3 Key Reasons To Watch Lee Jae Wook And Jo Bo Ah’s New Drama “Dear Hongrang”

May 16, 2025 | 07:11 (GMT)

3 minutes read

Source: soompi.com

The new Netflix drama “Dear Hongrang” has shared key highlights of the series!

“Dear Hongrang” is a historical mystery romance that follows Hong Rang (Lee Jae Wook), the long-lost son of Joseon’s largest merchant guild, who returns after 12 years with no memory of his past. As his half-sister Jae Yi (Jo Bo Ah), who spent years desperately searching for him, becomes the only one to question his true identity, an inexplicable emotional bond starts to form between them.

Ahead of its release today, “Dear Hongrang” has shared three key reasons to tune in to the drama:

1. A Genre-Blending Tale of Mystery, Romance, and Historical

Blending mystery, emotional tension, and historical depth, “Dear Hongrang” offers a compelling genre mix. The story begins with Hong Rang’s sudden reappearance at the Min Merchant Guild, sparking a chain of strange incidents. As secrets unravel, a slow-burning romance takes shape, fusing the suspense of a thriller with the emotional intricacy of a love story.

Though he remembers nothing from before his disappearance, Hong Rang looks, moves, and behaves exactly like the boy who vanished—raising the question: is he truly who he claims to be?

Meanwhile, Jae Yi, who once yearned deeply for her brother’s return, begins to harbor doubts about his identity. Their fraught yet magnetic relationship—illustrated by tension-filled stares and growing emotional attraction—heightens both the mystery and the romance.

2. A Stellar Ensemble Cast

The series features a powerhouse lineup: Lee Jae Wook portrays the enigmatic Hong Rang, capturing his character’s internal conflict, growing attraction to Jae Yi, and complex emotional layers. Jo Bo Ah takes on the role of Jae Yi, who suspects the returned Hong Rang is an impostor but finds herself drawn to him. Her portrayal captures the confusion and emotional turmoil of a woman caught between hope and doubt.

Jung Ga Ram brings nuance to Mu Jin, the adopted son of the Min Merchant Guild whose life is upended by Hong Rang’s return. Uhm Ji Won plays matriarch Min Yeon Ui, who will do anything to protect her son who has just returned. Meanwhile, Park Byung Eun adds tension as a power-hungry guild leader Sim Yeol Guk. Kim Jae Wook appears as Grand Prince Han Pyeong, a royal known for his unmatched aesthetic sensibilities.

3. Stunning Visuals and Production Design

Directed by Kim Hong Sun—renowned for hits like “Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area” and “Voice“—”Dear Hongrang” is visually stunning. Its meticulous production combines evocative set pieces, detailed period costumes, and emotionally resonant cinematography to create a richly immersive viewing experience.

From bustling market scenes to the grandeur of Joseon’s largest merchant house, every visual detail enhances the setting. The drama’s array of hanbok styles also visually reflect each character’s personality and emotional journey.

The soundtrack adds another layer of depth. The grand orchestral piece by 4BOUT elevates the historical grandeur, while Kwon Jin Ah’s emotionally charged OST deepens the romantic tension between Hong Rang and Jae Yi.

“Dear Hongrang” premieres on May 16 via Netflix.

Watch Lee Jae Wook in “Extraordinary You” below:

Watch Now

Also check out Jo Bo Ah in “The Tale of the Nine-Tailed”:

Watch Now

Source (1)

Dear Hongrang

Jo Bo Ah

Jung Ga Ram

Kim Jae Wook

Lee Jae Wook

Park Byung Eun

Uhm Ji Won

How does this article make you feel?

Comments

Please login to Soompi to join the conversation!

Lee Chae Min And Hong Min Ki’s Friendly Photoshoot Turns Competitive In “Crushology 101”

Lee Chae Min and Hong Min Ki will go head-to-head in a campus heartthrob photoshoot in tonight’s episode of “Crushology 101”! Based on a popular webtoon, MBC’s “Crushology 101” is a romance drama following the journey of college student Ban Hee Jin (Roh Jeong Eui), who is nicknamed “Bunny.” After her first relationship ends badly, Continue reading Lee Chae Min And Hong Min Ki’s Friendly Photoshoot Turns Competitive In “Crushology 101” Lee Chae Min And Hong Min Ki’s Friendly Photoshoot Turns Competitive In “Crushology 101” Soompi. ...

Watch: P1Harmony Takes 2nd Win For “DUH!” On “Music Bank”; Performances By Baekhyun, tripleS, And More

P1Harmony has won their second music show trophy for their new title track “DUH!”! On the May 16 episode of KBS 2TV’s “Music Bank,” the candidates for first place were TWS’s “Countdown!” and P1Harmony’s “DUH!”. P1Harmony ultimately took the win with a total of 9,716 points. Congratulations to P1Harmony! Watch the winner announcement and encore Continue reading Watch: P1Harmony Takes 2nd Win For “DUH!” On “Music Bank”; Performances By Baekhyun, tripleS, And More Watch: P1Harmony Takes 2nd Win For “DUH!” On “Music Bank”; Performances By Baekhyun, tripleS, And More Soompi. ...

