Excellent acting and production but needing more time to flesh out the stories.
Subjective Gut Rating: 8.25To everyone’s delight, Netflix dropped all episodes of “Dear Hongrang” for us to enjoy. This drama boasts an excellent cast of actors who can actually act. I’m particularly looking forward to Lee Jae Wook’s performance, as all the comments and reviews were praising him. Moreover, the other Jae Wook, Mr. Kim Jae Wook is one of my favorites as well. Despite a very interesting plot and excellent acting, “Dear Hongrang” failed to slam dunk due to its writing and execution.
Acting
Without a doubt the acting for the whole cast is excellent. There’s no weak link despite a very large supporting cast. Lee Jae Wook and Jo Bo Ah have two roles that are memorable and hard to portray, yet they did a fabulous job. Despite the outward strong and proud personalities, our main leads suffer from tremendous trauma and torture. The inner struggles and pain were acted well during subtle and non-subtle moments. Kim Jae Wook gave such a chilling and eerie aura as the prince, Jung Ga Ram as the devoted and obsessed brother, and the veteran cast of parents. One thing I found with Korean serious historical dramas is that their acting rarely disappoints. The standard is just so high.
Plot
It’s nice to see a historical drama that is not about fighting for the throne/crown or palace politics. “Dear Hongrang” has such an interesting premise, not only a long-lost son returning to reclaim his rights, but the mystery surrounding his disappearance that led to a much larger and complicated conspiracy. Since there are only 11 episodes, the story moves really fast, actually a little too fast in the last few episodes. The drama spends more than half of the episodes on figuring out whether the returning son is the real Hong Rang and all the family drama. It did not leave enough time for the romance to develop (more on that later) and on the mystery/thriller part of the drama. The last few episodes felt rushed with many things left unexplained and unanswered. Who is the Snow Man? What is his background and deal? How can he fly around like that? Who is the crazy painter and his connection to the villain? Why are those secretive places not guarded heavily especially when important rituals and illegal stuff are happening in there. I also want to know more about the secret agency. Where do you get the funds? How did you train the assassins? There’s so much I want to know, yet there’s just not enough time. Despite me complaining that dramas are too long sometimes, there’s enough for the story here to make it last 16-20 episodes.
Romance
I should be really moved by this forbidden love, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite hit me with all the feels. The fault lies on the writing and the time restraints. There’s not enough time for the drama to show us how they fall in love. One minute, Jae I is questioning the identity of Hong Rang, next minute she starts to believe he might be her brother and the next she’s in love already. During those middle episodes when they were supposedly falling in love, I do not feel any chemistry between Lee Jae Wook and Jo Bo Ah. Even though Hong Rang fell first, and he said he missed her, something is just missing for me. On the other hand, the second male lead, Sim Mu Jin has a better unrequited love written. I believe in his feelings for Jae I, and why he loves her and can’t live without her.
Production
Great production with beautiful cinematography, realistic sets and costumes. This drama has a lot of violence and abuse, thus, it’s not for the faint of heart. But I applaud the drama for having realistic fights and scenes of torture, because the plot really does call for them. I don’t recall a revenge on a villain being so fitting and satisfying. It was a surprise, but how thrilling it was to see the villain’s end. The OST is hauntingly beautiful and complements the scenes so well.
Despite my criticisms, overall, I had a great time binge-watching this. I really wish “Dear Hongrang” could have been longer and certain plot lines could have been written and developed better. As a romance lover, I am sad that I am disappointed as this could be an epic forbidden love. The drama fell short of excellence.
Completed: 5/26/2025 - Review #583
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HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
Jo Bo Ah kills her role all the time!!! This was really good. I always to see Lee Jae Wook fighting. You could tell he liked her the first moment he saw her and fell for her because of how caring she is despite his identity. We most time see these married celebrities in dramas and their drama character either has no chemistry or limit the kissing/intimate scenes but this was not the case, she came to work lol and I admire that.It was a good storyline and each character played their role well especially Kim Jae Wook (might be my 5th drama I have watched with him).
