Dear Hongrang

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My first impression is that this is such a well made work. But it gave me the feeling that I could guess the plot in a single breath just by watching the first scene. However I think it was done on purpose that they don't try to make it as a mind blowing surprise. this drama doesn't offer insane plot twists. That even you can guess it just by looking at the list of the casts. And I don't see it in a bad way. This is a typical show that can survive even with the reveal of a plot twist, imo. I'm just glad that it felt like it has been a while since I watched a seriously produced historical and it's beautifully well-done.

It's screaming kdrama produced by netflix coded. The visual is a work of art. And the cinematography, directing, editing, etc are well done. But there's just always something missing about western washed kdrama that I don't know how to explain it. Maybe it lacks of the raw emotion, because I can't fully sympathize with it. And sometimes I wonder why the story is directed to a certain way. Had they have more episodes, they could explore the rawness like in usual kdrama, that would make the viewers more attached to the characters.

What makes the show gripping is the intensity and the delivery of the plot. To be honest my slow brain cells needed sometime to finally digest that this drama is very symbolic and uses analogy cleverly. I wanted to give this 8.5 but once I understood their story telling it's a 9 for me. That was my original rating after I finished the show. Honestly this deserves higher than that by the quality of the production alone. and it didn't seem fair if I only gave it 9 compared to my other shows I have rated, so I added 0,5 points to my overall rating.

The osts aren't just songs. If the universe could make some noises, it'd sound like any of the osts. the songs are dedicated to the broken hearted souls and ode to the heaven. It feels like it contains loneliness and hope. the osts made the show more majestic. they complimented the beautiful cinematography, the story and the journey of the characters. the songs must be the echoes of the universe, nobody could convince me otherwise.

~


⚠️SPOILER ALERT!⚠️

~ characters and acting ~

💔
"It's said to be fake because the original exists." They weren't just talking about about the paintings in the warehouse. Paintings are used as an analogy for hongrang(s). Which made me believe that deep in her heart, what Mrs. Min cared the most was that the one in front of her had to be her son. Because he was the one who was there within her grip. Even if he wasn't real, for her he was the original Hongrang. Just like how she treated those paintings.

everyone in Hongrang's life was not fine, but her mother was super crazy. but you'd understand why she grew old to be such a twisted human. the actress crazily nailed every character's craziness. Uhm Jiwon is such a monster diva!

💙
And I'm not sure, is it too wild to think this way? but could the body painting be interpreted as symbolism of a SA? "Hongrang" repeatedly expressed how disgusted he was of the painting in his body and it made him like he was no longer human. And the painter said something about how he was already apart of him and that their souls already intertwined or something like that.

hongrang wasn't just physically broken but he was also once lost his soul. he left to the nothing land with one way ticket. he was all ready for the worst scenario as he was never properly felt like he was alive. but it changed after he connected with Jaeyi. She made him felt something. She made him felt like a human. She made him afraid to lose himself.

at first I couldn't resonate to Hongrang but through the end he made me attached to him. and Lee Jae Wook played his character really well scene by scene.

❤️
If we're talking about the literal ending, Jaeyi found Hongrang in every from. It's just like what they promised. She found him in every innocent kid she sheltered. She found him in those java sparrows. And in the end she saw him as the brightest star in the sky. They were never separated and always together. Just like what Jaeyi said that they went back to their respective places. Where Jaeyi belonged to his side and Hongrang belonged to her side.

Hongrang accompanied Jaeyi wether he was alive or not. But in a delulu interpretation, that means he could be alive. Jaeyi considered herself married to him the moment they runaway together. And Jaeyi puts her hair in a bun, like other Joseon married women.

Jo Bo Ah is a real artist. She was so dedicated at her work.

💚
My favourite character at the beginning was her older brother, surprisingly. I enjoyed his complexity. There was something about him, as if his character was shining. But just like other typically kdrama with short episodes, they pushed the SML to the big stage from the beginning. Then they cut his spot light without giving the room for the audiences to proceed.

I'm glad that in the end instead of embracing the darkness, he embraced her younger sister like the waves trying to embrace the land and shielding it from the emptiness.

