Dear Hongrang | Netflix’s Period Mystery Drama – May 16, 2025
Introduction
Prepare to be transported to the intrigue and beauty of Joseon-era Korea with Dear Hongrang, an upcoming mystery-melodrama sageuk series on Netflix. Adapted from Jang Da-hye’s acclaimed novel Tangeum: Swallowing Gold, the show is penned by award-winning writer Kim Jin-ah and brought to life under the direction of Kim Hong-sun. With sumptuous period detail, layered family secrets, and a riveting central mystery, Dear Hongrang promises to be one of Netflix’s most talked-about K-dramas of 2025.
Synopsis
Twelve years ago, young Hong-rang vanished without a trace from his wealthy merchant family. His half-sister Jae-yi has never given up hope and spends her days searching for clues to his fate. When a charismatic stranger appears, claiming to be the long-missing heir—yet bearing no memories of his past—Jae-yi is torn between skepticism and a desperate yearning to believe. As she races to uncover the truth behind Hong-rang’s disappearance, the pair become entangled in a web of political intrigue, hidden agendas, and the dangerous power struggles of the Joseon court.
Cast & Characters
- Lee Jae-wook as Hong-rang: The adult heir whose unexpected return sparks both hope and suspicion.
- Jo Bo-ah as Jae-yi: Hong-rang’s resolute half-sister, driven by love and haunted by unanswered questions.
- Jung Ga-ram as Mu-jin: A loyal friend whose own secrets may hold the key to Hong-rang’s past.
- Uhm Ji-won, Park Byung-eun, and Kim Jae-wook round out the ensemble, each weaving additional layers of betrayal and loyalty into the narrative .
Production & Style
A collaboration between industry heavyweights Studio Dragon, Acemaker Movieworks, H House, and EO Contents Group, Dear Hongrang benefits from top-tier production values and meticulous art direction. Director Kim Hong-sun—known for thrillers like The Guest—employs atmospheric cinematography and a haunting score by Kim Tae-seung to heighten the series’ tension. Every episode is crafted to blend sweeping palace drama with intimate character moments, ensuring each twist resonates emotionally.
Themes & Appeal
- Family & Identity: At its core, the series examines how blood ties and buried memories shape personal truths.
- Power & Betrayal: Court machinations and merchant-class rivalries collide, revealing how far people will go to protect or seize authority.
- Love & Suspicion: The bond between Hong-rang and Jae-yi anchors the drama, as each must decide whether to trust their heart or their doubt.
- Historical Authenticity: From authentic costume design to traditional musical interludes, the show immerses viewers in the sights and sounds of Joseon Korea.
Why You Should Watch
- Star Power: Lee Jae-wook and Jo Bo-ah bring depth and chemistry to a tense sibling relationship.
- Masterful Storytelling: With cliffhangers at every turn, Dear Hongrang is binge-worthy for anyone who loves intricate mysteries.
- Cinematic Excellence: The series sets a new standard for Netflix’s period offerings with its artful visuals and rich production design.
- Universal Resonance: Beyond its historical setting, themes of family, identity, and truth make the story relatable to all audiences.
Conclusion
Don’t miss Dear Hongrang, premiering on Netflix on May 16, 2025. Join Jae-yi on her quest to reclaim her brother—and uncover the secrets that could alter the fate of an empire.
