Dear Hongrang

Dear Hongrang, thank you for coming!

The SHOW I WAS WAITING for so LONG, CAME and TOOK a PIECE of MY SOUL.

I was hoping that the long wait would not be in vain, but the show exceeded all my expectations. I never thought that a historical series could captivate me to such a way. I simply couldn't stop watching it. It held my attention the whole time, I didn't find it boring for a single moment, and there were no insignificant, time-consuming scenes in terms of the story. The story depicts difficult and painful events and situations, but all of this was brought to the screen with unusual courage and even more tasteful and beautiful.
The beautiful and heartbreaking love story, we can feel the pain and joy of the young lovers with difficult fates, how they become each other's shelters. A great story about two people, who have nothing but hope, only pain and suffering all around them, yet they fight with their overwhelming and sincere love. The purest love, when you have no one but the person you love, but you don't need anything more, it gives you enough strength for everything, it brings you back to life. Nothing can end this, not even death, because Hongrang is always watching over Jae I. The scenes between FML and ML were beautifully depicted. There were chemistry, tension and passion on the screen.
The fight scenes turned out quite well, I liked that these scenes weren't always moderated, they used effects and colors boldly, and showed everything that was needed.
This was a well-assembled production, with lot of heartbreaking, thrilling scenes and sad, but delightful ending. The last part couldn't be avoided without tears, but from the beginning we could know, what awaits Hongrang, I have rarely seen a more beautiful depiction of the "final farewell". Brilliant implementing.
The last scene was an excellent ending of the story. I am totally under a spell, I am completely captivated by the story.
The OST was amazing , it was a hit!
We could pick holes in it but I don't want to and I don't care about them at all.
Thanks to the production team and all the cast members for this amazing drama!
The world has become a little better place with this show.

Read More

A Cautionary Tale

Characters: 10/20
Oh boy, where do I start? Most of these characters had the depth of a puddle. The mains? Flat. The side characters? Just as flat. Half the time they felt less like people and more like walking, talking plot devices. Some even acted completely out of character just to keep the story moving.

The rare bright spots were Hongrang and Min Yeon Ui. Min Yeon Ui was giving villainess with a frozen heart that only melts for her son vibes, and honestly? Loved watching her play the family politics game. Jae Yi though… whew. She was the weakest link. A human weather vane, swaying whichever way the plot pushed her. All that backstory wasted because she spent the show stuck in damsel-in-distress mode.

The rest? Either frozen in place with zero growth or suddenly pulling a 180° personality flip like they just got patched with new firmware. And don’t even get me started on the villain reveal. After endless fake-outs, the “real” villain shows up and… surprise, surprise—he’s a generic, “I’m so crazy!” kdrama bad guy with no actual motives or backstory. I’ve seen this trope done better in Vincenzo, IOTNBO, My Demon—at least those actors sold the chaos. Here, even the villain looked like he didn’t believe his own nonsense.

And then there’s the second male lead, Kim Musin. Honestly, he felt like Byeong In from Mr. Queen’s knockoff cousin. Byeong In at least had layers and believable growth. Musin just… switched personalities overnight like someone hit “randomize” on him. Plus, he was a simping machine making the dumbest choices possible. Honestly? He deserved a tragic send-off.

Plot: 10/20
The plot was like a Jenga tower—looked solid at first, then collapsed the moment they added too much. Episode one hooked me. But then came the unnecessary story arcs, plot holes you could drive a bus through, and characters making the most illogical choices just to keep things moving.

And that finale? A mess. They tried shoving in plot twist after plot twist like they were on sale—except instead of thickening the story, they just contradicted everything built since episode one. It was like watching someone knock over their own house of cards.

Themes: 9/15
Self-harm, trauma, unrequited love, betrayal, loyalty, abuse—yeah, the themes were all there. But instead of actually exploring them, the show dipped a toe in and ran scared. Every time it tried to get deep, it hit the brakes. Even unrequited love, which should’ve been poignant, got mishandled so badly it basically gave out the wrong lessons.

Emotional Impact: 9/15
Spoiler: there was none. The FL had one face for every emotional scene, and it just… wasn’t working. Lee Jae Wook delivered (because duh, he’s Lee Jae Wook), but he can only carry so much.

