Dear Hongrang

This was a nice surprise from Netflix. From the very begining you jump right into action, no time is wasted on dragging scenes and no redundant dialogue. It' about a long lost son of a wealthy and powerful family and the people around him on how they manage to keep up with their lives after he was lost,what they did to look for him and what happens after they eventualy do find him. The series is packed with fast moving scenes,fights,mistery and strong leads. It's not the usual cringy K-drama love but more a hate-love dynamic all over.

I like that it's placed in Joseon and they wraped it all up in only 12 episodes. Great for binge watchig!

Where do I even begin with Dear HongRang? This is not just a series-it is a cinematic symphony of mystery, emotion, and brilliance. From the very first scene, it sinks its hooks into you, refusing to let go until the final, breath-stealing moment. It's a perfectly layered thriller with just the right dose of tension and suspense-every beat intentional, every scene magnetic.

Let's talk about Lee Jae Wook. My goodness. His performance is nothing short of sensational. The range he displays-from brooding vulnerability to stoic strength-is a masterclass in acting. There were moments when he carried entire scenes with just his eyes and body language. His sword skills alone could convince you he's trained with Shaolin monks; his precision, fluidity, and intensity felt real, raw, and ruthlessly refined. I cannot overstate how flawless his portrayal was-this man became one with his character.

And the costuming? Phenomenal. Whoever handled wardrobe clearly understands the psychology of color and character. The consistent use of blue on Lee Jae Wook wasn't just aesthetically pleasing-it was storytelling in itself. From royal blues to stormy hues and soft, melancholic shades, each costume reflected a piece of HongRang's emotional palette. Blue wasn't just a color here-it was a narrative thread.

The cinematography? Please!! Every shot is a painting. Lighting, framing, and location worked in concert to deepen the atmosphere. From snow-draped landscapes to shadowy corridors, the visual world of DHR is immersive and unforgettable.

Makeup and overall character styling deserve their own standing ovation. The transformation of the characters-especially in moments of emotional turmoil or battle-was so subtle yet so effective. The detailing was meticulous, never overdone, always purposeful.

Now, that semi-final confrontation-you know the one-where HR takes down the SM? I was holding my breath. The choreography, the emotional stakes, the execution... it was poetic. Brutal, but poetic. That moment alone deserves to be studied in drama schools.

And the ending? Clean. Cohesive. Satisfying. No loose ends. No dragging epilogues. Just a powerful full stop to a story told with heart and intensity.

I have no criticisms. No lingering questions. No disappointments. This is the rare kind of series you finish and immediately want to rewatch-not because you missed something, but because you want to relive its brilliance.

DHR is, without a doubt, a 10!

This drama exceeded my expectations from the first down to the last scene with its stunning screen effects, vibrant color texture, and an OST that perfectly complemented the storyline. Set in the Joseon dynasty, the drama masterfully weaves together action, romance, and suspense. The OST used in is incredibly rich.

The story follows a family's desperate search for their missing son, only to be deceived by an imposter claiming to be the long-lost sibling. I loved how the drama balanced revenge plots and betrayal with a sense of love that ultimately prevailed.

What kept me glued to the screen was the perfect blend of genres - action and romance. I binge-watched it from 8 to 8 pm, non-stop! 😂 The emotional payoff at the end left me teary-eyed 😭.

If you're a fan of K-dramas with a mix of action, romance, and suspense, this one's a must-watch. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Naturally seeing a new historical costume drama with Lee Jae-Wook in the lead evoked Alchemy of Souls, one of my all-time favourite shows. This parallel, the very thing that got me watching Dear Hongrang, also served as an initial weakness for the show, where I had to remind myself it was its own animal. Once expectations from Alchemy are dismissed, Dear Hongrang becomes a more enjoyable watch.

Jae-Wook's acting is compelling, as he effortless switches from absolutely badass to the vulnerability of the emotionally damaged. I've read he does many of his own stunts, and the fights are fast, brutal, and numerous. Jae-Wook's character, called the Soul Reaper, earns his title based on the sheer efficiency with which he slaughters his foes.

The show has a gothic feel, with brooding atmosphere, abundant corruption, family strife everywhere, and the fear of a ghost behind some of the mystery. Oh, and let us not forget the forbidden romance. As one expects in a historical Kdrama, there are beautiful locations and amazing costumes.

All of that said, while I definitely enjoyed my time with Dear Hongrang, and I liked the ending, there were aspects I felt were not quite developed enough. An abundance of factions and side-characters meant I was not always clear on who every person was or their motivation for doing certain things, sometimes even things central to the plot. The dense backstory was not fully realised in some cases, all of which left me with the feeling the show could have been even better than it was.

I watched this show in one sitting incapable of stopping as it was soooo good! High class filming and top notch acting to tell a very dramatic story of good and evil and everlasting love in Joseon ambiance. Both main leads gave amazing performances but I am weak for Lee Jae-Wook acting, always so intense and nuanced. The actor really shined in this dramatic role confirming once again that he is one of the best Korean actors around, and probably the best one of his generation. I highly recommend this thrilling and intensely moving drama that kept me awake an entire night and made me feel a whole web of difference emotions.