Amidst the turbulence of history, Dear Hongrang weaves a tale of love, duty, and destiny. Set against the backdrop of the Joseon era, this Netflix original series follows the journey of lovers torn apart by fate and bound by unspoken longing. With stunning cinematography and a gripping narrative, Dear Hongrang promises an unforgettable blend of romance and historical intrigue.
Dear Hongrang Information
| Category | Dear Hongrang |
|---|---|
| Native title | 탄금 (Tangeum) |
| Country | South Korea |
| Genre | Melodrama, Mystery, Historical (Sageuk) |
| Director by | Kim Hong-sun |
| Story by | Kim Jin-ah |
| Starring Cast | Lee Jae-wook as Hong-rang Jo Bo-ah as Jae-yi Jung Ga-ram as Mu-jin Uhm Ji-won as Min Yeon-ui Park Byung-eun as Shim Yeol-guk Kim Jae-wook as Prince Han Pyeong |
| Number of Episodes | 12 |
| Release dates | Scheduled for 2025 |
| Streaming by | NETFLIX |
Dear Hongrang Cast
Lee Jae-wook as Hong-rang
The titular protagonist, Hong-rang is a noblewoman whose life is forever changed by fate. She is known for her intelligence, elegance, and unwavering loyalty to those she loves. As she navigates a world filled with political intrigue and hidden dangers, she must choose between duty and the desires of her heart.
Lee Jae-wook
◾Date of Birth: May 10, 1998
◾Place of Birth: Seoul, South Korea
◾Debut Work: Made his acting debut in 2018 with the television series “Memories of the Alhambra.”
◾Notable Works: “Extraordinary You,” “Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol,” “Alchemy of Souls”
◾Social Media: Instagram
Jo Bo-ah as Jae-yi
Jae-yi is a skilled scholar and warrior, deeply devoted to Hong-rang. Born into a prestigious family, he carries the weight of tradition while secretly yearning for a different path. His love for Hong-rang is both his greatest strength and his greatest weakness, making him a central figure in the unfolding drama.
Jo Bo-ah
◾Date of Birth: August 22, 1991
◾Place of Birth: Daejeon, South Korea
◾Debut Work: Debuted in 2011 with a role in the daily sitcom “I Live in Cheongdam-dong.”
◾Notable Works: “Shut Up Flower Boy Band,” “My Strange Hero,” “Tale of the Nine-Tailed”
◾Social Media: Instagram
Jung Ga-ram as Mu-jin
A mysterious and enigmatic figure, Mu-jin is a shadowy force operating behind the scenes. He possesses unmatched combat skills and sharp intelligence, making him a valuable ally or a deadly enemy. His true motives remain unclear, and his presence adds tension to the already complex world of Dear Hongrang.
Jung Ga-ram
◾Date of Birth: February 23, 1993
◾Place of Birth: Seoul, South Korea
◾Debut Work: Made his acting debut in 2011 with the film “Bleak Night.”
◾Notable Works: “Love Alarm,” “The Odd Family: Zombie On Sale,” “Fourth Place”
◾Social Media: Instagram
Uhm Ji-won as Min Yeon-ui
A powerful woman of the royal court, Min Yeon-ui is both cunning and graceful. She is a master of political strategy, using her influence to shape the fate of those around her. Though she appears composed, her ambitions and personal stakes in the story make her a formidable force.
Uhm Ji-won
◾Date of Birth: December 25, 1977
◾Place of Birth: Daegu, South Korea
◾Debut Work: Debuted in 1998 with the film “The Scarlet Letter.”
◾Notable Works: “The Silenced,” “Hope,” “The Cursed”
◾Social Media: Instagram
Park Byung-eun as Shim Yeol-guk
A high-ranking official, Shim Yeol-guk is a man of wisdom and power. As an advisor to the royal court, he plays a crucial role in determining the kingdom’s future. His alliances and decisions will shape the lives of Hong-rang and those around her.
Park Byung-eun
◾Date of Birth: July 14, 1977
◾Place of Birth: Seoul, South Korea
◾Debut Work: Made his acting debut in 2000 with the film “The Legend of the Evil Lake.”
◾Notable Works: “The Great Battle,” “Because This Is My First Life,” “Kingdom”
◾Social Media: Instagram
Kim Jae-wook as Prince Han Pyeong
A member of the royal family, Prince Han Pyeong is a charismatic and ambitious leader. He commands respect with his intelligence and strategic mind, but his true intentions remain shrouded in mystery. His relationship with Hong-rang and the power struggles within the palace add layers of intrigue to the story.
