Cher Hongrang

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.

I'll be honest, coming from someone who got ADHD and struggles binge watching any series, this is the 2nd series I watched in one sitting. 1st one was Karma. This series got elements to hook someone who's not into lovey dovey flowery storyline with cute faced ML and FL. I liked everything bout it - cinematography, the color choices of costume of ML (white cause he represents death ), the OSTs, acting, action everything. The only let down was Netflix cutting short a drama who had the potential to be a global phenomenon. The plot sometimes felt rushed , romance built up needed some more time to be more impactful. But those can be overlooked due to the brilliant acting of the leads AND the villains esp KJW.

Would I recommend? Only to those who got the eyes and guts to watch unconventional, eerie kdramas which aren't all flowers and butterflies with Happy ending.

I bridged the drama over two days as I could not stop watching it. The cinematography and acting are amazing. I love the storyline and how slowly we are getting to the truth. Not a single episode was boring. The chemistry between the leads is awesome! I love the bond Jae I and Hong Rang had. Their eyes speak for themselves. The fighting scenes were great as well. It was a real surprise to see the real villain. I will not say more to avoid spoilers.

The OST is great, so fitting to the drama. It is not a typical drama; it is dark, and with each episode, there is more suffering, but it is a beautiful story of two people who try to protect each other. The last episode was very emotional.

Pretty sure y'all are fans of Jang Uk from alchemy of souls just like me and would have known Jo Bo Ah from Tale of nine tailed. "Dear Hongrang" explores the unspoken issues of the Joseon period, such as the disappearance of small children, the harsh realities faced by children born out of wedlock, adoption, and complex relationships. The female lead is a true embodiment of a damsel in distress; she prioritizes the well-being of others over her own and leads an honest life. The plot takes a wild turn when the male lead appears, claiming to be her lost little brother from twelve years ago.

My only complaint about this drama is that no one voices the plot twists clearly. It requires careful attention, especially if you're not Korean like me. The subplots can make it challenging to understand the main storyline. At times, the story feels like it's going in circles without a clear conclusion, as all the characters simply try to get through the day. The female lead, male lead, and the supporting male lead all had difficult childhoods, and leaning on each other became their only source of strength and support. Their lives are manipulated by malicious individuals behind the scenes.

Overall, the series has a gloomy tone, very serious with little humor. However, the original soundtrack (OST) was exceptional and added depth to the somber atmosphere they aimed to create. It's worth watching at least once if you're a fan of the cast mentioned above. Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a great day!

Dear Hongrang is not your typical K-drama. It's a tragic, poetic exploration of trauma, power, and identity set against the backdrop of ritualistic tradition and corrupted belief. The storytelling is rich in symbolism - every snowflake, brushstroke, and silence carries weight. Lee Jae Wook delivers a heartbreaking performance as a boy turned into a sacred object, used and discarded by those obsessed with fate. Jo Bo Ah's character adds emotional depth as someone who learns to see the human behind the mask.

This isn't a drama that offers easy closure or conventional romance - it lingers with you, asks difficult questions, and quietly devastates. A masterpiece of mood and meaning.