[Drama 2016] Moon Lovers ❤ Scarlet Heart Ryeo, 달의 연인-보보경심 려 \^0^/ Soompi Kdrama 2016 Winner

Admin · November 12, 2015

SBS Presents

Moon Lovers : Scarlet Heart Ryeo

Drama: Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart: Ryeo

Revised romanization: Bobogyungsim: Ryeo

Hangul: 보보경심: 려

Director: Kim Kyu Tae

[It's Okay, It's Love , That Winter The Wind Blows, Padam Padam,IRIS, The World They Live In]

Writer:

Novel:Tong Hua

Screenplay: Jo Yoon Young

[Secret Love(Dramacube), Cinderella Man,Let's go to the Beach]

Episodes: 20

Runtime: 2016-Aug-29 to 2016-Nov-01

Producer: NBC Universal Studios ,Wind Is Blowing, YG Entertainment

International Streaming: Dramafever

China:Youku and Mango TV in China,

Hongkong: LeTV in Hong Kong

Japan (Sept .16) KNTV in Japan

Singapore and Malaysia: ONE TV ASIA

Photo Credit from 보보경심:려 Official Facebook

About the Show

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Adaptation of the Original Chinese Novel 'The Scarlet Heart'.

“Scarlet Heart: Goryeo” is a fantasy romance drama that tells the story of Hae Soo (Lee Ji Eun), a present day girl who is sucked back to the Goryeo dynasty during an eclipse, where her romance with the fourth prince, Wang So (Lee Joon Gi), begins, all in the midst of palace power struggles

This is a pre-produced drama.
This drama is based on Chinese novel "Bu Bu Jing Xin" by Tong Hua, originally published online in 2005 on Jinjiang Original Network.
Filming began in January 20, 2016 and finished June 30, 2016.

About the Novel

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Startling by Each Step, also known as Bubu Jingxin (Chinese: 步步驚心), was Tong Hua's debut novel. Originally published online in 2005 on Jinjiang Original Network (晉江原創網), it was later published by Ocean Press (海洋出版社), National Press (民族出版社), Huashan Arts Press (花山文藝出版社), Hunan Literature and Art Publishing House (湖南文藝出版社), and Yeren Culture Publishing (野人文化出版社). Tong Hua revised the novel in 2009 and 2011. The latest edition contained an additional 30,000 word epilogue

In 2011, Chinese Entertainment Shanghai Ltd. adapted the novel into the television series Scarlet Heart,[4] starring Cecilia Liu, Nicky Wu, Kevin Cheng, Lin Gengxin and Yuan Hong.
In 2011, following the success of the television series, Feiran Zhuosheng Radio Drama Associations (斐然卓聲廣播劇社團) adapted the novel into the radio drama Bubu Jingxin, starring Tang Tang as Ma'ertai Ruoxi.[6][7]
In 2012, Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre, Beijing All Entertainment Co., Ltd. and Culture of China Media Group adapted the novel for the stage Bubu Jingxin, starring Michelle Gong as Ma'ertai Ruoxi/Zhang Xiao.[8]
In 2015, the novel was adapted into the feature film Time to Love starring Ivy Chen, Tony Yang and Shawn Dou.

(source : wikipedia)

Novel Translations (Chapter 1-6)

Cast of Characters

Main cast

Hong Jong-hyun as 3rd Prince Wang Yo - Groomed as heir to the throne by his mother and is thus incredibly arrogant and ambitious.Wang So's older brother.
Yoon Sun-woo as 9th Prince Wang Won- Cunning and dishonest, he is able to go to extremes to get what he desires.
Baek-hyun as 10th Prince Wang Eun -Playful and mischievous by nature.His bright and optimistic personality brings joy to those around him.
Nam Joo-hyuk as 13th Prince Wang Wook / Baek-ah - Inherently aristocratic and refined by nature.A romantic playboy.
Ji Soo as 14th Prince Wang Jung - Able to win people over easily with his charming nature.Younger brother of Wang Yo and Wang So.

Source: Character Description by ONE TV ASIA

Supporting cast
Royals
Jo Min-ki as King Taejo
Kim San-ho as Crown Prince Wang Mu
Kang Han-na as Hwangbo Yeon-hwa, 8th prince Wang Wook's younger sister and Wang So's wife
Park Si-eun as Hae-ssi Bu-in, Wang Wook's wife and Hae-soo's sister
Seohyun as Woo-hee, gisaeng and last Princess of Later Baekje
Z.Hera as Park Soon-duk, Wang Eun's wife and daughter of a general
Park Ji-young as Empress Yoon, Wang So's mother
Jung Kyung-soon as Empress Hwang-bo, Wang Wook's mother
Woo Hee-jin as Court Lady Oh Sang-gung
Park Jung-hak as Wang Sik-ryeom, the King's brother
Officials and servants
Jin Ki-joo as Chae-ryung, Hae-soo's maid and friend
Sung Dong-il as Park Soo-kyung, Soon-duk's father and Wang So's right-handed man
Kim Sung-kyun as Choi Ji-mong, the King's astronomer
Choi Byeong-mo as Park Yeong-gyoo, Wang Yo's father-in-law who has a mutually beneficial relationship with Woo-hee
Kim Kang-il as Shinjoo Kangssi
Jung Kyung-soon as Hwanghu Hwangbossi
Nam Sung-joon

EXTENDED CHARACTER DESCRIPTION

credit https://twitter.com/cvtchmx

Spoiler

Princes

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Other Heroines

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Supporting Casts

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Drama Information

KOREAN ADAPTATION NEWS TIMELINE

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* AUGUST 16, 2015 - K-version of Bubujingxin to be fully pre-produced and slated to 20 episodes news via LINK

* SEPTEMBER 13, 2015 - Tong Hua novels published in korea with Bubujingxin potentially adapted to kdrama news via LINK

* SEPTEMBER 15, 2015 - Universal Studios and IOIL pd to work on new drama news via LINK

* SEPTEMBER 16, 2015 - drama gets korean title, PD and US funding news via LINK

* SEPTEMBER 16, 2015 - Its Ok its love PD helms new remake of chinese drama news via LINK

* SEPTEMBER 18, 2015 - Universal Studios co production of drama remake news via LINK

* OCTOBER 27, 2015 - Kang Haneul courted to star in drama remake of Bubujigxin news via LINK

* March, 2016 - Broadcast date via SBS confirmed - news via LINK

* June 7, 2016 First Teaser Video relased by Mango TV | Youku TV (China)

❤ INTERVIEWS ❤

Press Conference Photos Pages 115-117 | VAPP Live with the SHR Casts |

Links Summary by @qwenli and @liddi

IU n JG short vid Joon Gi (iweekly interview)

Quiz:Which prince is yours

Vid about 4th prince

Kang Haneul Toggle interview

Onetvasia prince poll

Lee Joon Gi iweekly interview (9th post on page)Filming locations | Part 2 | By Visit Korea

Press Briefing 9.26.16 Interview- Lee Joon Gi

Press Briefing 9.26.16 Interview - Kang Ha Neul

❤ INTERNATIONAL VS SBS VERSIONS ❤

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1. How many versions do SHR have? - We have two . One for the international release which includes Dramafever, Youku, and One TV Asia and the second is the SBS version. The SBS version was edited as the episode is airing, while the international version was released prior to broadcast.

The sold version is pre-edit and sub in different languages so they can't meddle with it becos there is not enough time to redo them and redistribute. There is a cost to subbing, someone has to pay.

Korean version is editing based on weekly viewer feedback.

However, China, for one, requires by LAW for their media authority to vet thru the whole series before broadcast, they will not accept ad-hoc re-edit. (Credit to @qwenli )

Summary of Two Versions (Summary by @qwenli and @liddi )

Spoiler

SBS Version is recapped by Dramabeans

Overall Episode Guide and Differences by Dramalist

Differences in ep 6 versions on pg 388 (11th post)

Episode 8 - Removing of Mask Scene Clip

Differences in ep 6 versions on pg 388 (11th post)

Differences in ep 7

Episode 9 Differences summary

Episode 10

Episode 11 Differences Summary

Episode 12

Hae Soo and Wang So goodbye

Hae Soo's Departure Youku Version

Hae Soo I miss You Youku Version

Wang Yo and Wang Wook (Youku Version)

Wang So looking for Hae Soo

Taejo summons Hae Soo

Yeon Hwa and Wang So (Added Scene)

Wang Mu and Jimong Scene

Episode 13
Wang Jung and Hae Soo Cut (deleted in SBS Version)

HS searching for WS (Added in SBS)

Hae Soo's monologue

Hae Soo and Wang So in Court

Longer kiss scene of Baek Ah and Woo Hee

Lady Oh Youku Version

Episode 14 Differences

Soo, promoted to Court Lady, supervising the Damiwon  [00:09 to 00:51]

Omitted Scene (Hae Soo and Chae Ryung)

So confronting Wook after his announcement on behalf of King Hyejong regarding the restructuring of the palace forces. [9:13 to 10:11]

Won secretly watching King Hyejong at the Damiwon, then speaks to Chae Ryung when she comes out

