Park Byung-eun Shines in Netflix’s Mysterious Period Romance ‘Dear Hongrang’

Park Byung-eun once again proves why he’s considered one of Korea’s most dependable actors with his gripping performance in Netflix’s newly released series Dear Hongrang, which dropped on May 16.

The period mystery romance unravels the story of Hongrang, the lost son of Joseon’s most powerful merchant clan, who returns after 12 years with no memory of his past. As his stepsister Jae-yi becomes the only person to question his identity, unexplained emotions begin to grow between the two.

Much of the buzz surrounding Dear Hongrang prior to its release stemmed from its star-studded cast, including Lee Jae-wook, Cho Bo-ah, Jung Ga-ram, Uhm Ji-won, and Park Byung-eun. In the drama, Park portrays Sim Yeol-guk, the stoic and commanding head of the Min Sang-dan clan, who outwardly leads with authority but inwardly maintains his position through the political influence of his wife, Min Yeon-ui, played by Uhm Ji-won.

Park Byung-eun impeccably captures this duality, presenting a restrained yet powerful interpretation of Sim Yeol-guk. His layered performance paints a vivid portrait of a man torn between paternal duty, hunger for power, and silent turmoil in his marriage. With every nuanced expression and intense gaze, Park seamlessly connects critical emotional threads across episodes, anchoring the show’s dramatic tempo.

The veteran actor infuses every scene with emotional depth and gravitas, asserting his dominance with just his presence. With Dear Hongrang now streaming globally, Park’s career continues to soar. Following his recent appearances in Disney+’s original series Hyper Knife and the film Lobby, he shows no signs of slowing down.

Transforming each role with his signature approach, Park Byung-eun leaves an indelible impression, and fans eagerly anticipate where his next artistic challenge will lead.