Okay, K-drama fam, Netflix has dropped the first trailer for Dear Hongrang and I’m already obsessed. If you’re into mystery, historical drama, and intense family drama (with a sprinkle of romance), this one needs to be on your radar. Trust me, it’s going to be huge when it hits Netflix on May 16, 2025.
And yes, it’s the latest in the lineup Netflix releases, so buckle up, it’s going to be a wild ride.
That Opening Scene? Straight-Up Goosebumps
The trailer kicks off with this heartbreaking moment, little Hongrang goes missing as a child. Fast forward 12 years, and bam! He’s back. But here’s the twist, he remembers nothing. No childhood memories, no family connections… total blank slate.
Lee Jae-wook (yes, him!) plays the grown-up Hongrang, and from the first scene, he’s magnetic. If you’ve been waiting for Lee Jae-wook’s new drama to blow you away, this is it.
Is He Really Hongrang… or a Total Faker?
Now, here’s where it gets juicy. The second he shows up at the Sim merchant family household, the vibe gets tense. His half-sister, Jae-yi (played by Cho Bo-ah), is NOT buying it. She thinks he’s a fraud pretending to be her long-lost brother.
You can feel the tension in every frame. And let’s be real, don’t we all love a good identity crisis with a dash of forbidden feelings?
Gorgeous Costumes, Intense Vibes
I have to say, the Joseon-era visuals in the trailer are stunning. The hanboks, the set design, the music, everything screams quality. But it’s not just pretty to look at. Hongrang is shown training with bows and swords, clearly hiding some serious skills (and secrets).
This mix of elegance and edge? Chef’s kiss.
The Family Drama Is So Real
Besides the main duo, the trailer also introduces some strong side characters. There’s Jung Ga-ram as Mu-jin, the adopted son who basically replaced Hongrang. Then we’ve got Uhm Ji-won as their powerhouse mom, Park Byung-eun as the tough-as-nails dad, and Kim Jae-wook playing a mysterious artist prince (yes please).
You can already tell there’s going to be power plays, secrets, and probably a few jaw-dropping betrayals.
First Look at the Official Poster
Netflix has also unveiled the official poster for Dear Hongrang, and it’s as captivating as the trailer. The poster features Lee Jae-wook as Hongrang, exuding a focused warrior aura, with Jo Bo-ah’s Jae-yi by his side, both dressed in traditional hanboks. The intense gazes and rich Joseon-era backdrop set the tone for the mystery and romance that awaits.
Let’s Watch It Together?
Based on the novel Hong Rang: Swallowing Gold and directed by Kim Hong-sun, this 12-episode series is already turning heads as one of the most anticipated titles in the Netflix lineup.
If you’re into layered characters, juicy family secrets, and a splash of romance, Dear Hongrang needs to be on your list.
I’ve already hit “Remind Me” on Netflix, have you?
May 16 is the date. Grab your snacks, rally your drama crew, and get ready to feel everything.
Let’s dive into this drama together when it premieres, because I’m dying to know… is he truly Hongrang or just an imposter?