A Comprehensive Look at Dear Hongrang 2025
Dive Into the twisted world of 'Dear Hongrang'
Explore every aspect of ‘Dear Hongrang’ in this comprehensive review. Dive into character insights, strengths, and weaknesses. If you haven’t seen the drama yet and are looking for a spoiler-free review, check out the link below.
Spoiler Alert
Please be advised that this review contains significant spoilers about the plot and characters of ‘Dear Hongrang’. If you have not yet watched the drama, we recommend viewing it first to avoid any spoilers.
Series Details
General Information
Air Dates: May 16, 2025
Episodes: 11
Where to Watch: Netflix
Genre: Historical Drama
Starring: Lee Jae Wook and Jo Bo Ah
The Story
A Joseon art merchant’s young son mystreriously disappears. And despite the family members’ tireless searching, he is never seen again. Until 12 years later when a young man who claims to have no memories of his past, shows up at the family home claiming to be their long lost son. While some family members embrace him without question, his sister, who was his closest friend and confidant, is suspicious about whether this stranger is telling the truth. And as they dig into the events of the past and the young boy’s disappearance, family secrets of betrayal, revenge, and greed will be revealed.
'Dear Hongrang' is a story of revenge and obsession
Meeting the stars: Lee Jae Wook and Jo Bo Ah
Lee Jae Wook as Sim Hong Rang
The man who assumes Sim Hong Rang’s identity is actually a young man who was sent to “the painter” as a young slave boy. He bears the physical and emotional scars of his horrific treatment and the experiences he has there. But his life is saved when he and a non-speaking friend are adopted by a woman who lost her own child in a tragic way. She raises this new Hong Rang with the purpose of seeking revenge on her ex-lover and the father of her murdered child, Sim Yeol Guk, who is also the real Hong Rang’s father.
After years of preparation and training, Hong Rang “returns” to his family and sets their plans for revenge in motion. And Hong Rang has a revenge plan of his own, which involves identifying the mysterious painter who used his and other children’s bodies as his canvas. But both of their plans for revenge are jeopardized when Hong Rang falls in love with the real Hong Rang’s sister, Jae I. And as the secrets of Hong Rang’s lies and his painful past are exposed, he will find his time for revenge coming to a close, as he races against time to carry out his plans and protect those he loves.
Sim Hong Rang is quiet and withdrawn. He has carried years of trauma and pain close to his heart. He still has nightmares and finds it hard to love or trust anyone. But Jae I helps him to begin finding healing and love. And for the first time in his life, he begins to see his own value and worthiness. I really enjoy Lee Jae Wook’s acting and I think he did an amazing job in this role. He is quietly expressive in a way that brought this quiet man of few words to life.
Jo Bo Ah and Sim Jae I
Sim Jae I is the daughter of Sim Yeol Guk, the art merchant. She has been raised by her father and step mother, although her step mother has always alienated and abused her. Hong Rang was her half brother and the only one in her family she was really close to. When he disappeared, she was heartbroken, and continued to travel the country looking for him or anyone who knew him. So, when Hong Rang suddenly shows up back home, she is initially guardedly optimistic. But she can’t see any traces of the young boy she has adored and she soon becomes convinced that this man is an imposter.
But when she suddenly begins to experience romantic feelings for him, she is plagued by the possibility that she is wrong and he really is her long-lost brother. Luckily, Hong Rang shares her feelings, and soon confesses his true identity. Together they begin working to expose the dark secrets of her parents and the identity of the man known as the painter. And as she learns more about all Hong Rang has been through in his tragic life, she vows to protect him with her own life.
Sim Jae I is a lonely young woman who has grown up without any real family members. But after her brother’s disappearance, her father adopts Mu Jin, who she accepts as a new older brother. His friendship has kept her safe from her cruel family, but she is overwhelmed when he confesses that he is in love with her, and she cannot return his feelings. Jo Bo Ah is a strong actress and she played this role well, balancing her character’s confidence with her delicate compassion. I felt like she was perfect in this role.
Supporting characters
Jung Ga Ram as Sim Mu Jin
Sim Mu Jin is Jae I’s adopted brother. He is adopted after Hong Rang’s disappearance, to take over the family business. He has spent his life training under Yeol Guk. But while Mu Jin has been a good and dependable student of the family business, he is more interested in being able to marry Jae I, who he has been in love with for years. And when he realizes that Jae I loves Hong Rang, he becomes desperate to find a way to make her his.
Uhm Ji Won as Min Yeon Ui
Min Yeon Ui is the heir of the Min family Guild and the mother of Hong Rang. She married Yeol Guk so she could inherit the family business, but she has no intention of letting him actually have any power. She is thrilled when Hong Rang comes home, because he can ensure her family’s hold on the Guild.
Kim Jae Wook as Prince Han Pyeong
Prince Han Pyeong is an artist and benefactor of Yeol Guk and his business. But he has a dark secret that involves kidnapping young boys to use for his art. We eventually find out that Hong Rang is the great missing masterpiece Han Pyeong has been searching for and Hong Rang’s back bears the talisman created by the Crown Prince.
3 things i loved about ‘Dear Hongrang’
1.
