Netflix's long-awaited historical drama 'Dear Hongrang' aims for a global audience with Lee Jae-wook and Jo Bo-ah leading the cast.
A press conference for the Netflix series 'Dear Hongrang' was held on the 13th in the Grand Ballroom on the 2nd floor of the Ramada Hotel in Sindorim, Guro, Seoul. The main cast members Lee Jae-wook, Jo Bo-ah, Jung Ga-ram, Eom Ji-won, Park Byung-eun, and director Kim Hong-sun attended.
'Dear Hongrang,' based on the popular novel 'Dear Hongrang: Swallowing Gold' by writer Jang Da-hye, depicts the story of Hongrang (played by Lee Jae-wook), the son of the largest merchant group in Joseon who went missing for 12 years and returns with amnesia. Only his half-sister Jae-i (played by Jo Bo-ah) suspects his true identity, and the story unfolds as their unexplainable emotions grow in this mystery melodrama. The anticipation rises with director Kim Hong-sun, known for Netflix's 'Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic Area' and the occult drama 'The Guest,' and writer Kim Jin-ah of Apple TV+'s sci-fi thriller 'Dr. Brain' collaborating on this project.
The series 'Dear Hongrang' combines romance blossoming between Hongrang, who returns after 12 years of disappearance, and his half-sister Jae-i, who doubts his identity. It also involves the mystery of children's disappearances that began again with Hongrang's return, along with suspicious rumors about a mysterious creature following the disappearances. The intersecting mystery and melodrama promise a complex and engaging story that transcends genres. Additionally, as the title implies an ancient Chinese punishment where one must swallow gold until death, it encapsulates the beautiful yet cruel fate awaiting the protagonists. The fresh setting that breaks societal norms and the captivating narratives of characters who challenge destiny are expected to enchant viewers.
Regarding the action scenes, Lee Jae-wook noted, "The feeling is different from before. I felt that the sequences written by the martial arts director were 'stylish.' There were many action scenes with live elements, and we practiced a lot for that." He added, "(The stills with the sword) are related to the character I was looking for, and I still remember the tension from when we were shooting each scene vividly."
Jo Bo-ah revealed her reason for participating, stating, "The definitive difference between my character and those in other works is the bond of siblings, such as the emotions shared between brothers and sisters. I have a strong bond with my younger brother in real life, and after reading the script for 'Dear Hongrang,' I wanted to express the feelings of a sister longing for her brother Hongrang, which motivated me to take on this challenge."
She added, "From my standpoint, while acting, I had to thoroughly separate my emotions towards Hongrang, who disappeared for 12 years and returned without memories. The two feelings I had toward Hongrang, who approaches me as a man I can't help but be drawn to, were difficult, but I tried to keep them distinctly separate."
Lee Jae-wook, who acted alongside Jo Bo-ah for the first time, praised her, saying, "(Jo) Bo-ah is very sincere on set. She loves what she does and shows a manner and attitude that is very commendable. Her sharpness fitting the character often comes through. I believe that a single glance can change the dynamic of a relationship. She is a partner who can express that delicately, so I also mirrored her during my performance. I gradually started to emulate her."
In response, Jo Bo-ah remarked, "I think Lee Jae-wook's attitude on set is really impressive. He is sincere about acting, the work, and the characters. He was passionate and dedicated. In fact, I learned a lot and respected him while filming," smiling.
Earlier, Jo Bo-ah married her longtime fiancé in October last year and was scheduled to return through the Disney+ series 'Knock-Off' in April this year. However, due to personal issues surrounding her co-star Kim Soo-hyun and the relationship with his late ex-girlfriend Kim Sae-ron, the release of 'Knock-Off' was indefinitely postponed. With all aspects of 'Knock-Off' on hold, Jo Bo-ah's comeback has been delayed, and there have been claims that she is the biggest victim in this situation.
Jo Bo-ah shared, "We have been filming for a long time. In a way, it has finally come together through extensive post-production work to show you all. Since the work period has been lengthy, I feel a lot of tension, excitement, and worry now, but I hope you will look forward to it and give it your love."
In addition to Lee Jae-wook and Jo Bo-ah, Jung Ga-ram plays Mu-jin, who spent 12 years as the adopted son of the Min-sang-dan in place of the missing Hongrang, while Eom Ji-won plays Min-yeon, the mistress of the Min-sang-dan with her own ambitions, and Park Byung-eun portrays Shim Yeol-guk, Hongrang and Jae-i's biological father who leads the Min-sang-dan.
Eom Ji-won expressed, "Personally, I was drawn to participating in a historical drama. I had faith in director Kim Hong-sun's powerful directorial skills, and although it is a historical drama, I think viewers will find it interesting according to the narrative of the two main characters." She added, "Min-yeon is exceptionally intelligent. I have put a lot of effort into her emotions, costumes, and makeup that change according to time and place. I believe mise-en-scène is important, so I hope viewers will pay attention to both Eon-yi's hanbok and the overall mise-en-scène."
In the drama, Park Byung-eun and Eom Ji-won appear as a couple and engage in their shared performance.
Park Byung-eun stated, "Although Shim Yeol-guk and Min-yeon appear to be a married couple on the outside, Min-yeon is a character who possesses wealth and power, striving to achieve her ambitions. They come off like a window-dressing couple of the Joseon period. (Laughs) Their power struggles and battles of wits continue. As they vie for control in this situation, their conflicts will provide significant enjoyment for viewers and spark curiosity."
Eom Ji-won, who plays a character with a high social status during the Joseon Dynasty, humorously added, "Aside from Lee Jae-wook, there is no one here I can share a meal with."
Lastly, Lee Jae-wook remarked, "It’s a work filled with variety and beauty. It seems to have turned out beautifully because everyone worked hard filming it. Since it will be released in over 190 countries, there is immense pressure. I hope it goes well," while Jo Bo-ah added, "All characters in 'Dear Hongrang' have deep narratives. It would be great to follow along with those narratives while watching." The director noted, "I always strove to make it entertaining. I hope many people will watch it."
'Dear Hongrang' will be released on the 16th on Netflix, available in over 190 countries worldwide.
[Photo by Min Kyung-hoon]
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