The Netflix original series Korean thriller Netflix Dear Hongrang has been receiving hot reactions even before its release thanks to its solid original work and captivating Drama Dear Hongrang Cast. Netflix Dear Hongrang is characterized by secrets and twists hidden in a story that flows like gentle waves, quietly gripping the viewers’ hearts.
This article will focus on the Drama Dear Hongrang Cast, original work, webtoon connection, the total number of episodes of Netflix Dear Hongrang, and actual audience reactions.
1. Atmosphere and Features of the Work
This Korean thriller, released as an original series, boasts a unique atmosphere where cruelty and lyricism coexist. The beautiful prose and visual beauty of the original, as well as the narrative where forbidden emotions intersect, are its characteristics. It delicately portrays the boundaries between blood relations, half-siblings, and adopted children in complex family structures, and the line between friendship and affection. Wrong choices, karma, and the catastrophic consequences that follow run through the entire work. This deep storytelling, combined with the Drama Dear Hongrang Cast’s delicate acting, creates a unique reaction that only this series can offer.
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2. Cast – Characters Completed with Delicate Acting
The Drama Dear Hongrang Cast consists of actors recognized for their acting skills both domestically and internationally, such as Lee Jae-wook, Jo Bo-ah, Jung Ga-ram, Um Ji-won, Park Byung-eun, and Kim Jae-wook.
※ CharacterName(ActorName)
(1) Sim Hong-rang(Lee Jae-wook)
The heir of Joseon’s largest merchant group, who returns after 12 years with lost memories. A mysterious central figure with a cold exterior and a complex inner world.
(2) Sim Jae-yi(Jo-Bo-ah)
Hong-rang’s half-sister. She has been waiting for her brother’s return but experiences confusion and conflict as she doubts his true identity.
(3) Mujin(Jung-Ga-ram)
The adopted son of the merchant group. He grew up as the practical heir after Hong-rang’s disappearance and falls into inner conflict upon Hong-rang’s return
(4) Min Yeon-ui(Um-Ji-won)
The real mistress of the merchant group. A character who shows obsession and desire for power to regain her son.
(5) Sim Yeol-guk(Park-Byung-eun)
The head of the merchant group. A character who continues to make cold choices between family and power.
(5) Hanpyeong Daegun(Kim-Jae-wook)
The king’s older brother and an artist. A character who excels in art and scholarship and keenly observes events.
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3. Novel – ‘Dear Hongrang: Swallowing Gold’ by Jang Da-hye
The original work of this drama is the novel ‘Dear Hongrang: Swallowing Gold’ by Jang Da-hye. Set against the backdrop of Joseon’s largest merchant group, it is a mystery melodrama centered on the return of a missing heir, family conflicts, forbidden emotions, and hidden truths.
The original has recently been serialized as a webtoon on Ridibooks, and both the drama and webtoon add new interpretations based on the original novel.
The story development and relationships between characters have been more intricately reconstructed for the drama adaptation, and the psychological changes expressed by the actors and the visual direction combine with the static atmosphere of the original to create another dimension of mystery.
4. Connection with Webtoon – Not Yet…
While many dramas are produced based on webtoons, Netflix Dear Hongrang is a drama based on a novel. There is no officially connected webtoon or web novel yet, but due to the nature of the work, it is evaluated as suitable for webtoonization due to its strong images and scene composition, so there is anticipation for possible reinterpretation as a webtoon or graphic novel in the future.
5. Number of Episodes? – Well-Structured 8-Episode Composition
This series consists of a total of 12 episodes, all of which were released simultaneously on Netflix on May 16, 2025.
Some sources list it as 11 episodes, but officially, 12 episodes is the dominant opinion in response to the question of how many episodes there are.
Although it is a limited number of episodes, the well-structured composition and immersion have received positive reactions from viewers who have been waiting for Netflix Dear Hongrang.
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6. Reaction
Netflix Dear Hongrang has elicited explosive anticipation and strong reactions even before its release.
According to a Consumer Insight survey, it ranked first among upcoming releases with a recognition rate of 19% and a viewing intention rate of 11%. Immediately after its release, it entered the top ranks of Netflix’s “Today’s Top 10 Series in Korea,” proving its box office appeal.
It has been praised for its unconventional setting (forbidden feelings between half-siblings, identity mystery), unique worldview, and the Drama Dear Hongrang Cast’s acting skills, while its experimental narrative and settings, which differ from traditional historical dramas, have also led to mixed reactions.
7. Dear Hongrang at a Glance
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Genre | Mystery, Melodrama, Historical Drama |
| Original | Jang Da-hye’s novel ‘Dear Hongrang : Swallowing Gold’ |
| Episodes | Total 12 episodes (simultaneous release) |
| Main Cast | Lee Jae-wook, Jo Bo-ah, Jung Ga-ram, Um Ji-won, Park Byung-eun, Kim Jae-wook |
| Release Date | May 16, 2025 |
| Reaction | Highest anticipation, mixed reviews, in the spotlight for fresh material and direction |
| Features | Forbidden love, identity mystery, family and power struggles, multi-genre historical drama |
8. Official Trailer
Master Hongrang has returned. // His jade pendant and mark also match.
Say anything-what do you remember? // I have no memories of my childhood.
(Arrow fired) You call that Hongrang?
I hope you’ll look into Hongrang’s past actions.
What is his true purpose, and who is he really?
(OST music) If you find out, you’ll grow distant from the brother you once knew.
(Scream) Ah~~
I’m saying my son should be restored to his rightful place.
(OST music) I don’t want to lose you / I have to go / If I can’t break the chain… I feel like I’ll never escape
(OST music) Whether you’re real or not / I just hope you won’t hurt anymore
9. Conclusion – The Shock in Silence, ‘Dear Hongrang’
Netflix Dear Hongrang is an original series that unravels the complex human group of forbidden love, family secrets, and power struggles against the backdrop of the Joseon era, combining the genres of mystery, melodrama, and historical drama.
With its original novel, star-studded Drama Dear Hongrang Cast, and experimental and unconventional narrative, this series has established itself as a hot topic in the Korean drama scene in the first half of 2025, and various reactions have continued after its release, along with curiosity about the number of episodes.
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