Dear Hongrang

Epic, gut-wrenching yet beautiful piece of drama.

I must say I'm in awe of the cinematography, haunting ost and overall production of this epic historical drama told over 11 structured episodes. I love the mystery, melodrama, the mission and at the center of it lies a love story between Hongrang and Jaeyi, both struggle with past and present demons, violence and abuse. Great acting from all the cast particularly our protagonists Lee Jae Wook and Jo Bo Ah, special mention of the mother Yeon Ui played by the seasoned Uhm Ji Won, she's amazing, eats up every scene she's in. I'm not so fond of the abuse and cruelty against children, the grand prince (Kim Jae Wook, great charisma and acting chops) the overbearing obsessive older brother Mu Jin, never liked him from the start. The ending so.... sad only because our dear Hongrang suffered much in his life and he deserved his happiness and peace, but I'm okayed with it, at last he can truly rest and await for his Jaeyi. Overall 9.5 rating... recommend it.

Read More

affraid at the begining but love it in the end

I love watching series with Lee Jae Wook. He is very talented actor, with great skills, a great kisser in his generation, and the historical dramas are perfect for him, is totally made for historical dramas. With every glance, every word, he captures the soul of the character, translating emotion into something deeply human and unforgettable.

He SLAYED in this one.

I watched till the end for him, for the music and for the cinematography. I don't regret watching it, but I will probably not rewatch as I did wit AOS, which I have seen 5 times. The theme was so creepy, cruel and dark for me, with annoying evil characters, was not my cup of tea.

The music and sound effects in this series harmoniously resonate with the storyline, the scenes themselves, the visuals, the actors' performances — everything is so incredibly well-balanced! For me this one, When Life Gives You Tangerines and Pachinko are incredibility epic as cinematography.

Jo Bo Ah was great too in her character. Sim Jae I annoyed me a lot in the first episodes, but I find her character very strong, brave, maybe too naive, balance for how much she was enduring from her supposed family.

And I hope to see Kim Jae Wook more but with normal characters, because he's already had too many roles as a psychopath, a traumatic roles for me. He is sooo talented.

Great chemistry between FL and ML, beautiful capture of their love.
Still didn't understand who was the White Man.

I hate Sim Mu Jin, is the worst, a psychopath, as the prince and the shaman. So much symbolism with what is in real life. He did not know what love is.

The OST is 1000/10.

The end it’s realistic, painful, and beautiful.

Read More

A bittersweet portrait of love and loss

This drama is a quiet, tender story that lingers in the heart long after the final episode. It’s not a grand, sweeping romance but a painfully realistic portrayal of love which I do think is necessarily and fitting.
What actually caught my interest is the tattoo on Hongrang’s back, It is a haunting and symbolic element central to the series' dark narrative, which the drama’s brilliance lies in how it uses this detail. Every time Hongrang’s back is revealed, in moments of vulnerability, the weight of that ink feels heavier. Dear Hongrang is beautifully shot and emotionally resonant, with standout performances and a unique concept. While it stumbles with pacing and clarity toward the end, it remains a worthwhile watch for those who like dramas with a dark and sorrowful twist.

Read More

Dear Hong Rang - Intense Chemistry, Twisted Plot

Dear HongRang is a K-drama I was eagerly anticipating, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. From the very beginning, it maintained a tone of secrecy & mystery that kept me hooked. While there were some elements that could’ve been explored more deeply, the show’s performances, especially the chemistry between the leads, made it a worthwhile watch.

Plot & Storyline:
The central premise of "Dear HongRang" revolves around the search for the missing HongRang, with a mix of seemingly supernatural elements and a lot of suspense. While the show maintained an intriguing tone throughout, there were a few aspects of the plot that felt rushed and underexplained.

One of the major issues was the development of the romance between the main leads, Sim Jae Yi (played by Jo Bo Ah) and Hong Rang (played by Lee Jae Wook). Their chemistry was undeniable — their yearning and intense emotions were conveyed beautifully through their eyes and body language. Despite the lack of scenes showing their evolving relationship, you could still feel the bond between them. However, the actual progression of their romance was not clearly shown. More scenes between them would have helped us better understand their feelings.

Additionally, the Snowman plotline with the real Hong Rang was confusing. If Hong Rang died after falling while trying to remove a voodoo doll his mother had placed to kill his sister, why did we see a young Hong Rang running through the woods and encountering the Snowman as though he were being chased? And why did Hong Rang see the Snowman in his dreams? This inconsistency wasn’t adequately addressed, leaving several unanswered questions. Furthermore, we didn’t get enough backstory on how the Snowman worked for the Grand Prince, or the details surrounding the kidnapping of the young boys. These elements felt underdeveloped and left me wanting more.

Character Development:
Despite some plot issues, the characters were a standout. Sim Jae Yi was a particularly strong and well-crafted character. She’s intelligent, resilient, and determined, despite the traumatic abuse she suffered at the hands of her stepmother & a father who wouln't stand up for her. The way her past shaped her was heartbreaking, particularly how she would shiver at the sight of her stepmother. Despite all the pain, she never let her tragic circumstances define her.