Omitted Scene Chae Ryung and the poison

Jung rushing to stop the rebellion but being stopped by Queen Yoo

Omitted Scene (Youku) Queen Hwang Bo and Wook

Re - Edit Scene Hae Soo reading Wang So's explanation letter

Re-edit Scene Longer Kissu Scene

Re-edit Scene Boat Scene with Different BGM

Episode 15 Differences

Hae Soo and Wang So Hug Scene

Seon Deok and Hae Soo conversation

So and Hae Soo after King Mu's Death

So and Yeon Hwa Dialogue

Re Edit Cut Eun and Seon Deok escape

Re-edit Cut Wook , Queen HB , Yeon Hwa dialogue (Youku Version)

Youku Version Soo Hee and Yo

SBS Version Soo Hee and Yo

Omitted Scene in SBS Version (Youku Version) Young Wang So, Moo and Jimong

❤ BEHIND THE SCENES ❤

by Naver Cast

by JG V-App Live (English Subbed)

Spoiler

Episode 14 Kiss Scene

Rain Scene

Eun's Birthday Party

Wang So and Hae Soo's Chicken Picnic Date

Wang So's Fighting Sequence vs Monks

JG, KHN, HJH at Running Man

Kiss Scenes summary by @whyo

Spoiler

Forced kiss: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B02PrOTTiHhQVnEySWhOMVNrcjA/view

Stolen kiss: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B02PrOTTiHhQRC1uaWNJVEloN0E/view

Episode 14 kiss from NAMOO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PuEu6cxac0

Episode 14 kiss from SBS: https://twitter.com/IUteamstarcandy/status/786940483175972864

Episode 16 kiss https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmsuDLP7T1M

Goryeo Background , Summary by @Zelda

Meaning of Names by @gihwayujo

Additional Information about Goryeo Timeline by @Adnana

Additional Historical Information by @Akiddo

Translation of the Poem "Song of Bambo Twigs" by Liu Yuxi (Episode 5 )

Spoiler

杨柳青青江水平，
Green, O green is the willow, placid, peaceful the flow,
闻郎江上唱歌声。
Hark and I hear on the river, songs from my love, my beau.
东边日出西边雨，
To the east, the sun is up, to the west, drizzles persist;
道是无晴却有晴。
Though they say the sun is naught, to me, the sun is aglow.

Translated by Andrew W.F. Wong (Huang Hongfa)

RELATED LINKS

Lee Joon Gi : Soompi Thread | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter |

Lee Ji Eun : Soompi | Instagram

Kang Ha Neul : Soompi | Instagram

Fansites

JG Family | IU Team Star Candy | Scarlet Heart Twitter | Tumblr Scarlet Heart Ryeo |

News

Soompi | Hancinema | Allkpop |

Fan Made MV's

Spazz List (MV's and OST Covers)

Under the mask

No longer alone

The fear inside us

several MV posted by @jerboa83

famous MV made by @AuroraRain shared by Lee Joon Gi via Instagram

IU Portrait as Hae Soo by @novemberschopin

"2016 Soompi K-Drama Winners"

First Round

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Round 1 : 5 best moments.

Describe 5 best moments of your choice and explain why it's your favourite moments. You're free to illustrate your analysis with gifs/ screenshots/ drama quotes. You may use gifs already submitted by members on the thread, as long as you credit the source. We're not looking for essay type answers, one paragraph should suffice. However your analysis must be original,solely done for the purpose of the contest. Best of luck to everyone and show us what you've got!

STARGAZERS TEAM SUBMISSION

Five Memorable Moments from Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

There were so many moments from Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo that were noteworthy, but the scenes we ultimately selected were those that had elements that resonated with each of us -- our desire and need to be accepted and loved; and how love can keep us going even during our toughest struggles.

Twitter credit to: @Mryisme (Peny)

Episode 8: I trust you (Hae Soo covers Wang So's Scar)

At this point in Wang So's life, he has never felt accepted, especially by his family. He's never felt a part of them, but has been kept apart from them. He's never reached out for help nor affection, because he's only experienced rejection. For many, the ability to give and receive love, to comfort and to be comforted...to be a part of something important, or simply just to feel important are necessities of the soul that are as essential as food, water, and air -- all sustenance to his humanity, which he has been deprived of his whole life. Until Soo.

When Hae Soo applies makeup to So's scar, it signifies a profound moment in their relationship. When Soo brushes his bangs aside and gently rests her hand against his face, it was likely the very first time So had been touched by someone...without hesitation, nor revulsion. Allowing her to see him and touch him after so many years of hiding behind his mask was a huge sign of trust. Prior to that, he had never let down his walls for anyone. His mask not only hid the scars on his face, but the wounds inside his very being, all inflicted upon him by the very people who should have loved and protected him. To them and all others, he only shows his cold and ruthless side. But behind that steel-like image was actually a strong yearning for acceptance, for someone to finally SEE him and treat him as a human being.

This is one of the best moments in the drama because So has finally found someone that truly accepts him exactly as he is. So completely lets his guard down and gives his trust and heart to Soo, and from this moment on, both Soo and So's fates are entwined.

Credit: @antoniaclamens

"I WISH I COULD SHOW YOU..."

Credit: @antoniaclamens

Credit: dhia205

"...EXACTLY HOW I SEE YOU."

Credit: Briseis (ML Twitter)

Episode 11 : We survived (So visits an imprisoned Soo)

Seeing someone you love, hurt and in pain, and not being able to help them can be agonizing. But knowing that they're hiding or downplaying their distress in order to comfort you, will break your heart.

Still weak from ingesting poison, So was nonetheless determined to see Soo. He knew what to expect and tried to brace himself, but was still unprepared to see how badly she'd been beaten and tortured, her clothes tattered and soaked in blood, as she lay motionless on the cell floor.

When Soo looks up to see So's pale face staring at her, she immediately struggles upright despite the physical pain she's feeling. He's alive! It's the only thought that fills her mind. She gives him a weak smile and starts to nag him, like a mother hen. It pains her to know he intentionally drank the poison to save her, and she asks him repeatedly why he would do that. She's dissatisfied with his answer but is thankful he survived. And though, he too acts unconcerned, he's just as glad to see that Soo managed to survive as well.

Photo credits: dhia205

Credit: Ptshtumblr

Episode 11: Even if the world abandons you, I will be there for you

This is by far the best moment of the drama! It showed Wang So's deep loyalty and undying love towards Hae Soo. Despite the whole world abandoning Hae Soo, Wang So never gave up and never stopped trying to save her, in whatever ways he can. Ladies, how can you ever resist such a man? Please read on to experience the greatness of Wang So's love.

Hae Soo knelt in the rain, almost fainting from exhaustion as the rain mercilessly battered her frail bloodied body. It took all her might just to keep her mind and body going. From afar, the princes watched, but no one dared to step up and disobey the king. They could only kneel far away in the rain in protest. Her lover from the past approached from a distance and their eyes met. Hope once again filled her small heart. But to her greatest disappointment he turned and walked away!

Once again, it seemed like the whole world had abandoned her and fallen apart. Soo felt her heart shatter into pieces bit by bit and was thrown into the great depths of despair when suddenly... when she least expected, a black cloak was cast over her, sheltering her from the merciless rain.

It was him! Someone who would throw his life away and give up everything for her, protecting her always. Even when the whole world abandoned her, Wang So would always be there for her, at every startling step of her journey. He stood by her silently, as no words were needed. It was just pure love, as action speaks louder than words. With renewed faith, Hae Soo regained her strength to carry on kneeling beside her pillar of support, the man who silently stood beside her and never once doubted her. He was no white knight in shining armor but his actions proved that he was worthy of her heart.

Credit: Antoniaclemens

Episode 16: The fruit of our love

We have chosen to present the scene that showed a love so strong, transcending beyond time and space which culminated in a living proof of their love - their precious child.

That fateful night, Soo risked her life by slipping out of the palace to nurse the injury incurred by So when he shielded her from a deadly arrow. A few years had passed since their separation when So was sent to oversee the construction of a new capital. This was the first time in years that they had a chance to see each other again properly, away from danger. When So awoke, he found himself dressed and his wound bandaged. He saw Soo slouched and asleep in a corner and he slowly walked towards her. When she awoke, she found herself staring into So's eyes. Although So tried his best to turn away from her, her sudden question of "Do you still love me?" threw all of his pretense out of the window. How could he not love her? He loved her so much that no words could express his thoughts.

So grabbed and kissed Soo on the lips long and hard, as though there was no tomorrow. In return, she hugged him with all her might. The candle flickered, and they spent the night together, two hearts beating in unison. That night, they shared a special bond between them. From that moment on, Soo's body, heart, mind and soul truly belonged to So, and only So.

When So awoke, he found Soo sleeping peacefully besides him, sharing the same bed. He knew that something special had happened between them. As he caressed her face, Soo woke up and smiled at him.

Euphoria continued throughout the night, as So and Soo created shadow images to show their love for each other.

They also sat together to enjoy the stars. As Soo knowledgeably pointed out Pegasus to So, he realized that aside from being beautiful, Soo was also smart, and that he was lucky to be with her. He really wanted to be with her forever and wished that time would stop.

emens

Credit: Antoniaclemens

Episode 18: You are my only Queen

This scene was chosen because it was so heartbreaking to see 2 lovers fall so deep in love, yet after going through so many trials and tribulations over the years, Wang So was unable to give Hae Soo the happiness she truly yearned for. Soo had waited so long for the day when So would become king, and for her dreams to come true. Ironically in a cruel twist of fate, she not only could not marry him, she had to watch him marry another woman, which would be the Queen instead of her. We can see that despite So being the king, he was helpless in this situation. He sworn in his heart that Soo would be his only queen. This was the very least he could do for her, on their last date together which was so saccharine sweet before he married his "Queen", his half-sister, Princess Yeon Hwa in a seemingly loveless marriage.