Yook Sungjae Risks It All To Save Cha Chung Hwa In “The Haunted Palace”

Yook Sungjae is heading straight into danger to save Cha Chung Hwa in tonight’s episode of “The Haunted Palace”! “The Haunted Palace” is a fantasy historical rom-com that delves into the tale of the Eight Feet Tall spirit that bears a grudge against the king, a female shaman who opposes it, and an evil spirit Continue reading Yook Sungjae Risks It All To Save Cha Chung Hwa In “The Haunted Palace” Yook Sungjae Risks It All To Save Cha Chung Hwa In “The Haunted Palace” Soompi. ...

“Resident Playbook” Idol Group HI-BOYZ Confirmed To Perform On “M Countdown”

The fictional K-pop idol group HI-BOYZ from “Resident Playbook” will be performing on “M Countdown”! On May 16, News1 reported that HI-BOYZ will be appearing on Mnet’s music program “M Countdown” and is currently coordinating the details. In response to the report, a representative from “M Countdown” confirmed the news, stating, “It’s true that HI-BOYZ from Continue reading “Resident Playbook” Idol Group HI-BOYZ Confirmed To Perform On “M Countdown” “Resident Playbook” Idol Group HI-BOYZ Confirmed To Perform On “M Countdown” Soompi. ...

Rosé’s “number one girl” Becomes Her 4th Official MV To Hit 100 Million Views

BLACKPINK’s Rosé has hit the 100 million mark on YouTube with yet another music video! On May 16 at approximately 4:55 a.m. KST, Rosé’s official music video for “number one girl” surpassed 100 million views on YouTube, making it her fourth official music video to achieve this record following “On The Ground,” “Gone,” and “APT.” Continue reading Rosé’s “number one girl” Becomes Her 4th Official MV To Hit 100 Million Views Rosé’s “number one girl” Becomes Her 4th Official MV To Hit 100 Million Views Soompi. ...

Important Updates Regarding Soompi

Dear Soompiers, We want to share some important news of a few upcoming changes to Soompi. These decisions were made after careful consideration. As always, our intention is to deliver the best possible news and content on Korean entertainment to you. 1. Deprecation of User Login and Article Comment Sections Effective June 16, 2025 UTC, Continue reading Important Updates Regarding Soompi Important Updates Regarding Soompi Soompi. ...

Park Se Young And Kwak Jung Wook Welcome Their First Child

Park Se Young and Kwak Jung Wook have welcomed their first child—a baby girl! On the afternoon of May 16, Park Se Young’s agency CL&Company officially announced, “Park Se Young gave birth to a daughter on Tuesday, May 13.” They added, “Both the mother and baby are healthy and currently resting under the warm care Continue reading Park Se Young And Kwak Jung Wook Welcome Their First Child Park Se Young And Kwak Jung Wook Welcome Their First Child Soompi. ...

Big Freedia Announces Death of Partner of 20 Years in Emotional Post

Big Freedia has announced the death of her partner of 20 years, Devon Hurst, in a heartbreaking social media post. He was 38. The rapper (real name Freddie Ross Jr.) took to Instagram on Thursday, May 15 to share the news and grieve the loss of her longtime partner, who died from complications of diabetes. ...

EPEX’s Keum To Go On Temporary Hiatus From Group Activities

EPEX’s Keum will be temporarily halting all group activities. On May 16, C9 Entertainment announced that Keum will be on a temporary hiatus due to “personal reasons.” As a result, EPEX will be carrying out their activities as a seven-member group for the time being. The agency’s full statement is as follows: Hello, this is Continue reading EPEX’s Keum To Go On Temporary Hiatus From Group Activities EPEX’s Keum To Go On Temporary Hiatus From Group Activities Soompi. ...

Salma Hayek Says She’s ‘Close’ With Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' Kids

Salma Hayek is sharing an insight into her bond with the children of her longtime friends, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds. Speaking to E! News on Thursday, May 15, the Without Blood actress said: “I’m close to the kids.” After explaining she had been friends with Lively and Reynolds for “a very long time,” Hayek ...

Roh Jeong Eui And Lee Chae Min Meet Again After A Year Apart In “Crushology 101”

After a year abroad, Roh Jeong Eui is back on campus in “Crushology 101”! Based on a popular webtoon, MBC’s “Crushology 101” is a romance drama following the journey of college student Ban Hee Jin (Roh Jeong Eui), who is nicknamed “Bunny.” After her first relationship ends badly, Bunny unexpectedly finds herself entangled with multiple Continue reading Roh Jeong Eui And Lee Chae Min Meet Again After A Year Apart In “Crushology 101” Roh Jeong Eui And Lee Chae Min Meet Again After A Year Apart In “Crushology 101” Soompi. ...