Hong Rang, on the other hand, is a morally grey character who has had an equally harrowing past. From being a mistreated slave boy to being captured and tortured by the painter, he had a rough life. His transformation into an assassin/Soul Reaper added layers to his character. Lee Jae Wook brought this complexity to life perfectly. Hong Rang’s dark and mysterious aura was captivating, and it was clear that Jae Yi brought light into his life, just as he provided comfort to her.

Their chemistry was electric, and I was genuinely heartbroken when it became clear that Hong Rang was poisoned and wouldn’t have a chance at a happy ending. Jae Yi and Hong Rang deserved to have a happy ending after all the suffering they endured. Their journey toward healing and comfort seemed to be building toward a hopeful future, and it was hard to accept that they couldn’t get their deserved happy ending.

Cinematography & Soundtrack:
On the technical side, the cinematography was absolutely stunning. It had a mysterious, dark vibe that perfectly matched the show's tone. I loved how the visuals helped create an immersive atmosphere that kept me engaged throughout. The soundtrack, too, was fantastic, delivering emotional depth and giving me goosebumps on several occasions. Every scene felt visually striking, and the costumes added to the overall appeal of the show — though I do wish Hong Rang had a bit more variety in his outfits.

Conclusion:
The supporting cast also did a fantastic job, with standout performances that enriched the story. It was satisfying to see Lady Min finally get what she deserved after all the years of tormenting Jae Yi.

Overall, "Dear Hong Rang" was a very good drama, despite some of the plot holes and inconsistencies. The chemistry between Jo Bo Ah and Lee Jae Wook made it all the more enjoyable, and I would love to see them work together again — hopefully with a happier ending next time. It’s definitely a show worth watching if you’re a fan of suspense, romance, and complex characters.

Read More

The price of revenge is not cheap

Dear Hongrang is an angst slow burn cliche centred of revenge, grief, passionate love, obsession, questionable relationship, psychological turmoil, children abuse and abduction and many dark themes with an amazing acting, stunning scenery, good sword fighting's scene, good scripts, great villian and pleasing OST and BGM.

While the plot of the story is not something new for kdrama or Hollywood's playbook with the sad and expected ending, Dear Hongrang is quite a remarkable drama that left long lasting impression for the viewer. One of the dramas that viewer demand longer episode, weekly airing (So that, anticipation's value is high) and more explanation to the plot hole.

However, the story was delivered and the paced is good (quite). Not everything needs to be shown and to be explained but, it will be great if some character has a background story e.g The Snow Man (reminded me of Shirogane/that man from Gannibal). He is an interesting character.

Overall, the drama is enjoyable. 8/10 from me.

Read More

Stunning scenery marred by horrendous child abuse and a weird love obsession.

This show had some of the most beautiful cinematography I’ve ever seen in streaming. Gorgeous. However, it was a stark contrast to the ugliness that was going on with the characters who were living amongst that beauty. Many of the parents in this were awful people. Consumed by greed and depravity. To start ,the mother/stepmother, MinYeon, seemed like the worst. Blaming a Jae-yi for her son being missing for 12 years , beating her and treating her like trash even though she was the daughter of her wealthy husband. But then he allowed this to go on. And it is quickly learned that he is worse than her - a selfish POS who cared for no one, even his own children, unless they could help him gain something for himself. He used his adopted son, Mujin, in a power play against MinYeon and when it went bad he abandoned him to die. He cheated on MinYeon and when his mistress got pregnant he abandoned her for his own gain knowing that the former would seek to destroy her. And that wasn’t the worst of his behaviors. He was complicit in the “snow man” kidnapping children and taking them to that psychopathic Prince to be poisoned and severely abused. He supported this depravity because the gain was great fortune and prestige for himself. His behavior was beyond reprehensible and I’m glad he met a horrible demise. Though it was not horrible enough.

Though beautifully acted, the love story almost seemed out of place. Thank goodness the sibling situation got cleared up quickly. Hongrang admitting his feelings to Jae-yi, her rejecting him, finding her own romantic feelings for him being disturbing considering he was her “brother” and deciding to leave town as a result, played well. However, when she found proof that he wasn’t her brother and he confessed that same truth, their sudden decision to run off into the sunset was jarring. As was them making love in a cave knowing the entire world was outside those walls hunting them, and then setting down in that cabin on the mountain top. Their love did have potential but it had not earned that type of intense loyalty. In fact, it was difficult to believe when Jae-yi said she loved him and couldn’t live without him. Where did that love come from? As she’d spent every episode up until that point hating him and waffling between him being or not being her brother.

What seemed more out of place was Mujin’s 180. It was obvious from the start that his love for Jae-yi wasn’t brotherly. However, he always respected the fact that she saw him as her brother. Overall he seemed like a good guy. But by the end of the series he was willing to lie, kill and align himself with a child abuser and killer in order to possess her. So disappointing.

