Mystery, Memory, and Magnetic Chemistry: Jo Bo Ah and Lee Jae Wook Dive Deep Into “Dear Hongrang” and Historical Storytelling

As Netflix prepares to reveal its newest original series, “Dear Hongrang,” anticipation is mounting—not just for its gripping storyline but also for the evocative performances of its stars, Jo Bo Ah and Lee Jae Wook.

The two recently shared their thoughts in an interview with ELLE Korea, shedding light on their roles, their artistic growth, and the emotionally charged dynamic at the heart of this period romance-mystery.

Set in the Joseon era, Dear Hongrang tells the haunting tale of Hong Rang (played by Lee Jae Wook), the long-lost son of the kingdom’s most powerful merchant family.

Disappearing without a trace as a child, Hong Rang returns 12 years later with no memory of his past.

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As he reintegrates into a life he doesn’t recognize, his half-sister Jae Yi (played by Jo Bo Ah)—who spent years longing for his return—begins to question his identity.

What follows is a suspenseful and emotionally complex journey of discovery, deception, and an unexpected emotional bond that blurs the lines between familial loyalty and something more.

Jo Bo Ah: Drawn to Emotional Subtlety and Sibling Complexity

Jo Bo Ah revealed that it was the emotional nuance and unique perspective on sibling relationships that drew her to the script.

“I was touched by the affectionate relationship between half-siblings Jae Yi and Hong Rang,” she shared. “After reuniting as adults, a subtle emotional tension forms between them. It made me wonder—has there ever been a drama that portrayed sibling dynamics this way?”

With a strong real-life bond with her own sibling, Jo Bo Ah explained she could relate deeply to the character’s emotional landscape.

It’s this empathy and sensitivity that she hopes will translate to her portrayal of Jae Yi—a woman caught between reunion and suspicion, affection and doubt.

Lee Jae Wook: A Role That Challenged and Inspired

Lee Jae Wook, taking on the enigmatic title role, expressed how deeply curious he became after first reading the script.

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“I was curious about what kind of life my character had lived and why he became so sharp and guarded,” he said. “It was a story beyond what I had imagined.”

Describing his emotional investment in Hong Rang, Lee emphasized that he felt a strong responsibility to fully understand and portray the character’s internal conflicts—especially one trapped between forgotten memories and an unfamiliar present.

This is also Lee Jae Wook’s first traditional historical drama outside the fantasy genre, a challenge he fully embraced.

He poetically described his acting experience as feeling like “a single tree in a big forest, which is the story itself,” highlighting the immersive and isolating atmosphere that historical dramas often bring.

Reflections on Growth, the Passage of Time, and Historical Drama

Both stars reflected on how they’ve grown—both personally and professionally—over the years. Jo Bo Ah recalled her earliest roles in historical dramas, admitting they once felt daunting.

“My first historical drama was ‘Horse Doctor,’ and I found the genre quite difficult. But through projects like ‘The Tale of the Nine-Tailed’ and ‘Destined With You,’ I became more confident.”

Now, she embraces the genre with a new sense of bravery and maturity.

Lee Jae Wook, in contrast, focused on what’s remained constant in his life:

“My desire to experience new things and my natural curiosity. Even 12 years ago, I vaguely knew I wanted to do something where I could keep learning and exploring. I think that curiosity is what led me to become an actor.”

Why “Dear Hongrang” Is More Than Just a Period Drama

At its core, Dear Hongrang is about more than historical intrigue. It’s a mystery wrapped in emotion, a slow-burning exploration of identity, loss, and rediscovery.

With strong performances from two of Korea’s most captivating talents, and a script that pushes the boundaries of familial and emotional storytelling, the drama is set to offer a fresh take on period romance and psychological drama.

Jo Bo Ah and Lee Jae Wook’s synergy, as captured in their interview and ELLE Korea’s stunning photo spread, already hints at a magnetic pairing that will command attention on screen.

Their grounded reflections and artistic dedication are sure to resonate with audiences as much as their characters’ mysterious bond.

Catch “Dear Hongrang” exclusively on Netflix.

Until then, revisit Lee Jae Wook in “Extraordinary You” and Jo Bo Ah in “The Tale of the Nine-Tailed”—available now on streaming platforms.

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