The new Netflix drama “Dear Hongrang”;; has shared key highlights of the series!
“Dear Hongrang”;; is a historical mystery romance that follows Hong Rang (Lee Jae Wook), the long-lost son of Joseon’s largest merchant guild, who returns after 12 years with no memory of his past. As his half-sister Jae Yi (Jo Bo Ah), who spent years desperately searching for him, becomes the only one to question his true identity, an inexplicable emotional bond starts to form between them.
Ahead of its release today, “Dear Hongrang”;; has shared three key reasons to tune in to the drama:
1. A Genre-Blending Tale of Mystery, Romance, and Historical
Blending mystery, emotional tension, and historical depth, “Dear Hongrang”;; offers a compelling genre mix. The story begins with Hong Rang’s sudden reappearance at the Min Merchant Guild, sparking a chain of strange incidents. As secrets unravel, a slow-burning romance takes shape, fusing the suspense of a thriller with the emotional intricacy of a love story.
Though he remembers nothing from before his disappearance, Hong Rang looks, moves, and behaves exactly like the boy who vanished—raising the question: is he truly who he claims to be?
Meanwhile, Jae Yi, who once yearned deeply for her brother’s return, begins to harbor doubts about his identity. Their fraught yet magnetic relationship—illustrated by tension-filled stares and growing emotional attraction—heightens both the mystery and the romance.
2. A Stellar Ensemble Cast
The series features a powerhouse lineup: Lee Jae Wook portrays the enigmatic Hong Rang, capturing his character’s internal conflict, growing attraction to Jae Yi, and complex emotional layers. Jo Bo Ah takes on the role of Jae Yi, who suspects the returned Hong Rang is an impostor but finds herself drawn to him. Her portrayal captures the confusion and emotional turmoil of a woman caught between hope and doubt.
Jung Ga Ram brings nuance to Mu Jin, the adopted son of the Min Merchant Guild whose life is upended by Hong Rang’s return. Uhm Ji Won plays matriarch Min Yeon Ui, who will do anything to protect her son who has just returned. Meanwhile, Park Byung Eun adds tension as a power-hungry guild leader Sim Yeol Guk. Kim Jae Wook appears as Grand Prince Han Pyeong, a royal known for his unmatched aesthetic sensibilities.
3. Stunning Visuals and Production Design
Directed by Kim Hong Sun—renowned for hits like“Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area”;;and“Voice“—”;;Dear Hongrang”;; is visually stunning. Its meticulous production combines evocative set pieces, detailed period costumes, and emotionally resonant cinematography to create a richly immersive viewing experience.
From bustling market scenes to the grandeur of Joseon’s largest merchant house, every visual detail enhances the setting. The drama’s array of hanbok styles also visually reflect each character’s personality and emotional journey.
The soundtrack adds another layer of depth. The grand orchestral piece by 4BOUT elevates the historical grandeur, while Kwon Jin Ah’s emotionally charged OST deepens the romantic tension between Hong Rang and Jae Yi.
“Dear Hongrang”;; premieres on May 16 via Netflix.
Watch Lee Jae Wook in “Extraordinary You”;; below:
Also check out Jo Bo Ah in “The Tale of the Nine-Tailed”;;:
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