The scene opens with Soo pleading with So in her usual cheery manner to leave the palace for the market. The couple put on 2 masks and leave the palace incognito. As they stroll through the market, they hold hands like how couples in love always do. The scene where they tease each other in masks is just too cute for words. They stop by the pond for prayers and So suddenly hugged Soo gently from the back and put his cheeks right next to her face. He pecks her on the cheek suddenly without warning. For that moment, it was pure bliss and happiness for them.

As they stopped in front of the prayer tower, So suddenly proposes to Soo after confessing that he did not know what drawn her to him. After many failed attempts at asking Soo to marry him, finally, he managed to look at her and utter 2 simple words "Marry me". So looked expectantly at Soo as she smiled at him and gazed into his eyes.

She looked at So and replied with 2 words as well, "I cannot". It was not what he had expected to hear at all! As she explained to him patiently that she would still continue to stay by his side, it was just too heartbreaking for the couple. Even at this moment, Soo was thinking of So, and how his future as the king would be secured. She was willing to sacrifice her own happiness for him, just so that his wish of being the king could come true. Such is the power of true love, that makes one throw away their own happiness, hopes and dreams so willingly for the one they love.

So was dumbfounded by her explanation and at the same time touched by Soo. He knew she was right; they could not get married. Soo's "I'm really fine" broke his heart. It pained him that despite being king, he could not give her the happiness she wanted. Instead, she had to sacrifice herself to fulfil his dreams, hopes and ambitions. Was this the happy ending that he foresaw for them? Did he make the right decision by becoming king? What was the use of being king when he had to sacrifice his and her happiness?

He hugged her tightly, and said "You... are my only queen" as a tear rolled down his cheek.

Credit: 40somethingahjumma

Thank you to everyone who contributed and provided us support and cheers!!

@summer2017 @chi13lou @antoniaclamens @ktcjdrama @n00nk3y @WH @ilovecoffeeandbooks

Second Round

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ROUND 2 : CRITICAL REVIEW

Please follow these compulsory review guidelines:

Title of the drama, stars of the drama, genre, setting ( time and place)

Write the plot summary without revealing the ending.

Discuss acting, direction, writing. Cite examples.

Discuss costumes and background music. Cite examples

Discuss cinematography. Cite examples.

Discuss characters

Interpret the drama message, how is it conveyed?

Give your opinion on the drama quality and include as well your recommendations for potential viewers.

**Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo ~ Round 2 Submission**

About the Drama

Drama Name: Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart: Ryeo

Revised romanization: Bobogyungsim: Ryeo

Hangul: 보보경심: 려

Genre: Historical (sageuk), Melodrama, Fantasy Romance

Setting: Place / Time

Place: Begins in modern day South Korea and shifts to Ancient Goreyo

The ancient capital of Goryeo was called Songdo or what is now known as Gaeseong. Present day Gaeseong is a city in North Hwanghae Province in the southern part of North Korea, which served as the capital of Korea during the Taebong kingdom and subsequent Goryeo dynasty. The city is near the Kaesong Industrial Region close to the border with South Korea and contains the remains of the Manwoldae palace, which was the official royal palace of the Goryeo Dynasty.

Time: The drama begins in 2016 and shifts to the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392), beginning in the late years of original founder King Taejo’s (formerly Wang Geon) life and reign (approximately 942-943) through the end of King Gwangjong’s (Wang So) reign in 975, back to 2016.

Main Cast:

Lee Joon-gi ~ 4th Prince Wang So
Lee Ji-eun (IU) ~ Go Ha-jin / Hae Soo
Kang Ha-neul ~ 8th Prince Wang Wook

Supporting Cast:

Hong Jong-hyun ~ 3rd Prince Wang Yo
Jo Min-ki ~ King Taejo (founder of the Goryeo dynasty)
Park Ji-young ~ Empress Dowager Yoo (Taejo's 3rd Queen, mother of princes 3, 4 and 14)
Jung Kyung-soon ~ Empress Hwangbo (Taejo's 4th Queen, mother of 8th prince and Yeon-hwa)
Kang Han-na ~ Hwangbo Yeon-hwa (8th prince's younger sister)
Kim San-ho ~ Crown Prince Wang Mu
Yoon Sun-woo ~ 9th Prince Wang Won
Byun Baek-hyun ~ 10th Prince Wang Eun
Nam Joo-hyuk ~ 13th Prince Baek-ah
Ji Soo ~ 14th Prince Wang Jung
Park Si-eun ~ Lady Hae (8th prince's wife and Hae Soo's cousin)
Z.Hera ~ Park Soon-deok (General Park Soo-kyung's daughter)
Kim Sung-kyun ~ Choi Ji-mong (the king's astronomer)
Seohyun ~ Woo-hee (gisaeng and last princess of Later Baekje)
Jin Ki-joo ~ Chae-ryung (Hae Soo's maid and friend)
Sung Dong-il ~ General Park Soo-kyung (Soon-duk's father and 4th prince's right-hand man)
Park Jung-hak ~ Wang Sik-ryeom (the king's cousin)
Woo Hee-jin ~ Court Lady Oh Soo-yeon (head of the Damiwon Palace)
Choi Byung-mo ~ Park Young-gyu (Woo-hee's uncle and the foreign minister)
Kim Kang-il ~ Wang Gyu (10th Prince Wang Eun's maternal grandfather)
Jang Seo-hee ~ Kyeonghwa (Crown Prince Wang Mu's daughter)
Seo Ga-eun ~ Seol

Plot: "So tell me about the drama"

Go Ha Jin, a young woman from the 21st century travels back through time nearly 1000 years during a solar eclipse and finds herself in the body of Hae Soo, a young girl living among royalty in the Goryeo dynasty.

Taken in by her cousin, the wife of Goryeo's 8th prince -- Wang Wook, Ha Jin as Hae Soo, subsequently meets and gets to know each of the other princes. Her most memorable encounters, however, are with 4th prince, Wang So, an outcast among his family and a figure feared by the general populace. The young prince, scarred both inside and out, gradually becomes attached to Hae Soo, who is unafraid of his disfigured face and his rough countenance.

Eight prince Wook, also finds himself enamored by Hae Soo's outspoken and independent character, and Hae Soo, feeling adrift in ancient Goryeo, finds an anchor in Wook and turns to him, casting a blind eye to her cousin's deep love for her husband, and Wang So's growing feelings for her.

Through her interactions with the princes and learning first hand the harsh machinations within the walls of the royal palace, Go Ha Jin finally adjusts to her life in Goryeo as Hae Soo. Navigating the best she can, her experiences are a mix of both pleasant and painful events, though more concentrated on the painful side, thus leading her to conclude that her primary goal in Goryeo is simply to survive. She eventually realizes it's a trait she shares with Wang So and that their relationship is a source of strength for them both.

Hae Soo soon finds herself in the midst of a battle for the throne. As brother is pitted against brother, it is difficult for her to watch the same princes she had grown up with, and others she has grown fond of, become ensnared in the fight to become king. Armed with her limited knowledge of Goryeo history, but deeply disturbed by the ruthless and merciless ruler that she knows 4th prince will eventually become, she vows to do what she can to keep the brothers alive and to stop the bloodshed. Does she succeed in keeping history from unraveling before her?

Equal parts love triangle and political intrigue, at the heart of Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, you'll find the usual story of boy meets girl, boy and girl hate each other, boy and girl eventually fall in love, but life (and specific characters within the drama) seem to conspire to keep the lovers apart. So who wins the throne and who wins the girl? Read on, or better yet, watch the drama.

Acting Directing Writing

Even before the drama aired, there was a lot of early criticism lobbed at it pertaining to the decision of using idols in some of the primary roles, rather than actors. Since everyone is entitled to their opinions, and opinions are subjective, formed not only from our observations, but skewed by our own experiences and biases, many who joined the ML-Soompi thread waited patiently (and some not so patiently) to see for themselves how the drama would unfold. We kept in mind that the hype leading up to the first episode had generated high expectations for all who were anticipating this South Korean adaptation of the beloved Chinese drama. These expectations encompassed not only the acting, but the writing and directing as well. The following is but a brief overview of the long discussions that followed each episode.

Acting: The chemistry on set was amazing and the drama was full of stellar casts. For the 2 leads Lee Joon Gi and Lee Ji Eun, towards the end of the drama we could no longer differentiate them from Wang So and Hae Soo. We could see the remarkable chemistry even in the slightest of gestures, a smile, light touch or eyes twinkling. They took us through the most heated and heart wrenching love story ever amongst the vicious fight for the throne. Lee Joon Gi, the most experienced actor amongst the young cast has outshown himself as Wang So. He managed to execute different kinds of emotions throughout the show be it anger, immense sorrow, fear and happiness. Lee Ji Eun, who is also not a newbie to the industry has managed to capture viewers' hearts with her innocent portrayal of Hae Soo at the beginning to a mellowed, matured palace lady at the end. Kang Ha Neul, a rising star and new kid on the block's portrayal of Wang Wook was excellent. He managed to capture Wook's gentleness and aggressiveness both at the same time throughout the show. The villains Hong Jong Hyun and Kang Hanna are worth a mention too as they managed to portray their scheming and manipulative characters well. Other veteran actors like King Taejo, Queen Yoo, Queen Hwangbo, Ji Mong, General Park and Lady Oh were incredible in their respective roles.

