Koreans do it BETTER!
Cult K-drama of the Sageuk type, loosely based on the novel "Bubujingxin (步步驚心, 步步惊心)" by Tong Hua, 2005. As a Korean production, it is set in the kingdom of Taejo Goryeo (founder of the Goryeo dynasty, which ruled Korea from the 10th to the 14th century). Therefore, attempts were made to create different narrative solutions to adapt it to the customs and traditions of Korea during that historical period, and to avoid being a clone of the Chinese version from 2011. The Korean version is characterized by a compelling screenplay and meticulous set design, which together create an engaging and aesthetically immersive experience for the viewer.
It was my first "historical" drama and, in my opinion, one of the most valuable Korean artistic productions, one of the best, if not the best, Asian TV series I've ever seen (it competes with LOST YOU FOREVER). An emotional rollercoaster, with solid performances, the protagonist's portrayal by the legendary "LEE JOON GI" is unparalleled, offering a charismatic and intense performance; the role was tailor-made for him, no one else could have done better. It is one of those rare cases where the character comes to life and exists as an autonomous identity, regardless of the actor, so well did the characterization align with the recognizable and unmistakable aesthetic of the performer.
The other characters are well-developed and portrayed by an exceptional cast. Hae Soo manages to convey the vulnerability and determination of her character. Other cast members, including Hong Jong Hyun, Kang Ha Neul, and Baekhyun, contribute to creating an engaging group dynamic.
The drama begins in a carefree and lighthearted manner, so much so that for the first few episodes, it feels like watching a Rom-Com that presents the story and its characters with the time travel trope. Various princes will play roles in this story, especially the fourth prince, ML, who makes a theatrical and noisy, almost tragic entrance, which is the direction's way of showcasing his impulsive, fiery, and furious traits. From the fourth episode onwards, the drama gradually becomes more serious, reaching its climax around the 15th-16th episodes. The love stories develop in a nuanced manner, allowing viewers to appreciate and understand every choice of the protagonist. The chemistry between the fourth prince and the protagonist is the best. In this regard, I’ve read about "fiery chemistry," but I primarily sensed that from the Male Lead; the Female Lead, although she was very competent in portraying her character, felt two steps below the confident and bold interpretation of the ML. Nevertheless, a powerful, visceral, and physical love story is illustrated, surpassing the platonic nature of the chaste Chinese version, which is much more political and less intimate. Their romance will be slow-burning, with “tsundere” nuances from him, but once he gives her his heart, he will be her confidant, her friend, her defender, with a courage and initiative that almost no one in his position would have (for example, the Chinese twin does not have this). This total, unconditional, wonderful, disarming love is represented with visually impactful scenes. The most famous and unforgettable is undoubtedly the moment when he shields her with his cloak in the rain.
The plot revolves around the conflict between the various princes, particularly Prince Wang So, known for his complex character and his painful, traumatic past. Go Ha Jin, played by Hae Soo, falls in love with him, but their love story is thwarted by political intrigues, rivalries among the princes, and the tragic fate awaiting many characters. The drama explores themes such as love, sacrifice, and power, offering an intense representation of human emotions. Overall, the story has a tight pace; it never drags or slows down, and nothing happens by chance: everything is meticulously planned, frame by frame, sequence by sequence. The character developments are all plausible, and their characterization is very good, with a consistent growth path.
Performance: The performances are very good from every character; perhaps the only one who showed some immaturity is Nam Joo-Hyuk, whose casting was not fitting due to the age of the actor in 2015 (when it was filmed). Considering that the 13th Prince was described in the story as a worldly man with savoir faire and immense self-confidence, Nam Joo-Hyuk was too physically immature to represent him credibly in 2016; today, in 2025, he would definitely do better, as he has grown tremendously in his acting abilities, bringing depth to the characters he portrays. Another actor who seemed much less effective compared to the cast is the Emperor.
