In the 13th episode of MBC's Friday-Saturday drama 'Moon River' (directed by Lee Dong-hyun, written by Jo Seung-hee), aired on the 19th, Lee Kang (played by Kang Tae-oh) and Park Dal-i (played by Kim Se-jeong) stirred tension by targeting the weak spot of Kim Han-cheol (played by Jin Goo) and securing a secret pact.
The episode achieved its highest ratings yet, with a nationwide viewership of 6.4% and 6.1% in the metropolitan area. The climax, where Lee Kang and Park Dal-i's souls switch once again, peaked at 7.5%, according to Nielsen Korea.
Lee Kang and Park Dal-i swapped bodies to find clues about the secret pact and the hidden organization in the palace and Gamaksan. Park Dal-i, in Lee Kang's body, delivered a book containing the location of the organization to Lee Woon (played by Lee Sin-young), who then headed to Gamaksan, promising to return in three days.
However, with Lee Kang and Kim Woo-hee's (played by Hong Su-zu) royal wedding just two days away, they needed to dismantle Kim Han-cheol's faction before he could become the royal father-in-law. Park Dal-i recalled the words 'rebellion' and 'meritorious retainer' from an old letter held by a woman in mourning clothes, realizing it was the secret pact held by Queen Jang Jeong (played by Jang Hee-jin).
Lee Kang, in Park Dal-i's body, learned that Queen Jang Jeong was alive and had the secret pact, prompting a plan to rescue her and bring the pact to the palace with Lee Woon. They were joined by Park Dal-i's parents and Park Hong-nan (played by Park Ah-in), strengthening their resolve.
Secretly infiltrating the hideout, Lee Kang, Lee Woon, and Oh Shin-won (played by Kwon Joo-seok) found Queen Jang Jeong. While Lee Kang and Oh Shin-won searched for the letter, Lee Woon and Queen Jang Jeong shared an emotional reunion.
After securing the secret pact, Lee Kang and his group narrowly escaped the hideout as the organization pursued them. Lee Kang acted as a decoy to ensure Queen Jang Jeong's escape, and the timely arrival of the royal guards sent by King Lee Hee (played by Kim Nam-hee) helped their plan progress smoothly.
As the day of Lee Kang and Kim Woo-hee's royal wedding arrived, Park Dal-i, in Lee Kang's body, prepared for the ceremony. However, Lee Kang and Lee Woon were nowhere to be seen, and Park Dal-i, with a trembling heart, proceeded with the ritual. At that moment, another unexpected soul switch occurred between Lee Kang and Park Dal-i.
The hideout was raided, and with Park Dal-i's family and Queen Jang Jeong heading to the palace with the secret pact, Kim Han-cheol's downfall seemed imminent. Lee Kang boldly declared, "Your Majesty, arrest the traitor Kim Han-cheol," shocking everyone. The outcome of the revenge that began with love between the two men remains to be seen.
At the end of episode 13, Park Dal-i, back in her own body, was kidnapped by the organization, heightening viewers' anxiety. Will Park Dal-i escape and reunite with Lee Kang? The final episode of 'Moon River' promises to keep viewers on edge.
The fantasy romance drama featuring Kang Tae-oh and Kim Se-jeong's soul-swapping adventures will conclude with its final episode on December 20th at 9:40 PM on MBC.
Reporter: Lim Chae-ryeong, TENASIA syjj426@tenasia.co.kr