K-Drama ‘Dear Hongrang’ Ending Explained: ‘Dear Hongrang’, the 2025 Netflix K-drama starring Lee Jae-wook and Jo Bo-ah, captivated audiences with its intricate plot and emotional depth. Set in the Joseon era, the series delves into themes of identity, love, and vengeance. Based on ‘Tangeum: Swallowing Gold’ by Jang Da-hye, the Korean drama ‘Dear Hongrang’ comes to a close with an emotional ending marked by sadness, sacrifice, and unanswered hopes. As the story unfolds, long-hidden truths about revenge and mistaken identity come to light. Jae-yi’s determined search for her missing brother leads to a deeply moving and painful discovery.
Directed by Kim Hong-seon, this Netflix period drama combines mystery and romance, all set against the backdrop of the Joseon dynasty’s political landscape.The plot of the story revolves around, “When a long-missing heir returns with lost memories, love and suspicion entwine. Is he truly Hongrang, or a stranger disturbing hearts and family ties?”, according to Netflix.‘Dear Hongrang’ was released on May 16, 2025.
‘Dear Hongrang’ Plot
The story centres around the mysterious disappearance of a young boy named Hongrang, played by Seo Woo-jin. Twelve years later, he suddenly returns now a grown man portrayed by Lee Jae-wook but with no memory of who he once was. His return is anything but joyful. His half-sister, Jae-yi (played by Jo Bo-ah), is quick to question whether he really is the same boy they lost all those years ago.
Her suspicions cast a long shadow over the reunion, revealing a powerful narrative filled with questions of identity, buried grief, and haunting secrets that refuse to stay hidden.
As the drama unfolds, it becomes evident that Hongrang's return is shrouded in mystery, leading to a complex web of secrets and lies.
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‘Dear Hongrang’ Ending
After killing Prince Hanpyeong, the Soul Reaper returns to Jae-yi as promised. But he is badly hurt and dies in her arms. As he takes his last breath, Jae-yi imagines the life they never got to live together. His death shows how he was used and forgotten by others, and in the end, he dies without even having a name.
After Hongrang’s funeral, Jae-yi quietly returns to life with the Soul Reaper. During this time, he opens up about his past, he was born a slave in a royal household. After managing to escape the palace, he was captured by Prince Hanpyeong’s men. Later, the Soul Reaper keeps his promise and comes back to Jae-yi after killing the prince. But the fight leaves him badly injured, and he dies in her arms. As he fades away, Jae-yi imagines the life they could have had together but never did.
His death is a sad reminder of how he was used and controlled by others throughout his life. In the end, he dies without ever being given a name.
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‘Dear Hongrang’: The Climax
In the final moments of the Netflix original, Jae-yi sits alone on a rooftop and hears the voice of the Soul Reaper, imagining he is there with her. She turns with a gentle smile and says, “There you are.” The scene then shifts to a snowy day in the Joseon era, where Jae-yi and the Soul Reaper stand facing each other once again. Though not real, this moment reflects the lasting presence of their love, living on quietly in her memories and imagination.
The series concludes on a bittersweet note, highlighting themes of love, sacrifice, and the quest for justice.
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Image credit: IMDb
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