Dear Hongrang (Korean: 탄금) is a South Korean mystery melodrama sageuk television series written by Kim Jin-ah, directed by Kim Hong-sun, and starring Lee Jae-wook, Jo Bo-ah, Jung Ga-ram, Uhm Ji-won, Park Byung-eun, and Kim Jae-wook. Based on Tangeum: Swallowing Gold by Jang Da-hye, the series follows how Jae-yi searches and uncovers the truth behind Hong-rang's disappearance and the man claiming to be him. It premiered on Netflix on May 16, 2025.
Contents
Synopsis
Hong-rang, the son of a wealthy merchant family in Joseon, went missing at the age of eight. His half-sister, Jae-yi, never gives up hope and searches for him tirelessly. Twelve years later, a young man appears claiming to be Hong-rang, but he has no memories of his past. While Jae-yi is skeptical, his mother desperately wants to believe him. However, this man carries a secret, and his reappearance brings intrigue and danger. Jae-yi's quest to uncover the truth behind Hong-rang's disappearance and the identity of this returning man leads her into a web of family secrets and power struggles.
Cast and characters
Main
Lee Jae-wook as Hong-rang
A mysteriously returned heir of a powerful Joseon clan, whose true identity and motives remain in secret.
Jo Bo-ah as Jae-yi
The outcast daughter of a powerful Joseon clan who hides her pain as she searches for her long-lost half-brother.
Jung Ga-ram as Mu-jin
A stand-in for the lost heir Hong-rang who was born into a fallen noble family.
Uhm Ji-won as Min Yeon-ui
The matriarch of the clan who will stop at nothing to reclaim her lost son.
Park Byung-eun as Shim Yeol-guk
The ruthless head of the clan and father of Hongrang and Jae-i, who makes cold, calculated choices in pursuit of his ambition.
Kim Jae-wook as Prince Han Pyeong
The king's only brother, indifferent to politics and court affairs, yet deeply devoted to scholarship and art.
Supporting
Park Myung-hoon as Bang Ji-ryeon
Shim Yeol-guk's subordinate.
Jo Jae-yoon as Jo Bang-sook
The leader of the group searching for Mu-jin.
Choi Young-woo as Yook Son
Min Yeon-ui's confidant.
Choi Hyung-tae as Bu Yeong
Mu-jin's right-hand man.
Park Ji-ah as Madam Gwigokja
A shaman.
Kim Bada as Du Ryeong
Deputy leader of the sword guild.
Kim Min-gi as In Hoe
Hong-rang's sworn brother.
Lee Ga-ryeong as Kkot Nim
Leader of the sword guild.
Release
Initially, the series was reported to premiered on Netflix in early 2024. In February 2025, Netflix announced their 2025 Korean films and series lineup and the window date of Dear Hongrang will be in the second quarter of 2025. In April 2025, the series was confirmed to be released on May 16.
Reception
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 80% of 5 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 8/10.