🎬 Dear Hongrang (2025): A Haunting Tale of Identity, Secrets, and Return
Dear Hongrang (Tangeum) is a 2025 South Korean historical mystery drama series that premiered on Netflix on May 16, 2025. Based on the acclaimed novel Tangeum: Swallowing Gold by Jang Da-hye, the series blends elements of suspense, family intrigue, and subtle romance in the setting of late Joseon-era Korea.
Directed by Kim Hong-sun (Money Heist: Korea, Voice) and written by Kim Jin-a (Kingdom of the Gods), the series stars Lee Jae-wook and Jo Bo-ah in leading roles.
🧩 Plot Summary
Set in the twilight years of the Joseon dynasty, Dear Hongrang follows the enigmatic return of Sim Hong-rang, the son of a wealthy merchant family who mysteriously disappeared at the age of eight.
Twelve years later, a man suddenly appears, claiming to be the long-lost Hong-rang—though he has no memory of his past. While his mother welcomes him with open arms, his half-sister Sim Jae-yi grows increasingly suspicious. Is he truly her brother, or an imposter with sinister intentions?
As Jae-yi seeks the truth behind the man’s identity, she begins to uncover deeply buried secrets within the family—secrets tied to betrayal, power, and perhaps even murder. The drama slowly unravels a web of lies that challenges the very foundation of blood, loyalty, and legacy.
🌟 Main Cast
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Lee Jae-wook as Sim Hong-rang – the mysterious man who reappears after 12 years, with no recollection of his childhood.
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Jo Bo-ah as Sim Jae-yi – Hong-rang’s intelligent and determined half-sister, unwilling to accept his identity without proof.
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Jung Ga-ram as Sim Mu-jin – an adopted son who filled the void after Hong-rang’s disappearance.
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Uhm Ji-won as Min Yeon-ui – the emotional mother longing for her son’s return.
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Park Byung-eun as Sim Yeol-guk – the powerful patriarch of the Sim family.
🎭 Themes and Tone
Dear Hongrang is a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling. It explores themes of identity, memory, family bonds, and the destructive nature of unchecked ambition. With haunting visuals, subtle emotional performances, and a slow-burn narrative style, the series draws comparisons to classics like The Handmaiden and Mr. Sunshine.
🧡 Reception
Critics have praised Dear Hongrang for its compelling storytelling, elegant cinematography, and standout performances—particularly Lee Jae-wook’s layered portrayal of a man caught between truth and illusion. The historical backdrop adds richness and texture, enhancing the show's aura of mystery.
🎬 Final Verdict
Dear Hongrang (2025) is a gripping, visually stunning drama that lingers long after the final credits roll. It’s a tale of return—but also of reckoning. For fans of historical mysteries laced with emotional depth and psychological tension, this is a must-watch.
Rating: 9/10
Tagline: "Not all who return bring peace."
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