Dear Hongrang Review: K-trauma hits again as Jo Bo Ah–Lee Jae Wook follow Netflix's heartbreak streak post Twenty Five Twenty One

Indian Express

19-05-2025

Dear Hongrang premiered on May 17 on Netflix. But if you're still not over Na Hee Do and Baek Yi Jin (Twenty Five Twenty One), proceed with caution. Lee Jae Wook and Jo Bo Ah's historical rom-com sold itself on a genre-blending mix of mystery, fantasy, and period drama but, after ploughing through 11 episodes in one night—because never expected the mystery to crawl under my skin like that—I guess, they missed branding it as an emotional demolition job disguised as a rom-com. The show bet big on costume design, set pieces, and cinematography, and it paid off. The story of Hong Rang, Jae Yi, and Mu Jin has a solid mystery plotline, a money-hungry father, a powerful merchant guild, betrayals, and whiplash flashbacks between past and present instantly pique interest. Though there's still a whiff of awkwardness that's already rubbing some viewers the wrong way.
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Fans of Alchemy of Soul are going to watch it anyway, because who is going to miss watching Lee Jae Wook in another Hanbok look, wielding swords, as Joseon's Soul Reaper? Dear Hongrang kicks off with the son of Joseon's most powerful guild vanishing. It's a lot to unpack at first, but once you settle in, the slow burn magically plays out with an intense, gripping ride through obsession, grief, a web of deceit and violent yearning. All of it wrapped in the soft glow of candlelight, a stunning setting, heavy jewellery, and visuals that set it apart from other historical K-dramas.
12 years have passed, but Hong Rang is still missing. Women on the street still whisper while staring at his poster, the successor to Joseon's biggest merchant association, who disappeared at age 8, leaving his mother, Min Yeon-ui (Uhm Ji-won) spiralling into addiction, still hoping for his return. The rumour is that Hong Rang's stepsister, Jae Yi (Jo Bo Ah), is cursed, accused of taking her little brother's life after allegedly killing her mother. But that doesn't stop Jae Yi from desperately searching for him, even if it means risking her life. Meanwhile, the Sim family adopts Mu Jin (Jung Ga Ram), raised and trained to inherit the business. The only person he bonds with emotionally is Jae Yi, who returns the respect, just not the feelings he quietly harbours for her. Things shift when a stranger shows up at Min's doorstep claiming to be the long-lost Hong Rang. Everyone buys it, except Jae Yi, who's skeptical from the jump. One standout scene I can't skip: the way identity was verified using an ancient DNA-matching method, dropping blood into a liquid-filled vessel and observing the reaction. The way it's executed on screen, pure cinematic gold.
Also read: Dear Hongrang: 3 key points to look out for before watching Netflix's new historical romance, starring Lee Jae Wook and Jo Bo Ah
Jae Yi clearly can't stand this new Hong Rang, or the imposter she's convinced he is, but can't help second-guessing herself when she notices familiar scars and old habits. Their bond starts with mutual irritation, turns into an inexplicable pull, and eventually drags them both into emotional storm. Meanwhile, Mu Jin mastered the art of giving a second lead syndrome. The tension between Hong Rang and Jae Yi constantly blurs lines, so much so, it'll have you questioning your own moral compass. Jo Bo Ah shoulders the weight of responsibility and lost love while juggling her feelings for the man claiming to be her brother. Lee Jae Wook walks around like someone who doesn't believe he deserves to be loved or remembered.
Director Kim Hong Sun (Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area) wasn't kidding when he said they went all in on visuals and production design. You can't overlook the intricacies, and the costumes do half the storytelling. Hong Rang wears white in almost every episode. The colour usually tied to death. It's like he's walking around in a shroud. Jae Yi sticks to pale tones, too, like someone who's lost all colour and purpose after losing her brother. Now let's talk about that BGM, 4BOUT orchestra. It hits like a shot of adrenaline when needed, then melts into Kwon Jin Ah's vocals to set the romantic arc. On a scene-stealing note: Kim Jae Wook as the villain outdid himself, no notes.
But here's the problem, and it's been there from the very start. Something about the show left a sour taste. The trio was introduced as siblings, and by the end, we're knee-deep in a love triangle. I had to keep pausing just to process. The angst between Hong Rang and Jae Yi is intense, sometimes almost too much. The drama never really tries to clear the air—something it desperately needed if it wanted us to root for Hong Rang as he held Jae Yi's hand while battling enemies in that peak romantic fantasy moment. That lack of clarity leaves viewers stuck in a moral fog. (The penultimate episode has the answers, but let's not be that person dropping spoilers.)