This review may contain spoilers
A WELL PORTRAYED REASONS FOR REVENGE
This drama is a fantasy historical rom-com that puts a fresh spin on the soul-swap trope. Kang Tae Oh was a really great choice for this drama, as his ability to switch between the heartbroken and vengeful crown prince and a wide-eyed merchant woman is really praiseworthy, as he was able to mimic both personalities during the soul swap. Critics cited his portrayal of grief in the final episodes as a career best. Apart from Kang Tae Oh, Kim Se Jeong's acting was also incredible and magnificent, as her ability to carry the prince's authority while in her merchant body provides both the show's best comedic beats and its most empowering moments. She is also one of the actresses whose acting is both cute and adorable, not cringy.Furthermore, the left state councillor, who is the villain, presented reasons behind his villainous act as it was the product of power-induced rot. The act he committed is half justifiable, as all he wanted to do was gain a little more power so he could protect his lover, but the fact that the king stood in his way, he had no choice but to personally hand his lover to his friend( the king), as he had the power to protect her. However, the King was only a possessed individual who craved for the throne and didn't care about her, which led her to be accused of a crime that she didn't commit, and dying infront of the left state councillor. This drives him to become a bloodthirsty character who only wants to avenge the royal family for their greed. But, as the first half is acceptable, the other half is not, as he shouldn't have implicated the other royal members, such as the current king and the crown prince, as they have no connection with what happened to his lover and have only suffered from the effects of his revenge.
Moreover, the cinematography made heavy use of the colors white and red to symbolize the 'Flower of Fate.' This drama avoided the mid-series drag that is common in 16-episode dramas and moved the plot swiftly by focusing on the unentangling of the souls and the exposure of the palace traitors.
Lastly, the most haunting moment was the scene where Park Dal I was trapped in the crown prince's body, holding her own 'lifeless' physical form. Also, the final episode did portray the fantasy genre with the God of Destiny, allowing love to override death. That felt like the emotional payoff was earned through the characters' sacrifices. Also, the healing was given in the epilogue through the characters' happy ending. With that being said, I definitely recommend it, and I promise you won't regret it.
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Love conquers all
What draws me to this drama?First, are the two leads - Kang Tae Oh and Kim Se Jeong. I have seen them acted in several modern-day drama and have consistently delivered. Both have been successful as singers and actors, navigated the entertainment world separately. To partner them was genius. It seems their individual personalities matched the original characters they played. But what made them more attractive is to act the other's character. Both have shown a range of emotions not just by their words, but also with their facial expressions. I believe that both of these actors will go a long way in this industry and find more challenging and fulfilling roles in the future. Both of them look so good in their hanboks.
Second is the story. Body swaps may not be an original idea, but the way it happens at several times and discovering how it happens contributed to how they navigated the political, social and personal struggles they were in. This drama gave us love, joy, anger, anxiety, revenge and finally victory. Each character contributed to how the story unfold. Each episode has a cliffhanger which makes you wait for the next to see how things will go.
Third, the supporting characters which I like. The villain itself is a crucial role who had manipulated and dominated the king. His weakness was his love for a woman he could never have. His greed for power, for control, brought him to a road of no return. Because of him, many have suffered and died. His death was somewhat too dramatic for me.
The story and some of the characters have flaws at some point, but in the end, I should say this drama will be remembered for a long time. I love the setting and the costumes.
Congratulations to the cast and crew of Moon River!
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SPEECHLESS
Speechless... that’s truly the only word that comes close to describing how I feel right now. This drama was nothing short of magical. It captured every single aspect that made me fall in love with K-dramas in the first place: strong storytelling, emotional depth, perfect pacing, and just the right balance of humor and romance. I went in with zero expectations, and yet it completely shattered them, hooking me from the very first episode.The first four episodes alone almost had me in tears... not because they were sad, but because of how absorbed I was. I was so invested so quickly that I actually found myself thinking, “Most of the major events already happened… what’s left now?” I won’t lie... I got a little worried that it might fall into the usual K-drama trap and become predictable or drag on. But thankfully, that fear turned out to be completely unfounded.