What I didn't see was what happened after the Prince situation in the final episode - I thought they would try to find who did it? But maybe adding more characters would have made it draggy even though the focus was on Hong Rang and Jae I.
I am h@ater because I thought she was going to be pregnant to give us that bittersweet ending lol
Overall, it was a great watch. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
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Devasting. Devastatingly beautiful. Devastatingly dreadful.
Let me begin by saying that it has been quite some time since a K-Drama has kept me up well into the wee hours of the morning, but here I am at 5 in the morning, having just finished the final 4 episodes of Tangeum.I watched Tangeum over three days, and each episode made me want to quickly cast aside my work and sleep to see what happened next. Unfortunately, I was only able to cast aside sleep in favour of Tangeum, work gave me no such pardon. The story was heavy with complex themes of grief, love, betrayal, and loyalty, expertly delivered through strong acting and substantially supported by an incredible OST. I felt each moment as though I were a part of it. I desperately wanted Jae-Yi to find out Hongrang was truly Hongrang, while contradictingly hoping against all else that he wasn't, for her and Hongrang's sake.
I could easily write a dissertation about why I loved this drama down to the bare bones, how it broke me, how it renewed me, how it filled me with equal amounts of hope and despair and how devastated I felt at the humanity of it all. But, I want each viewer to experience this drama as authentically and unencumbered by reviews as possible to feel every emotion that this masterpiece demands.
I will say that it is not what I would consider "light watching". Tangeum demands your full attention, engulfing the senses with unrelenting intrigue. I wouldn't rewatch it in a hurry because this is a story I feel the viewer needs to sit with for some time, hence the rating of 8. I am going to sit with this. However, while I do so, my advice is to run, don't walk, to watch this drama.
달리다
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exquisite storytelling with a masterpiece Ost
the story is narrated beautifully and captures the characters progression clearly through the episodes.even if you feel that the story is a common fable, I ensure that it isn't.
the story, the characters, the twists and the plot only seem to get better throughout the story.
I this is a thriller of its own kind.
it shows grief, aching, longing, sorrow
the cliff hangers very not bearable for me because I was very enraptured by the story.
the actors did an amazing job portraying their roles.
the entire Dear HONGRANG team deserves huge credit for bringing forth such a masterpiece.
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Turn out it is pretty impressive and touching to watch
I did not expect much at first but now I am writing a review for this movie but here I am. I have to admit it leaves a remarkable impression watching this show, the whole series can be obsessive.Lee Jae Wook in Alcemy of Souls grown up to Lee Jae Wook in Dear Hongrang....Made it looks like he fits in historical drama perfectly.
Obviously, the culture and historical background of the Joseon era can be strict but this is another one to appreciate how much of a blessing we have living in this era.
The 1st time watching left me feeling unsettled with the sadness, darkness, tragic and gloomy. But the acting of Lee Jae Wook and Jo Bo Ah made me re-watch couple of times. Every time re-watching, another layer of meaning is peeled off. Lee Jae Wook and Jo Bo Ah projected lively, subtle and authentic chemistry between Hongrang and Jae Yi. Somehow from suspicion and doubts in the beginning developed subtly to deeply and passionately in love with each other at the end. They both suffered from deep trauma and abuses, is that the reason why they fall for each other? Lee Jae Wook portrait Hongrang's trauma and pains so well to the point I wonder how he would be able to get out of that character. Hopefully it is not too deep for him to get out.
The plot contained so much blood, gore, violence and child abduction that was the part I don't appreciate. I understand they try to show how much of the greed and madness human being can be... Hopefully it is not too harsh for some people. In terms of harsh topic, I think this one can be compared with the Painted Skin (2008) but Dear Hongrang is no doubt a next level. From acting, actors/actress to soundtracks, culture, background aesthetics... From the white hanbok in the fight between the assassins to the subtle beauty of the background...are perfectly fit.