The romance? Don’t even ask. I have no clue when or why they fell in love. One minute—strangers. Next minute—“I’d die for you.” The chemistry was flatter than soda left out overnight.

Pacing: 5/10
If pacing were a crime, this show would be serving a life sentence. After two episodes, the main plot went poof. Gone. Instead, we were spoon-fed random side plots until the original conflict crawled back like, “Hey, remember me?”

Good writing would’ve tied the subplots into the main arc or at least circled back every episode. Instead, everything felt disconnected. Relationships came pre-installed with zero explanation, so people were suddenly hating or loving each other for… reasons? The romance especially—no build-up, just vibes.

Honestly, this plot needed breathing room. It should’ve been 12 longer episodes instead of rushing through, ignoring details, and fast-tracking conversations.

Rewatchability: 2/5
Yeah… once is enough.

Visuals/Production: 5/5
i have to give credit where it's due. Gorgeous visuals, sleek direction, intense action, and an OST that slapped. Clearly, this is where the budget went.

Acting: 6/10
Lee Jae Wook carried the whole thing on his back. He was sharp, ruthless, charismatic—he was Hongrang. You could feel every ounce of his pain and anger. Any chemistry in his relationship with Jae Yi? Entirely from him.

Jo Bo Ah though… oof. Jae Yi was boring, lifeless, and recycled the same four expressions on rotation. I’d have preferred her in a smaller role. The supposed emotional scenes? Fell flat. Chemistry with other characters? Nonexistent.

The other gem was Uhm Ji Won, who killed her role with finesse. I just wish she got more screen time.


Final Thoughts
Dear Hongrang was… fine. Not unwatchable, but definitely not good. Frustratingly mid. It will remain a cautionary tale about the dangers of doing too much. The plot had potential but fell apart thanks to weak pacing, shallow themes, flat characters, and a bargain-bin villain. The visuals and Lee Jae Wook’s performance were the saving graces.

Would I recommend it? Only if I wanted to annoy someone.

Read More

unfair pain.love.revenge

Incredibly intense and emotionally piercing!
Truly not for the faint-hearted.
This is by far Jae Wook’s finest film to date.
Undeniably, he poured a tremendous amount of effort into portraying this character — it was palpable.
I’m speaking of his performance, the character’s emotions… and the visual storytelling.
He delivered exactly what the director envisioned.
A powerful film — on par emotionally with The Wolf, maybe even more stirring.

My absolute favorite moment was the scene where Hong Rang, in tears, finally opens up to Jae Yi — revealing his lifelong suffering since childhood.
He confesses why he hid the truth from her for so long — that he wasn’t her brother — because he had fallen for her and feared losing her.
He believed he wasn’t worthy of her affection due to the trauma and mistreatment he endured.
That scene, where he weeps and she cries with him, was heart-wrenching and beautifully done.
It captured the raw emotion of someone who had been unjustly broken from a young age and finally found the courage to bare his soul to the one he loves.
At one point, he was even ready to let her go, expecting nothing in return.
Jae Yi, too, had feelings for him — but was afraid of what it meant, believing her love was forbidden since she thought he was her brother.
That one scene, despite the brilliance of the entire movie, was the most moving of all.

The emotions in this film are absolutely overwhelming — a true emotional rollercoaster.
Despite being a period piece with a somewhat tangled plot at first (and some unclear roles like the mysterious albino character, whose connection to the sadistic artist remains vague), the film still shines.
It conveys a profound and pure love between two people — a love that survived abuse, humiliation, and self-loathing.
They were treated like objects, manipulated and scarred by others for selfish reasons.
Yet these two found the strength to forgive each other for the unspoken truths and chose to love in spite of everything.
That’s true, powerful love — love in defiance of pain.

Jae Wook delivered an outstanding performance!
It was something else entirely — a whirlwind of emotions: fury, tenderness, the thirst for revenge, and that aching sense of helplessness when you realize you can’t go back in time and undo the damage.
He was haunted by the question “Why me?”
Why was he treated this way by some egotistical madman who used children as living canvases for his sick art?

