DEAR HONGRANG | Official Trailer – Netflix | Lee Jae Wook and Jo Bo Ah
January 26, 2026
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Netflix’s Dear Hongrang: A New Historical Mystery Romance Rising from the Joseon Era
Netflix’s highly anticipated Korean drama Dear Hongrang (탄금), starring Lee Jae-Wook and Jo Bo-Ah, has captured global attention following the release of its official trailer and its premiere on the platform in May 2025. Blending mystery, romance, and family intrigue, this period drama offers a fresh take on traditional storytelling from the Joseon dynasty.
Storyline and Themes
Dear Hongrang follows the haunting tale of Hong-rang, the long-missing heir to a wealthy merchant family, who vanished at the age of eight and suddenly reappears twelve years later — with no memory of his past. While the matriarch of the family eagerly accepts his return, his half-sister Sim Jae-yi remains deeply skeptical and determined to uncover the truth behind his disappearance and identity.
What begins as a search for a lost brother soon twists into a layered mystery involving family secrets, hidden motives, and emotional conflicts. The dynamic between Hong-rang and Jae-yi offers a compelling mix of trust, doubt, and unresolved longing as they navigate political pressures and personal feelings in a complex social landscape.
Cast and Characters
The drama features a strong ensemble cast led by:
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Lee Jae-Wook as Hong-rang — the enigmatic young man claiming to be the returned heir.
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Jo Bo-Ah as Sim Jae-yi — Hong-rang’s determined half-sister.
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Jung Ga-ram and other notable actors, who enrich the narrative with additional emotional and political layers.
The chemistry between the leads, especially Lee Jae-Wook’s brooding intensity and Jo Bo-Ah’s grounded performance, elevates the storytelling and hooks viewers from the trailer’s first moments.
Visual Style and Production
Shot with meticulous attention to period detail, Dear Hongrang immerses audiences in the late Joseon dynasty with stunning costumes, dramatic set design, and atmospheric cinematography — all hallmarks of Netflix’s expanding slate of Korean historical content.
The official trailer teases a world rich with loneliness, conflict, and sorrow contrasted with moments of fragile hope, setting a tone that promises both emotional depth and a gripping mystery.
Reception and Highlights
Since its release on Netflix on May 16, 2025, Dear Hongrang has sparked discussions among viewers and critics alike. Praise has centered on its intriguing premise and strong performances, while some audiences have noted mixed reactions toward aspects like storytelling execution and the emotional complexity of the characters.
The official trailer played a key role in building anticipation, with fans excited about the combination of historical intrigue, suspenseful twists, and the emotional tension between the main characters.
Conclusion
Dear Hongrang stands out as a visually striking and narratively rich addition to Netflix’s Korean drama lineup. Anchored by the compelling performances of Lee Jae-Wook and Jo Bo-Ah, and propelled by a tantalizing mystery at its core, the series appeals to fans of historical romance and dramatic thrillers alike. With its official trailer setting the stage for intrigue and emotional depth, Dear Hongrang continues to be one of 2025’s most talked-about K-dramas.