Writing:

There’s always an inherent risk with adaptations, but luck always seems to be a factor regarding whether they succeed or not. It was likely difficult to adapt a hit like Bu Bu Jing Xin (aks Scarlet Heart) and condensing what had been touted as an epic story down to 20 episodes. That said, the writers and production were very fortunate that the Goryeo period aligned well. By positioning the story at the very beginning of the Goryeo dynasty, it worked that we had King Taejo and his many sons to portray the numerous princes that were vital to the story.

Despite its flaws, the drama, and specifically, it's writer, deserves much for making sure to incorporate and use history instead of ignoring it as other dramas have done. The writer and subsequently the directly, did a good job in meshing Soo’s black-and-white visions of history (depicting So as a ruthless murderer) with the flesh-and-blood person that was standing in front of her. The writer also made sure not to ignore inconvenient, but relevant truths, like Wang So killing his brothers, marrying his half-sister and niece, and claiming the throne. She instead reinterpreted those acts depicting So as the compassionate brother thereby casting him in a more sympathetic light. Quite simply, he married his niece to save her; he killed his brother because his brother asked him to so he could join his wife in death. So, as were many of the characters, were written with much depth.

Costumes & Background Music

Original Soundtrack

Chen, Baekhyun, Xiumin of EXO (첸, 백현, 시우민) – For You (너를 위해)

LOCO (로꼬), Punch (펀치) – Say Yes

IOI - I Love You, I Remember You 사랑해 기억해

Davichi- Forgetting You 그대를 잊는다는 건

태연 (TAEYEON) - All With You

에픽하이 (EPIK HIGH) - 내 마음이 들리나요 Can You Hear My Heart (Feat. 이하이 LEE HI)

백아연 (Baek A Yeon) - 사랑인 듯 아닌 듯 (A Lot Like Love)

IU- 친구야 친구 (너다워 고마워) My Dear Friend (Thank You For Being You) (Episode 7 )

임선혜 (Sun Hae Im) - 꼭 돌아오리 (Will Be Back)

SG워너비 (SG Wannabe) - 고백합니다 (I Confess)

이하이 (LEE HI) - 내 사랑 (MY LOVE)

정승환 (Jung Seung-Hwan) - 바람 (Wind)

악동뮤지션 (AKMU) - Be With You

Cinematography

The cinematography was beautiful, especially the lake where Soo and So would meet.

Characters

Go Hae Jin / Hae Soo

In the Goryeo era she was a 16 year old young girl from a noble family, the Hae family. Her life took a turn when Go Ha Jin, a 25 year old woman from the 21st century woke up in her body after an accident. Hae Soo (or Go Ha Jin) uses a 21st century mindset to analyse issues in Goryeo hence to her some things do not make much sense, eg. unequal treatment of people due to their noble status. This led her often to be fearless and upright in her dealings with the Goryeo princes such as fighting with the 10th prince Wang Eun when he peeped at a maid changing clothes and expecting an apology from 4th prince Wang So after he stopped her from hitting Eun. She also believes in protecting what is important to her and not succumbing to fate but fight for it. This is seen when she cuts herself in order to escape from being King Taejo's bride, risking her life in the process. She was the only one able to see beyond the facial disfigurement of Wang So, treating him the same, not fearing him like the other people. This earned her Wang So’s trust, love and devotion. She did not accept that Wang So is to live in torment because of his scar, so she stepped in to help him cover his scar and in the process, unwittingly altered his fate. There are 4 men in her life who profess love to her - Wang Eun, Wang Wook, Wang So and Wang Jung. Each man played an important role in different stages of her life as she grows and gets herself used to the way things are in Goryeo

4th Prince ~ Wang So

Born under the star of a king, he never desired the position until he was forced by necessity to seek it. His inability to protect and to initiate change awakened a raging desire in him. It was a life changing moment for him as he realized he could only initiate change by being on the throne. Although he was Hae Soo's second love, he became her everlasting love. He had a rough and traumatic childhood, getting scarred, despised and abandoned by his own mother Queen Yoo at a tender age. He was sent to Shinju and left to fend for himself. Compared to Wook, Wang So was fearless in his love for Hae Soo. He was a man of few words who did not make promises to Hae Soo, yet he stepped in numerous times to protect her, even to the extent of risking his life because he had decided that she was the love of his life. He tried his very best to stop her marriage to King Taejo, ingested poison served by Hae Soo to the Crown Prince which was meant to frame her, fought the guards to save her from the gallows, stood over her in the rain when she was begging the King’s to change a decision, insisted he would marry her even though she had been downgraded to a palace maid, saved her from the arrow and also insisted on taking her as queen even though she was scarred. He was a cautious man and never trusted anyone easily except Hae Soo who broke that barrier by hiding his scar through the use of cosmetics. However towards the end, it was also because of this distrust and inferiority complex that drew a rift between Hae Soo and himself

8th Prince ~ Wang Wook

He was a man burdened with family commitments since young. A calm, quiet yet calculative person, the burden of protecting his mother and sister which lay strongly on his shoulders chained him for life. He was Hae Soo's first love, but his inability to fulfil his promises to Hae Soo slowly destroyed their love as they grew apart. He was a man full of promises to Hae Soo, but eventually none was ever kept due to stronger commitment to his family. He repeatedly disappointed her on which he blamed his powerless status as he was not the king. He claimed his desire to be the king was in order to be able to protect Hae Soo but it was never really clear what his real intention was.

Crown Prince ~ JungYoon Wang Mu

Raised as a prince but treated more as a profession than a blessing.

As the first son of King Taejo, Mu has received his father’s complete trust and love. Although his demeaner is kind and humble, but in contrast is invincible and competitive when it comes to fighting and martial arts. His victories have earned him his place as Crown Prince, but his gentle and easy-going nature make him inadequate and ineffective to govern. He is the second Emperor of Goryeo.

3^rd Prince ~ Wang Yo

An Emperor has to be born, not made. GoRyeo’s owner is me.

Trained and packaged as a prince by his mother, Queen Yoo, since early in his youth, Yo has all the qualifications - the visuals, the family background, the talent – to assume the throne. But he has always been resentful toward his bother Mu because he feels the position of Crown Prince should have been his all along. He is greedy for power and all the things it affords him, but unlike his brothers who have other interests, he has only been solely focused on the throne. His brothers often find him difficult to deal with because his greed is also accompanied by cruelty and arrogance, all generated through his believe that others are beneath him. An interesting fact about Yo. Underneath his hard veneer, he is emotional and sensitive. He is Goryeo’s 3^rd Emporer.

14^th Prince ~ Wang Jung

“He has to die before he burns everyone out! Because he is the fake sun!”

As the youngest of the princes, he is everyone's favourite and the apple of his mother's eye. He grew up in a protected environment, and never experienced hardships or heartaches. But that changes once he meets Hae Soo, who doesn’t fall for his charm like others have. When Ha Jin first meets him upon her arrival in Goryeo as Hae Soo, he was a typical boastful and arrogant youth. But focused on his growing feelings for Hae Soo, he ventures out into battle and returns a man whom he hopes is now worthy of her notice. Although she doesn't see him in the same light, his love for Hae Soo remains simple and steadfast. He opposes So’s ascension to the throne because of his loyalty to Yo, but it is ceases to be a priority when Soo asks for his help.

13^th Prince ~ Baekah (Wang Wook)

“Rather than being a sun or star, I want to be free like the wind with no obstacles.”

Because Baekah’s mother is from the royal family of Silla (one of the 3 Kingdoms along with Kaekje and Goguryeo that occupied what is now known as the Korean Peninsula), he has been able to devote his time to his pursuit of the arts including calligraphy, drawing, pottery, and instruments. There is no area in which he lacks, but he plays the geomungo exceptionally well. He is considered one of the most handsome men in Goryeo, so much so that it’s rumored women run out in their socks to catch a glimpse of him whenever he leaves the palace. Trying to succeed the Emperor would be a difficult task for him to accomplish since his mother’s nation is a ruined one. He enjoys the comforts of his life, but is mindful of the way his nation is run. While hiding his identity, he meets Woohee and falls in love, but between them lies the ruin of her own nation and the suffering of her people. It’s a divide he may never be able to breach.

10th Prince ~ Wang Eun

“Isn’t it a happy life if every day consisted of only smiling while living as one woman’s sky?”

Eun is the only grandson of the nation’s founding contributor, WangGyu. Because he’s still young and immature, he focuses his energy on play, and has no interest in either education nor martial arts. He’s a hot-blooded youth who is very interested in girls, however, he’s often disregarded by them and considered useless because his inexperience soon becomes obvious. After his initial fight with Hae Soo, he quickly becomes attached to her and experiences his first love. But soon after discovering his feelings, he’s forced to marry Park SoonDeok, General Park SooKyung’s daughter. Although it upsets SoonDeok that Eun is unable to quickly forget Hae Soo, he eventually does learn to love her once he realizes she is loyal only to him, and doesn’t see anyone but him in her eyes.

9^th Prince ~ Wang Won

“Being blinded by gold and silver, I couldn’t recognize that child’s brightness.”

