Kang Tae-oh Returns to Historical Drama After Six Years with 'Moon River'

Actor Kang Tae-oh is making a comeback to historical dramas after six years with 'Moon River'.

Kang Tae-oh will star as Crown Prince Lee Kang, the royal heir, in MBC's new Friday-Saturday drama 'Moon River' (written by Jo Seung-hee, directed by Lee Dong-hyun, planned by Kwon Sung-chang, produced by High Zium Studio), premiering on November 7. The drama is a fantasy romance set in the Joseon era, featuring a soul-swapping story between a crown prince who has lost his smile and a merchant who has lost her memory.

In the drama, Lee Kang appears to be prickly and self-centered on the outside, but harbors deep wounds from losing his beloved consort. Despite his position as a regent handling state affairs on behalf of his father, he indulges in luxury and pleasure, maintaining a personal wardrobe in the royal tailor's quarters. However, beneath this facade lies the loneliness of bearing the weight of royal succession and the pain of loss, along with a burning desire for revenge.

Lee Kang's life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Park Dal-i (played by Kim Se-jeong), a merchant who bears a striking resemblance to his deceased consort, leading to a soul-swapping incident. The fateful encounter between Crown Prince Lee Kang and Park Dal-i piques curiosity about whether their relationship will blossom into a poignant and passionate romance.

Kang Tae-oh has previously showcased his prowess as a 'historical drama master'. In 2019, he played Cha Yul-mu, a Joseon-era romanticist with a dual nature, in KBS2's 'The Tale of Nokdu'. His transformation from a warm-hearted lover to the darkened Prince Neungyang (later King Injo) left a lasting impression.

Cha Yul-mu's shocking transformation scene heightened the drama's tension and remains a memorable moment. Kang Tae-oh's versatile performance resonated with viewers, leading to anticipation for his next historical role. Returning to the genre after six years, Kang Tae-oh is set to captivate audiences once again with his compelling portrayal in this new project.

In the meantime, Kang Tae-oh has built a diverse filmography with roles in dramas like 'Run On' and 'Doom at Your Service'. In ENA's 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo', he charmed audiences as Lee Jun-ho, a character known for his good looks and kind nature, earning the title of 'National Heartthrob'. In tvN's 'The Potato Lab', he played the principled So Baek-ho, delivering a heartwarming romance with a touch of humor.

'Moon River' premieres on November 7 at 9:50 PM.

Reporter Kim Se-ah, TenAsia haesmik@tenasia.co.kr