The writing in this was a bit messy. There were several story threads that weren’t fully fleshed out. However, the actors had good chemistry and their performances were outstanding. I felt Hongrang’s anguish and tears over the abuse he suffered as a child. I felt Jaeyi’s heartbreak at the realization that he was suffering from chemical poisoning and dying. I seethed at the delusional and deranged Prince’s arrogance and narcissism. Again, great acting by all. Is this worth watching. Absolutely. Would I watch again. Probably.

Read More

Lee Jae Wook is a swordfighting god...

Watched about 30 KDramas, and my first review, and that is solely because Lee Jae Wook delivers hard. His fight scenes are unbelievable, incredibly impressive. The soundtrack is perfect and Jo Bo Ah is stunning in every way. Honestly, the only thing that brought down my rating was that I feel like it could've done with some more episodes, it deserved more and the story could've done with more time and been expanded upon. I think antagonist needed pulling out a little more. However, it was great! The low rewatch value is only because I don't want to go through that devastation again.

Read More

Pretty,Powerful and Evil

This was a pretty powerful binge, one with great a mounts of beautiful blood splatter, explosions, conspiring, evil, more evil and a huge show of evil, more evil, most evil... confused identities, interesting (also confused) motives and very few genuinely good as in evil vs good type of characters.

The type that may make you loose hope in humanity as well as wonder if the herbs where better in the past as well as be amazed by the healing power of the young and the fearless.

The build up of the first 3-5 episodes is better then the remaining ones, I am not saying it goes down hill from there. It more of an evening out of the field.

The chemistry between the characters is really good. I love the male lead (not only because he is played by Lee Jae Wook, but also because of the way he is written. Fun, faisty, smart and all round a pleasure to watch. His interactions with the female lead are both playful and will make you go wait what, is this okay?

The female lead has a bunch of moments of bad ass cool, fun, confused done well. But also a few really how can she be so stupid, as well as make you wonder how many lives she (and the rest of the cast) has. That said I loved every bit of her screen time and would love to see her a gain.

All in all en interesting watch, the type to cater to all you romance, gore and evil needs.

P.S This is not a drama that will give you SLS at all... At least not me

Read More

The K-drama I never meant to love

I never imagined I'd end up watching this show. While I do enjoy the slow burn of a well-paced K-drama and the tension of a tightly written mystery, this one had everything I typically avoid: graphic violence, unhinged psychopaths, morally questionable revenge arcs, endless swordfights, raw depravity, and—if I’m being honest—Lee Jae Wook, whose past roles never resonated with me.

And yet… I loved this one. In fact, I think I’ve become obsessed with a show that, ironically, centers on the dangers of obsession. The production quality was excellent, the casting felt pitch-perfect, and the soundtrack elevated the entire experience. Most surprising of all, Lee Jae Wook as Hongrang was completely immersive. For the first time, I saw what others had seen in him all along—he didn’t just play the character; he was Hongrang.

So if this drama doesn’t seem like your thing, I encourage you to give it a try anyway. You might find yourself just as drawn in—and amazed—as I was.

Read More

You made me a man.. the best drama after weak hero class s2 of this year fr

DearHongrang is easily one of the most beautiful and emotionally captivating dramas I’ve watched this year. From start to finish, it left a deep impression on me. I smiled, cried, and felt so connected to the characters and their journey — it was truly a rollercoaster of emotions.
Lee Jae-wook gave a phenomenal performance, showing incredible depth, strength, and vulnerability all at once. His acting felt so real, and you could see how much he poured into his role. BoA also surprised and moved me! she was stunning in her performance, and her presence brought such elegance and heart to the story.
What made the drama even more special was the OST. Every song was beautifully matched with the scenes, making the emotions hit even harder. I’ve already rewatched the whole drama because it was just that good. Every detail — the acting, music, visuals — was done with so much care.
If you’re looking for a drama that truly touches your heart, Dear. Hongrang is it. I’ll be thinking about it for a long time.

Read More

Lee Jae Wook Strikes Again in a Heartbreaking Historical Masterpiece

First and foremost, after Lee Jae Wook’s last historical drama Alchemy of Souls, he did not disappoint. In Dear Hongrang, he returns as a skilled and agile swordsman—disciplined (or perhaps not entirely)—bringing intensity and emotional depth to his role. Unlike the character Jang Uk, this time he sheds the humor and embraces a darker, more brooding presence. Lee Jae Wook, alongside Jo Bo Ah and an ensemble of elite actors, made this drama a truly memorable experience for me.

The story is dark, often sorrowful, and just when it gives you hope, it tears it away. While the narrative centers on Hongrang, it's not solely about him. It delves into the twisted ideologies of human nature—greed, jealousy, and how the innocent are caught in the crossfire of the wicked. Yet, it also speaks softly but powerfully about love and friendship.

The fight scenes are exceptionally well-executed, with choreography that impresses without feeling overdone. The plot keeps you on edge, weaving suspense and emotion right up until the final moments.

This drama is a heartbreaker—but one you won’t regret watching.

P.S. - the OST is AMAZING!!

Read More