The only grandson of the nation’s founding contributor, GeumPil, Won believes he has all the qualities needed to assume the throne, but unfortunately he’s the only one that thinks this. His greed for riches and all its comforts exceeds his desire for power. To protect what he has, he is willing to align himself with whomever will assign him his rightful place as a reward for his supposed loyalty and help. Because he follows people like his brother Yo in that manner, he is like a branch wavering in the wind.

Drama Message

Scars ~ Written by Zi4r

The most major plotpoint to the story, and yet no one (not even the fans) seems to be able to wrap their head around this. "Why is that tiny little thing so important?" Unbelievable, isn't it?

First of all, let me talk about the visibility of the scar. Many feel that the childhood scar should be very faint by now, and as such, it is impossible for him to be that effected by it. Erm... have you guys ever seen a scar from infected wound in childhood? I have. On myself. Just above my knee. I fell on a jagged fence when I was 6 and got a half-cm deep and 2-inch long wound, and I didn't have proper access to medical care for 3 weeks because I was stuck in a freaking village, and it got infected... and now, 20 years later, it's still puckered and raised and frankly, kinda disgusting (Don't worry, I'm not ashamed by it). We live in an era where small injuries rarely get infected; if they do, they're easily cured; and then, we use all sorts of washes and treatments that renew our skin faster and thereby, making scars fade faster. Even then, many of us still suffer from the woes of acne scars, don't we? Now, think of the era where chance of infection was almost unavoidable and personal hygiene was not a primary concern of anyone, not even princes. Long story short, yes, scars can be very visible and pretty disturbing after years. Of course, the production team should have made the scar more grotesque to make a point, but hey, I for one don't want my dear LJG's face to be more marred than it is.

Now, about stigma against scars... I don't claim to know about Goryeo specifically (so correct me if I'm wrong), but I understand how monarchy works. Royals claim the RIGHT to rule, which is favoured to them "by the Heavens". Any imperfection in the royals can be seen as a sign of loss of favour by the higher powers, and as such, questions their right to rule. In my homeland, during the era of Kings, birth defects/birthmarks/grotesque scars were always seen as the sign of a low-breed and thus, were often exiled.

And from a more logical/reasonable perspective, scars/marks on skin/sores can be indicators of more serious diseases. People shun those with visible defects in the past because they are scared that it's contagious.

Lastly, I suspect WS has been wearing the mask almost all his life. He probably showed his face only when he was very young and was abused mercilessly for it. So he hides it all the time --> people think it must be worth hiding, so must be worse than it actually is --> they shun him --> he continues hiding... and the cycle continues. The fear of the unknown is what makes him an outcast. My guess is... even if he did the ceremony without mask/makeup on, people would have realized he's not a monster after all.

ON PATRIARCHY ~ By Kdramawriter

Overthinking kdrama talks about how this is a story of a monstrous patriarchy that feeds on women and destroys them in the process. These women love these men despite their absolute power to destroy them. And this is such a fine read for me. Because if you look at every single female character, they die when they fall in love with a Prince. It's too precarious of a position to be in if you are not also yourself a Royal surrounded by power. Even being the daughter of a general is not enough. Seon Deok, Hae Su, Cha Ryeun, are all going to die DIRECTLY as a result of their love for the princes. This is the great overarching sadness of the show: that theses women are doomed as soon as they fall in love with a prince, but that they struggle on anyways. Aish, my heart hurts writing this. There are NO sides to blame for this. There are no ships sinking or whatever - this I've always maintained because I've not been watching the show for this. Just the mere fact that women have ALWAYS suffered at the hands of the men who love them. That's the great tragedy for me.

Drama Quality / Recommendations

Written by 40somethingahjumma

Sometimes I wish Soompi would ban all talk of ratings. I know why ratings are important to the cast and the crew but I'm not sure why we international fans get so bogged down by them that it becomes a point of division and contention. Often I feel that it's something that fans use to validate their choices which really shouldn't even be an issue. I think that we should be confident in our choices and not let external factors affect our judgement of what is watchable. Ratings should probably never be used to prove the quality of the product. The only thing it actually correlates to is popularity among television watchers in a certain time slot on a certain day. Among viewers with ratings boxes.

That said I think Moon Lovers is based on a very well-written script. Obviously it has had a number of post-production issues but the story from which it is based is very sound. There are very few cliches... the male and female protagonists are well-fleshed out and there are several elements (time travel, symbolism, divine will vs free will, K mythos, history, romance) that are integrated in an intriguing, fresh way. Clearly the male lead is an incredibly compelling character with so many aspects that he defies simplistic categorization. He's not just a puppet or an archetype but a living, breathing creature with raw magnetism. There's an other worldliness about him that sees a kind of elegance even in his most brutal acts of violence. The aspect of the show I enjoy most is the female lead's ongoing tension with history which is played out superbly in her relationships with the male leads. I think the writer is very deliberate in how the love triangle has been presented not just as romance but as a mechanism through which the female lead can weather this brutally alien world. Her first dalliance positions her to transition from 21st century living to life in Goryeo and her second one provides a shield against the ruthless dog eat dog palace machinations. It's quite brilliantly done actually. The first romance must give way to the next because the reality in which she needs to transition into demands it. It isn't just about love or the relative strengths and weaknesses of the male leads. In crude fashion they are vehicles for her quest to come to grips with the unknown. History is being made and she can't resist the lure of being at the apex of power because of her own irrepressible impulses to meddle.

Everything that happens in this show has meaning beyond the literal which is absolutely my kind of drama. There is also the issue about memory and the writing of history which is just another thing that fascinates me here.

The last time I was this addicted to a sageuk was Tree with Deep Roots. It was probably the murders that reeled me in first and then there was something for someone like me who loves words, cares about the power of words and the teaching of them. I've seen a number of sagueks since which I've enjoyed although none quite as absorbing as Tree. Until now.

Many thanks to @summer2017 @ktcjdrama @antoniaclamens and to @40somethingahjumma @zi4r @kdramawriter for their thoughts and impressions as we followed the drama together.

Third Round

Spoiler

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FINAL ROUND : The villain(s)

Please follow these guidelines :

The type of villain she/he is ( eg: tragic villain, serial killer, psychopath, etc.)

discuss the villain(s) background

discuss his/her relationship with the OTP ( if any)

discuss his/her motives

discuss his/ her goals

discuss his/ her traits

discuss his/her impact on the plot advancement

describe his/her iconic scene ( NB : for each villain = a description)

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FINAL ROUND : The villain(s)

"Evil is relative - and what I mean by that is that our villains are as complex, as deep and as compelling as any of our heroes."

In a historical drama, villains can be regarded as a special category as compared to other genres, and Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (MLSHR), is no exception. Here we cannot talk about villains per se, like, for instance, in a classical superheroes movie, where we always have the fight between the good and the evil, but about a grey zone, in which evilness is rather defined – more or less – by an external context. Set in a turbulent historical era, where brother killing brother in a never-ending quest for power was not something uncommon, where this quest for power actually translates, to some extent, into a very quest for survival itself, the classical well-established concept of evilness could be highly questioned. To what point can a set of characters caught in the struggle for the ultimate power, the imperial throne of Goryeo, be considered evil in the classical meaning of the word? How much of these characters is triggered by their circumstances and how much is pure evilness? To what extent can their actions be actually understood and perhaps even forgiven by the viewer? Are they tragic characters with no other options at hand, or pure villains who willingly choose to use any means for their own ends? The following character analyses tries to dissect the main four villains of this historical drama in order to find an answer.

“It's all about me”

QUEEN YOO (EMPRESS SINMYEONGSUNSEONG, 3RD QUEEN OF GORYEO)

“It's all about me”

TYPE OF VILLAIN

Queen Yoo was the mother of all villains. Well, not really, but she did serve as the mother of one other villain. While her character was fleshed out with the typical attributes of a classic villain – corrupt and criminal in deed and thought – her character served many purposes. In an era where station and class can be a blessing or a curse, family ties meant nothing. She used her sons to protect her power base and as vehicles to achieve her goals. In essence, she was a narcissistic sociopath, displaying an absolute disregard for the feelings of others, a lack of remorse or shame, manipulative behavior, unchecked egocentricity, and a seemingly innate ability to lie in order to achieve her desires.

HER BACKGROUND

"If I do not have your whole heart, I do not need it." – Queen Yoo

In ancient Goryeo, Queen Yoo was officially known as Empress Sinmyeongsunseong, from the Yoo Clan. In our drama, she is the daughter of Yoo GeungDal, the most powerful family of ChungJu. Taejo marries to strengthen his position and avoid future attacks to steal the throne, and thus Yoo becomes his third wife and subsequently mother to Wang Yo, Wang So and Wang Jung. Despite his practical reasons for marrying her, Yoo truly loves Taejo, and is hurt and jealous of his numerous marriages. In retaliation, her sons become tools, existing only to help create the perfect life she envisions.

In her role as queen, the first in line over all others in the palace, Yoo should be enjoying the power and prestige of her position, and yet in the era where our story is set, Queen Yoo only feels insecurity. Initially, it begins because she fails to win the love of King Taejo, whose heart already belongs to Court Lady Oh. Her insecurity further escalates when the King continues to take more concubines and wives for political reasons. More princes are born who would later compete with her three sons to claim the throne.

Intent on securing her role at the top, Yoo decides soon after the death of her first born and the scarring of Wang So, that Wang Yo will be king. It’s obvious her love for him has been warped, becoming a conditional thing that hinges on his ability to win the throne. With him, she schemes and manipulates situations in order to remove the Crown Prince and ensure Yo will be next in line for succession.

