Jo Bo-ah, who tied the knot with a non-celebrity last October, was originally slated to star in the Disney+ series “Knock-Off” alongside Kim Soo-hyun. However, the show’s release has been put on hold indefinitely due to a controversy surrounding Kim Soo-hyun’s alleged ties to the late actress Kim Sae-ron, raising privacy concerns.
With the future of “Knock-Off” uncertain, Jo Bo-ah has turned heads with her standout performance in Netflix’s new original drama “Dear Hongrang.” She stars opposite Lee Jae-wook in this highly anticipated series, which has been gaining buzz for its intriguing storyline and strong acting.
Set during Korea’s Joseon dynasty, “Dear Hongrang” is a Netflix original that combines elements of mystery, romance, and historical drama. The story delves into themes such as identity, family bonds, and forbidden emotions, with Jo Bo-ah and Lee Jae-wook leading the emotionally charged narrative.
In her role, Jo Bo-ah embodies classic Korean beauty and showcases remarkable acting skills. The drama centers on Hong-rang, the son of the largest merchant family in Joseon, who mysteriously disappears for 12 years and returns without any memory of his past.
Jo Bo-ah plays Jae-yi, Hong-rang’s half-sister, who has endured years of hardship and oppression. She is the only one suspicious of the returned Hong-rang’s true identity, leading to a complex dynamic as she struggles with a mix of doubt and unexpected attraction toward him.
The series delicately explores the ambiguous emotions between the siblings, with Jo Bo-ah skillfully portraying Jae-yi’s internal conflict and the fine line between suspicion and affection. Her performance captures the subtle turmoil of a woman torn between loyalty and growing feelings.
Speaking about her involvement in the project, Jo Bo-ah explained, “Reading ‘Dear Hongrang,’ I felt compelled to portray the deep yearning of a sister searching for her brother Hong-rang. That motivated me to take on this role.” She emphasized her effort to clearly differentiate Jae-yi’s feelings for the genuine Hong-rang versus her unconscious attraction to the imposter.
Jo Bo-ah encouraged viewers to watch closely as Jae-yi’s emotions unfold throughout the story, promising a layered and evolving character arc that drives much of the drama’s emotional depth