In the third episode of MBC's Friday-Saturday drama 'The Moon Flows Over the River' (directed by Lee Dong-hyun, written by Jo Seung-hee), which aired on the 14th at 9:40 PM, Park Dal-i (played by Kim Se-jeong) repaid her debt to Crown Prince Lee Kang (played by Kang Tae-oh) by nursing him back to health after he was shot. The episode achieved its highest ratings yet, with a nationwide viewership of 5.6% and 5.1% in the metropolitan area. The scene where Lee Kang collapses into Park Dal-i's arms reached a peak rating of 8.3%, according to Nielsen Korea.
Lee Kang, who had previously saved Park Dal-i from a false accusation orchestrated by a vengeful nobleman, realized his mistake in recklessly rushing to her aid because she resembled the deceased Crown Princess. Despite his efforts to send her away from Hanyang, Park Dal-i remained due to her debt to Prince Lee Woon (played by Lee Shin-young).
While delivering a letter for Lee Woon to Kim Woo-hee (played by Hong Soo-joo), the daughter of Left State Councilor Kim Han-chul (played by Jin Goo), Park Dal-i unexpectedly encountered Lee Kang. The two, sharing the same destination, embarked on an uneasy journey together.
Meanwhile, Kim Woo-hee was plotting a dangerous scheme to marry her lover Lee Woon and fulfill her father's ambition of becoming the king's father-in-law. Believing that Lee Woon would naturally ascend to the throne if the Crown Prince disappeared, she decided to eliminate Lee Kang herself.
Unaware of this plan, Lee Kang was ambushed by assassins. Although he managed to fend them off, he was shot by Kim Woo-hee and fell off a cliff. Her chilling smile as she watched him fall sent shivers down viewers' spines.
It was Park Dal-i who saved Lee Kang as he drifted down the river. After completing her errand for Lee Woon, she found the fallen prince and devoted herself to nursing him back to health. After two weeks, Lee Kang regained consciousness and, with Park Dal-i's help, prepared to return to the palace and announce his survival.
However, with his recovery incomplete, it remains uncertain whether Lee Kang can safely reach Hanyang. Exhausted from two days and nights of travel, Park Dal-i declared, "Since I saved your life, it is my responsibility," showing her determination to protect him.
Even as Lee Kang attempted to leave her behind, Park Dal-i pursued him, expressing her concern and stopping him in his tracks. Having always rushed to her aid in times of crisis, Lee Kang could not ignore Park Dal-i's outstretched hand. He collapsed into her arms, telling her, "Do your best to protect me," leaving viewers in suspense about their journey to Hanyang.
The journey of Crown Prince Kang Tae-oh and his protector Kim Se-jeong continues in the fourth episode of MBC's 'The Moon Flows Over the River,' airing on the 15th at 9:40 PM.
Reporter Chaeryeong Lim, TenAsia syjj426@tenasia.co.kr