Her second son, Wang So, becomes a painful and ugly reminder of her failure to win the King’s affection. In her desperate attempt to prevent Taejo from taking yet another wife, she accidentally scars Wang So’s face. Instead of remorse and regret at harming her son, the act instead triggers immediate disassociation. She abandons him altogether, sending him away to be adopted by another clan who has also lost a precious son. But the trade instead, makes So a living hostage, to be used again as a tool to maintain civilities between the clan and the royal family.

With So out of the picture, and Yoo focused on making Yo the next successor to the throne, her youngest, Wang Jung, perhaps as default, becomes her source of pride and joy, whom she unconditionally showers with love and affection.

HER RELATIONSHIP WITH WANG SO & HAESOO

Queen Yoo and Wang So

The 10th century was hard for everyone who lived in that period, whether commoners or royals, but for many children, it could be a hostile place. Unable to protect themselves, they quickly lost their innocence, and many, like Wang So, became bargaining chips for their parents. As mentioned previously, Yoo attempted to use So to force Taejo to accede to her wishes. Taejo too, pretended to use So when he offered him as an ‘adoptive son’ to the Kang Clan. We learn later in the drama that Taejo’s intention was to keep So safe by sending him away from the palace and far from Queen Yoo.

So survives his time with the Kangs despite the beatings and the inhumane treatment he receives at their hands. He is focused on surviving, hiding his scars behind his mask, learning to fight and defend himself, and wrapping his ‘dog-wolf’ persona about him to keep people at a distance. He’s become a skilled swordsman, a formidable opponent, and also an intelligent and capable strategist. Upon his arrival from ShinJu, he tries again and again to earn Yoo's acceptance and love – he tries to give her a hairpin for her birthday, but Jung beats him to it and he is quickly dismissed by Yoo who is uncomfortable in his presence; he gets rid of the monks to hide her role in the first assassination attempt on Crown Prince Mu’s life. Although her devastating rejection of his efforts finally marks the point where he stops actively seeking her approval, his hope continues to burn like a small flame inside him. As such, we discover that she still has the power to wound him deeply. It’s obvious in his tearful collapse after being invited to his first dinner with his mother and brothers, only to find out that her intent was to ask him to kill Crown Prince Mu. Even after So becomes king, as she wastes away, refusing to eat after Yo’s death, Wang So bars Jung from seeing her so that he, alone is the only one she sees, and the only one who will care for her well-being. Steadfast till the end in her refusal to acknowledge him, So cries, heartbroken in the knowledge that his mother never wanted anything from him. To her, he remained a symbol of all the things she tried to deny – that Taejo never loved her; and that Wang Yo, despite becoming King, was dead and gone, incapable of caring for her and securing her place in the palace and in the Wang family.

IRONICALLY, she was so petty and narrow-minded that she refused to grasp the opportunity he presented to her. All the things she had hoped to achieve with Yo on the throne, they could all still be realized through So. Tragically, with her passing, her final rejection of him was complete.

Queen Yoo and Haesoo

Haesoo seldom had to interact with Queen Yoo. The most notable occasions included when she met Yoo the first time she visited the palace; when Yoo and Yo ambushed her and tried to confirm whether Mu was being treated for an illness when she started working at the Damiwon; and when Yoo tried to find out exactly what happened when Yo passed away. Throughout the majority of the drama, their differing stations kept them out of each other’s orbit, but they were aware of each other’s existence. Having heard for herself the disdain and contempt that tinged Yoo’s voice whenever she spoke to So, Haesoo was aware of the dysfunctional relationship between mother and son. Yoo, in turn, heard about Haesoo from Jung and the other princes. And it was Yeonhwa who suggested to Yoo that Haesoo was dispensable when they were looking for a scapegoat for the 2nd attempt on Mu’s life.

Queen Yoo looked down on Haesoo as she did others who were not at her rank or level, but she wasn’t blind to the affection that others had for Haesoo, including Jung, her favorite. In the bubble that Yoo lived in, she failed to see that Haesoo was her antithesis – the exact opposite of her in many ways. She also failed to see that Haesoo greatly resembled one of the people she hated most – Court Lady Oh.

For a short while, like Lady Oh with Taejo, Haesoo was able to show Wang So that she accepted him, exactly as he was even before the application of BB cream. She treated him like a human being whose life had value and purpose. And she grew to love him so much, that she sacrificed her ability to be with him in order to save the precious life that he had bestowed on her. The only difference between the two couples -- Wang So and Haesoo, and Taejo and Lady Oh -- as it relates to Queen Yoo, is that Haesoo was able to give So the affection and acceptance Yoo denied him. And in the end, she also gave So the precious thing Yoo had taken forcefully from Oh and Taejo – a child.

HER MOTIVES

Was Queen Yoo evil to begin with? That’s a bigger debate -- whether humans start out basically good-natured and are then corrupted by society, or whether some can randomly, or genetically, start with a bad nature that is kept in check by society. For now, let’s cut her some slack (just a pinch). Her marriage to Taejo, like all the others, was likely arranged due to the power and prestige of her clan. Despite it not being a love match, she did fall in love with him. Love doesn’t typically inspire bad behavior, but rejection, on the other hand, can result in emotions like jealousy and anger. And it’s those tumultuous and sometimes uncontrollable feelings that can definitely motivate other actions.

What were the primary things that motivated our Queen Yoo? Revenge and Greed.

“If someone tries to take what is yours, you must tear his throat out to protect it if you must!” – Queen Yoo

Her revenge, at the start, set into motion a direct strike at the person who had Taejo’s heart – Lady Oh. She took from them both, the fruit of their love – the baby that they had conceived. It was never explained why Taejo did not take action against Yoo – lack of proof or an unstable political climate. Whatever the reason, his failure drove a wedge between the couple.

”Are you going to look the other way this time too?” – Court Lady Oh

Instead of his queen consort, she was relegated to a service position. A ranking position, yes, which would still provide a buffer between her and Yoo. But it ensured that Lady Oh could never assume a position at Taejo’s side.

Queen Yoo's desire for revenge is quickly replaced by her greed for power, which becomes her primary motivation through the balance of her life. Born and raised as part of an affluent clan, already set Yoo apart from others. Those who ‘have’ are typically conditioned, because of the lifestyle they’re born into, with certain expectations. They may already be used to finer things, achieving objectives or desires without undue struggle because of their station.

Faced with Taejo’s rejection, however, she found herself powerless to achieve her heart’s desire. She may have succeeded in eliminating Lady Oh, but there would be others. And they too, could beget children who would one day have power over her and her flesh and blood. How to protect her position? She needed more power. She needed to secure herself at the highest level so that she would always be the one with the upper hand; the one looking down at others, instead of being looked down upon; the one with the power and rank to protect her and all that belonged to her; and the one with the power to affect change and to take what she felt was hers.

HER GOALS

"This Goryeo has to be my son's!" – Queen Yoo

All throughout the story, we see that Queen Yoo’s primary goal is to make her son King. She carefully schemed in the background, attempting to eliminate anyone standing in the way of her achieving her goal. First was the assassination of Crown Prince Mu during the masked spiritual festival. Queen Yoo didn't call it quits after failing (Mu and So were able to switch places in the performance in order to keep the Crown Prince safe from harm). Instead, she continued to think of ways to secure the throne for Wang Yo. With a tip from Yeonhwa, she proceeded with a second attempt, this time trying to poison Mu during family tea time, arranging it so that Haesoo would be the one serving him. This would benefit both women, and Yeonhwa would finally rid of Haesoo, the main source of her problems. Again, the assassination attempt failed because of Wang So, but it did eventually succeed in eliminating Yoo's main rival for Taejo's love. Lady Oh, in order to save Haesoo, whom she had grown very fond of, confessed to the poisoning and was executed.

Those early attempts failed, but Queen Yoo and Wang Yo schemed and planned once again. And this time as King Taejo fell sick and was close to death, while Crown Prince Mu was lured away to take care of turmoil that coincidentally occurred at the same time, 3rd Prince Yo, along with Wook (8th Prince), Won (9th Prince) and their respective clans, attacked the palace. But alerted by Soo, whose help was enlisted by the King, Wang So was once again able to thwart Yo's efforts, engaging in a personal battle with Wook (Yo's stand-in) until Baekah (13th Prince) returned with the Crown Prince in tow, along with the royal army. Queen Yoo and Queen HwangBo (Wook's mother) were witnesses to King Taejo's passing, and then locked in with him so as not to alert anyone that he had died. The passing of her only love, along with Yo's defeat and his subsequent arrest for treason, must have impacted Queen Yoo immensely. Overnight, even before the coup was even over, her hair turned completely white. Instead of her Yoo claiming the throne after the Taejo's death, it was Mu who was crowned King.

After more machinations, Wang Yo finally sat on the throne. But his reign was short lived, and after killing Eun (10th Prince), who was the next in line for succession, he began to go insane. His guilt and insecurities, along with a cocktail of natural herbs used to induce anxiety and hallucinations (of course served to him without his knowledge) ate away at him, and he became increasingly unstable, both mentally and physically. Queen Yoo, alarmed at Yo's decline and still fixated on making sure her position as Queen Mother was protected, urged Yo to abdicate his position and appoint Wang Jung as king. Again, it's ironic that after all her efforts to achieve her goal, she failed to consider Wang So who showed time and time again that he was more than capable. But again, she continued to disregard him, as her son and even as a human being.

