DEAR HONGRANG
August 14, 2025
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Dear Hongrang (2025) — Mystery and Melodrama in the Joseon Era
Overview
Dear Hongrang (Korean title: Tangeum, meaning “Swallowing Gold”) is a 2025 South Korean historical melodrama series released on Netflix. Adapted from Jang Da-hye’s novel Tangeum: Swallowing Gold, it spans 11 episodes of approximately 60–70 minutes each. Directed by Kim Hong-sun and written by Kim Jin-a, the drama blends mystery, romance, and political intrigue against the rich backdrop of the late Joseon Dynasty.
Plot Summary
The story follows the prestigious merchant Min (Sim) family, whose young heir, Hong-rang, mysteriously disappears at the age of eight. His half-sister, Jae-yi, becomes obsessed with finding him, believing he is still alive.
Twelve years later, a 20-year-old man claiming to be Hong-rang returns. Though the family welcomes him back, he has no memory of his past. Jae-yi, torn between hope and suspicion, begins to question his true identity. Her search for the truth unravels hidden family secrets, dangerous alliances, and an unexpected romance that challenges societal norms.
Main Cast
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Lee Jae-wook as Hong-rang — the enigmatic man whose identity remains in question.
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Jo Bo-ah as Jae-yi — the determined half-sister seeking the truth.
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Jung Ga-ram as Mu-jin — the adopted heir and rival in both affection and influence.
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Uhm Ji-won as Min Yeon-ui — the family’s matriarch, scarred by emotional wounds.
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Park Byung-eun as Shim Yeol-guk — the patriarch of the family.
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Kim Jae-wook as Prince Han Pyeong — a royal figure connected to the family’s fate.
Themes & Tone
The series is rich with themes of identity, loyalty, betrayal, and the blurred lines between love and duty. Its tone blends slow-burn suspense with emotional intensity, layered over meticulously detailed period settings.
The visual style captures Joseon’s elegance while contrasting it with the shadows of deceit and the weight of societal expectations. Music and cinematography further immerse the audience in the tension between the characters’ public duties and private desires.
Reception
Upon release in May 2025, Dear Hongrang quickly entered Netflix’s Top 10 non-English series in multiple countries. Viewers praised the atmospheric visuals, strong performances, and complex character dynamics. However, the romance between characters believed to be siblings stirred controversy, even after clarifications revealed no blood relation.
Ending (Spoiler Warning)
In the final episodes, it is revealed that the man posing as Hong-rang is an impostor trained to infiltrate the Min family. The real Hong-rang died years earlier. Despite the deception, he develops genuine feelings for Jae-yi. Ultimately, he sacrifices himself to protect her and expose the family’s enemies. Jae-yi honors his memory by founding an orphanage, symbolizing hope and redemption.
Why It Stands Out
Dear Hongrang combines the grandeur of historical dramas with the intimate tension of a psychological thriller. It offers both romance and mystery, wrapped in a deeply emotional narrative that challenges perceptions of truth, love, and legacy.