Latest news with #HongRang
Indian Express
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Dear Hongrang ending explained: 7 burning questions answered in Lee Jae Wook and Jo Bo Ah story finale
Lee Jae Wook and Jo Bo Ah's Dear Hongrang, despite its lukewarm ratings, has stirred up enough noise on Netflix to pull viewers into its historical-fantasy story of Hong Rang and Jae Yi, while leaving a trail of chaos and questions behind. Was it a happy ending? Who died? Are they siblings or lovers? And what about Mu Jin? Sure, the makers didn't keep us hanging by dropping all 11 episodes in one go, but there are still loose ends that need to be answered, especially since the series wrapped on a bittersweet note (or downright tragic). The story kicks off with the disappearance of the only son from Joseon's wealthiest merchant family, and what follows is his half-sister risking it all to bring him back, only to clash with a stranger claiming to be Hong Rang. She's not buying it, but somehow, the family is. The series throws in a time jump, a romantic arc, and long, beautifully chaotic battle scenes. So here we are, breaking it down for you. Spoilers ahead—this is your last chance to look away if you're not caught up. Jae Yi is on a mission to find her long-lost half-brother, who disappeared at the age of 12. By episode three, it's clear that Lee Jae Wook, who bears the same scars and habits as Hong Rang, isn't her brother, but a soul reaper planted in the wealthy merchant family to take the Min family down. But Jae Wook isn't just a pawn. His backstory is brutal. Once a lowly slave to a powerful family, he was captured by Prince Han Pyeong and turned into a living 'talisman.' After escaping, he was caught by Kkot Nim, leader of Geomgyedan, who gave him a new identity and trained him to replace Hong Rang. She wanted to avenge the death of her unborn child, killed by the Min family. Also read: Dear Hongrang Review: K-trauma hits again as Jo Bo Ah–Lee Jae Wook follow Netflix's heartbreak streak post Twenty Five Twenty One After capturing In Hoe, Han Pyeong also kidnaps Jae Yi to lure Soul Reaper, aka Hong Rang, into his trap. On the other hand, Hong Rang, who promised Jae Yi to free Hoe In and not let the prince succeed in his evil intention, gets startled and filled with rage. He attacks the palace even in his unhealthy state, but fails to save his close friend. However, Jae Yi gets saved, along with the other kids captured by the prince. Now, coming to the next question, who is Snow Man? He was often sighted on crime spots, whether a kidnapping or taking the body back. The identity of white-bearded, pale-looking man of towering height remained a mystery till the end in episode 10 when Hong Rang kills him, but it is clear that he was mortal. On the other hand, Painter is none other than the evil prince himself, whom Jae Yi's father kept supporting with money. Based on the 2021 novel Tangeum: Swallowing Gold by Jang Da Hye, the story introduces this character as someone who used toxic substances to hurt kids, and Hong Rang was one of the victims. No, Hong Rang is dead. In the initial episode, it was made clear that a maid witnessed Hong Rang's disappearance, and the Soul Reaper who falls for Jae Yi couldn't lie to her anymore, so he reveals the place where Hong Rang's body was buried, and Jae Yi gets closure. However, the maid later describes what she saw years ago — during Jae Yi's mother's funeral, her stepmother tried black magic on her and contacted a shaman. However, Hong Rang, who saw it all, later slipped from the roof while trying to stop the ritual. The shaman, in turn, asked the servant to throw the boy's still-breathing body. Later, it was discovered that the shaman Gwigokja was also seeking revenge from Hong Rang's mother, who, years before, had got her mother killed. Also read: Dear Hongrang star Jo Bo Ah reveals nickname she gave to Lee Jae Wook, shares why she keeps distance from male co-stars There are battle scenes with Hong Rang and Jae Yi against the world, the duo has clearly fallen for each other. The last scene is open for interpretation, but on the surface, we cannot say they end up together. When Hong Rang was captured by the prince in his childhood, Jae Yi's father, Sim Yeol Guk, applied toxic chemicals on his body, alum and arsenic. Years later, after succeeding in his mission, there is no happy ending for the Soul Reaper, whose organs begin to shut down because of the reaction from those chemicals. His health worsens, and though he promised to return to Jae Yi after killing the prince, he only returns to die in her arms. The show takes a 2-year time jump, showing Jae Yi as the Min family head. She still takes care of her stepmother and is clearly lonely and suffering from the loss of her loved ones. In the final moment, she hears a whisper, Soul Reaper's voice, and says, 'There you are,' while smiling, giving us the impression that they may have met in the afterlife or imagination. Many were rooting for Mu Jin, played by Jung Ga Ram, to end up with the female lead if Soul Reaper succumbed to injury, given that he always yearned for her despite Jae Yi clearly drawing a sibling boundary. But in the end, Mu Jin, the adopted son of the Min family, trained to replace Hong Rang, sacrifices himself for his love, trying to shield her from the final blow of the crown prince's men. Hong Rang kills Crown Prince Han Pyeong, starting with chopping off his arms, the same arms that caused so much pain to his victims. The prince tries to trap Hong Rang again after realising he is his 7th living talisman who escaped from his trap, and that sacrificing him in his adult form would make him holy. 'My search for greatness is not driven by selfish aspirations or avarice,' he said in the penultimate episode. 'Rather, it is my fervent zeal for all people. I must become a deity. Only then will this country and the entire world achieve serenity.' But in the finale, Hong Rang kills him, calling him an 'idiot.' 'You were simply a grotesque madman. A mere nobody, bound by a vain delusion in hopes of becoming someone.'