One of my favorite elements was the comedic aspect. The humor felt natural and perfectly timed, never forced or distracting, and it balanced the heavier moments beautifully. I was also a bit nervous about the soul-swapping arc... those can be very hit or miss, but it ended up being an absolute delight. Not only was it well-executed, but it also added depth to the characters and strengthened the emotional impact of the story. I genuinely ended up loving it far more than I expected.
There were a few moments where I thought, “Is this going to turn bland?”... and I won’t pretend those doubts didn’t cross my mind. But even during its slower moments, the drama remained engaging. The so-called “bland” parts were completely bearable and still meaningful, never enough to pull me out of the story.
The final stretch of episodes was an absolute blast. The tension, the emotions, the pacing... it all came together perfectly and had me on edge the entire time. And that last episode? Pure perfection. It wrapped everything up so beautifully that I found myself crying both happy and sad tears... and that says a lot, because I’m not someone who cries easily.
Once again, this drama proved why I should really stop trusting negative reviews from certain websites. And on a personal note, I usually prefer Chinese historical dramas over Korean historical ones, IYKYK, which might be exactly why I was so stunned by how much of a delight this historical K-drama turned out to be.
Do yourself a favor and watch this drama. It’s one of those rare experiences that reminds you why you love watching dramas in the first place.
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This review may contain spoilers
The ending that I liked!
Can't stop smiling when I finished it. It's just so satisfying!The couple was a top-notch! And I'm so grateful that the second couple wasn't ruined! thank G!
The FL was so 1000/10! With her acting and the switching was the best! I tot she was familiar, turns out, she's one of the lead at Uncanny Counters🔥. I really like her. Her baddas attitude and everything, ghad, I never tot I'm going to love her like this!
The ML has a quite good job too! When they are switching, distinguishing her and him was quite impressive. And I kinda like his character development. From being miserable to someone who got guts. Like it!
What I like about this series is no love triangle or second character (ghad, that's rare and love it!). I love the brotherhood that came up with this and having his own love too. The second couple here was the best also! They deserve that ending!
Lezzgo with the villain. At first, kinda meh because I'm not into laid back villain. But as the time goes by, his madness was kinda grow into me. Tho, I'm not really convince of his reason and fb, but I get it. It's just—its his fault anyway and he's just projecting it of lacking power etc. But I kinda say that he was kinda distinguisable villain for me. A depiction of a true monster that grew from being something should've not been triggered.
Honorable mention to FL's family, that's a legit fondness and I like it. I'm sad with her auntie and hope for her happiness. I appreciate what she done to FL and her dedication to protect her at all cost. The Eunuch and guard of Crown Prince was solid too. Gosh, love the cast of this series!
This is one of the best series I have ever seen! It dethroned Mr. Queen on my list. BUT don't get me wrong, they are NOT similar (so probably still love these two hihi). More like this was the series that satisfy me in every angle that I always wish for Mr. Queen to happen (You'll know if you're also fan of that series and then watch this).
Overall, it was a nice series and probably rewatch it!
EDIT!
SO, I skimmed the reviews and all I've seen was that it was weird confusing, etc.
In my perspective, it wasn't. I understand what the writers meant with the body switching and it's importance to the plot. You'll see that the FL always get harmed— well in almost all series you've seen especially in historical/fictional series, whether she's a baddass and can handle herself (which is in this seres) or some nice and damsel.
Having the ML get switch at her place gives a development on his character as the series passed by (and kinda vice versa). And experiencing those things was like putting his shoe on her pov and realizing what it was like being with him meant for her.
So, yeah, watch it and ride the weirdness because it was nice! You'll like it. I know it🔥
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Go fo it.
Moon River is essentially a love story. The crown prince is deeply in love with his princess. However, due to vengeance, hatred, conspiracies, and the wrongful actions of his elders, they are separated. But true love does not care about such obstacles. After confronting many hardships and enduring immense suffering, they finally live happily ever after.The story itself is average, but the performances are top-notch—especially Kang Tae-oh as Crown Prince Yi Gang. His acting won my heart. The way he switches his expressions from humorous to serious is amazing. At times, he appears arrogant, but in reality, he is not. He portrays a prince who is trapped in the middle of conspiracies and cruelty—fully aware of everything yet completely helpless.
