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Netflix has unveiled production stills of its upcoming mystery melodrama Dear Hongrang.
Set in the Joseon era, Dear Hongrang is a mystery melodrama that follows the eldest son of the greatest merchant family, Hong Rang (Lee Jae Wook), who returns after 12 years with lost memories, while his step-sister Jae Yi (Jo Bo Ah) suspects his true identity.
One of the key highlights of Dear Hongrang is its rich visuals. The diverse array of hanbok costumes — each accentuating the characters' charm and individuality — is a treat for the eyes.
Hong Rang (Lee Jae Wook), the son of the Min Merchant Guild who returns home after 12 years, is most often seen wearing white, which amplifies the mysterious aura surrounding him. Lee Jae Wook commented, "Hong Rang wears a lot of white clothes, but each piece is a different shade of white. The costumes were so amazingly detailed that I could truly appreciate the beauty of hanbok while working in Dear Hongrang."
Jo Bo Ah shared, "Even just through the costumes, the character's personality was shown distinctively and was well expressed. Thanks to the costumes, I think I was able to show a slightly more diverse appearance."
The costume design for Jae Yi, who has lived an oppressed life, mainly uses muted and sober colors, reflecting her character. In contrast, the attire of Min Yeon Ui (Uhm Ji Won), the matriarch of the Min Merchant Guild, who harbors ambitions of her own, has vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and various accessories, distinctly highlighting the contrast in the two women's personalities through their costumes.
Additionally, the costumes of Mu Jin (Jung Ga Ram), the adopted son of the Min Merchant Guild and a leader with heavy charisma and dignity, as well as Shim Yeol Guk (Park Byung Eun), further enhance the characters' gravitas.
Lastly, the costume of Prince Han Pyeong (Kim Jae Wook), an artist with the finest aesthetic sense in Joseon, stands out with its beautiful pastel color. Dear Hongrang is set against the backdrop of the Min merchant Guild, the largest merchant group in Joseon, so the production team also paid special attention to the props to evoke visual interest.
The precious items, such as expensive celadon, lacquerware, and artworks, not only bring the scale and grandeur of the Min Merchant Guild to life but also showcase the beauty and elegance of valuables that were popular among the Joseon elite.
Additionally, the various art tools used by Prince Han Pyeong — from brushes to carving knives and paints — pique interest in his paintings that are to be showcased in Dear Hongrang.
Director Kim Hong Seon shared, "We made every effort to accurately reflect the feel of the Joseon era. We also aimed to preserve elements of the Joseon era in the painting styles and architecture."
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