HER TRAITS

Queen Yoo exhibits many of the traits typical of a narcissistic, egocentric persona -- vain, self-centered, self-absorbed, and greedy. Because she is a sociopath, she is also callous, dangerous, ruthless, malicious, and cruel. The traits she displayed most often, however, were her scheming, her narrow-mindedness, inflexibility and pettiness.

Scheming is a trait or habit common to female villains. Throughout the drama, Queen Yoo was often deep in thought, continually on the offensive in her quest to achieve her goals. Her partner was often her son, Wang Yo, and she would assume the role of mastermind or instigator, while he became the executioner. This was how they operated for years in their quest to install him on the throne as king. It was Yoo who masterminded Lady Oh's miscarriage, and the initial assassination attempt on Crown Prince Mu. There was little that passed her notice, like when Haesoo was caught coming back from treating Mu's skin condition. She was ALWAYS thinking.

Queen Yoo was so focused on attaining power and making her son king, that she was narrow-minded as a result. Everything she did was to achieve that end, so much so, that her inflexibility didn't allow her to accept So when he secured the throne. She bent only enough to ask So to kill his brother Mu, but her narrow mindedness kept her from imagining his usefulness beyond that.

It's typical for a woman in love to be jealous of other women. And where there is jealousy, there also is pettiness. But like many of Queen Yoo's other traits, hers was of an extreme nature. Despite it being a necessity of their times, Queen Yoo refused to accept the need for King Taejo to strengthen his position through additional marriages or by taking on more concubines. And because she wasn't the recipient of his love, she took great delight in mocking the one who was -- Lady Oh -- as the latter was on her way to be executed.

HER IMPACT ON PLOT ADVANCEMENT

Queen Yoo's role is vital to the story line on a number of levels, especially at the onset of the drama. Her rejection of So is one of the primary things that drives him to survive and excel. All for the opportunity of one day receiving her love and acceptance. The maternal feelings and support she deprives him, her constant rejection, sets the scene for someone else to fill the void within him. And thus, Wang So welcomes the love, care and acceptance that Haesoo shows him. She is the first person that isn't afraid or wary of him, and it's a huge contrast to the typical treatment he receives from others. So gains strength from Haesoo, who is targeted by Queen Yoo, Wang Yo and also Yeonhwa as a means to control him. Knowing only power can protect her and others that he cares for, So is determined to claim the throne for himself. So's actions, however, after finally gaining the throne -- exiling Jung to keep him away from Queen Yoo whom he insists on caring for on his own -- only proves that he still wants his mother’s approval.

Queen Yoo's desires also drive Yo's portion of the story line. Each of his heinous acts are a byproduct of her goals. In fact, Queen Yoo's actions act as a catalyst for a number of others. Her framing of Queen HwangBo for the miscarriage of Lady Oh's baby is what fuels Yeonhwa's desire for power. And the impact of her actions on his family, and on Haesoo sets Wook on his own path to secure the power of the throne.

HER ICONIC SCENES

There are three iconic scenes in the drama that illustrate Queen Yoo’s total disregard for anyone or anything that gets in the way of her achieving her goals. She has little dialogue or action in these scenes, but both demonstrate her impact and importance

Wang So Hides a Killer

“I erased all traces of you. I’ve burned it all down. Nothing will lead back to you, Mother… It was all for you, Mother, Mother, Mother…” – Wang So

Queen Yoo was asleep, only to be awakened by Wang So who bursts into her room after slaughtering the monks that had been tasked by Third Prince Yo, at her bidding, to assassinate Crown Prince Mu. With clothes still soaked in the blood of the assassins and a blood streaked face, So comes seeking her approval and praise. He believes his act of erasing all traces that tie to the assassination will finally earn him his mother's love and acceptance. However, Queen Yoo isn't the least bit moved even as So pours his heart out telling her how awful his life was with his adoptive family. She coldly replies that a mother can see which of her children will bring her glory.

“You are my shame, disgrace, and flaw.” – Queen Yoo

Even without her lifting a finger or saying anything, Queen Yoo's influence over So is complete. What is so wrong with him? What is he lacking? Why can’t he earn his mother’s love him no matter what he does or how much he tries? The scars on his face run deep, and he immediately blames his scar for being unworthy of her love, but he never blames her for causing his misery while she blames him for hers. She holds so much power over him that the sheer force of her brutal rejection sends him stumbling back and later tumbling down on the floor, as if she dealt him a mortal blow. And for a moment all fight goes out of him - the man who fought a small army and still came out victorious is defeated.

Family Dinner

“Kill the Crown Prince. It won’t be the first time you take a life for me. Will you do it?” - Queen Yoo

Queen Yoo lures Wang So to a family dinner with the fantasy that she will accept him as her son. He recognizes immediately that she is just playing him, offering him some leftovers of quasi-love, treating him like the dog he is often called, but just wanting to use him once again to get what she wants. So goads both her and Yo, using the fact that his worth in the world has gone up. Her subsequent anger is a small victory for him and is proof that her hold on him is loosening. But the fact remains that this hellish family dinner, probably the first one he’s had with them in 15 years, leaves him utterly heartbroken. When he gets far enough away, he collapses both physically and emotionally, admonishing himself for foolishly hoping, yet again, that they would love him.

The Queen is Dead. Long live the Queen.

In the end, it all comes full circle when So becomes king. With Yo dead and Jung prohibited from visiting her, Queen Yoo is confined to her sick bed. For days she is personally attended to by So, refusing to eat the food he tries to feed her, all the while weakly calling out Jung’s name. So reminds her to look around and see which son is the one caring for her. That her perfect Yo is dead, and her precious Jung has no way to get close to her. The only one left that remains next to her is him. He promises her he will build the grandest temple for her, that he will make up stories to be passed down through generations about how loving their relationship was - his revenge for her forsaking him. She becomes agitated, and gasping for breath, she slowly extends her trembling hand to touch his face. But she breaths her last breath, and it's not clear whether she wanted to scratch angrily at his scar, or to comfort him and ask for forgiveness.

.

“You must not see me as a son, but a boar to sacrifice to get to the throne.”

3RD PRINCE, WANG YO (KING JEONGJONG, 3RD KING OF GORYEO)

TYPE OF VILLAIN

On first viewing, MLSHR introduced Yo as a bully. He sat on a throne-like chair. He threatened to physically assault a maid that displeased him. He wore eyeliner which is always writing shorthand for “evil”. The bully archetype is usually an antagonist that is mean to be mean, with little to no explanation needed. Yo’s behavior during the series checked off all the bully boxes. He was manipulative. He was mean. He had no morals. He goaded Eun into asking So to remove his mask just to humiliate So. He attempted to seduce his half-sister several times. He also attempted and later succeeded in carrying out a coup d’etat. Viewers initially dismissed Yo as a bloodthirsty prince with his eye on the crown. Then viewers saw the machinations of Queen Yoo and viewers realized that Yo never stood a chance to be normal and was actually someone they sympathized with.

As discussed, Queen Yoo was the Rasputin who made sure all her little pawns acted in accordance with her quest to secure the crown for her and her progeny. Queen Yoo used her children as tools and discarded anyone who was no longer of use to her. So obtained a scar on his face (because of her) and was no longer eligible to become king. During the rain ceremony when So led the ceremony instead of Yo, he keenly felt his mother’s look of disapproval. This knowledge was always at the back of Yo’s mind: He needed to obtain the crown to prove to his mother that he was that special little boy to fulfill her and therefore his destiny.

HIS BACKGROUND

As discussed above, Yo’s childhood formed his behavior during the series. His entire life, Queen Yoo whispered into his ear that he should have the crown after King Taejo’s death, Crown Prince be damned. Some viewers may argue that Yo always had a choice. He could’ve chosen not to listen to Queen Yoo and not vie for the crown. He could’ve chosen not to kill Crown Prince or Eun. He could’ve chosen to be a king that truly cared about his people. However, never underestimate the brainwashing of a mother with an agenda and an axe to grind.

Yo’s existence itself was a political move. King Taejo married Queen Yoo because she came from the most powerful clan in Goryeo and Queen Yoo bore him children (Yo, So, and Jung) in an attempt to secure the throne and his affection. Yo was married (his wife and children remained off-screen), however Yo’s son was not eligible for the throne because his wife, and hence his son, came from the Kingdom of Baekje, a weaker kingdom. Yo had to continually prove to Queen Yoo that he was the one that could fulfill her plans.

HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH WANG SO & HAESOO

Wang Yo and Wang So

Yo never saw So as a rival until the rain ceremony. So was an outcast with a scar on his face and therefore not a contender for the throne. Queen Yoo treated So with derision and contempt and since Yo followed the cues of his mother, he treated So with derision and contempt as well. Once Yo realized that So was a rival, Yo had to formulate a plan to deal with So. Yo couldn’t deal with So immediately since Crown Prince was still a successor but Yo knew he had to subdue So when Yo attempted his second coup d’etat. How? Soo.

Wang Yo and Haesoo

“A wolf tends to devote himself to one female to the grave.” – Wang Yo

Yo knew what Soo meant to So and he used it. He held a sword to Soo’s neck and demanded So’s fealty which So gave with no hesitation. He continued to use Soo as bait to test and subdue So when he fired an arrow at Soo which So intercepted with his arm.

