Overview & Premise
Dear Hongrang centers on Jae-yi (Jo Bo-ah), a young woman haunted by the disappearance of her half-brother, Hong-rang, when they were kids. Twelve years later, a man (Lee Jae-wook) arrives, claiming to be Hong-rang but with no memory of his past. As he’s welcomed back into the influential Min merchant family, Jae-yi’s doubts and a tangle of family secrets spiral into romantic and psychological conflict.
Cast & Production
Directed by Kim Hong‑sun (Money Heist: Korea) and written by Kim Jin‑ah (Dr. Brain), this 11‑episode saga is based on the web novel Tangeum: Swallowing Gold by Jang Da‑hye. The show premiered globally on Netflix on May 16, 2025.
Strengths
- Atmospheric Visuals & Art Direction: Richly detailed costumes and meticulously crafted sets transport viewers to late Joseon. Cinematography and production design—from luxurious hanboks to celadon pottery—create a vivid backdrop.
- Strong Performances:
- Jo Bo‑ah plays Jae‑yi with strength and emotional depth, grounding the central mystery.
- Uhm Ji‑won shines as Min Yeon‑ui, the anguished matriarch whose grief drives much of the drama.
- Genre-Blending Storytelling: What starts as a period piece unfolds into a gripping mystery, layered with psychological tension and supernatural undertones—candles flicker, ghostly figures lurk, and family politics simmer in the background.
Weaknesses
- Uneven Pacing & Editing: Many viewers noted that the story’s momentum dips midseason. Quick cuts and choppy transitions sometimes disrupt narrative flow, making emotional beats feel disjointed.
- Controversial Romantic Dynamics: The romance between Jae‑yi and the returned “Hong‑rang” raised discomfort among audiences due to their sibling-like relationship. Despite the lack of blood relation, the emotions feel unsettling, especially as terms like “sister” and “brother” persist.
- Underutilized Supporting Elements: Subplots like the enigmatic “snowman” figure intrigued fans but were left unresolved, leading to frustration about missed narrative opportunities.
Audience Reactions
Enthusiastic fans praised the show’s mystery, music, and visuals:
“The OST was so good… the camera work was top notch… overall the drama was an 8/10 for me.”
“Certain scenes… like the father ripping Hong‑rang’s clothes… were done absolutely brilliantly.”
However, others cited pacing issues and emotional confusion:
“The pacing is wayyy off… plot became underwhelming around the middle.”
“It’s leaning toward incest… they call each other siblings… it feels weird.”
Cultural Reception & Impact
Globally, Dear Hongrang gained strong Netflix viewership and positive buzz, ranking among top non-English series shortly after release. But domestically, reactions were split—critics pointed to its controversial themes and pacing as polarizing factors.
Final Thoughts
Dear Hongrang is a visually stunning, emotionally charged mystery that’s equal parts romance, intrigue, and period drama. Its strengths—compelling production, captivating acting, atmospheric storytelling—outshine structural flaws and eyebrow-raising themes. Fans looking for a dramatic, layered viewing experience may find it rewarding, though those sensitive to sibling-coded romance or expecting smooth pacing might approach cautiously.
