Dear Hongrang (2025)

Title: Dear Hongrang (2025)
Director: Kim Jin-tae
Genre: Historical, Drama, Romance
Country: South Korea
Language: Korean
Starring: Jo Jung-suk, Shin Sae-kyeong

Plot Summary:

Dear Hongrang is a historical melodrama set during the Joseon Dynasty, focusing on the intense emotional journey between two stepbrothers whose fates intertwine in heartbreaking ways. The film explores themes of identity, loyalty, forbidden love, and the harsh societal expectations of the time.

The story follows Jang-hyun, a nobleman’s son who returns home after being presumed dead for several years. When he comes back, he finds that his younger stepbrother, Hongrang, has taken over the household in his absence — but not as a mere family member. Hongrang now lives as a woman and is deeply entrenched in court life, having made a name for herself through a mysterious transformation.

As Jang-hyun tries to reconnect with Hongrang, long-buried secrets begin to surface. The line between brotherhood and romantic tension blurs as the two struggle with unresolved feelings, social norms, and hidden truths from their shared past. Through emotional confrontation and revelation, both must face who they truly are — and what they truly mean to each other.

Themes:

• Gender Identity and Expression: Hongrang’s transformation challenges traditional roles and provokes questions about gender, freedom, and societal pressure.

• Family and Forbidden Love: The complicated relationship between the stepbrothers drives the emotional weight of the film.

• Loss and Redemption: As truths emerge, both characters are forced to reconcile with past traumas and regrets.

Cinematography and Style:

The film features stunning period costumes, atmospheric palace scenes, and poetic imagery that reflect the emotional turmoil of the characters. The direction is subtle and lyrical, allowing emotions to unfold slowly through glances, silence, and meaningful dialogue.

Reception:

Dear Hongrang received praise for its bold storytelling, especially in how it navigates themes of gender and identity in a historical setting. Jo Jung-suk and Shin Sae-kyeong were both applauded for their deep, nuanced performances. The film stands out as a rare queer-themed historical drama that pushes the boundaries of traditional Korean cinema.