I loved his performance. Whenever his character cried, it connected me deeply to him. He is truly a hidden gem in the Korean entertainment industry.
As for Kim Se-jeong, she was good as always. Lee Shin-young, who played the crown prince’s brother, delivered a fantastic performance with emotionally intense scenes. There were also other supporting characters whose acting should not be overlooked—especially the crown prince’s attendant, O Sin-won, and the eunuch who always stayed by his side. Overall, all the supporting actors and actresses performed admirably.
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And they Actually live "Happily ever after"
If you like the Moon embracing the sun. You will love this one. This took me back to the good ol' days of good plot, great acting, and supporting roles.Kim Se Jeong is able to act with so much emotional range. And she does it naturally too. She can be extremely emotional and then hilarious.
And I don't think I have seen Kang Tae Oh ever been emotional in any previous shows. I thought he was going to be this meek crown prince who acts like a HIMBO. But he surprised me. I was crying tears when he finally realized that she was his crown princess that he lost.
And my mean girl Hong Su Zu. great job on making me empathized with your reason. she fought for her love.
This can be re-watched multiple times. especially the ending was full circle. you will get closure.
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An absolutely joy of watch.
I liked so much this drama. The OST is on repeat. To listen the voice of Song Sohee is amazing.They offered joy, crying, romance, thriller, comedy. The acting of ML &FL is genuinely amazing and the chemistry between them perfection.
I find interesting also the body switch. They have grown from this in their connection profound love, devotion. I enjoyed a lot the ending, they didn't rush it, they gave each character space to conclude and integrate the story.
Kang Tea Oh is very good in this one.
The only thing that I did not like, is the new actress, for me, Hong Su Zu. She does not know to act. You cant buy the talent.
This year I decided not to trust the MDL rating anymore. And I am glad that I stared this one when had 7.7, now 8, and i thing is diserve an 8.5. I saw half of a Cdrama last week, that has a 9.5 rating and I would give it a 2. Toxicity, over sexualization, and superficiality are glorified and what is deep, artistic, with a story, with talent is underestimated.
so I invite you to give your time to this one. The beauty, the calming of their love.... I like it.
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DEFINITELY BEST HISTORICAL K-DRAMA OF 2025
idk why soo many negative review for this dramaToT. It's been a long time since a historical k-drama has been this good. Anyone who loves historical drama definitely 10/10 recommended to watch. The plot was soo good and made me cry in some scenes. Not for the main lead but actually for the villain :( I know sounds lame but he wasn't a bad person tbhAnd the people telling the body swap was uneccesary..like guys it was actually important in the overall story if you look into the details. so if anyone having a doubt weather to watch this drama or not just go for it without a doubt.
I don't really write reviews and this is the first time. I had to write this review coz of all the bad reviews.. I mean come on guys it was actually really good compared to all the other overhyped dramas..
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A rom-history series with an excellent cast, but a VERY frustrating storyline!!
PLOT: The FL, an amnesiac salt seller (and pseudo runaway slave), is the spitting image of the Crown Princess who died 5 years ago. She meets the ML (CP) and the ML2 (cousin - Crown Prince of the late king). Despite warnings from her adoptive family, the FL leaves for the capital, becomes an "eunuch," and then a consort. The CP and the FL try to investigate in order to bring down the Left Minister (Great Villain, who holds all the power in the kingdom). But they must also protect themselves and try to understand how the body swap works between them.+++ The CL (with Kang Tae Oh & Kim Se Jeong) is funny, cute, talented, and excellent (especially evident during the body swap).
+++ Excellent OSTs
### The production is fast-paced BUT the viewer constantly has the feeling that the director's priorities are not in the right place. Example: long very cute Lovey-Dovey scene, in the middle of a life-threatening situation...
### Inconsistent behavior of the FL (serious in her character, but becomes really childish (even stupid ?) when she is in the CP's body).
### Storyline which becomes totally incoherent in some narrative arcs: power is left to the Left Minister by people (king, CP, Prince Li Yun, etc.) who think in a completely twisted/irrational way (or have no brain??). Anyone intelligent could have taken him down... The royal family doesn't have an army? No spies? Of course not (‡▼益▼)
The only one who thinks and analyzes situations correctly is the Great Villain (‡▼益▼) I spent half the drama tearing my hair out!
