This review may contain spoilers
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.
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This review may contain spoilers
A Must Watch!!!
This show is a masterpiece! The storyline was incredibly well-written, and the actors absolutely nailed their performances. Wang Ta Lu was perfect as Prince Bo, he really embodied the misunderstood yet sophisticated character. The chemistry between the characters was off the charts. Personally, I wish there was more focus on the romance instead of all the politics and breakups. Just a heads up tho: This drama is not for the weak as it deals with a lot of pain and heartbreaks. Prince Bo's character might even trigger some viewers because of his complex personality as the show delves into some deep emotional territory. Despite that, I still thoroughly enjoyed the show. Definitely worth watching! A 9.5/10 for me. I had to reduce 0.5 for the sad ending 😅Was this review helpful to you?
