Jo Bo-ah, who married a non-celebrity in October last year, was initially set to appear in “Knock-Off” alongside Kim Soo-hyun. However, the release of the Disney+ series has been indefinitely suspended due to a privacy controversy involving Kim Soo-hyun and his alleged connection to the late actress Kim Sae-ron.
“Dear Hongrang” is a Netflix original Korean drama set in the Joseon era, blending mystery, romance, and historical elements. The series explores themes of identity, family, and forbidden emotions, with Jo Bo-ah and Lee Jae-wook leading a narrative-driven story.
In the series, Jo Bo-ah displays quintessential Korean beauty and an unprecedented level of acting prowess. The series is a mystery-melo historical drama that follows Hong-rang, the son of Joseon’s largest merchant group, who returns after 12 years of disappearance with no memory. His half-sister Jae-yi, played by Jo Bo-ah, is the only one who doubts his identity, and the story explores the inexplicable emotions that develop between them. In the drama, Jo Bo-ah portrays Jae-yi, Hong-rang’s half-sister, who has lived under oppression for years. Convinced that the returned Hong-rang (Lee Jae-wook) is an imposter, Jae-yi grapples with conflicting emotions as she grows unexpectedly drawn to him, delicately portraying her inner turmoil.
“Dear Hongrang” premiered on Netflix on May 16 (Friday) at 4 PM.
Top 10 Unknown Facts About Jo Bo-ah (조보아) You Didn’t Know
1. Jo Bo-ah’s Real Name Isn’t Jo Bo-ah
Her birth name is Jo Bo-yoon (조보윤). She adopted the stage name Jo Bo-ah when she began her acting career, which is now well known in the K-drama world.
2. She Was a Flight Attendant Trainee
Before acting, Jo Bo-ah studied at the Department of Airline Service at Hanseo University and was training to become a flight attendant. She later shifted to the performing arts due to her love for acting.
3. She Made Her Acting Debut in 2011
Her first acting role was in the sitcom “I Live in Cheongdam-dong” on JTBC. It wasn’t a major role, but it launched her acting journey.
4. Breakthrough Role in “Shut Up Flower Boy Band”
Her 2012 drama “Shut Up Flower Boy Band” gave her mainstream recognition. She starred as the female lead opposite Sung Joon, gaining a strong fanbase.
5. Jo Bo-ah Has Worked with Lee Dong-wook Twice
She starred opposite Lee Dong-wook in both “Tale of the Nine-Tailed” (2020) and the sequel “Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938” in a supporting role flashback. Their on-screen chemistry became a fan favorite.
6. She’s a Certified Scuba Diver
In a 2018 interview, Jo Bo-ah revealed she earned a scuba diving license while filming the travel show “Law of the Jungle” in the Solomon Islands.
7. Jo Bo-ah Is a Huge Fan of Animals
She once said she would’ve become a veterinarian if she didn’t pursue acting. She loves dogs and actively supports animal welfare causes.
8. She’s Known for Her Versatility
From romantic comedies like “My Strange Hero” to intense roles in “Forest” and “Military Prosecutor Doberman,” Jo Bo-ah has played a wide variety of characters, earning praise for her emotional depth.
9. Won Excellence Award at the 2020 KBS Drama Awards
Her role in the medical drama “Forest” earned her the Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries—a testament to her growing talent and popularity.
10. She’s Active on Social Media but Keeps Her Private Life Low-Key
Jo Bo-ah regularly posts behind-the-scenes content on her official Instagram (@xxadoraa), but she rarely discusses her private life, relationships, or family—adding an air of mystery to her public persona