Watch: Jung Kyung Ho, Seol In Ah, And Cha Hak Yeon Help Ghosts Seek Justice In “Oh My Ghost Clients”

MBC’s upcoming drama “Oh My Ghost Clients” has released a new teaser! “Oh My Ghost Clients” is a comedy-action drama starring Jung Kyung Ho as Noh Moo Jin, a labor attorney who can see ghosts. The new teaser captures Moo Jin’s near-death experience and his journey of becoming a hero who stands up for workers, Continue reading Watch: Jung Kyung Ho, Seol In Ah, And Cha Hak Yeon Help Ghosts Seek Justice In “Oh My Ghost Clients” Watch: Jung Kyung Ho, Seol In Ah, And Cha Hak Yeon Help Ghosts Seek Justice In “Oh My Ghost Clients” Soompi. ...

Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds' Wrexham Soccer Team by the Numbers

Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds spent how much on Wrexham AFC? The actors have been candid about putting up millions of dollars for the Welsh soccer club. The duo famously bought the then-failing soccer (football in Wales) club for $2.5 million in 2020, but have since turned it into a major franchise. However, as the ...

Han Ji Min Collapses On Son Suk Ku’s Shoulder After He Is Attacked In “Heavenly Ever After”

JTBC’s “Heavenly Ever After” has shared an intriguing new glimpse of its next episode! “Heavenly Ever After” is a transcendent romance drama starring Kim Hye Ja as Lee Hae Sook, a woman who reunites with her husband in heaven after death. Unlike the other residents of heaven—including her husband Go Nak Joon (Son Suk Ku), Continue reading Han Ji Min Collapses On Son Suk Ku’s Shoulder After He Is Attacked In “Heavenly Ever After” Han Ji Min Collapses On Son Suk Ku’s Shoulder After He Is Attacked In “Heavenly Ever After” Soompi. ...

Did 'Found' Actually Just Kill [Spoiler] in Shocking Series Finale Twist?

Fans of Found may never have closure as that shocking season 2 finale will now serve as the series finale. During the episode, which aired on Thursday, May 15, Gabi (Shanola Hampton) finally revealed at a press conference that she kidnapped Sir (Mark-Paul Gosselaar). “The theme for Gabi this season has been penance,” Hampton, 47, ...

Kim Ji Yeon Shoots A Furious Look At Yook Sungjae And Shin Seul Ki In “The Haunted Palace”

SBS’s “The Haunted Palace” has teased a budding love triangle among Yook Sungjae, Kim Ji Yeon, and Shin Seul Ki! “The Haunted Palace” is a fantasy historical rom-com that delves into the tale of the Eight Feet Tall spirit that bears a grudge against the king, a female shaman who opposes it, and an evil Continue reading Kim Ji Yeon Shoots A Furious Look At Yook Sungjae And Shin Seul Ki In “The Haunted Palace” Kim Ji Yeon Shoots A Furious Look At Yook Sungjae And Shin Seul Ki In “The Haunted Palace” Soompi. ...

Watch: Park Ju Hyun, Park Yong Woo, Kang Hoon, And More Impress At Script Reading For “Hunter With A Scalpel”

Upcoming drama “Hunter with a Scalpel” has released behind-the-scenes footage from its script reading! “Hunter with a Scalpel” is a psychological crime thriller that follows the story of Seo Se Hyun (Park Ju Hyun), a brilliant yet troubled forensic pathologist. While conducting an autopsy, Se Hyun uncovers evidence linking her father to a murder. To Continue reading Watch: Park Ju Hyun, Park Yong Woo, Kang Hoon, And More Impress At Script Reading For “Hunter With A Scalpel” Watch: Park Ju Hyun, Park Yong Woo, Kang Hoon, And More Impress At Script Reading For “Hunter With A Scalpel” Soompi. ...

34th Seoul Music Awards Announces First Lineup

The 34th Seoul Music Awards (SMA) is ramping up to be a star-studded event! On May 16, the 34th Seoul Music Awards announced its first lineup of artists including wave to earth, QWER, KiiiKiii, TXT, P1Harmony, and FIFTY FIFTY. Earlier, it was confirmed i-dle’s Miyeon will be one of the hosts for the 34th Seoul Continue reading 34th Seoul Music Awards Announces First Lineup 34th Seoul Music Awards Announces First Lineup Soompi. ...

Watch: Park Sung Woong Forms Unlikely Alliance With His Online Hater Park Soo Oh In “A Head Coach’s Turnover” Teaser

MBC’s upcoming two-part drama “A Head Coach’s Turnover” has unveiled an intriguing new teaser! “A Head Coach’s Turnover” is a comedy about professional basketball coach Maeng Gong (Park Sung Woong), who faces the risk of being fired due to his team’s poor performance. To turn things around, he unexpectedly teams up with his own online Continue reading Watch: Park Sung Woong Forms Unlikely Alliance With His Online Hater Park Soo Oh In “A Head Coach’s Turnover” Teaser Watch: Park Sung Woong Forms Unlikely Alliance With His Online Hater Park Soo Oh In “A Head Coach’s Turnover” Teaser Soompi. ...

Justin Bieber’s Rep Addresses Speculation He Was a Victim of Diddy

Justin Bieber’s rep has hosed down speculation that the singer was involved in any of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ alleged misconduct. Bieber, 31, was at the center of unsubstantiated rumors that he may have been a victim of Diddy, 55, who is currently on trial for sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution charges. ...