Dear Hongrang: Lee Jae Wook Returns in a Historical Drama Full of Mysteries and Emotions

Dear Hongrang is the newest historical K-drama from South Korea that’s set to captivate fans of intense storytelling and complex characters. Set during the Joseon Dynasty, this Netflix production unfolds a tale brimming with secrets, questionable identities, and a delicately confusing relationship between two siblings.

Lee Jae Wook plays the mysterious Hong Rang

At the center of Dear Hongrang is the character Hong Rang, portrayed by Lee Jae Wook, who returns to his powerful merchant family after a 12-year disappearance. With no memory of his childhood, his comeback stirs turmoil—especially for his half-sister Jae Yi (played by Jo Bo Ah), who spent years searching for him.

However, instead of relief, Jae Yi finds herself plagued with doubt. Is this man truly her brother? The suspicion is amplified by an atmosphere of tension, mystery, and unspoken feelings, hinting that their bond may go far beyond family ties.

Poster and teaser deepen the suspense

The official poster shows Hong Rang and Jae Yi reuniting after years apart. Below them, a younger Hong Rang is seen wandering alone through a dark forest—fueling the mystery of what truly happened to him. The tagline “Your hidden secrets. Your untold truth.” adds another layer of intrigue to the plot.

In the teaser, we see flashbacks of Hong Rang lost in the past while Jae Yi desperately calls his name. In the present day, various impostors try to claim the title of heir to the Min Merchant Guild. Eventually, one man emerges, believed to be the real Hong Rang—but Jae Yi is the only one bold enough to confront him directly.

Action and emotion in the teaser’s final moments

In a dramatic scene, Hong Rang defends Jae Yi from attackers with his sharp swordsmanship, shouting, “How dare you touch my sister?”—showing that, despite lingering doubts, his protective instincts remain intact. The dynamic between the two promises to evolve in intense and unpredictable ways.

A powerful cast and layered characters

The story intensifies with the arrival of characters like Moo Jin (Jung Ga Ram), the adopted son who replaced Hong Rang; Min Yeon Ui (Uhm Ji Won), the biological mother and matriarch of the guild; Shim Yeol Guk (Park Byung Eun), the guild master and father of both siblings; and Grand Prince Han Pyeong (Kim Jae Wook), an artist with a sharp eye and a mysterious role in the narrative.

Dear Hongrang premiere

Dear Hongrang is set to premiere on May 16. With a suspenseful plot full of romance and family secrets, it’s shaping up to be one of 2024’s must-watch dramas.

Stay tuned to Kdrama Universe for updates on where to stream it and exclusive behind-the-scenes details!

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