Too Taboo for TV? This Provocative K-Drama Just Took Over Netflix in 40 Countries

Even before its official release, Netflix’s original Korean drama Dear Hongrang (also known as Tangeum) had already generated buzz by topping pre-release viewer interest rankings. Now, it’s turning those high expectations into reality. Dropped globally on May 16 at 4 PM KST, the series quickly shot to the No.1 spot among Netflix Korea’s domestic series in just two days, signaling a major hit in the making.

What sets Dear Hongrang apart is its genre-defying mix of mystery, historical drama, and romance, all centered around a bold narrative of forbidden emotions set in the Joseon Dynasty.

According to FlixPatrol, the show entered Netflix’s Top 10 TV Shows in 40 countries worldwide as of May 18—just its third day post-release. This marks a significant leap from 23 countries the day before. It clinched the No.1 spot in both South Korea and Thailand, while also ranking second in Japan and Nigeria, indicating strong traction in Asia and Africa. Though not yet listed in the global overall Top 10, industry watchers say its viral potential and narrative expansion suggest it could get there soon.

Its domestic success is even more impressive. As of 7:28 AM on May 19, Netflix Korea reported Dear Hongrang as the No.1 series in its “Today’s Top 10” rankings, surpassing other local hits such as The Taste of You and Return to the Palace. The show is based on the popular web novel Tangeum: Swallowing Gold, which became known for its intricate psychological portrayals and taboo relationships. Netflix released the entire series at once to a global audience—a move that has sparked considerable attention.

Set against a suspenseful backdrop of disappearance and return, Tangeum tells the story of Hongrang, heir to Joseon’s largest merchant clan, who reappears after 12 years with no memory of his past. While everything about him seems unchanged, his half-sister Jae-yi is the only one who suspects otherwise. Lee Jae-wook portrays Hongrang with a subtle intensity, while Cho Bo-ah plays Jae-yi, capturing the character’s emotional turmoil with nuance. Their tense dynamic drives a layered mystery-romance narrative.

Directed by Kim Hong-sun—known for Voice, The Guest, and Money Heist: Korea—the drama brings cinematic flair and stylish visuals to the traditional sageuk format. From the teasers to the full episodes, Dear Hongrang stands out for its detailed production design, costumes, and art direction. Its evocative soundtrack and dynamic action sequences also add emotional and visual punch.

Themes of fate and longing are central to the series. At the press conference, director Kim said, “The biggest theme of this work is longing. That aching yearning can transform into resentment, vengeance, or love—and we tried to explore these without crossing into the grotesque.” Author Jang Da-hye, who was inspired by a real-life French disappearance case, explained her intent was to depict rare emotional connections not typically seen in Korean historical dramas.

Audience responses have been mixed. While many praised its emotional depth—“Heartbreaking,” “I cried so much,” “Lee Jae-wook never disappoints in sageuks”—some criticized its predictability or overall execution. These split reactions highlight the risks involved in pushing narrative boundaries and challenging viewer expectations.

Ultimately, Dear Hongrang transcends the standard period romance. Its portrayal of memory loss, fractured identity, and forbidden love—particularly the daring choice to center on a half-sibling relationship—marks it as a bold departure from typical Korean dramas. It’s a creative gamble that only a platform like Netflix could have taken.

As the first Netflix original sageuk in six years since Kingdom (2019) and the pre-release leader in viewer interest for two weeks straight, Dear Hongrang has made a powerful debut. Whether it will become a long-term hit remains to be seen, but all eyes are on this ambitious series as it attempts to redefine the boundaries of Korean period dramas.

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