I reckon Yoamjae by Kwon Jin Ah is the best soundtracks among this list. Her voice delivers the passionate remarkable part of the series. The moments when Jae Yi floated in the rivers and their intimate moments in the cave next to the firewoods. It was really touching when Jae Yi was about to see Hongrang shoulder but his tears shed showed how much of the pains, disgust and agony he had carried such scars on his back. He did not want to reveal that part of himself to Jae Yi just because he cares about her. It is painful and tearing to see that moment.
Soundtracks successfully delivered the heavy, dark and gore theme of this show... even though I hope it was not that dark and heavy...
The prince by Kim Jae Wook is pretty impressive. His ugly, distorted mindset with deceptive obsession and illusion for torturing children, distorted arts and dark magics are well masked underneath the angelic, scholar and royal look outside. Kim Jae Wook somehow delivered these character from one side to the other very well.
The beautiful part of Dear Hongrang is the tragic connection and chemistry of the main characters from my point of view, it worth watching for that reason. I think if we expect the pink-roses and happy ending to satisfy us then it would not deliver the harsh truth of life. That is somewhere somehow someone are suffering from mistreatment of lunatic, psycho, ignorance people. Everyone deserves to be treated kindly and equally. Somehow I wonder how much of suffering those people had to go through... Well, karma works, the ending was reasonable enough to make sure it does not leave sad ending even though I wish a worth ending for Hongrang and Jae Yi - perhaps wishing for one in their next life.
Even though I was hoping for a better ending or a season 2 for this series. I have to admit the 11 episodes packed enough details and explanation.
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A perfect blend of memorable performances, atmospheric music, and an enigmatic, intriguing plot that captivates you from the first episode to the last.
For me, this drama establishes itself as one of the most unexpected and powerful gems of the year.
Dear Hongrang is a painful and moving exploration of grief, obsession, and that violent longing to belong to someone or something — to be acknowledged, to be loved.
It’s a story marked by revenge, hatred, the past, resentment, forgiveness, and the invisible wounds we all carry within.
Perfect performances, without exception
The actors deliver performances that border on perfection.
Lee Jae-wook, in the role of Hongrang, gives us a performance that is as vulnerable as it is powerful. Each scene is a display of restrained emotions that strike the viewer without the need for words. He confirms, once again, his ability to shine in intense, dark, and emotionally complex roles.
Jo Bo-ah, as Jae-yi, is simply captivating — a seemingly ordinary woman burdened with a heavy desire: to find her brother. Without realizing it, she becomes the soul of the series. Her gentleness, quiet strength, and determination are unforgettable.
Jung Ga-ram delivers a flawless performance, full of emotional tension. At first, I empathized with his character, then I ended up hating him. And finally, I felt grateful. His presence adds a layer of mystery and depth that enriches every scene he appears in.
And Kim Jae-wook… he is pure evil. Elegant, precise, dark. With just a few seconds on screen, he manages to leave a lasting impression. His character is as disturbing as he is magnetic, and Kim Jae-wook plays him with a sophistication only he can bring.
The chemistry between all the characters is real, palpable, and, in many moments, painfully authentic. Nothing is overacted — everything feels raw and alive.
A haunting soundtrack
The music in Dear Hongrang is carefully selected to accompany the emotions without overpowering them.
Each piece of the OST seems to breathe with the characters, echoing their pain, hope, and loss with poignant delicacy.
It doesn’t seek the spotlight — yet it lingers with you long after the episode ends.
A story that wounds... and transforms
The plot is much more than a tale of revenge. It’s an intimate portrayal of unseen pain, of silent rage, and of the scars time cannot erase.
It’s a slow-burn mystery that grips you — not only with what happens, but with how it feels.
Dear Hongrang isn’t just a drama.
It’s an aesthetic, emotional, and narrative experience.
