Dear Hongrang Episode 1

Finally

a historical Kdrama that has some intrigue, imposters galore and a tragic heroine. The 'mother' is a truely evil being but the 'adopted' son is not far behind.

Solid start

The vibes are heavy and intense, but in a good way. Everyone’s got secrets, the power plays are ruthless, and the emotional stakes are high. Jae-i’s still holding onto childhood memories, while her family is falling apart around her, especially her drug-addicted mother and her cold, calculating father. The episode drops enough clues to keep you guessing, especially about whether this man is actually Hong-rang or just another pawn in a bigger game. It’s moody, dramatic, and full of tension - a perfect setup for slow-burn mysteries with layered characters and a touch of the supernatural. Solid start.

Four Stars

I liked this first ep. Nice pacing and build up. So many questions. I am always confused by the family dynamics in these period pieces. Hongrang's mother has more (political) power than his father? How? I get that there are marriages of convenience.