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good story but horrible executed
i was so excited for this one and it started out so good, although i did feel weirded out a bit here and there with the whole brother-sister-brother love triangle, but i dont see anyone talking about that? was i the only one who found it weird at some point ?😅 anyway, it starts going downhill the last few episodes. it made 0 sense for ml&fl to fall in love, they have 0 chemistry and literally dont know anything about eachother?? i felt so detached to the characters and story. such a let down:(Was this review helpful to you?
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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Dear Hongrang
I was waiting for this drama because of Jo Bo Ah and she was the reason for watching, I did not have any high expectation for plot or any other aspect of this drama - maybe it is a reason why it was even better - but yeah this drama is just great. So moving on to actors/characters, then ending and story ( I will repeat warning - THERE WILL BE SPOILERS - so read only if it does not bother you).Jo Bo Ah - I just love her acting, her crying scenes were heartbreaking here, I feel like her character was the only one which we could actually put in morally good category, I liked her chemistry with other actors, I also feel like she likes when dramas have some historical aspect, but she looks great in hanbok so I understand her, I loved her high ponytail hairstyle in 10 episode I think, maybe it was 9 - now I want her to play assassin in some historical drama
Lee Jae Wook - my first drama with him where is main character, I do not know yet if I fully like his acting style, sometimes he looks like lost child but at the same time it made perfect sense with his storyline, oh my how much his charactered suffered, it is crazy, and I am happy that he knew since the beginning that they are not siblings cause otherwise it would be weird (so good thing that she also suspected it), I liked their kiss scenes (yeah, maybe dark drama but it is still romance so we got it!), SPOILER: there really was not a way to prevent his death and that is probably the saddest part about it
Jung Ga Ram - I did not recognize him at the beginning, he is guy who got a gilr from Love Alarm (yeah, I was team him in that drama XD), here his character was sweet at the beginning, then you literally start to hate him, SPOILER: good thing that in the end he choosed to be good and protect her
Kim Jae Wook - he know how to play crazy characters/villains, just perfect acting but story is crazy, I expected him to be a villain and at the same time I thought he was not, SPOILER: scene with lost hands felt a little like from anime, not my favourite part but excellent "revenge" for him
Well the rest did great, everyone acted perfect, although I have to admit that I had some hard time to recognize who was who because of mustaches and beards.
Hongrang - poor sweet child, he only wanted to protect his sister.....and I hate his mother, eventhought well no, I just hate her
Great fighting scenes, great villains, still I do not know who was The snow man......., beautiful romance, more bitter than sweet ending, yeah more sad than anything, how she lost everyone she cared about but I do not think people really expected something light, even poster made it clear that we will cry during this
I do not really understand the last scene - if it was her imagination or if it was after she died because of old age - but it made the ending a little sweeter.
A little bloody but I do not think it was too brutal.
Totally worth watching, even amount of episodes is great, just give it a chance!
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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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Not the music, the action scenes, nor the MLs' beauty could redeem this
The setup for a love triangle was painfully obvious early on, so I almost abandoned the series.The characters were very one-dimensional. It appeared the mystery and Hongrang's backstory would get a less predictable development, but instead, they abandoned that and then tried to convince us that the trained assassin who made meticulous plans would make a sloppy escape/elopement attempt.
In the last episodes, they started just showing scenes without setup, continuity, or explanation of how characters came to be there. It was very odd for a series of this level.
The action scenes were good and well-shot.
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