Kang Tae-oh, Kim Se-jeong, Lee Sin-young, and Hong Su-zu have achieved a perfect happy ending. The lead actors, Kang Tae-oh and Kim Se-jeong, have been nominated for the Best Couple Award at the upcoming '2025 MBC Drama Awards' airing on the 30th.
On the final episode of MBC's weekend drama 'Moon River,' aired on the 20th, viewers were touched by the heartwarming scenes of Lee Kang (played by Kang Tae-oh), Park Dal-i (played by Kim Se-jeong), Lee Woon (played by Lee Sin-young), and Kim Woo-hee (played by Hong Su-zu) embarking on a path of happiness after their revenge. The finale achieved its highest ratings, with 6.8% nationwide and 6.4% in the metropolitan area, and a peak of 7.5% during the scene where Park Dal-i discovers her pregnancy, according to Nielsen Korea.
Lee Kang burned the secret pact, a weapon of the Left State Councilor Kim Han-cheol (played by Jin Goo), restoring the authority of King Lee Hee (played by Kim Nam-hee). King Lee Hee immediately ordered the arrest of Kim Han-cheol, but his subordinates, the Nameless Group, appeared to protect him, allowing his escape.
Driven by rage, Kim Han-cheol stabbed Park Dal-i and used her as a hostage, demanding the return of Queen Jang Jeong (played by Jang Hee-jin) whom Lee Kang had hidden. Unable to lose Park Dal-i, Lee Kang decided to switch bodies again, using the pouring rain, as he couldn't bear to cause her the same pain she had once experienced. Successfully switching bodies, Lee Kang comforted the tearful Park Dal-i before closing his eyes, shocking everyone.
Kim Han-cheol's plans were thwarted by Lee Kang's unexpected actions, leading him to commit ruthless killings as he approached Queen Jang Jeong. However, an insurmountable barrier had already formed between Kim Han-cheol and Queen Jang Jeong. Using others' affections as tools for his own, Kim Han-cheol met a tragic end in front of Queen Jang Jeong, leaving a bitter taste.
At the same time, Park Dal-i's soul, barely surviving in Lee Kang's body, desperately tried to hold onto Lee Kang's soul. Her earnest prayers seemed to reach the heavens, as their red thread of fate shone again, and the withering flower of their bond bloomed, restoring life to Park Dal-i's body. Their profound love, willing to face death for each other, worked a miracle.
With the death of Kim Han-cheol, all disrupted relationships returned to their rightful places. Lee Kang and Park Dal-i ascended to the throne as king and queen, striving to build a better nation, while Lee Woon and Kim Woo-hee tied the knot. The drama concluded with the characters walking their paths of happiness, smiling with their loved ones.
'Moon River' beautifully depicted the poignant and beautiful love stories of characters connected by the red thread of fate, delivering both laughter and tears in every episode. The struggles of youths to protect their affections in their own ways, and the twisted love of Kim Han-cheol, which turned into a blade, deeply moved viewers.
The heartfelt confessions of love, intricate storyline, and visuals that maximized the romance added to the viewing pleasure. The OST, which graced each episode's ending, and the traditional background music enhanced the charm of the historical drama.
Above all, the stellar performances of Kang Tae-oh (as Lee Kang) and Kim Se-jeong (as Park Dal-i), who perfectly synchronized their speech, walk, and habits, shone brightly. Lee Sin-young (as Lee Woon) and Hong Su-zu (as Kim Woo-hee) showcased a different kind of romance, while Jin Goo (as Kim Han-cheol) dominated the latter half with his unparalleled charisma, enhancing the immersion with the actors' synergy.
Lee So-jung, TENASIA Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr