From No.1 K-drama to Divisive Overnight — What’s Got Viewers So Split?

One of the most anticipated Korean dramas of the year has finally landed on Netflix. Even before its release, the show topped viewer interest polls, but the actual premiere triggered a storm of mixed reactions across the internet.

The new Netflix original Dear Hongrang was globally released on May 16 at 4 p.m. KST. The series follows the story of ‘Hongrang’, the long-lost heir to Joseon’s most powerful merchant clan, who returns 12 years after going missing—with no memory of his past. His half-sister ‘Jae-yi’ begins to question his identity, leading to a tense relationship that blurs the line between suspicion and forbidden emotion.

Combining mystery and melodrama in a historical setting, Dear Hongrang gained traction early on. According to Consumer Insight’s OTT K-Original Viewer Evaluation Report (2nd week of May), the show ranked No.1 among upcoming releases for two consecutive weeks with 19% awareness and 11% viewer intention. Its rich world-building, emotional tension, and strong cast all contributed to the hype.

Set in the Joseon era, the drama centers around the missing heir Hongrang, played by Lee Jae-wook. After disappearing 12 years ago, he returns with no recollection of his past. Though everything from his looks to his mannerisms match the old Hongrang, only his half-sister Jae-yi—played by Cho Bo-ah—senses something is off. Torn between doubt, confusion, and an unexplainable emotional pull, she becomes the emotional core of the story.

The suspense of the show lies in the complex bond between Hongrang and Jae-yi. Their dynamic weaves together layers of mystery surrounding Hongrang’s disappearance and a romance that feels forbidden. Lee Jae-wook delicately portrays a man torn by secrets and inner conflict, while Cho Bo-ah delivers a deeply nuanced performance as a woman caught between logic and emotion.

Supporting them is a strong ensemble cast including Jung Ga-ram, Uhm Ji-won, Park Byung-eun, and Kim Jae-wook, adding depth to the world. The series is directed by Kim Hong-sun, known for his visually striking and suspense-driven work in Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area, The Guest, The Conspirators, and Project Wolf Hunting. The show is adapted from the novel Dear Hongrang, written by Jang Da-hye, and explores complex themes like memory, truth, and taboo love.

Despite its hype, reactions to the premiere have been sharply divided. Online forums and social media are flooded with both praise and criticism. Some viewers shared, “I binged it overnight—it’s haunting,” and “Lee Jae-wook was born for historical dramas.” Others noted, “Romance lovers will enjoy this. The second half really picks up, and the ending sticks with you.”

On the flip side, some were unimpressed. “I stopped at episode 2. Too boring,” one viewer wrote. Others called the editing disjointed and said the emotional beats fell flat. “Actors are crying but I felt nothing,” read one post. Some argued the directing lacked cohesion and failed to deliver emotionally.

Still, there were viewers who enjoyed following the emotional threads. “Watch it for the character dynamics. Lee Jae-wook carries the show,” said one comment. Many noted how Lee’s past works—including Memories of the Alhambra, Search: WWW, Extraordinary You, and Alchemy of Souls—have established him as a versatile actor. In Dear Hongrang, his blend of emotional subtlety and mystery once again proves why he’s one of Korea’s most trusted talents.

Cho Bo-ah also stretches her acting range here, portraying a woman torn between her instinctive love for her real brother and her confusing attraction to someone she believes isn’t him. She shared, “I tried to clearly separate the emotions toward the ‘real’ Hongrang and the ‘fake’ one,” emphasizing her intentional and layered performance.

Dear Hongrang is more than a romance in hanbok. With its experimental take on sibling dynamics, memory loss, and forbidden emotions, the drama dares to push boundaries rarely explored in traditional Korean period pieces. Whether audiences embrace this bold narrative may depend on word of mouth and ongoing viewership momentum.

As the first Netflix sageuk (Korean historical drama) in six years since Kingdom, and one that ranked No.1 in viewing interest for two weeks straight—it’s clear Dear Hongrang came in with sky-high expectations. But now, the real question is: Can it turn polarizing reactions into lasting success?

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