The heart of Kang Tae-oh begins to flow towards Kim Se-jeong.
In the sixth episode of MBC's Friday-Saturday drama 'Moon River' (directed by Lee Dong-hyun, written by Jo Seung-hee), aired on the 22nd, viewers were touched by Lee Kang's (played by Kang Tae-oh) struggle to protect Park Dal-i's (played by Kim Se-jeong) dreams. The episode recorded a viewership rating of 5.2% in both the metropolitan area and nationwide, with a peak of 7.1% during the scene where Lee Kang's spirit visits the Grand Queen Dowager (played by Nam Gi-ae) in Park Dal-i's body, according to Nielsen Korea.
A scandal quickly spread throughout the palace when Kim Woo-hee (played by Hong Soo-joo) brazenly opened the Crown Prince's chamber door, revealing Lee Kang and the eunuch Park Dal-i under the same blanket. Left State Councilor Kim Han-cheol (played by Jin Goo) and King Lee Hee (played by Kim Nam-hee) ordered the capture of the eunuch to prevent further rumors. Since Park Dal-i, disguised as a eunuch, risked her life if discovered, it was decided that she would temporarily leave the palace, despite Lee Kang's spirit inhabiting her body.
Fearing capture, Lee Kang walked day and night, deeply feeling Park Dal-i's past sorrows and loneliness as a fugitive slave. Determined to fulfill Park Dal-i's wish for a normal family life, Lee Kang vowed to protect her dream.
Meanwhile, Park Dal-i, after the soul swap, experienced Lee Kang's nightmares, understanding his struggles. Realizing her presence could hinder Lee Kang's revenge and future, Park Dal-i asked him to punish her publicly.
Lee Kang, determined to resolve everything, used the Grand Queen Dowager's weakness given by the king to negotiate. Pretending to be the deceased Crown Princess, he asked the Grand Queen Dowager to protect Park Dal-i's body, claiming the Crown Prince favored her. Accepting Lee Kang's proposal, the Grand Queen Dowager shielded them from Kim Han-cheol's attacks.
After narrowly escaping danger, Lee Kang and Park Dal-i thanked the Grand Queen Dowager, who then insisted on appointing Park Dal-i as a concubine, mentioning the deceased Crown Princess. She even touched on Lee Kang's emotional wounds, questioning if he would let Park Dal-i die at the hands of the Left State Councilor. Watching Lee Kang in despair, Park Dal-i cheered him up with bubble play and vowed to join his revenge, bringing a smile to his face.
In gratitude, Lee Kang dressed Park Dal-i in beautiful clothes and shoes, fulfilling her wish to walk leisurely in flower shoes. He tenderly told her, "Look closely at how beautiful and precious you are," sparking a romantic moment.
However, the happiness was short-lived as Lee Kang's spirit was kidnapped by the Chief Court Lady's aides, allies of Kim Han-cheol. Furious at their attempt to feed him infertility medicine and burn the flower shoes, Lee Kang fought back in Park Dal-i's body, retrieving the ruined shoes and returning to the palace. His struggle to fulfill Park Dal-i's dream moved viewers deeply.
The narration, "The moon flows in my heart," hinted at Park Dal-i's growing presence in Lee Kang's once revenge-filled heart. As Lee Kang's emotions continue to fluctuate since meeting Park Dal-i, viewers are left wondering if he can protect her from the world's threats.
The battle of Crown Prince Kang Tae-oh to safeguard Kim Se-jeong's happiness continues in the seventh episode of MBC's Friday-Saturday drama 'Moon River,' airing on the 28th at 9:40 PM.
Reporter Lim Chae-ryeong, TENASIA syjj426@tenasia.co.kr