Dear Hongrang (Tangeum) is, without a doubt, a masterpiece.
A perfect blend of memorable performances, atmospheric music, and an enigmatic, intriguing plot that captivates you from the first episode to the last.
For me, this drama establishes itself as one of the most unexpected and powerful gems of the year.
Dear Hongrang is a painful and moving exploration of grief, obsession, and that violent longing to belong to someone or something — to be acknowledged, to be loved.
It’s a story marked by revenge, hatred, the past, resentment, forgiveness, and the invisible wounds we all carry within.
Perfect performances, without exception
The actors deliver performances that border on perfection.
Lee Jae-wook, in the role of Hongrang, gives us a performance that is as vulnerable as it is powerful. Each scene is a display of restrained emotions that strike the viewer without the need for words. He confirms, once again, his ability to shine in intense, dark, and emotionally complex roles.
Jo Bo-ah, as Jae-yi, is simply captivating — a seemingly ordinary woman burdened with a heavy desire: to find her brother. Without realizing it, she becomes the soul of the series. Her gentleness, quiet strength, and determination are unforgettable.
Jung Ga-ram delivers a flawless performance, full of emotional tension. At first, I empathized with his character, then I ended up hating him. And finally, I felt grateful. His presence adds a layer of mystery and depth that enriches every scene he appears in.
And Kim Jae-wook… he is pure evil. Elegant, precise, dark. With just a few seconds on screen, he manages to leave a lasting impression. His character is as disturbing as he is magnetic, and Kim Jae-wook plays him with a sophistication only he can bring.
The chemistry between all the characters is real, palpable, and, in many moments, painfully authentic. Nothing is overacted — everything feels raw and alive.
A haunting soundtrack
The music in Dear Hongrang is carefully selected to accompany the emotions without overpowering them.
Each piece of the OST seems to breathe with the characters, echoing their pain, hope, and loss with poignant delicacy.
It doesn’t seek the spotlight — yet it lingers with you long after the episode ends.
A story that wounds... and transforms
The plot is much more than a tale of revenge. It’s an intimate portrayal of unseen pain, of silent rage, and of the scars time cannot erase.
It’s a slow-burn mystery that grips you — not only with what happens, but with how it feels.
Dear Hongrang isn’t just a drama.
It’s an aesthetic, emotional, and narrative experience.
It’s one of those rare K-dramas that breaks you open — and that you’re grateful to have watched.
A perfect blend of memorable performances, atmospheric music, and an enigmatic, intriguing plot that captivates you from the first episode to the last.
For me, this drama establishes itself as one of the most unexpected and powerful gems of the year.
Dear Hongrang is a painful and moving exploration of grief, obsession, and that violent longing to belong to someone or something — to be acknowledged, to be loved.
It’s a story marked by revenge, hatred, the past, resentment, forgiveness, and the invisible wounds we all carry within.
Perfect performances, without exception
The actors deliver performances that border on perfection.
Lee Jae-wook, in the role of Hongrang, gives us a performance that is as vulnerable as it is powerful. Each scene is a display of restrained emotions that strike the viewer without the need for words. He confirms, once again, his ability to shine in intense, dark, and emotionally complex roles.
Jo Bo-ah, as Jae-yi, is simply captivating — a seemingly ordinary woman burdened with a heavy desire: to find her brother. Without realizing it, she becomes the soul of the series. Her gentleness, quiet strength, and determination are unforgettable.
Jung Ga-ram delivers a flawless performance, full of emotional tension. At first, I empathized with his character, then I ended up hating him. And finally, I felt grateful. His presence adds a layer of mystery and depth that enriches every scene he appears in.
And Kim Jae-wook… he is pure evil. Elegant, precise, dark. With just a few seconds on screen, he manages to leave a lasting impression. His character is as disturbing as he is magnetic, and Kim Jae-wook plays him with a sophistication only he can bring.
The chemistry between all the characters is real, palpable, and, in many moments, painfully authentic. Nothing is overacted — everything feels raw and alive.
A haunting soundtrack
The music in Dear Hongrang is carefully selected to accompany the emotions without overpowering them.
Each piece of the OST seems to breathe with the characters, echoing their pain, hope, and loss with poignant delicacy.
It doesn’t seek the spotlight — yet it lingers with you long after the episode ends.
A story that wounds... and transforms
The plot is much more than a tale of revenge. It’s an intimate portrayal of unseen pain, of silent rage, and of the scars time cannot erase.
It’s a slow-burn mystery that grips you — not only with what happens, but with how it feels.
Dear Hongrang isn’t just a drama.
It’s an aesthetic, emotional, and narrative experience.
It’s one of those rare K-dramas that breaks you open — and that you’re grateful to have watched.
Was this review helpful to you?