I've never been impressed with characters portrayed by Jung Garam in other shows before. But he made me noticed that he's a really good actor.

🖤
Would his skin itch if he played a boring role?

It seems like taking a challenging roles is his actual comfort zone. What's really challenging for Kim Jae Wook is the opposite, to play a plain vanilla character. well at least his character is serving the bath up scene. Maybe everyone already know but I just want to say that Kim Jae Wook always delivered.

Does anyone think the butterflies in his room showed at the beginning meant something? I tried to count several times and thought about it but I couldn't think of a sensical thing to connect them with something.

❤️‍🔥
A professional new talent?

Kim Ba Da who played as Du Ryeong was just insane. His experience in the stage plays really showed with his acting. He was on fire. And I've never seen him so it's a fresh to see him here. Please somebody cast him as a leading role!

🌀
Their father was just a sht. Tho the Park Byung Eun did a good job to bring his character out.

At the beginning I was confused and mistook him for someone else. Every older character look alike. I appreciate that they're trying to be as close as possible to the customs from that period by portraying characters with moustache. However, normally it's hard for me to recognise people's faces and identifying their characters. And the moustache made it even harder.

~

Does the romance good?

At the beginning, way before the show started, I felt that people who stated that the romance is weird were the weird ones. However as I followed the story, some parts of the romance did make me uncomfortable. I wasn't uncomfortable due to the trope, but the execution. I don't want to elaborate, many people already talked about it. and if you watch this, you'll understand it. Maybe it wasn't that weird according to the society of that period. But I couldn't help myself to be judgmental in the end.

However the leads served one of the most beautiful spicy scenes in history.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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I honestly don't know where to begin with my review. I just laughed, cried and frustrated at the same time.
I wished there was more from what was lacking but I think if you add too much sometimes you loose the essence.
It captivated me from ep 1 to last episode, it was moving at its own pace , the OST is something that I even listen to when I want something to keep me cool.
I have loved him from Alchemy of Souls and boy did he not disappoint me , I even wished to see him and Jo Bora again in another drama.
Overall , I loved it though there are some loopholes there and there I still love it.

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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.

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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.

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Compelling, moving drama

Dear Hongrang - what a compelling show!

Lee Jae Wook shines in his superb acting, supported by a great overall cast, such as Jo Bo-ah and Jung Ga-ram.

I found the show very moving it how it depicts the cruelty done to and subsequent revenge of Hongrang. It never becomes sentimental despite the deep drama, which is a rarity in current period shows. The relatively modest amount of episodes makes it action packed with a good pace.

The beautiful music fits like a glove and elevates the show, it is that good (do listen to it while the end credits roll over your screen. I added 1 point to the total score for this :-)

Thoroughly enjoyed all of it, thanks for a great watch!!

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Nice tragical romance but messy main plot.

1/ WHAT I LIKED:
- The lead couple and the romance. Good chemistry. The development of their story from antagonism to their closure is well told with a good pace. They look silly at times trying wrong moves but they sure form a strong bond in the end.
- Love triangle: not too annoying as it does not really create confusion between the two leads. SML is just a weasel who hides his true feelings and would scheme any plan to make sure he gets what he desires. In the end, they still gave him a hero ending. Lame.
- Production is good, nice places, landscapes, photography, some nice camera angles.
- The endings of the two male villains are very fun.

2/ WHAT I DID NOT LIKE:
- Main plot involves too many parties who are not well identified and what they want is not clear.
- The mix of human trafficking + struggle for power/wealth+ mystical elements is also confusing at times
- 4 main evil characters are not strong bad guys. First one is a nutjob. Second one is a greedy coward. Third one is just full of hate. Fourth one is a pathetic weasel. And they all bully the main couple.
- 11 eps are prejudicial to the drama. Some elements needed more explanation. It caused also a rushed ending.
- The annoying mother who is just full of hate should not have survived. She was horrible but ended up in her peaceful own world.

3/OST:
Overall, it was good. Just the violin hurt my ears at times.

4/REWATCH:
Probably not.

5/OVERALL:
There are a lot of good things in this drama. I was immersed in it from beginning to the end. Overall, it's entertaining enough. 8.5/10.

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