So many good people in this world suffer because of selfish or deranged individuals — people who had their own dreams, who simply wanted to live peacefully…
While watching, the injustice hits hard.
The film portrays pure affection and relentless anguish — the torment carried throughout an entire lifetime.
That feeling of degradation, the relentless inner cry of “What did I do to deserve this?” — it’s the emotional core of someone who just wanted to live but was reduced to an object against their will.
Anyone who’s ever been unfairly hurt will likely resonate deeply with this story…
That overwhelming swirl of emotions — it’s hard to ignore.

In the final scene, I couldn’t help but wonder — would it have been better if Hong Rang had chosen not to retaliate and simply lived happily with Jae Yi?
Or was it right for him to seek justice — to fight back against the one who ruined him?
In the end, though tragic, it felt like he left with peace in his heart… beside the one he truly loved.
It’s heartbreaking how often a love that pure ends before it ever has a real chance — all because of others’ cruelty.

I was shocked to discover that Jae Yi’s father knew everything and still protected the artist just to maintain his image — that was horrifying.
Her mother (though apparently not biological) seemed to have more sense than her husband.
And then there’s Moon Jin — he shocked me too.
He should’ve been grateful for what he was given, but instead he became greedy, reaching for what never belonged to him.
Even though he had a good life compared to many, it wasn’t enough.
In another version of the story, maybe the "impostor" Hong Rang could’ve been saved…
Moon Jin also came from a broken home and suffered as a child — but instead of stopping the painter, he stood by as children were brutalized.
And for what? For social standing?
It was revolting.
What’s terrifying is that people like him — like the painter — exist in real life.
And it’s always the good ones who suffer because of them.
I’m not good at writing reviews — I’m just trying to express how deeply the actor embodied this role.
Everything hinged on emotion — be it love, grief, or anguish.
This film had it all — but what struck the hardest was the pain.
Unjust, undeserved pain — that was the heart of the story.
And in the end, at least the character found love… and peace.
Anyone who’s suffered in life will see themselves in Hong Rang.
And really… why do good people always end up paying the price for others’ cruelty?

Read More

Gorgeously directed and superbly acted story about the power and danger of desire

Dear Hong Rang is an emotional and compelling story about how what we chose to desire leads to either our salvation or our destruction. We follow characters as their unchecked desire for power, for possession, for control causes them to sacrifice love, family, and even their humanity, leaving them monsters and shells of themselves they barely recognize. While others who fearlessly follow the desires of their heart for connection, authenticity, and belonging overcome their past pain and inner demons to find wholeness and a new freedom of being.

This show doesn't shy away from complex psychological themes and relationships--things like obsession, exploitation, shame, forbidden love, dark spirituality, the abuse of power, revenge, torture, cruelty. It balances it with moments of quiet, persistent love, bravery, fortitude and integrity. I was fascinated at times, repulsed at times, thrilled at times, brought to tears many times.

This is a more intimate historical--blessedly there is very little of grand palace politics and machinations. It all centers on the tragedy of one merchant family who cannot put aside their own selfish desires for the good of the whole. It was refreshing to center on merchants instead of the usual nobility, and to explore themes of art and artistry and the darkness of the occult.

The writing excels in the scenes themselves--on the dialogue that highlights complex feelings, interactions between the characters, and the way what is not said is just as important as what is said. On an overall plot level the writer often cut corners or used lazy tropes to maneuver people into place, or explain backstory or other overarching information, and so the overall plot can feel simplistic and unimaginative at times. I barely noticed, though, because the directing squeezed every last value out of the writing, as did the cast of overall excellent actors, and it was easy to get lost inside the scenes themselves.

Highlights and standouts--

- The cinematography/directing was superb. Such a variety of sets, of color palettes, of lighting, of framing, of camera movements and angles, each scene meticulously considered and planned out shot by shot, nothing felt rushed or overlooked or standard. Some of the best camera-work and directing I've seen in quite a while. I want to re-watch just to relive some of the beauty of the scenes.

- Lee Jae Wook as Hong Rang-- I cannot think of another actor who can so effortlessly switch from a dark, commanding, dangerous presence to a fragile, heartbreaking vulnerability in the span of a breath. His sure delivery and excellent physical acting makes him completely believable as a legendary figure, yet his eyes never lose the softness and pain to remind you of the angry, scared, shamed boy underneath. Truly one of the best actors out right now of any age.