It’s one of those rare K-dramas that breaks you open — and that you’re grateful to have watched.
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Obssessed with it now!
I’m being honest — the more I watch this drama, the more hooked I get!At first, I thought, “Oh my god, what a dark and heavy genre!!” But the more I watched, the more I felt the subtle, delicate beauty of love amidst the chaos of greed, hatred, revenge, and disturbingly twisted ideologies.
I think the love between Jae Yi and Hongrang is what truly makes this drama worth watching. It’s a noble, transcendent kind of love that rises above all the darkness and negativity.
While watching, I thought — if Lee Jae Wook didn’t play Hongrang, no one else could’ve done it better. His performance was incredibly moving.
And honestly, the chemistry between Jo Bo Ah and Lee Jae Wook in this drama is stronger than in any of their other works.
Maybe Hongrang often wears white or light-colored hanbok to symbolize the purity of his soul, even though his body has been horribly tormented. But perhaps it’s Jae Yi’s love that helped him become human — a real man in every sense.
I couldn’t hold back my tears, especially in the scenes between Hongrang and Jae Yi…
The soundtrack? Absolutely amazing! The emotional vocals paired perfectly with each scene, intensifying the feelings in every moment.
If I had to rewatch it, the only parts I’d dislike are the brutal and horrifying ending, and of course, that twisted prince. But I have to admit — Kim Jae Wook nailed the role! He played that “righteous on the outside, rotten on the inside” prince so well that I ended up hating the character — which just shows how brilliant the acting was. I really want to rewatch the drama, but the disturbing torture scenes make me hesitate.
God, I really, really hope there’s a season 2 — I just want a happy ending for this couple.
Ugh, this drama haunts me so much. I don’t even know how to move on from it. I’m obsessed!
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Should’ve been a 20-30 episode drama.
I had to swallow the fact that the storyline was congested into 11 episodes drama only. Hence, I prepared myself and expected cuts in the storyline.The story is honestly one of the best released for a k-period drama this year but it wasn’t executed well because of tight episodes. Actors were great—emotions were delivered well. I read some reviews, confused when did the romance bloomed? For Hongrang/Jaewook, it was when Jae-I told him whether he is the real or not, she hopes he won’t get hurt. After years of living, no one had actually gave him this kind of affection. For Jae-I, I believe there should be more episodes to unravel her emotions. But at one point, she stated how she feels these emotions towards Hongrang, whether he’s an impostor or not. I think that’s the start of her confusion. Then add the after marriage scene where Hongrang saved her, then kissed her while she was half awake. It’s actually easy to understand why they fell in love, but I just hope we had more episodes (as someone who likes slow burn period dramas).
Cinematography, camera works, action-scenes, battles, location, and everything else? It’s such a sweet candy for the eyes. Everything was perfect for me. As expected to the actors, they can execute everything well. It’s just that, why did the production turned it into a mini series?
All in all, I liked it and finished the series in one sitting.
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dear hongrang misses the mark
for the story and themes they were trying to convey: mystery, revenge, and romance. the execution was rushed and sloppy. the main reason was the length of the drama, it was only 11 episodes. for a sageuk i think the length did not allow them enough time to develop the plot and and characters to come to the conclusion at the end and feel natural. nothing really felt earned, character development wise. this drama should have really been 16-20 episodes to develop the characters and the plot better.Was this review helpful to you?
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Dear Hong Rang - Intense Chemistry, Twisted Plot
Dear HongRang is a K-drama I was eagerly anticipating, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. From the very beginning, it maintained a tone of secrecy & mystery that kept me hooked. While there were some elements that could’ve been explored more deeply, the show’s performances, especially the chemistry between the leads, made it a worthwhile watch.Plot & Storyline:
The central premise of "Dear HongRang" revolves around the search for the missing HongRang, with a mix of seemingly supernatural elements and a lot of suspense. While the show maintained an intriguing tone throughout, there were a few aspects of the plot that felt rushed and underexplained.
