Jo Bo Ah has shifted focus to her upcoming Netflix historical drama Dear Hongrang after her Disney+ series Knock Off faced delays due to co-star Kim Soo Hyun‘s controversy. The actress plays a determined half-sister uncovering dark family secrets in the Joseon-era mystery, set to premiere on May 16, 2025.
Disney+ indefinitely delayed Knock Off, where Jo Bo Ah was set to star as a special judicial officer opposite Kim Soo Hyun. The decision followed backlash over Kim Soo Hyun’s dating scandal with the late Kim Sae Ron, which led to brands cutting ties with him and shows editing out his scenes.
Jo Bo Ah had previously praised Kim Soo Hyun’s professionalism, saying:
“His expressive gaze and voice tone made it easy to immerse myself in scenes. I relied on him a lot during filming.”
Despite the setback, she quickly transitioned to Dear Hongrang, now expected to be her first post-marriage project.
Dear Hongrang’s Plot
Based on the novel Tangeum: Swallowing Gold, the series follows Hong Rang (Lee Jae Wook), the missing heir to a wealthy Joseon merchant family, who returns after 12 years with no memory. Jo Bo Ah’s character, Jae Yi, suspects he’s an imposter and digs into his past, uncovering dangerous truths.
The teaser reveals eerie forest scenes, imposters vying for the family fortune, and a tense reunion between Jae Yi and Hong Rang. One chilling moment shows him declaring:
“You dare lay a finger upon my sister?” as he protects her from attackers.
Cast and Creative Team
Directed by Kim Hong Sun (Money Heist: Korea) and written by Kim Jin A (Dr. Brain), the drama also stars:
Jung Ga Ram as Mu Jin, the adopted son who replaced Hong Rang.
Uhm Ji Won as Hong Rang’s powerful mother.
Kim Jae Wook as Grand Prince Han Pyeong, a royal artist.
Fans praised the teaser’s “Kingdom vibes,” with one noting:
“Lee Jae Wook in hanbok is still Jang Uk to me, but I can’t wait for this!”.
Jo Bo Ah’s Career
After marrying her non-celebrity boyfriend in 2024, Jo Bo Ah made a surprise cameo in Divorce Insurance before fully committing to Dear Hongrang. The role marks her first major historical drama lead, blending mystery and romance in a high-stakes family saga.
Tags: Jo Bo Ah, Dear Hongrang, Lee Jae Wook, Kim Soo Hyun, Knock Off Meta Description: Jo Bo Ah stars in Netflix’s Dear Hongrang after Knock Off’s delay. The historical mystery premieres May 16, 2025. Focus Keywords: Dear Hongrang, Jo Bo Ah new drama, Lee Jae Wook historical series, Knock Off delayed, Joseon mystery Hashtags: #DearHongrang #JoBoAh #LeeJaeWook
