This Is What Jo Bo-ah Really Thinks About Lee Jae-wook After Filming Together

Actress Jo Bo-ah shared her thoughts on working with Lee Jae-wook in the upcoming Netflix original series Dear Hongrang (Korean title: Tangeum).

On May 13, the cast and crew of Dear Hongrang—including director Kim Hong-sun, and actors Lee Jae-wook, Jo Bo-ah, Jung Ga-ram, Uhm Ji-won, and Park Byung-eun—attended a press conference held at the Ramada Hotel in Sindorim, Seoul.

When asked why she chose to join the project, Jo Bo-ah said,

“What stood out to me was the sibling dynamic. That sense of deep brother-sister affection is something I personally connect with. I’m very close to my own younger sibling, so I was drawn to the emotional bond the character feels for her missing brother, Hong-rang.”

She also praised her co-star Lee Jae-wook, saying,

“His attitude was just… flavorful. He’s genuinely passionate about the craft—whether it’s the acting, the story, or the character. He has ambition and drive, and I found that inspiring. I learned a lot and grew to respect him.”

What is Dear Hongrang About?

Dear Hongrang is a mystery-romance historical drama centered on Hong-rang (played by Lee Jae-wook), the long-lost son of Joseon’s largest merchant clan, who returns after 12 years with no memory of his past. Only his stepsister Jae-yi (Jo Bo-ah) doubts his identity, and a strange emotional bond begins to form between the two.

Jo Bo-ah Moves Forward Despite Disney+ Delay

Meanwhile, Jo Bo-ah was previously slated to star alongside Kim Soo-hyun in the Disney+ original series Knock-Off. However, the project has been placed on indefinite hold following controversy surrounding Kim Soo-hyun’s alleged past relationship with actress Kim Sae-ron, who was a minor at the time of the reported incident. The ongoing scandal has resulted in several of Kim's brand deals being terminated and has cast uncertainty over the future of Knock-Off.

Despite this setback, Jo Bo-ah’s upcoming Netflix series Dear Hongrang continues to move forward, with its premiere scheduled for May 16. Fans have rallied behind Jo, expressing their support for the actress, who has been unintentionally impacted by the surrounding controversy. Many are hopeful that her performance in Tangeum will allow her talent to shine independently of the unfortunate circumstances.

The 11-episode series will be released in full on Netflix on May 16 at 4 PM KST.