One of the major issues was the development of the romance between the main leads, Sim Jae Yi (played by Jo Bo Ah) and Hong Rang (played by Lee Jae Wook). Their chemistry was undeniable — their yearning and intense emotions were conveyed beautifully through their eyes and body language. Despite the lack of scenes showing their evolving relationship, you could still feel the bond between them. However, the actual progression of their romance was not clearly shown. More scenes between them would have helped us better understand their feelings.
Additionally, the Snowman plotline with the real Hong Rang was confusing. If Hong Rang died after falling while trying to remove a voodoo doll his mother had placed to kill his sister, why did we see a young Hong Rang running through the woods and encountering the Snowman as though he were being chased? And why did Hong Rang see the Snowman in his dreams? This inconsistency wasn’t adequately addressed, leaving several unanswered questions. Furthermore, we didn’t get enough backstory on how the Snowman worked for the Grand Prince, or the details surrounding the kidnapping of the young boys. These elements felt underdeveloped and left me wanting more.
Character Development:
Despite some plot issues, the characters were a standout. Sim Jae Yi was a particularly strong and well-crafted character. She’s intelligent, resilient, and determined, despite the traumatic abuse she suffered at the hands of her stepmother & a father who wouln't stand up for her. The way her past shaped her was heartbreaking, particularly how she would shiver at the sight of her stepmother. Despite all the pain, she never let her tragic circumstances define her.
Hong Rang, on the other hand, is a morally grey character who has had an equally harrowing past. From being a mistreated slave boy to being captured and tortured by the painter, he had a rough life. His transformation into an assassin/Soul Reaper added layers to his character. Lee Jae Wook brought this complexity to life perfectly. Hong Rang’s dark and mysterious aura was captivating, and it was clear that Jae Yi brought light into his life, just as he provided comfort to her.
Their chemistry was electric, and I was genuinely heartbroken when it became clear that Hong Rang was poisoned and wouldn’t have a chance at a happy ending. Jae Yi and Hong Rang deserved to have a happy ending after all the suffering they endured. Their journey toward healing and comfort seemed to be building toward a hopeful future, and it was hard to accept that they couldn’t get their deserved happy ending.
Cinematography & Soundtrack:
On the technical side, the cinematography was absolutely stunning. It had a mysterious, dark vibe that perfectly matched the show's tone. I loved how the visuals helped create an immersive atmosphere that kept me engaged throughout. The soundtrack, too, was fantastic, delivering emotional depth and giving me goosebumps on several occasions. Every scene felt visually striking, and the costumes added to the overall appeal of the show — though I do wish Hong Rang had a bit more variety in his outfits.
Conclusion:
The supporting cast also did a fantastic job, with standout performances that enriched the story. It was satisfying to see Lady Min finally get what she deserved after all the years of tormenting Jae Yi.
Overall, "Dear Hong Rang" was a very good drama, despite some of the plot holes and inconsistencies. The chemistry between Jo Bo Ah and Lee Jae Wook made it all the more enjoyable, and I would love to see them work together again — hopefully with a happier ending next time. It’s definitely a show worth watching if you’re a fan of suspense, romance, and complex characters.
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Dark & Mysterious
This wasn't what I expected when I began watching, but it does turn out to be a very in-depth story to follow with a lot of twists & turns. It becomes so bizarre at times, but you can't stop watching it.The main character, Hong Rang, appears to be antagonist at the beginning, but this is the type of story where nothing appears to be what it is. There were so many times I forgot who was actually good and who was bad in this series. It changes so much, you get mixed up on who to root for.
Bo Ah is great, as always. She never disappoints in bringing out every emotion possible on screen. Her, paired up with Jae Wook make a great team, although you wouldn't think so early on. These two evolve into a very believable couple.
Another character that really fools you into showing his true colors was Mu Jin. This character was tough to figure out, and Ga Ram shows us both sides of his talents at being liked and being disliked.