Pink Villa
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Is Lee Jae Wook and Jo Bo Ah's Dear Hongrang about incest? Fans say romantic triangle between siblings feels ‘awkward and wrong'
Netflix's new period mystery, Dear Hongrang, was expected to be a major success thanks to its high-profile cast and compelling historical premise. However, since its premiere on May 16, the series has become the subject of widespread online debate. It's largely due to what many viewers are calling a controversial romantic subplot involving characters positioned as siblings. Set against the backdrop of the Joseon Dynasty, Dear Hongrang follows the story of Jae Yi (Jo Bo Ah), a noblewoman burdened by the past. Her life is overshadowed by the unresolved disappearance of her younger half-brother, Hong Rang, who went missing years ago. The incident fractured her family, particularly her stepmother, Min Yeon Ui, who has never forgiven Jae Yi for the loss of her only son. As time passed, the family adopted a boy named Mu Jin (Jung Ga Ram), hoping he would fill the emotional void left behind. Things take a strange turn when a mysterious man (Lee Jae Wook) appears years later, claiming to be the long-lost Hong Rang. Although he lacks any memories of his early life, Min Yeon Ui quickly embraces him as her missing son. Jae Yi, on the other hand, remains skeptical and begins her own investigation to uncover the truth about his identity. As Jae Yi searches for answers, she finds herself emotionally drawn to the man posing as her brother. Despite her initial hesitation, her feelings grow deeper. This was an unsettling development for viewers, given the context of their supposed sibling relationship. Meanwhile, her adopted brother Mu Jin struggles silently with romantic feelings for Jae Yi as well. It adds yet another layer of discomfort to the love triangle. This emotional entanglement between characters who were raised or referred to as 'siblings' has left a significant portion of the audience disturbed. The situation has sparked heated discussions across social media, with many viewers criticizing the show's writers for blurring familial boundaries for dramatic effect. Some viewers have defended the drama, pointing out that there's no actual incest depicted in the plot. The man claiming to be Hong Rang is later revealed to be an assassin. He is not related to the family by blood, and Jae Yi had always harbored suspicions about his true identity. Mu Jin, too, is an adopted child with no blood ties to Jae Yi. However, these technicalities haven't stopped viewers from feeling uneasy. Critics argue that, while the characters are not biologically related, the show's choice to frame their relationships within a familial setting makes the romance problematic.
Indian Express
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Dear Hongrang Review: K-trauma hits again as Jo Bo Ah–Lee Jae Wook follow Netflix's heartbreak streak post Twenty Five Twenty One
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. Also Read | Weak Hero class 2 review: A manhwa misfire, but Park Ji Hoon and Ryeo Un outweigh the flaws of Netflix's rushed adaptation 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.)
