Unveiling "Dear Hongrang": Title Meaning, Symbolism, and Filming Locations Across Korea
Dear Hongrang (Korean title: 탄금) is a captivating historical melodrama coming to Netflix on May 16, 2025. Based on the novel “Tangeum: Swallowing Gold” by Jang Da-hye, the series stars Lee Jae-wook and Jo Bo-ah in a suspense-filled journey of lost identity, forbidden affection, and deep family secrets — all set in the rigid societal structure of Joseon dynasty.
🎬 What is Dear Hongrang About?
The story begins with Hong-rang, the privileged son of a wealthy merchant family, who vanishes at the age of 8. Twelve years later, he returns with no memory of his past. His reappearance stuns the family — except for one person. His half-sister Jae-yi suspects something is off, setting off a chain of emotional and psychological turmoil.
🧩 Plot Themes
Dear Hongrang deals with intense themes of identity, trauma, trust, and desire. As Jae-yi investigates the truth about Hong-rang’s return, their dynamic becomes more emotionally complex — especially in a time where family, duty, and hierarchy mean everything.
🌟 Main Cast
- Lee Jae-wook as Hong-rang – The amnesiac son, mysterious and distant
- Jo Bo-ah as Jae-yi – The intelligent and cautious half-sister
- Jung Ga-ram as Mu-jin – Adopted into the family, harboring secret ambitions
- Uhm Ji-won as Min Yeon-ui – Matriarch of the family
- Park Byung-eun as Shim Yeol-guk – The strict father
- Kim Jae-wook as Prince Han Pyeong – A royal artist drawn into their world
😱 What Does “Swallowing Gold” Really Mean?
The Korean title of Dear Hongrang is “탄금”, which literally translates to “swallowing gold”. This phrase carries powerful symbolic weight.
Historically, in parts of ancient China and East Asia, it is said that aristocrats would commit ritual suicide by swallowing gold — either as a punishment or a form of honor-bound death.
In the context of the drama, the metaphor of “swallowing gold” represents the unbearable burdens characters carry — hidden secrets, emotional pain, and the suffocating pressure of duty and legacy.
🎥 Production Team
The series is helmed by acclaimed director Kim Hong-sun (The Guest, Voice) and written by Kim Jin-a (Dr. Brain). Their combined talents promise a narrative that blends mystery, psychological drama, and poetic tension.
📍 Filming Locations of Dear Hongrang
- Gyeongju – The ancient capital of Silla offers beautiful, historic landscapes ideal for palace and countryside scenes.
- Jeonju Hanok Village – Perfect for traditional merchant houses and street scenes.
- Myeongjae Gotaek, Nonsan – A preserved nobleman’s house used for family estate settings.
🌏 Korean vs. Global Appeal
🇰🇷 For Korean Audiences
The drama offers deep reflections on family honor, bloodlines, and loyalty — themes that resonate strongly in Korean culture. It evokes nostalgia while diving into darker, more taboo narratives not often shown in traditional sageuks.
🌍 For International Viewers
Dear Hongrang provides international audiences with a rare mix of high-concept mystery and historical romance. Its themes of lost identity and emotional tension are universal, making it appealing beyond borders.
📅 Premiere Date & Platform
The drama is set to premiere globally on May 16, 2025, available only on Netflix.
🎞️ Watch the Official Teaser
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is 'Dear Hongrang' about?
A: It’s a historical K-drama about a lost son who returns with no memory and the sister who suspects him, set in a powerful merchant family during the Joseon dynasty.
Q: Where was 'Dear Hongrang' filmed?
A: Main filming locations include Gyeongju, Jeonju Hanok Village, and Myeongjae Gotaek in Nonsan.
Q: Is 'Dear Hongrang' available worldwide?
A: Yes, it will premiere globally on Netflix on May 16, 2025.
