“This Is Insane…” Netflix Drops New K-Drama Following Controversy

Even before its official premiere, Netflix’s new Korean drama Dear Hongrang (original title: Tangeum) is generating major buzz from viewers—and it officially drops today, May 16.

Netflix has unveiled stills of the mystery-romance sageuk Dear Hongrang, an original series set in the Joseon era. The drama follows the return of Hongrang (played by Lee Jae-wook), the long-lost heir of Joseon’s most powerful merchant family, who reappears after 12 years with no memory of his past. Suspicious of his identity is his stepsister, Jae-yi (played by Cho Bo-ah), who begins to develop complicated feelings toward him.

What to Expect from Dear Hongrang

1. A Genre-Bending Storyline

The drama skillfully blends mystery, romance, and historical elements. The plot centers on whether this man—who looks and acts exactly like the real Hongrang—is truly who he claims to be, or if a deeper secret lies beneath the surface. The slow-burning relationship between Hongrang and Jae-yi evolves from tension and suspicion to an emotionally charged bond.

The story is further enriched by a web of characters, including the adopted heir Mujin (Jung Ga-ram), the true power behind the family Min Yeon-ui (Uhm Ji-won), and the politically ambitious Sim Yeol-guk (Park Byung-eun). Each has their own motives and ambitions, creating unpredictable conflicts that drive the suspense.

2. A-List Cast & Powerful Performances

The series boasts an all-star cast:

- Lee Jae-wook captures the complexity of a man torn between past and present, identity and illusion.

- Cho Bo-ah portrays Jae-yi with emotional depth, balancing suspicion and undeniable attraction.

- Jung Ga-ram expresses a mix of vulnerability and jealousy as Mujin, who fears losing everything.

- Uhm Ji-won commands the screen as Min Yeon-ui, a mother driven to protect her son at all costs.

- Park Byung-eun adds weight and danger as a power-hungry nobleman.

- Kim Jae-wook makes a notable appearance as Hanpyeong Daegun, a noble with unmatched aesthetic sensibilities.

With layered emotions and shifting dynamics, the actors’ performances form the emotional core of the drama.

3. High Production Value

Directed by Kim Hong-sun, known for hits like Money Heist: Korea, The Guest, and Voice, Dear Hongrang is visually rich and cinematically sharp. From intricately designed hanbok to detailed set pieces that recreate Joseon-era streets and merchant houses, the visual storytelling is immersive. Costume design uses texture and color to visually represent each character’s emotional state and social role.

The original soundtrack also stands out: Hwaha by About captures the drama’s historical gravitas, and Yoamjae by Kwon Jin-ah conveys its romantic melancholy.

Despite recent news that Jo Bo-ah’s Disney+ series Knock Off—co-starring Kim Soo-hyun—has been put on hold, her Netflix premiere in Dear Hongrang brings a welcome spotlight for the actress.

Audience Reactions and Premiere

Viewers are already raving:

“The casting for Hongrang is insane.”

“These two were made for sageuks.”

“The trailer direction is phenomenal.”

“The OST is amazing too.”

“The original novel is great—I hope this becomes a hit.”

Dear Hongrang is available now on Netflix worldwide.

What Else Is New on Netflix This Week

Netflix is also rolling out a variety of new content this week alongside Dear Hongrang:

Reality Show: Kindness Is Contagious: Lee Min-jung Delivers – A healing reality show where actress Lee Min-jung and cast travel with a mobile convenience store to remote Korean villages. (May 16)

Film: Broken – A mystery-thriller starring Ha Jung-woo and Kim Nam-gil about a man uncovering the truth behind his brother’s death, tied to a novel that eerily predicted the crime.

Animation: Love, Death + Robots: Volume 4 – The popular anthology returns with 10 new experimental sci-fi, horror, and thriller shorts (released May 15).

Documentary: Stitching Hope – Set in a Missouri maximum-security prison, the film follows inmates sewing quilts for children, exploring themes of redemption and human connection. (May 16)

Other Global Premieres: Kakegurui: Bet (U.S. Drama), Dance, Vinicius (Brazilian Doc), and Bad Heir (Spanish Drama – May 16).

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