Pink Villa
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Lee Jae Wook, Jo Bo Ah's Dear Hongrang Ending Explained: Know Hong Rang's dark past and fate of Jae Yi-Soul Reaper's love story
The finale of Dear Hongrang, titled Forever and After, ends on a tragic note. It was filled with sorrow, sacrifice, and painful truths. The Netflix K-drama unravels a dark tale of revenge, mistaken identities, and haunting memories. Lee Jae Wook shines as the Soul Reaper, a man torn by past trauma and a thirst for purpose. Directed by Kim Hong Seon, the story begins with the mysterious disappearance of young Hong Rang. Twelve years later, he returns, but his half-sister Jae Yi, played by Jo Bo Ah, questions his identity. Jae Yi's long search for her lost brother leads to a heartbreaking discovery. As secrets resurface, the drama explores the cost of truth and the weight of memory in a beautifully tragic finale. Jae Yi discovers the tragic truth about her brother Jae Yi's search for her brother ends in heartbreak rather than reunion. After breaking free from Prince Han Pyeong's control, the Soul Reaper, who had been living under the identity of Hong Rang, confesses his true feelings to Kkot Nim. He admits he has fallen for Jae Yi and can no longer hide the truth about her real brother. As the story unfolds, Jae Yi, along with a group of maidservants, stumbles upon a chilling discovery: skeletal remains buried in a well. This grim find confirms that Hong Rang died long ago, ending Jae-yi's desperate hope of finding him alive. Though the truth is painful, it finally brings clarity to her years of longing and unanswered questions. Truth behind Hong Rang's disappearance shocks Jae Yi At Min Palace, a longtime maid finally unveils the truth about Hong Rang's mysterious disappearance. Years ago, during the memorial for Jae Yi's late mother, young Jae Yi and Hong Rang performed the rites together. Their moment was cut short when Yeon Ui, Hong Rang's mother, stormed in and forbade him from honoring his stepmother. That night, Yeon Ui, burning with resentment, asked shaman Gwigokja to craft a cursed doll bearing Jae Yi's name, placing it on a rooftop. Hong Rang, having seen the ritual, climbed onto the roof to retrieve the doll but tragically slipped and fell. The maid discovered him barely alive but returned to find him gone. Gwigokja had found the boy and ordered his body thrown into a well. It is later revealed that Gwigokja sought revenge. Her mother was once killed by Yeon Ui. In the present, Jae Yi confronts Yeon Ui, then mourns Hong Rang at his grave, comforted by the Soul Reaper. Soul Reaper's tragic origins and dire future Following Hong Rang's funeral, Jae Yi begins a quiet life alongside the Soul Reaper, who finally shares his painful history. He was born into slavery under a royal family and later captured by Prince Han Pyeong. The Prince used his back to paint a yin-yang talisman. Though he escaped, he was eventually taken in by Kkot Nim, leader of Geomgyedan. She trained him as an assassin and forced him to live as Hong Rang to carry out her revenge against the Min family for the loss of her unborn child. Soon after, Jae Yi discovers through Mu Jin that her father aided the prince in harming children, using toxic substances to mark talismans. As a result, the Soul Reaper is now gravely ill, suffering from seizures, lung damage, and worsening health. Prince Han Pyeong's ambition crushed by Soul Reaper Prince Han Pyeong captures In Hoe, the Soul Reaper's only close friend, hoping to lure him out. Despite his failing health, the Soul Reaper promises Jae Yi he will rescue In Hoe and return safely. Before he can act, the prince also kidnaps Jae Yi. Filled with rage, the Soul Reaper launches a solo attack on the palace, overcoming the prince's soldiers. Though he is unable to save In Hoe, he manages to free Jae Yi and other imprisoned children, ensuring their escape. During a final confrontation, the prince reveals his twisted plan to attain godhood by marking humans with talismans and offering them as sacrifices. The prince believed this would cleanse and uplift the world. Horrified, the Soul Reaper disables the prince by cutting off his hands and ultimately kills him, stopping his sinister scheme. What became of Jae Yi and Soul Reaper in the end? After defeating Prince Han Pyeong, the Soul Reaper returns to Jae Yi as promised, but his injuries are too severe. He passes away in her arms, leaving behind the memory of a life they were never able to share. His death highlights a tragic fate: used and discarded, his true identity remains lost until the very end. Two years later, Jae Yi leads the Min family, quietly carrying the pain of her losses. She cares for her stepmother, Yeon Ui, who has fallen into madness, still clinging to hope for Hong Rang's return. In the final moments, Jae Yi hears the Soul Reaper's voice and turns with a gentle smile, whispering, 'There you are.' The scene then shifts to a snowy Joseon, where they reunite in her imagination, their love continues to live on.