Kim Jae-wook
◾Date of Birth: April 2, 1983
◾Place of Birth: Seoul, South Korea
◾Debut Work: Debuted in 2002 with the television series “Ruler of Your Own World.”
◾Notable Works: “Coffee Prince,” “Her Private Life,” “Voice”
◾Social Media: Instagram
Dear Hongrang Plot
Set during the Joseon Dynasty, “Tangeum” follows the story of Hong-rang, the son of a prominent merchant family who mysteriously disappeared at the age of eight. Twelve years later, he returns as a 20-year-old with no recollection of his past and harboring hidden secrets. His reappearance raises questions about his true identity: Is he genuinely Hong-rang or an imposter? The narrative delves into the complex relationships and emotions that unfold as those around him grapple with doubt and anticipation.
The series is an adaptation of the novel “Tangeum: Swallowing Gold” by Jang Da-hye. It is anticipated to be a 12-episode series, blending elements of romance, mystery, and historical drama.
Dear Hongrang Point to watch
Original Novel Information
Title: Tangeum: Swallowing Gold (탄금: 금을 삼키다)
Author: Jang Da-hye
Publication Date: February 5, 2021
Genre: Historical, Mystery, Romance
Set during the late Joseon Dynasty, the novel follows Hong-rang, the son of a wealthy merchant family, who mysteriously disappears at the age of eight. Twelve years later, he returns as a young man of twenty, devoid of any memories from his childhood. His half-sister, Jae-yi, who endured neglect and abuse from her father and stepmother, had relied heavily on Hong-rang during their early years. His sudden disappearance left her in despair, and his unexpected return with a changed demeanor and lost memories raises suspicions and emotional turmoil. The narrative delves into their complex relationship as Jae-yi seeks to uncover the truth behind Hong-rang’s disappearance and the secrets that lie within their family.
Historical Background
While the novel is set in the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910), it does not specify an exact historical period within that era, allowing for a blend of historical context and fictional storytelling. The Joseon Dynasty was characterized by a strict social hierarchy, Confucian principles, and a flourishing of arts and culture.
In the novel, the family’s wealth is attributed to the art trade, reflecting the period’s appreciation for art and culture. The story also touches upon themes of social status, family dynamics, and identity, which were significant aspects of Joseon society.
Understanding the societal norms and cultural backdrop of the Joseon Dynasty can enhance the reader’s appreciation of the characters’ struggles and the societal pressures they face. The novel’s exploration of personal identity, memory, and familial bonds is intricately woven into this historical setting, providing depth to its mystery and romance elements.
Why I’m Excited for Tangeum (Dear Hongrang)
Tangeum is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing and visually stunning Korean dramas of 2025. With its unique blend of historical fiction, mystery, and romance, this series promises to deliver a fresh take on the sageuk (historical drama) genre by incorporating a fictional Joseon-era setting with a suspenseful, identity-driven plot.
One of the most exciting aspects of Tangeum is its mystery element. Unlike traditional historical dramas that focus on political intrigue or royal conflicts, this series presents a personal and emotional mystery—the sudden disappearance and return of Hong-rang, a character whose past is clouded in uncertainty. The question of whether he is truly the long-lost heir or an imposter creates an intense psychological and emotional tension that will keep viewers hooked.
Additionally, the drama is set to feature a captivating romance intertwined with the mystery. The complex relationship between Hong-rang (Lee Jae-wook) and Jae-yi (Jo Bo-ah) is one of the most highly anticipated aspects of the series. Their sibling bond, emotional conflict, and the possibility of hidden romantic tension will add layers of depth to the story, making their dynamic one to watch.
Another major reason to be excited is the chemistry between rising stars Lee Jae-wook and Jo Bo-ah. Lee Jae-wook has proven his versatility in Alchemy of Souls, bringing both intensity and vulnerability to his roles. Jo Bo-ah, who has been making waves with her recent performances, brings charisma and emotional depth that will undoubtedly elevate the drama. Seeing these two talented actors share the screen in a mystery-driven, emotionally charged historical drama is an exciting prospect.
Finally, Tangeum has the potential to redefine the historical drama genre by mixing elements of thriller, psychological tension, and a deeply personal narrative rather than focusing solely on political power struggles. This fusion of romance, identity mystery, and historical intrigue makes Tangeum stand out as a bold and refreshing entry into the K-drama scene.
With a gripping plot, a beautifully crafted fictional Joseon setting, and a stellar cast, Tangeum is a drama that historical fiction and mystery fans alike should definitely keep an eye on!
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