TV
Lee Jae-wook Reveals Casting Story for Netflix Series 'Dear Hongrang'
On the 19th, an interview was conducted with Lee Jae-wook, who plays the role of Hong-rang in the Netflix series 'Dear Hongrang,' at a cafe located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Lee entered the interview venue in a casual outfit, different from the production presentation, and appeared more nervous than during his interview for tvN's 'Alchemy of Souls' (2023), as he shared his thoughts on the release of 'Tangeum.'
'Dear Hongrang' is a mystery melodrama set in the Joseon era, revolving around Hong-rang, the son of the largest merchant group who returns after 12 years with no memory, and his half-sister Jae-i, who is the only one suspicious of his identity. Lee Jae-wook plays Hong-rang, Jo Bo-ah plays his skeptical half-sister Jae-i, and Jung Ga-ram takes on the role of Moo-jin, the adopted son of the merchant group. Uhm Ji-won portrays Min Yeon-ui, the mistress of the merchant group, while Park Byung-eun plays Shim Yeol-guk, the head of the merchant group.
Having previously worked on historical dramas like tvN's 'Alchemy of Souls' Seasons 1 and 2, Lee Jae-wook initially declined the role in 'Dear Hongrang.' In several interviews conducted right after filming 'Alchemy of Souls,' Lee expressed, "I filmed for a long time with a very long breath. I don't want to wear hanbok for a while."
So why did Lee Jae-wook eventually decide to join 'Dear Hongrang'? He explained, "The writer of 'Dear Hongrang' wrote me a 5-6 page handwritten letter. It detailed my journey from my debut. The writer had matched the various charms of the character Hong-rang with the characters I've played so far. I read the letter while overseas and cried a lot. It was amazing to know that there was a writer who saw me in such detail and positively. How could I refuse when someone wanted me so much?"
Meanwhile, Lee Jae-wook is currently filming the Netflix series 'Honey Part-time Job' and is set to enlist in the military later this year.