Indian Express
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Dear Hongrang: 3 key points to look out for before watching Netflix's new historical romance, starring Lee Jae Wook and Jo Bo Ah
Dear Hongrang premiered on Netflix on May 16. While the makers have made sure not to leave you guessing every week, they do want you to check out a few details before tuning into the historical mystery romance, also titled Tangeum, starring Alchemy of Soul star Lee Jae Wook and Tale of the Nine Tailed actor Jo Bo Ah. The K-drama revolves around the lives of Hong Rang and his half-sister, Jae Yi. Dear Hongrang marks Lee Jae Wook's second stint in the world of sword-wielding, hanbok-wearing heroes. However, for Jo Bo Ah, the show's success is important as it comes after her mega project with Kim Soo Hyun was cancelled because of the actor's controversy. Set in the Joseon era, the backdrop for many South Korean historical shows, the K-drama explores the mysterious relationship that develops between the protagonists. Also read: Tastefully Yours first impression: Weirdly addictive duo Go Min Si, Kang Ha Neul cook up quirky kitchen romance in Netflix's new-age Business Proposal The Netflix original K-drama has been marketed as a unique blend of three genres: mystery, melodrama, and historical. The storyline itself is quite interesting, and it's safe to say that the makers have entered untouched territory. It begins with Hong Rang's sudden disappearance. One day, the long-lost son of Joseon's biggest merchant guild reappears, but with all his memories wiped away. What follows is a series of strange and mysterious events. No one is happier than his half-sister Jae Yi, who spent years desperately searching for him, only to end up questioning his identity after noticing strange behaviour. Knowing him inside out since childhood, Jae Yi starts having doubts that, despite having the same face and almost identical habits, this person who reappeared doesn't quite fit into Hong Rang's shoes. Yet, she can't stop herself from forming an inexplicable emotional bond. The show also includes a stepson arc, the adopted son of Min Sang Dan, Mu Jin (Jung Ga Ram), who is the direct successor of the association. Also read: Alchemy Of Souls First Impression: Lee Jae-wook and Jung So-min's fever dream of a fantasy is an adrenaline rush Netflix is betting big on the stellar cast of the K-drama, who have already delivered multiple hits on the streamer, including Alchemy of Souls, Destined with You, Tale of the Nine Tailed, Military Prosecutor Doberman, and more. Lee Jae Wook dons a hanbok again for the role of Hong Rang, a character who is complex and conflicted from the very start. He returns to his village with a secret, but his attraction and confusion toward Jae Yi spark inner conflicts and tension. Jo Bo Ah plays Jae Yi, the only person who suspects Hong Rang and senses something is off, even as no one else is convinced by her observations. As the poster suggests, their relationship, which begins as a war of nerves, gradually shifts into attraction. Meanwhile, Park Byung Eun's Sim Yeol Guk brings a villainous edge as the power-hungry guild leader. Uhm Ji Won plays Min Yeon, the landlady of Minsangdan, who will do anything to protect Hong Rang, the long-lost son who has just returned. Kim Jae Wook stars as Grand Prince Han Pyeong. As director Kim Hong Sun describes, 'The actors performances make each character's deep narrative shine, from confusion, suspicion, tension, and a war of nerves to affection, friendship, and love, as well as the ensemble that goes beyond mystery and melodrama. ' The acclaimed showrunner behind Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area wants viewers to also pay attention to the technical details that set this Joseon period drama apart from others. Unlike the usual village setups with forts, concrete walls, and horses running around, Dear Hongrang features evocative set pieces. Take a closer look at the carefully crafted costumes, and you might find answers to questions you hadn't thought of. Even the music and production design in the K-drama are carefully chosen to fit the theme and capture the overall mood, varying from character to character. Some of the most impressive details appear in the stills showing the interior of Minsangdan, highlighting the lifestyle of Joseon's merchant class, a rich display of colours and styles rarely seen in typical rich-prince-poor-girl stories. The cinematography is emotionally powerful and creates a deeply immersive experience for viewers. The powerful background score by 4BOUT brings out the old-time feel, meanwhile, Kwon Jin Ah's vocals capture the growing feelings between Hong Rang and Jae Yi.