### Confusing timeline several times: the same night, FL interrogation, interrupted by the CP, Left Minister arrested and imprisoned, FL2 escapes, abandoning a tied-up maid in an alley, Left Minister being helped out of prison, informed upon arrival of his daughter's escape, pursuit of FL2 and her lover, etc. Are nights 72 hours long in Korea? (‡▼益▼)
=> From the body swap onward, the screenwriter lost track. I kept watching for the sake of CL (which I really like), but I had to restrain myself from throwing a rock at my screen!
=> How can you cast renowned and talented actors, find a budget, a crew to film it... without a stronger, better-written story?
=> A big disappointment!
************************************************************
Série Rom-Hist avec excellent cast mais storyline TRES TRES frustrante !!
PLOT: La FL, vendeuse de sel amnésique (et ex- esclave en fuite) ressemble trait pour trait à la Princesse Héritière morte il y a 5 ans. Elle rencontre le ML (CP) et le ML2 (cousin - Prince Héritier du roi précédent). Malgré les avertissements de sa "famille", la FL part pr la capitale, devient "eunuque", puis consort. Le CP et la FL essaient d'investiguer pr faire tomber le Ministre de Gauche (Great Villain, ayant ts les pouvoirs ds le royaume). Mais ils doivent aussi se protéger. Le CL essaie aussi de comprendre comment fonctionne le bodyswap entre eux.
+++ Le CL (avec Kang Tae Oh & Kim Se Jeong) est drôle, cute, talentueux, excellent (vraiment évident notamment lors du bodyswap).
+++ Excellentes OSTs
### La product° est rythmée MAIS le spectateur a constamment le feeling que les priorités du réalisateur ne sont pas placées au bon endroit. Exemple : longue scene lovey-dovey très cute (pr allèger le ton, mais le spectateur se sent totalement décalé), en pleine situation de danger de mort ...
### Comportement de la FL incohérent (sérieux ds son personnage, mais devient puérile qd elle est ds le corps du CP).
### Storyline qui devient totalement incohérente dans certains arcs narratifs : le pouvoir est laissé au Ministre de gauche par des personnes (roi, CP, Prince Li Yun, etc.) qui réfléchissent de façon complètement tordue / irrationnelle (ou n'ont pas de cerveau ??). N'importe quel personnage intelligent aurait pu le faire tomber ... La famille royale n'a pas d'armée ? pas d'espions ? Mais non (‡▼益▼)
Le seul qui réfléchit et analyse les situations correctement, c'est le Great Villain (‡▼益▼) J'ai passé la moitié du drama à m'arracher les cheveux !
### Timeline confuse à plusieurs reprises : la mm nuit,interrogatoire de la FL, interrupt° par le CP, Left Minister arrêté et emprisonné, fuite de la FL2 en abandonnant 1 servante ligotée ds 1 ruelle, Left minister qu'on aide à sortir de prison, informé dès son arrivée de la fuite de sa fille, poursuite de la FL2 et de son lover, etc.
Les nuits durent 72h en Corée ? (‡▼益▼)
=> A partir du bodyswap, le screenwriter a perdu le fil. J'ai continué à regarder pr le CL (que j'aime bcp) mais j'ai dû me restreindre pr ne pas jeter une pierre ds mon écran !
=> Comment peut-on caster des acteurs renommés et talentueux, trouver un budget, une Team pr faire le tournage, ... sans disposer d'une histoire plus solide et mieux écrite ?
=> A big disappointment !
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A disappointing conclusion to 2025’s Kdrama lineup
This has not been a superstellar year for K-Dramas unfortunately (in my opinion), and this one wraps up the year in the same fashion. Our lead actors are amazing—so what went wrong?• Slapstick comedy — I love a romcom. I love a historical romcom. But slapstick jokes that feel ridiculous and out of place? Not for me. Unfortunately, “Moon River” has this in abundance.
• Body swap in the MIDDLE of the show — Okay, I’m not a huge fan of the body swap genre, but I gave this a try very open mindedly. But this was a crazy script choice. Why? It happens halfway through the drama. Not at the beginning. In the freaking middle. The show had started to come into its own, and then it takes a hard nose dive back into slapstick.
