience.
What to Be Expected From “Dear Hongrang”?
The teaser poster captures the intense reunion between Hongrang (Lee Jae-wook) and Jae-yi (Jo Bo-ah) after twelve years. Hongrang’s return with no memories sparks psychological tension, especially as Jae-yi suspects he may be an imposter. Scenes of a frightened young Hongrang wandering through a dark forest stir curiosity about the mystery behind his disappearance. The tagline, “Swallowing secrets and truth,” hints at deeper layers of hidden identity and emotional conflict.
Dear Hongrang is based on the bestselling novel Tangeum: To Swallow Gold by author Jang Da-hye. The title refers to an ancient Chinese punishment where the condemned was forced to swallow molten gold, serving as a metaphor for the beautiful yet tragic fate awaiting the main characters.
With its bold, genre-defying premise and compelling characters fighting against destiny, Dear Hongrang is expected to captivate viewers. From the evolving romance between Hongrang and Jae-yi to the resurfacing of child disappearances and eerie rumors about a mysterious snow spirit, the drama promises a layered blend of mystery, suspense, and emotion.
On May 8, Jo Bo-ah even appeared on the YouTube channel Narae’s Table, expressing her affection for the project. When host Park Na-rae remarked, “Dramas tend to do well when their cast comes on this show,” Jo Bo-ah replied, “Everything really has gone well. Do you think ours will too?” Park Na-rae responded, “Jae-wook already said this one feels like a hit.”
With its dark allure, tangled secrets, and passionate chemistry, Dear Hongrang is set to captivate viewers when it premieres globally on Netflix, May 16.