Screenplay: The screenplay of "Moon Lovers" is written by Kim Kyu-tae and presents a dense narrative full of twists. The story explores themes such as love, trauma, the struggle for power as an attempt at maternal recognition or protection from others' abuses, sacrifice, and fate. The characterization of the characters is profound, each facing cognitive dissidence, moral dilemmas, and inner conflicts. The series stands out for the emotional intensity of its scenes and the dialogues that often reflect the tensions between personal desires and family duties. The dialogues are good, especially those that pertain to the romantic aspect between the protagonist and the female lead. His final speech in the last episode is unforgettable, showcasing his ability to emphasize certain points by changing the tone when enunciating some words rather than others. Another unforgettable line is, "Every time I come to you, all my problems seem to lighten. So how can I live without seeing you? If you don’t want to come to me, don’t give me hope. For me… it’s torture." “If it’s you, I can rely on you… Now I am yours.”
Set Design: The set design of "Moon Lovers" is one of the most meticulously crafted aspects of the production. The series was filmed in various locations, including historical sets and reconstructions of palaces, recreating the atmosphere of the Goryeo dynasty. The costumes are elaborate and highly detailed, accurately reflecting the different social classes and personalities of the characters. The choice of colors and materials contributes to creating a visually captivating and historically credible atmosphere. The locations include Ondal Tourist Park for the reconstruction of the palace where the Goryeo princes lived; Pocheon Art Valley, where the protagonist falls into the water and is transported to a past era; Baekje Cultural Land in Buyeo, the site of the Baekje Palace from the Three Kingdoms period; Ondal Grotto Cave, the limestone quarry where the Protagonist meets the eighth Prince and connects to the princes' baths. Other locations are Sabigung Palace, Neungsa Temple, Living Culture Village (showcasing various houses from different social classes during that era), and Wiryeseong Fortress, the first Korean government building and an ancient tomb palace.
Music: It is unanimously recognized, even by detractors, that the music has been pleasant and fitting; personally, they are not my favorite songs, but they contribute to characterizing the work, enriching it with emotional undertones. Especially "Say Yes" by Loco and Punch (the OST is available on Spotify by searching the title of the work) and "Forgetting You" by Davichi. Personally, I found the use of modern music (rap genre in some songs) in a historically themed drama somewhat mismatched, but in certain films, especially those by director Coppola, such solutions turn out to be interesting, albeit experimental.
Story: The portrayed characters are strongly humanized, with many liberties taken concerning the original novel, but this has not diminished its impact; rather, in my opinion, it has surpassed the limits in terms of emotional intensity and psychological resonance that in the original version must be decoded from actions. Moon Lovers is a punch to the gut, explaining each scene with emotional and tragic nuances that the Chinese version fails to achieve. Despite the free interpretations and a slightly different ending, the paths remain the same, especially regarding the two protagonists but with interesting twists: thanks to the pure, sincere, and selfless love of the protagonist, who redeems him from maternal emotional deprivations, the Protagonist will not become a bloodthirsty emperor but a far-sighted and benevolent ruler, just and correct toward the people. The protagonist, on the other hand, will faithfully follow the dramatic trajectory, with differing steps, of the Chinese twin: a lively, cheerful, dreamy, enthusiastic girl who, blow by blow, will evolve into a composed, reflective, constrained, melancholic woman until she fades completely, like a candle with a faint flame. It is also humanizing to portray how true love is not necessarily the first and how, throughout life, we encounter many people who, at one moment or another, manage to strike and attract us more than others.
Ending: This is a work so well-executed and lived, coherent in logic and actions, that a different ending would not have been as fitting as a happy ending, and you don’t even mind that it ends tragically because his despair, the bond with her, the memory of her that he cannot forget, and the expressive power of a letter that describes, declares, and unites make the final epilogue understandable and perfectly acceptable. Even in this aspect, which is often the Achilles' heel of dramas, the artistic validity of this work is demonstrated, which I recommend, acknowledging that it is not for everyone.
“Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” is a work that effectively combines history, romance, and drama. Despite some criticisms regarding the conclusion of the story, the drama has left a lasting impression on the hearts of fans. If you are passionate about overwhelming love stories and historical dramas, this title is definitely worth watching.
It was my first "historical" drama and, in my opinion, one of the most valuable Korean artistic productions, one of the best, if not the best, Asian TV series I've ever seen (it competes with LOST YOU FOREVER). An emotional rollercoaster, with solid performances, the protagonist's portrayal by the legendary "LEE JOON GI" is unparalleled, offering a charismatic and intense performance; the role was tailor-made for him, no one else could have done better. It is one of those rare cases where the character comes to life and exists as an autonomous identity, regardless of the actor, so well did the characterization align with the recognizable and unmistakable aesthetic of the performer.
The other characters are well-developed and portrayed by an exceptional cast. Hae Soo manages to convey the vulnerability and determination of her character. Other cast members, including Hong Jong Hyun, Kang Ha Neul, and Baekhyun, contribute to creating an engaging group dynamic.
The drama begins in a carefree and lighthearted manner, so much so that for the first few episodes, it feels like watching a Rom-Com that presents the story and its characters with the time travel trope. Various princes will play roles in this story, especially the fourth prince, ML, who makes a theatrical and noisy, almost tragic entrance, which is the direction's way of showcasing his impulsive, fiery, and furious traits. From the fourth episode onwards, the drama gradually becomes more serious, reaching its climax around the 15th-16th episodes. The love stories develop in a nuanced manner, allowing viewers to appreciate and understand every choice of the protagonist. The chemistry between the fourth prince and the protagonist is the best. In this regard, I’ve read about "fiery chemistry," but I primarily sensed that from the Male Lead; the Female Lead, although she was very competent in portraying her character, felt two steps below the confident and bold interpretation of the ML. Nevertheless, a powerful, visceral, and physical love story is illustrated, surpassing the platonic nature of the chaste Chinese version, which is much more political and less intimate. Their romance will be slow-burning, with “tsundere” nuances from him, but once he gives her his heart, he will be her confidant, her friend, her defender, with a courage and initiative that almost no one in his position would have (for example, the Chinese twin does not have this). This total, unconditional, wonderful, disarming love is represented with visually impactful scenes. The most famous and unforgettable is undoubtedly the moment when he shields her with his cloak in the rain.
The plot revolves around the conflict between the various princes, particularly Prince Wang So, known for his complex character and his painful, traumatic past. Go Ha Jin, played by Hae Soo, falls in love with him, but their love story is thwarted by political intrigues, rivalries among the princes, and the tragic fate awaiting many characters. The drama explores themes such as love, sacrifice, and power, offering an intense representation of human emotions. Overall, the story has a tight pace; it never drags or slows down, and nothing happens by chance: everything is meticulously planned, frame by frame, sequence by sequence. The character developments are all plausible, and their characterization is very good, with a consistent growth path.
Performance: The performances are very good from every character; perhaps the only one who showed some immaturity is Nam Joo-Hyuk, whose casting was not fitting due to the age of the actor in 2015 (when it was filmed). Considering that the 13th Prince was described in the story as a worldly man with savoir faire and immense self-confidence, Nam Joo-Hyuk was too physically immature to represent him credibly in 2016; today, in 2025, he would definitely do better, as he has grown tremendously in his acting abilities, bringing depth to the characters he portrays. Another actor who seemed much less effective compared to the cast is the Emperor.
