Title: 달의 연인 – 보보경심 려 | Dar-ui Yeon-in – Bobogyeongsim Ryeo | Scarlet Heart Ryeo | Moon Lovers Scarlet Heart Ryeo
Genre: Historical Drama
Episodes: 20
Broadcast Network: SBS
Broadcast Period: August 29 to November 1, 2016
Synopsis:
The story is about a 21st century Korean woman, Ko Ha Jin, while nursing her broken heart at the park was unwittingly force to jump into the river to save a boy as the total solar eclipse was happening. Mysteriously, this catapulted her to be transported back into the Goryeo Dynasty of Korea. She sprung up from the water in the body of 16-year old Hae Soo. During the time she’s trying to just get by while finding her way back to her own time, she fell in love with Wang So, the fourth prince who hides his face behind a mask marred by a scar and previously banished in another place. Wang So grew up instead with an adopted mother and never really received any affection from both his parents, the King and the Dowager Empress, thus, he hides his hurt with masked of anger and fierceness and often known by his derogatory moniker of “Dog-Wolf” for his fearful presence. The story also portrays ensuing love, rivalry, politics, and friendships among Ha Jin and the other princes as they fight for the throne of the kingdom.
Characters:
- Lee Ji-Eun as Ko Ha-Jin | Hae Soo
- Lee Joon-Gi as 4th Prince Wang So
- Kang Ha-Neul as 8th Prince Wang Wook
- Hong Jong-Hyun as 3rd Prince Wang Yo
- Yoon Sun-Woo as 9th Prince Wang Won
- Byun Baek-Hyun as 10th Prince Wang Eun
- Nam Joo-Hyuk as 13th Prince Wang Wook | Baek-ah
- Ji Soo as 14th Prince Wang Jung
- Jo Min-Ki as King Taejo
- Kim San-Ho as Crown Prince Wang Mu | 1st Prince
- Kang Han-Na as Hwangbo Yeon-Hwa
- Park Si-Eun as Lady Hae
- Park Ji-Young as Queen Yoo
- Jung Kyung-Soon as the Empress
- Seohyun as Woo-Hee
- Z. Hera as Park Soon-Duk
- Woo Hee-Jin as Court Lady Oh
- Park Jung-Hak as Wang Sik-Ryeom
- Kim Kang-Il as Lady Kang
- Jin Ki-Joo as Chae-Ryung
- Sung Dong-Il as General Park Soo-Kyung
- Kim Sung-Kyun as Choi Ji-Mong
- Choi Byung-Mo as Park Young-Gyu
My Review:
So, What do I Like About this K-Drama?
It was such a treat to watch a sageuk that is both entertaining and engaging. It has a serious and mature tone that somehow makes me like this K-Drama more. Some didn’t like this drama but I immensely did.
(1) There are some really hilarious scenes and particularly enjoyed the blooming feelings of 8th Prince Wang Wook to Hae Soo in the first initial episodes. There’s a lot of buzz about Lee Ji-Eun playing as Ko Ha-Jin and Hae Soo for not being able to act, but, honestly, it wasn’t that bad. It may not be great but it is not something that makes one puke and not watch the K-Drama anymore.
(2) I love the story. It is a mixture of so many human emotions. It shows love, betrayal, loyalty, and ambition. It made me feel and care about the characters.
(3) I do like that the actors excellently brought into life their characters. The fight scenes were choreographed pretty well especially the fight scene between Prince Wang So and Prince Wang Wook.
(4) I love the OST especially Can You Hear My Heart. I love to listen to it even if I don’t understand the language, it was simply divine especially the voice of Lee Hi. I can tirelessly listen to the song and still enjoy its beat as if it does hear my heart.
(5) The story was edgy and brought too many emotions that are real even in modern living, so, one can relate to it. Even if it is sageuk, a historical drama, with all of its imperfections, I can’t still seem to wait for the next episode. Thus, it is truthfully a great K-Drama to watch even with its flaws.
What I do Not Like About this K-Drama?
(1) There’s a scene where Queen Yoo’s hair suddenly turned grey when the King died, what’s up with that?
(2) The time jumps weren’t properly handled. The change of the situations especially with Hae Soo’s position in the palace took some time for me to understand. It seems rush on the last few episodes. They should have made more than 20 episodes.
(3) It is a bit tragic and sad story but, I guess, that’s real life, isn’t it?
Would I recommend this K-Drama? Yes, I surely do.
My Rating to this Drama
( See My Rating System: ) 5/5 Stars
OST:
01. Can You Hear My Heart – Epik High feat Lee Hi
Play Me:
02. A Lot Like Love – Baek A Yeon
Play Me:
03. I Love You, I Remember You – IOI
Play Me:
04. All With You – Taeyeon
Play Me:
05. Forgetting You – Davichi
Play Me:
06. My Love – Lee Hi
Play Me:
07. I Confess – SG Wannabe
08. For You (너를 위해) – Baekhyun, Chen, Xiumin (EXO)
09. Wind – Jung Seung Hwan
10. Will Be Back – Im Sun Hye
11. My Person – Baekhyun, Chen, Xiumin (EXO)
12. Say Yes – Loco, Punch
For Lyrics in English, Romanization and Hangul, CLICK HERE
13. Be With You – Akdong Musician
14. Goodbye – Im Do-Hyuk