In the 12th episode of MBC's 'The Moon Flows Over the River' (directed by Lee Dong-hyun, written by Jo Seung-hee), aired on the night of the 13th at 9:40 PM, Lee Kang (played by Kang Tae-oh) makes a significant decision after hearing Park Dal-i's (played by Kim Se-jeong) story.
During the episode, Lee Kang, surrounded by Park Dal-i and Lee Woon (played by Lee Shin-young), brandishes a knife in defiance. He instructs Lee Woon to "take Park Dal-i away," declaring it an order. Park Dal-i is shocked, and Lee Woon questions, "How can you ask us to leave you behind?"
Lee Kang insists, "Go quickly," asserting, "From now on, I do as I please." He then shocks everyone by placing the knife against his own neck. He challenges the assailants, saying, "Come on, if you want to turn the Prime Minister's dreams into bubbles, come at me."
With the knife at his throat, the assailants are left in a dilemma, allowing Lee Kang to urge Lee Woon and Park Dal-i to "hurry and leave." Lee Woon signals to Park Dal-i, and Lee Kang presses the knife closer to his neck, demanding the assailants "clear the way." Ultimately, they have no choice but to comply.
As Lee Kang holds them off, Lee Woon and Park Dal-i escape through the opened path. A flashback scene reveals Park Dal-i previously expressing to Lee Kang, "I wonder if it's enough for just us to be happy," and questioning if abandoning those waiting for them would truly bring happiness.
Park Dal-i continues, "The Prime Minister will keep doing bad things, and we haven't done anything wrong, so why should we live on the run? I hate losing as a merchant." Lee Kang responds, "We can't be sure if there's a base inside Gamaksan or if there's a secret agreement there."
Park Dal-i holds Lee Kang's hand, saying, "We have to grab at straws; if there's a chance, we should go for it. This is a do-or-die situation, a gamble, and if there's anything we can do, we must charge ahead." Lee Kang agrees, "I'll do as you say." Park Dal-i suggests checking out a temple called Jungyeongsa, but Lee Kang insists, "I'll go."
Park Dal-i advises, "You should go to the palace and gather troops," but Lee Kang sees the body swap as a potential opportunity, saying, "I know how to fight, so I'll go to the mountain base. You're quick-witted, so find soldiers at the palace. It won't be easy, but send them through Lee Woon. Follow my plan." Park Dal-i agrees.
By Chaeryeong Lim, TenAsia Reporter syjj426@tenasia.co.kr