• Our second couple outshines the main — Tbh, while our two leads have great chemistry, they just didn’t do it for me. Our second couple? Oh my goodness. They almost were enough to keep me going.
“Moon River” has its strengths. It’s not an overtly bad drama. But, if I’m being honest, I can’t say it’s a good one either. 2026’s Kdrama line ups look amazing, so let’s hold out for January instead.
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A show that actually delivers what it promises, a beautiful exploration of the price of love
So many drama these days start out with a wild premise that is fun for a few eps only to devolve into cliche tropes with characters who change every scene to serve the plot. Not this drama, it actually has a layered and coherent story to tell. Every plotline leads somewhere, every character has a purpose, every relationship is resolved for better or worse, and every element ties into the overall theme.This drama was such a poignant exploration of the price of loving someone. Not just romantic love, but love for a child, love for a parent, love for a brother, love for a friend,. How love can create miracles but can also destroy you, and regardless asks everything from you. Beyond just the main couple there were so many beautiful and tragic relationship that were explored in this show. Like the woman who protected the FL because of her unrequited love for the FL's brother, or the poor orphan girl who served evil in order to save her dying mother, or the King who made himself a slave because of the love for his son.
The main couple has amazing chemistry, are both great actors. They make you root for them so hard, they make you believe in things like fate, and they make you want to believe in a magical kind of love.
The Left Minister is not your normal Saguek villain. He is calculating and chilling but doesn't find joy in cruelty. He doesn't laugh cheesily or have angry outbursts where he yells and throws things , he speaks in a slow and quiet voice, shows incredible restraint, and is smart and strategic enough that you can understand how he holds so much power. He often seems to be moving through the world as a ghost, but yet you can so often see that there is something deep and tragic in his his eyes. It was refreshing to have this kind of villain, played exceptionally well by Jin Goo. Total standout.
It's also refreshing to have two royal brothers who are not political or romantic rivals. The second lead was another standout. He absolutely carried the second love line, and he has some of the best moments in the show, I dare say he outshines the lead at times. (And the lead was very good).
On top of that the music was fantastic and the cinematography was artful and really added to the story.
This wasn't a perfect drama. There were times the execution of the story could have been better. Times when the scene to scene writing was weak or not thought out or seemed clunky. But much more often than not this story is really compelling, moving, and beautiful and will stick with you after it's over.
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Misses a lot of major marks, but hits all the smaller ones.
What worked well:- They somehow got the detailing right. Humans taking human time to heal; the confusion of Dal Yi after she gains her memories and how she remains Dal Yi and doesn't transform into Yeon Wol all of a sudden; The tender or emotionally intense moments (backed by breathtaking music, of course); the moral blindness that comes with being consumed by revenge; wrapping all loose ends neatly.
- The chemistry between the leads. This is undeniable. It was so natural that I felt I was watching a real couple sometimes. You begin to root for them right from the start.
- It was a basic storyline, but they added the human nuace to it. People don't change easily, some don't change at all. The story was compelling in the way when life kept dealing them bad hands and they had to figure it out all over again. Great portrayal of "Where there is a will, there is a way"
What did not work well:
- The major fantasy element of fate was so over the head, it started out strong, but then just kept getting tangled up and it became harder to go along with. I get why they must have thought of the final twist the way they did but surely there could have been a better way.
- In the same vein, the writing was off here and there. It felt more obvious after the 10-11th episode mark.
- I really wanted to like Se Jeong's acting and there are moments when she shined, but I couldn't connect with it. She did well with the soul swap surely. But the goofy became too goofy, the happy became too happy.. If that makes sense. This is just my personal opinion though.
Overall:
This was a well acted, well executed but poorly written story. The saving grace came in the form of the acting, the visuals, and the music. Actors like Tae Oh, Jin Goo command the screen as soon as they enter the frame and it was great watching them. Se Jeong portrayed the sorrow, the pain and the somber moments beautifully. All the supporting cast did a good enough job as well. The writing would have taken this to another level surely, but this was a good watch nonetheless. Would I ever rewatch it? Probably not.
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