- The score of the show felt fresh and was used sparingly and masterfully, so it never felt like it overtook the emotion, only highlighted it.

- The editing-- this is an often overlooked aspect of production, but the editing was phenomenal, especially in the fighting sequences.

- Jo Bo A was also great in her role as a quietly strong, longing, loyal survivor, and had great chemistry with LJW. Park Byung Eun brought a beautiful restraint to Chief Min that allowed him to rise far above a cliche ambitious antagonist--out of all the characters I found him the most tragic. Kim Jae Wook was flawless as the Grand Prince, and it was only in some of his scenes with Hong Rang where I felt as if LJW was matched and even at moments outshined. I wish we could have seen much much more of him.

Overall a high-quality production that will make you think and feel deeply, and will stay with you for quite a while afterwards.

Read More

Weird pacing? Messy plot? No worries, all is forgiven for insane atmospheric vibes and killer OST

I feel like strange pacing and weird plot movements are kind of the standard with most Korean dramas. It's rare to have a tightly written kdrama. So I'm just gonna leave it at that. The plot does come around eventually but the middle arc is janky with a lot of important elements happening off screen. If we take the general purpose of a drama, which is to entertain as its core intention, then Dear Hongrang is one of the more successful dramas I have watched in the last year or two.

I'll get my gripes out of the way with the biggest issue that I had after finishing the whole series was that Lee Jae Wook, as beautiful as he is and insanely talented he is to watch, is not good at showing his simp self for female characters who are, let's just say 'soft'. I loved his dynamic with the female lead(s) in AOS because the women were largely self motivated with a lot of agency and interior agendas that did not revolve around the main lead.

LJW absolutely rose above and beyond in ALL other aspects of his acting. Action? Absolutely kicked ass. Jealousy over other potential love interests? A+++ Trauma? Love it. But Jae Yi's softness is very very nuanced. I think softly melancholic emotional strength is where Cho Bo Ah's acting shines. It encompasses a lot of flavors so when the time came for Hongrang and Jae Yi to build a hopefully tragic lead up to the final arc, it did not really land emotionally for me.

This leads me to talk about the show's strengths. Dear Hongrang is by far the most beautifully put together show in aesthetics in the past few years. There is great thought put into the production design, costume design, cinematography and sound design. The whole watching experience was sublime, if you tune in mainly to the emotional key points. The asian gothic flavors are absolutely my jam and I eat it up like a greedy little piggy. It served me the emotional highs (until the end, as you know) with incredible audio-visual finesse and I was okay with that. This is probably why I was disappointed with the end, because the final arc could not be snazzed up with design alone, it really sat on the actor, director, editor team to pull that emotional gut punch off.

Anyway, all in all, I had a really good time and after a long day at work, I can say I could look forward to my evenings just so I could sit down and get served some excellent feelings.

Read More

An Absolute Masterpiece

Dear Hongrang is a masterpiece that captivates from beginning to end. The storyline is amazing—richly layered with emotional depth, cultural nuance, and compelling twists that keep viewers fully engaged.

The cast is exceptionally talented, bringing their characters to life with great acting that feels both genuine and powerful. Each performance adds emotional weight to the drama, making every scene resonate deeply.

What makes Dear Hongrang especially poignant and moving is its exploration of love, sacrifice, and identity. The emotional undercurrents are skillfully portrayed, leaving a lasting impact.

Visually, the drama is a treat. The excellent cinematography captures both the grandeur and intimacy of the story, enhancing the narrative without overshadowing it.

Altogether, Dear Hongrang is a remarkable drama that combines stellar storytelling, exceptional performances, and stunning visuals. A true gem worth watching.

Read More

Dear Hongrang, this is not just a review—it’s a confession.

This drama has everything. And yes—LEE JAE WOOK.
You could stop right there and that alone would be reason enough to watch it (especially if, like me, you’re weak for his historical roles where he’s the quiet storm of yearning, the warrior with eyes full of ache). But what I thought would just be another watch for my favorite actor turned into something much deeper. I binged it in one go—and it wrecked me in the best way.