Screenplay: The screenplay of "Moon Lovers" is written by Kim Kyu-tae and presents a dense narrative full of twists. The story explores themes such as love, trauma, the struggle for power as an attempt at maternal recognition or protection from others' abuses, sacrifice, and fate. The characterization of the characters is profound, each facing cognitive dissidence, moral dilemmas, and inner conflicts. The series stands out for the emotional intensity of its scenes and the dialogues that often reflect the tensions between personal desires and family duties. The dialogues are good, especially those that pertain to the romantic aspect between the protagonist and the female lead. His final speech in the last episode is unforgettable, showcasing his ability to emphasize certain points by changing the tone when enunciating some words rather than others. Another unforgettable line is, "Every time I come to you, all my problems seem to lighten. So how can I live without seeing you? If you don’t want to come to me, don’t give me hope. For me… it’s torture." “If it’s you, I can rely on you… Now I am yours.”
Set Design: The set design of "Moon Lovers" is one of the most meticulously crafted aspects of the production. The series was filmed in various locations, including historical sets and reconstructions of palaces, recreating the atmosphere of the Goryeo dynasty. The costumes are elaborate and highly detailed, accurately reflecting the different social classes and personalities of the characters. The choice of colors and materials contributes to creating a visually captivating and historically credible atmosphere. The locations include Ondal Tourist Park for the reconstruction of the palace where the Goryeo princes lived; Pocheon Art Valley, where the protagonist falls into the water and is transported to a past era; Baekje Cultural Land in Buyeo, the site of the Baekje Palace from the Three Kingdoms period; Ondal Grotto Cave, the limestone quarry where the Protagonist meets the eighth Prince and connects to the princes' baths. Other locations are Sabigung Palace, Neungsa Temple, Living Culture Village (showcasing various houses from different social classes during that era), and Wiryeseong Fortress, the first Korean government building and an ancient tomb palace.
Music: It is unanimously recognized, even by detractors, that the music has been pleasant and fitting; personally, they are not my favorite songs, but they contribute to characterizing the work, enriching it with emotional undertones. Especially "Say Yes" by Loco and Punch (the OST is available on Spotify by searching the title of the work) and "Forgetting You" by Davichi. Personally, I found the use of modern music (rap genre in some songs) in a historically themed drama somewhat mismatched, but in certain films, especially those by director Coppola, such solutions turn out to be interesting, albeit experimental.
Story: The portrayed characters are strongly humanized, with many liberties taken concerning the original novel, but this has not diminished its impact; rather, in my opinion, it has surpassed the limits in terms of emotional intensity and psychological resonance that in the original version must be decoded from actions. Moon Lovers is a punch to the gut, explaining each scene with emotional and tragic nuances that the Chinese version fails to achieve. Despite the free interpretations and a slightly different ending, the paths remain the same, especially regarding the two protagonists but with interesting twists: thanks to the pure, sincere, and selfless love of the protagonist, who redeems him from maternal emotional deprivations, the Protagonist will not become a bloodthirsty emperor but a far-sighted and benevolent ruler, just and correct toward the people. The protagonist, on the other hand, will faithfully follow the dramatic trajectory, with differing steps, of the Chinese twin: a lively, cheerful, dreamy, enthusiastic girl who, blow by blow, will evolve into a composed, reflective, constrained, melancholic woman until she fades completely, like a candle with a faint flame. It is also humanizing to portray how true love is not necessarily the first and how, throughout life, we encounter many people who, at one moment or another, manage to strike and attract us more than others.
Ending: This is a work so well-executed and lived, coherent in logic and actions, that a different ending would not have been as fitting as a happy ending, and you don’t even mind that it ends tragically because his despair, the bond with her, the memory of her that he cannot forget, and the expressive power of a letter that describes, declares, and unites make the final epilogue understandable and perfectly acceptable. Even in this aspect, which is often the Achilles' heel of dramas, the artistic validity of this work is demonstrated, which I recommend, acknowledging that it is not for everyone.
“Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” is a work that effectively combines history, romance, and drama. Despite some criticisms regarding the conclusion of the story, the drama has left a lasting impression on the hearts of fans. If you are passionate about overwhelming love stories and historical dramas, this title is definitely worth watching.
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