Chemistry:
Wow! Lee Jae Wook and Jo Bo Ah had such amazing chemistry during this drama. It was subtle and sultry and I couldn’t get enough. The yearning passion practically leaped off the screen and I loved how intensely deep it felt.
2.
Immersive Atmosphere:
The cinematography for this drama was really excellent. The scenes were dimly lit, the music was achingly beautiful and every episode pulled you into the twisty and immersive story. The drama was dark and haunting and you couldn’t help being pulled into it’s mesmerizing atmosphere.
3.
Kim Jae Wook:
While I hated the character of the Crown Prince and everything he did, I loved Kim Jae Wook in this role. He was a fantastically terrifying psychopath and he refrained from overacting this evil character, with just the right amount of chilling villain.
3 things i didn’t love about ‘Dear Hongrang’
1.
Snow Man:
The Snow Man story was so interesting. At first it was unclear if he was even human at all. The set up really made it seem like whoever he was, he was integral to the story. So I was disappointed when he died without any real closure or explanation. The only thing we really find out in the end is that he was obviously very much mortal, since he is now dead.
2.
Painter’s Identity:
I thought it was strange that when Hong Rang visited the Prince as a representative of the company, he was very emphatic that Han Pyeong was definitely not the painter he was looking for. I was confused about why Hong Rang seemed so sure. Is it because the art he created on paper was so different from that done on human flesh? Or that the Prince had lost his muse and could not recreate the painting done on Hong Rang? It just seemed weird that Hong Rang wouldn’t have had his suspicions.
3.
The Real Hongrang:
It was both anticlimatic and sadly tragic that the body of the real Hong Rang ends up being on the property the whole time. How disappointing that he had been lying at the bottom of a well for years. And did Eul Bin’s mother really believe this man was the real Hong Rang, when she had left the young boy obviously bleeding to death on the ground? The discovery of his body just felt too sudden and rushed for me.
The Conclusion of 'Dear Hongrang'
The Ending
‘Dear Hongrang’ does not have a “happiily ever after” ending, but it does have a bittersweet focus on justice and healing that somehow make the pain of it all worthwhile. The real Hong Rang’s body is finally found at the bottom of a well on the Guild property, ending Jae I’s years of searching and grieving her brother. Kkok Nim gets her revenge on Yeol Guk by being the one to stab him to death. And poor In Hoe dies in the Crown Prince’s prison, but at least Hong Rang is there for his final moments.
The Painter’s ritualistic “ascension ceremony” turns into an all-out brawl after Hong Rang escapes his ties and Kkok Nim’s forces rush in to help. Mu Jin is fatally injured trying to protect Jae I, which frees him from his unrequited obsession. And Hong Rang eventually comes face to face with the Crown Prince and has the privilege of delivering the fatal blow by chopping off his hands. It is a remarkably satisfying moment of karma!
Unfortuantely, Hong Rang’s already weakened body can’t withstand the injuries he has suffered. He finds his way to Jae I out in the forest and she holds him in her lap as he dies. But as he drifts off, Hong Rang tells her that being with her has healed him and made him feel human again. And they promise to somehow find each other again.
After Hong Rang’s death, Jae I exposes the crimes of the Min Guild. Yeon Ui is driven crazy by the death of her son and the loss of the family business. And Jae I has started an orphanage where she cares for children like Hong Rang who have been abandoned by parents and society. The final scene shows Jae I in her place on the roof as she imagines meeting Hong Rang at the end of a long day. While he may not still be there in mind, Hong Rang is definitely still with Jae I in spirit.
My Personal Thoughts and Ratings
‘Dear Hongrang’ is a darkly intense historical drama that focuses on the lengths people will go for revenge. It is hauntingly beautiful and achingly bittersweet. The 11 episode format keeps the plot moving while maintaining a slow-burn quality. The story blends classic historical romance with supernatural elements to weave a mesmerizing spell. The cast and cinematography are striking and the story is unpredictable and emotionally moving.
This is a drama that requires close attention and leaves certain elements to the viewer to interpret. Some felt that this style was messy and rushed. The scenes of child abuse were difficult and heartbreaking to watch, and the explorations of trauma are brutal and raw. There were those who felt that the hints of incest were inappropriate and distasteful. But for me, I loved the return to a classic, solid style of historical drama that was both exciting and emotionally deep. I give ‘Dear Hongrang’ a 10 out of 10.
🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜
Want More Reviews?
Did you enjoy this review of ‘Dear Hongrang’? Dive deeper into the world of Korean dramas by exploring more of our content. Click below to return to the homepage and discover a treasure trove of reviews, ratings, and entertainment news.
Still thinking about this drama and want to know what others think? Check out what others are saying about 'Dear Hongrang' on MyDramaList.
Recent Full Reviews with Spoilers
Stay updated with our latest reviews and dive into the captivating world of Korean dramas. Our recent full reviews section helps you explore in-depth analyses of your favorite series. From heartwarming romances to spine-chilling thrillers, we’ve got you covered.
See How Other Drama Stack Up
If this review has made you curious about where your other favorites stand, here is break down of the other reviews by rating. Links to both spoiler-free and full reviews are available on each page. Feel free to explore all the wonderful dramas I have watched.
