Lee Jae-wook Addresses Impact of Dating News with aespa’s Karina During Filming of “Dear Hongrang”
Speaking at a press interview on May 19 in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, Lee Jae-wook offered a composed perspective while discussing his return to the screen through Netflix’s new historical melodrama.
Dear Hongrang, released globally on Netflix on May 16, tells the story of Hong-rang, the missing son of Joseon’s largest merchant family who returns after 12 years with no memories of his past. His half-sister, Jae-yi, grows suspicious of his identity, and the narrative unfolds through mystery and restrained emotional tension. The series is directed by Kim Hong-sun (Money Heist: Korea, The Guest, Voice) and written by Kim Jin-a (Dr. Brain).
Lee Jae-wook noted the physical and emotional demands of the project, particularly the realistic swordplay sequences. “This was the most challenging action work I’ve done so far,” he said. “With close combat scenes, there’s always the risk of injury, so I focused intensely on safety.”
Following his acclaimed performance in Alchemy of Souls, Lee Jae-wook once again dons hanbok for this historical role. He reflected on viewer reactions, especially from fans watching on OTT platforms where traditional ratings are absent. “People have been sharing screenshots of my expressions online, even the exaggerated ones. I’m glad they enjoyed it. I think hanbok actually suits me better than I expected,” he said with a smile.
During the filming period, his relationship with Karina was publicly confirmed, though the pair separated roughly a month later. When asked about the impact of this news, Lee Jae-wook responded calmly, “The dating revelation didn’t affect my focus on the project.” He added, “I’d rather not go into personal matters. I hope we can focus on the character and the story of Dear Hongrang.”
Despite the off-screen attention, Lee Jae-wook’s performance has been praised for its depth and maturity. As Dear Hongrang continues streaming, fans are taking note of both the compelling narrative and his evolving presence as a lead actor.
