Netflix’s New Release “Dear Hongrang（탄금）” Sparks Global Buzz: In-Depth Report on Reactions from Japan, Korea, and Abroad Right After Its Launch

A Global Perspective on Korean Dramas: “Historical Drama” × “Mystery” × “Forbidden Love”-Is This the K-Drama We’ve Been Waiting For?

※navicon is a Japanese entertainment news site specializing in Korean dramas and movies, as well as Japanese and Chinese dramas.
Our “K-Drama Corner” features in-depth articles, detailed guides to over 1,500 Korean dramas (as of April 2025), and helpful resources such as historical timelines, royal family trees, and maps for period dramas.
This article is an English translation of our original Japanese article.
[navicon TOP]/「K-Drama Corner】/[Original Article]

画像提供：Netflixより

“Dear Hongrang (Tangum)” released on Netflix on May 16, 2025, has captivated viewers not only in Japan and Korea but across the globe. This report provides a thorough breakdown of real-time reactions from different regions immediately after the show’s premiere.

●【Full List of Netflix Exclusive Korean Dramas on navicon】



Exclusive Korean Drama on Netflix
The leads of “Dear Hongrang” are Lee Jae-wook, who gained popularity through the “Alchemy of Souls” series, and Jo Bo-ah, making her first drama appearance since getting married. Heated discussions erupted on social media and online media platforms immediately following the release.

Reactions in Korea: A Genre-Crossing Historical Drama and the Evolution of Socially Conscious Storytelling

Image courtesy of Netflix

In Korea, “Dear Hongrang” was highly anticipated as a major historical drama following SBS’s “Gwigung.” The acting prowess of Lee Jae-wook and Jo Bo-ah, as well as the depth of the original novel’s story, have drawn attention. The show is being praised as a “genre-crossing historical drama” that symbolizes the evolution of Korean dramas.

At the heart of the story is the complex relationship between the protagonist, who has lost his memory, and his stepsister. The intertwining of forbidden emotions, family secrets, and power struggles has earned the drama support as a “human story that goes beyond a simple love story.” Director Kim Hong-sun’s tense direction and the ensemble cast are also being lauded as “fresh and highly accomplished.”

Furthermore, the drama is praised for incorporating universal themes relevant to modern society, such as power, materialism, and family bonds. It is also drawing attention as a socially conscious drama set against the backdrop of structural corruption in Korean society.

Reactions in Japan: Chemistry Between the Leads and a Fresh Take on Mystery

In Japan, the pairing of Lee Jae-wook and Jo Bo-ah attracted significant attention even before the release. With Lee Jae-wook’s return to historical dramas after “Alchemy of Souls” and Jo Bo-ah’s comeback (especially since her drama “Knock Off” was indefinitely postponed), expectations among K-drama fans were at an all-time high. The heavy visuals in the trailer, beautiful costumes and sets, and action scenes distinct from “Alchemy of Souls” have all been highly praised.

Image courtesy of Netflix
On the story side, the mystery of “not knowing if the protagonist who returns after 12 years is the real one,” along with suspense elements involving monsters and human trafficking, have garnered positive reactions such as “fresh” and “thrilling.” The protagonist Hong-rang’s (Lee Jae-wook) initial “unlikeable” persona and his love-hate relationship with his stepsister Jae-yi (Jo Bo-ah) are also being discussed as “innovative” compared to conventional Korean historical dramas.

On social media, many are focused on the chemistry between the two leads, with comments like “I can’t wait to see Lee Jae-wook in a historical drama” and “I love Jo Bo-ah’s strong older sister role.” On the other hand, some express caution: “If the mystery is too complicated, I might not be able to follow,” or “I’m worried the melodrama might be too heavy.”

Image courtesy of Netflix
Additionally, alongside “Gwigung” and “Nine Puzzle,” “Dear Hongrang” is being positioned as one of the “big three” Korean dramas of spring 2025, with high expectations as the “post-Gwigung” hit.

Global Reactions: Worldwide Excitement

“Dear Hongrang” has drawn significant attention not just in Japan and Korea, but also from viewers and industry professionals around the world.

Image courtesy of Netflix
From the moment it was released, reviews and comments have poured in on social media and review sites, especially in Europe, North America, and Asia. The show is being highly praised for its “epic-scale historical drama,” “visual and costume quality,” and “universal themes such as forbidden love and family bonds.” The culture and architectural beauty of the Joseon era, as well as the intricately woven narrative, are being recognized as “new charms of Korean drama.”

Thanks to Netflix’s multilingual subtitles, viewers around the world-including those speaking English, Spanish, and French-can enjoy the series in real time. Many comments highlight the joy of “being able to binge-watch” and “enjoying the show across borders,” further fueling the global excitement.
Image courtesy of Netflix
Moreover, “Dear Hongrang” is being featured in local media as the next big Korean hit following “Squid Game” and “Kingdom,” symbolizing the growing diversity and international influence of Korean dramas. While some viewers are confused by the unique cultural background of historical dramas or the complexity of the mystery elements, overall, the show is being highly acclaimed as “a new milestone in Korean drama.”

“Dear Hongrang” is capturing the hearts of drama fans worldwide as one of the standout global entertainment titles of spring 2025.

Special features include summaries of production press conferences, comparisons with other notable works, and in-depth cast introductions. Alongside the release, there will also be comprehensive summaries of each episode, highlights, and coverage of the show’s reputation in Korea.⇒[Dear Hongrang（탄금）]

[Show Details][Enjoy “The Whirlwind” (Tangum) Twice as Much]

[Full List of Netflix Exclusive Korean Dramas on navicon][Special Feature: Dear Hongrang (Tangum)]