There’s action. There’s mystery. But the thing that struck me hardest—and what sets Hong Rang apart—is how beautifully it draws the line between yearning and obsession. One liberates. The other suffocates. And the contrast is portrayed with such nuance that it lingered with me long after the screen went black.

I hadn’t read the original novel. I went in blind, letting the story unfold on its own terms—and that made every moment hit harder.
Lee Jae Wook’s character is written with such depth. His yearning is quiet, subtle, slow-burn—and it hurts. There’s a scene where the tears silently fall from his eyes, and I won’t lie—I broke. I don’t cry easily. But when he cries? I’m gone. And those last episodes? Full emotional devastation. I mean it—my eyes physically hurt from how much I cried.

Then there’s Jae-yi. A woman of fire and fierce resolve, bold even when it lands her in trouble—but never once does she regret it. She grows, she learns, she fights back. And when she finally stands up to that vile excuse of a stepmother? I cheered.
(Side note: I refuse to waste breath on that so-called father. Trash in human form. The actors did their jobs so well I wanted to throw toast at my screen. Yes, toast. I now hate that toast. That’s how deep this goes.)

Now to the infamous love triangle. Enter Sim Mu-jin.
At first? I didn’t care much. He didn’t hold my attention. But then the layers peeled back. And what emerged wasn’t love—it was possession. The kind of obsessive claim that says, you’re mine whether you want it or not. As if she were a prize, not a person. And let me tell you: that contrast? Between his twisted obsession and Lee Jae Wook’s soul-deep yearning? Chef’s kiss. Chilling. Brilliant.

Oh—and yes, I had my guesses early on. I figured out who the painter was, but I did not see the supplier twist coming. If you know, you know.

And finally—that scene. The one where he lays his head in her lap. That moment shattered me. In that quiet, aching moment… something struck me.
Out of nowhere, my mind whispered: Is it better to speak, or to die?

That question didn’t come from the drama—it came from me, because of what it made me feel. And in that moment, I knew my answer.

Hong Rang has officially carved a place in my heart. Not just as a favorite drama, but as a feeling. It’s the ache you can’t explain, the silence that says everything, the kind of love that waits. And in the end, it’s not just something you watch—it’s something you feel.

Read More

Quietly Snuck Up on Me!!!

Dear Hongrang is one of those dramas that quietly sneaks up on you and lingers long after the final scene. It’s a historical genre, one of my favorites, that manages to blend rich storytelling with restrained elegance, never overdone yet deeply affecting.

The plot unfolds slowly, but deliberately. Set in the Joseon era, it follows a young nobleman navigating a forbidden love, personal identity, and societal expectations. The pacing may feel deliberate at first, but that’s part of its strength—the story gives each moment space to breathe. Nothing is rushed, and every scene feels purposeful. Instead, what could’ve easily turned into melodrama becomes a layered exploration of longing and restraint.

Acting-wise, the cast delivers some truly standout performances. The lead actor brings a quiet intensity to the role, and so much is conveyed through subtle expressions and silences. It's the kind of performance where you feel the weight of unspoken words. The chemistry between the leads isn’t explosive but simmering—tension, vulnerability, and deep emotional undercurrents all come through in beautifully nuanced ways. Supporting roles are equally well-cast, grounding the world with emotional authenticity.

Cinematography is another strength of this drama. The use of light, shadow, and natural settings is breathtaking. Scenes often feel like moving paintings, with soft colors and elegant composition heightening emotional weight. There's a poetic quality to the visuals that perfectly matches the tone of the story. Costume and set design are subtle yet detailed, immersing you without being showy.

Emotionally, Dear Hongrang hits in a quiet but powerful way. It’s not about dramatic declarations or sweeping moments, but the ache of things unsaid—the kind of love that’s more about presence than action. By the final episode, you're not just watching characters—you feel like you’ve lived their sorrow, tenderness, and hope. It’s haunting in the best way.

This drama isn’t for those looking for high-speed plot twists or flashy romance. But if you appreciate storytelling with emotional depth, strong performances, and visual grace, Dear Hongrang will stay with you.

Read More