In Dear Hongrang Episode 7, the story opens with a tender memory—young Jae-yi comforting a newly orphaned Mu-jin, who was sold by his gambler father to Yeol-guk. In the present, Mu-jin remains silent despite threats from Yeon-ui, who coldly offers him two choices: die of starvation or eat poisoned beans. Yeol-guk turns to the Grand Prince for help, but the prince demands Yeol-guk relinquish something he has long withheld.

Jae-yi’s Risky Rescue and Hong-rang’s Complicated Role

Frustrated by Yeol-guk’s hesitation, Jae-yi takes matters into her own hands. She overhears Yeon-ui discussing how Yeol-guk surrendered to preserve the Min Guild’s name. With this information, Jae-yi devises a distraction to free Mu-jin—falsely tipping Yeon-ui off about Gyu-ha’s location. After the guards are incapacitated thanks to the cook’s laxatives, Jae-yi sets Mu-jin free.

However, the escape is short-lived. A spy tips off Kkot-nim, who grows suspicious that Jae-yi has discovered Hong-rang’s secret. She wants Jae-yi eliminated, but Hong-rang insists on handling it himself.

As Jae-yi and Mu-jin attempt to flee, Hong-rang stops them. In a twist, Mu-jin refuses to leave, stating that the guild is his life’s purpose. He is returned to his cell just before Yeon-ui arrives.

Misunderstandings and Quiet Sacrifices

The following day, Hong-rang orders that Mu-jin be sent to supervise miners in frigid Gapsan. Jae-yi, devastated, lashes out. Hong-rang accuses her of having feelings for Mu-jin. She retorts that she and Mu-jin have always been there for each other—unlike Hong-rang.

Later, the cook reveals to Jae-yi that Hong-rang actually saved Mu-jin’s life. Jae-yi begins to piece things together. Flashbacks show that Mu-jin returned to captivity to protect her from Yeon-ui’s wrath. Knowing her desire for vengeance could get her killed, Hong-rang agreed to keep Mu-jin alive and nearby. Despite the misunderstanding, both men silently step back from Jae-yi, protecting her from the shadows.

A Glimpse Into Fake Hong-rang’s Origins

A new twist emerges when Lord Song’s long-lost son, Su-nam, unexpectedly returns, stirring rumors of the elusive Snow Man. Bang-suk becomes intrigued when he discovers that both Hong-rang’s assassins and Jae-yi are chasing the Snow Man.

Meanwhile, Mu-jin uncovers a wanted poster of a runaway slave from Paju—linked to Fake Hong-rang. He visits Master Yu, who explains that the boy was a human talisman purchased alongside another mute slave. Flashbacks reveal the buyer was Kkot-nim, and the slaves were Fake Hong-rang and In-hoe. Yu hands Mu-jin the transaction record as proof.

Shared Trauma and a Confession

As Su-nam speaks cryptically about being buried alive and the Snow Man, Hong-rang and In-hoe realize they share the same traumatic past with him. A ritual by the Songs’ shaman triggers intense reactions in all three, confirming their connection.

Du-ryeong, sensing danger, orders the children be moved immediately.

Love, Lies, and Burnt Truth

Mu-jin rushes to expose the truth to Jae-yi but sees her confronting Hong-rang about his secret pursuit of the Snow Man. Her heartbreak leads to a raw confession—she has feelings for him. Hong-rang kisses her, assuring her it’s real.

Later, Mu-jin finds Jae-yi again and hears her confess her attraction to Hong-rang. In a painful pivot, he asks her to leave with him, hoping distance will reset their sibling-like bond. Alone, Mu-jin burns the transaction record—proof of Fake Hong-rang’s identity—unable to bear losing Jae-yi.

A Painful Goodbye and a Hidden Truth

As Jae-yi packs her things, she stumbles upon something significant in the cave: a sachet with baby teeth she once stored for the real Hong-rang. Realizing this is the original item and that the one given to her was a replica, she finally begins to see the truth.

That night, she tells Hong-rang she’s leaving with Mu-jin. He is heartbroken that she’s choosing someone else, unaware she has discovered yet another layer of deception.

And with that emotional cliffhanger, Dear Hongrang Episode 7 comes to a powerful close.