I think though, without a doubt, the most disturbing and evil character was Prince Han Pyeong. What an excellent job Kim Jae Wook does at bring out this wicked madman on camera. He's the perfect antagonist giving us such a disturbing performance. His death scene at the very end is brilliant and so well deserved.
Overall, it's a dark toned thriller & love story rolled into one. It makes for a great watch, becoming extremely entertaining, especially the later episodes.
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A GREAT WATCH!
Actually, this is my first time writing a review. I just think that I have to jot down a review given how great the drama but underrated it is LOL.The plot was great but still needs some refinement, I think, at least for me. I find every episode intriguing that keeps me want to watch more. It's just kinda bit of gore with all the bloodly scenes and violence depicted especially on children. Though, everything was just right for the plot.
For this one, Lee Jae Wook has really won my heart. Dude - he nailed his role. I have watched some of his dramas like the "Alchemy of Souls" and "The Impossible Heir", but he got me going crazy with this one. It reached a point that when he cries or even a single tear just came out of his eye, it also makes me want to cry with him. His character was deep and scarred that makes you feel with him. I salute the actor for portraying it so greatly.
For Jo Bo Ah, she was good. I just don't get why she's being bullied by her acting skills. She did well too as Jae-yi actually. People are saying she's lacking the ability to express the emotions of her characters but nah I don't really agree. I noticed the hate and critique since she starred in "The Tale of the Nine Tailed Fox" with Lee Dong Wook. Maybe the netizens were just jealous that she got good looking male leads with her LOL, kidding tho.
All the villains from Grand Prince Hanpyeong (The Painter) , Sim Yeol-guk, Min Yeon-eui and at some point Moo-jin also played very well. They successfully caught my anger honestly. Thankfully, they payed pretty well by the end. Oh soo satisfying when the hands of the painter b@stard was cut down with his face torn up HAHAHA. For Yeol-guk that is the painter's accomplice all along was shot down by his past lover while Yeon-eui got totally crazy. Then, comes Moo-jin, he was pretty annoying especially when he asserts his love to the FL and tries to eliminate the ML so that he gets want he wants. Thankfully, Moo-jin realized and tried to correct his wrong doings (well just by saving Jae-yi the last moment).
For me, I was really expecting more from Kkot-nim and her organization. I think her story was not highlighted. It could have been better if she does her revenge big time instead of just hiding. She was yet again striked and suffered the loss of her brother before she even got to shot the man who she once loves and believes that would protect her. Thus, the snowman, I really thought that he plays a more bigger part in the story since he was the most highlighted antagonist from the very start. I was expecting something like he was also a victim of the painter given he's snow like skin. Turns out his just a minor character like any other HAHAHA. The connection of the guild to the painter too was kind of vague. How could they possibly agreed with other to do child trafficking. I wanted more from that part. And oh, I think they forgot that the real hongrang have seen the snow man. He shared it with Jae-yi which leads her to at some point conclude that maybe her little brother was a victim. Seriously, we believed from the very start that the real hongrang was also a victim of the snow man kidnapping because of it but it turns out he just slipped and lost his footing. He's death was completely not connected to the snow man and painter plot after all HAHAHA. So what does it mean when he said he saw the snow man in his dreams while waking up in strange places?
The drama has a great cinematography and OST track. The actors was just as great too, especially Lee Jae Wook who literally nailed it. The plot lacks a bit but the actors did really well, especially the leads. If you are in for a romance packed with action and thriller in a Korean historal drama, then this one's for you. It's only 11 episodes so the pacing was also okay.
The biggest concern that I have is the ending of the main characters!! Soul Reaper and Jae-yi deserves soo muchh moreee. I'm aching to see them happy together as they have been hurt so much and carries a lot of unhealed scars. Author-nim?! Director-nim?! Why??!!
Overall, the drama is soo great. Such a great watch!
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