"Dear Hongrang" Lee Jae-wook did not hold back his praises for fellow actress Jo Bo-ah.
On the morning of the 13th, a press conference for the Netflix series "Dear Hongrang" was held at the Grand Ballroom on the 2nd floor of the Ramada Hotel in Sin-dorim, Guro-gu, Seoul. Attendees included lead actors Lee Jae-wook, Jo Bo-ah, Jung Ga-ram, Uhm Ji-won, Park Byung-eun, and director Kim Hong-sun.
Based on the popular novel "Dear Hongrang: Swallowing Gold" by writer Jang Da-hye, "Dear Hongrang" is a mystery romance historical drama that depicts the return of Hong-rang (played by Lee Jae-wook), the son of the largest merchant of the Joseon Dynasty, who comes back after going missing for 12 years. Only his half-sister Jae-i (played by Jo Bo-ah) doubts his true identity, portraying the mysterious feelings that blossom between them. Directed by Kim Hong-sun, known for Netflix's "Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic Area" and the occult drama "The Guest," along with screenwriter Kim Jin-a from Apple TV+ sci-fi thriller "Dr. Brain," the project raises great expectations.
Born as a series, "Dear Hongrang" presents the romance that blossoms between Hong-rang, who returns after 12 years of being missing, and his half-sister Jae-i, who doubts his identity. Alongside Hong-rang's return, the unsolved cases of missing children resurface, along with suspicious rumors of a wild creature haunting the incidents. The intertwining elements of mystery and romance promise a multifaceted entertainment experience that transcends genres. The title, which refers to an ancient Chinese punishment of swallowing gold until death, reflects the beautiful yet cruel fate that befalls the protagonists, capturing the attention of viewers with fresh settings that break societal conventions and the captivating narratives of characters who resist destiny.
Lee Jae-wook, who acted alongside Jo Bo-ah for the first time, praised her, saying, "Jo Bo-ah is a very sincere person on set. She loves what she does and shows a manner and attitude that align with that. She often conveyed a sharpness that suited the character. I believe a single glance can change the dynamic of the relationship, and she is a partner capable of expressing that delicately, which made me emulate her during my acting. I gradually absorbed it."
In response, Jo Bo-ah said, "I also thought Lee Jae-wook's attitude on set was amazing; he was sincere about his acting, work, and character. He was passionate and worked hard. I actually respected him and learned a lot while filming," smiling.
Meanwhile, "Dear Hongrang" will be released on Netflix in over 190 countries worldwide on the 16th.
[Photo] Min Kyung-hoon, reporter
[OSEN]