Yo didn’t have animosity towards Soo. She was the help, both literally and figuratively as she was the head lady of Damiwon and his leverage over So. Like his mother taught him, Soo was a tool for him to deploy.

HIS MOTIVES

Contrasted with the other villains in MLSHR, Yo was not primarily motivated by revenge or cruelty. When So thwarted the Crown Prince assassination attempt and confronted Yo, Yo merely re-doubled his efforts into securing the crown. During the coup d’etat when Yo killed Prince Eun, Yo killed him out of pragmatism because Eun’s family had a legitimate claim to the throne therefore making Eun a threat.

Similarly, Yo’s repeated attempts to marry Yeonhwa were not just borne from some incestual (maybe just a little incestual?) lust but a desire to secure the throne. Queen Yoo never let him stray from the path of the crown as that was the only means of survival for her and him. When So led his own coup d’etat against Yo and Yo’s end became a foregone conclusion, Queen Yoo attempted to have Yo name Jung as successor by royal decree. What Yo always knew at the back of his head became an ugly realization. “Am I even your son? What am I to you, Mother? Just something that exists to sit on the throne? Do you no longer have any need for a son who isn’t the king anymore?” Yo saw how Queen Yoo cast So out of the family. He also saw how Queen Yoo was unmoved by So’s adoptive family using So as live bait during a target. “You must not see me as a son, but a boar to sacrifice to get to the throne.” He realized he was a pawn for his mother but in a period of time where it was truly kill or be killed, the crown was Yo’s only path.

His motives were best stated during his last moments when his final thoughts were, “I was merely trying to survive.”

HIS GOALS

Simplistically, Yo’s goal in life was to sit on the throne and rule over all of Goryeo. But when one takes a deeper look into Yo’s main goal in life, Yo was attempting to obtain approval and love from both his parents – primarily from his father. This goal of gaining his father’s attention, love, and approval ultimately gave birth to his goal, and obsession, of attaining that throne which he had interpreted as equal to his father’s love.

King Taejo’s resentment towards having to marry the evil Queen Yoo carried over to his feelings of resentment towards Yo, thus inhibiting him from being a father figure to Yo as he has been for the rest of his sons, specifically the Crown Prince. Throughout his entire life, Yo had not only been raised with feeling the resentment of his father, but he had also been raised by his mother to believe that the only way to gain his father’s love was to have the throne. This wasn’t said outright in the show, but was hinted at during the series.

HIS TRAITS / HIS IMPACT TO PLOT DEVELOPMENT

Throughout the drama, Yo showed that he was cunning with his adaptability and strategy. Many of the plans he and his mother had made did not work: i.e. plotting to kill the Crown Prince Mu; or taking the throne as King Taejo lay in his deathbed. However, key moments where he had proved his adaptability include managing to survive getting stabbed and falling off a cliff; and strategizing a Plan C to take the throne, and finally executing it without a hitch. He even managed to convince three of his brothers to keep it a secret and actively effect his plan C.

Yo’s vengeful nature stemmed from the relationship he had with his parents. The heinous acts that he committed throughout the series were due to his underlying need to exact revenge on those who wronged him, primarily his brothers: the Crown Prince and So. It was no secret that of King Taejo’s sons, Mu was his favourite. The fact that Crown Prince received the fatherly love and attention that Yo had always craved, was something Yo had always resented. It was his bitterness that prompted him to allow the Crown Prince to drown to death, and finally gain the throne.

These traits aided in advancing the plot as it helped in shaping the path of Gwangjong. If it weren’t for Yo’s adaptive, strategic, and vengeful traits, he would never have ascended to the throne and lit the fire within So to become Gwangjong. Both Gwangjong’s and Yo’s existence are tied to each other. Without the ascension of Yo, there would not have been the ascension of Gwangjong.

HIS MOST ICONIC SCENE

Yo’s iconic scene would have to be his death scene. Throughout the entire series, many viewers saw Yo as a two-dimensional character: one that was antagonistic to the others merely because he wanted the throne. This death scene cemented what viewers slowly realized over the course of the series: Yo was not simply an evil antagonist who craved the power of the throne. He was a man pushed to the edge because of his desperate need to feel love and acceptance. He was the byproduct of terrible parenting and a man who was racked with guilt and madness for all the evil that he had done.

Right before his death, he tried to displace his guilt for killing his brothers, blaming Soo for triggering events because she covered So’s scar. Deep down, even he knew such displacement was incorrect and he uttered the words to Queen Yoo, “Now I think I understand So. I can relate to how he feels.” Then as he felt the noose tightening on his time left on earth, the truth came out, “What did I do so wrong? I was afraid that I would be thrown away, as well. I thought I would be cast off.”

"I tried to protect my family and

"I tried to protect my family and my heart, what's so wrong with that?"

8TH PRINCE, WANG WOOK

TYPE OF VILLAIN

Fiction does not always give us black and white characters, easily traceable within certain patterns of one established category or another. The more complex the character, the more difficult for them to fall into only one type, and Wook is no exception. Starting as a very promising, yet somehow mysterious character, he ends up as a manipulative and deceiving prince, leaving the viewer not only with a very bitter taste, but also with a lot of questions that are yet to be answered regarding his personality. If we are to seek a particular type for him, we would most certainly end up in a deadlock. Is he one of the so-called authoritative figure villains, a mere product of the turbulent historical context he lives in, driving him to actions which otherwise he would have never thought of? Or rather a corrupted villain, who was essentially kindhearted and good, but changed throughout the story as a result of external and inner factors alike? Or perhaps a mastermind villain concocting diabolical plans from the shadows in order to meet his own ends? Drawing a line, if we take as reference Ken Yamamoto’s article “15 Types of Villains Screenwriters Need to Know” (https://screencraft.org, August 26, 2015) for a clear classification, the answer is a bit of all of the above: a corrupted mastermind stemming from an authoritative figure type of villain. We have a prince whose family was once exiled, who learnt the hard way that the only path to safety given the historical circumstances is to have the throne, hence his acceptance of what his kin wanted of him. He is a man burdened with family commitments since young; the burden of protecting his mother and sister lays strongly on his shoulders, chaining him for life – even his first kill is for the sake of his family. At first, he doesn’t openly admit this lust for power, leaving the impression he is only a victim of his family’s ambitions; and maybe, in the very beginning, this was true, and his love for Haesoo might have been genuine for a short while. But, as the story unfolds, we find out he can be a very clever schemer and bring out his own plots against his brothers, and that his initial love for Haesoo can be in the end corrupted by his political ambitions, the ultimate result of his scheming being So and Soo’s final separation.

HIS BACKGROUND

Wang Wook's maternal family comes from the Hwangju HwangBo clan, a powerful noble family clan. His mother is Queen Shinjeong, his father King Taejo and his sister Princess Yeonhwa (later Queen Daemok). Wook is the 8th prince of Goryeo, but his family was exiled because his mother was framed for causing miscarriage to the King's favourite Lady Oh. Wook is the best loved prince amongst the noblemen in court, as he is a smooth talker and a diplomatic person. He portrays a gentlemanly image, where he never gets his hands dirty from the bad deeds, but instead makes use of others to do the dirty work for him.

HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH WANG SO & HAESOO

Wang Wook and Wang So

Wang Wook is the 8th prince of Goryeo and the half-brother of Wang So. He is also a strong contender of the throne after his father King Taejo passes away, and clashes with So on several occasions to contest the throne. He is So's love rival, being Haesoo's first love.

Born in the same year, Wook and So represent the perfect dichotomy: one’s flaws not only mirror the other’s strengths, but also emphasize them. At a first glance, Wook seems the perfect prince but hides a far darker personality than the viewer could imagine, while So leaves the impression of a untamed savage character, which actually masks sensitivity and kindness. Where Wook fails, So excels, hence the hate that accumulates throughout the story, inevitably leading to a constant conflict (more or less open along the way) between the two of them. This conflict is introduced when Wook, clearly unsatisfied with the way So had saved the day rescuing Soo from Yeonhwa’s whip, tells So: “You said she belongs to you. I came to let you know, because you seem to be mistaken. Nothing here belongs to you. Not Yeonhwa. Not Haesoo. They are all my people”. By deliberately and heartlessly delivering a fatal blow to So’s greatest weakness – the very sense of belonging, of family – he lets the viewer catch a glimpse of his true personality.

Wang Wook and Haesoo

Wang Wook is the husband of Lady Hae, the cousin of Haesoo. Wook brings 16 year old Soo to stay with his wife as a companion, as Lady Hae is sick. Initially Wook, cares for Soo like a younger sister, but as time passes and after his wife’s death, he slowly develops feelings for Soo, even up till the time she ends up as a palace maid.

He is officially Soo's first love. However, their relationship translates into a never-ending sequence of “I promise you that…”, “Please wait for me…”, “Please trust me” from his part, without any of these actually becoming reality. Significant for his behavior and for the later development of their relationship is the very first promise he makes: in the beginning, when Haesoo is still figuring out her new life and tries to adjust to her new circumstances, Wook utters a phrase which makes the viewers understand there’s much more going on, at least responsibility-wise, if not deeper feelings: “I brought you here, so I will help you through to the end” – something which actually never happens.

We see that before Soo is called into the palace, Wook did try his best to protect her from harm on a few occasions, such as saving her from the assassin that puts a sword to her neck and rushing out to save her and Jung from the bad guys. However, it could be seen rather as infatuation over Soo or the feel good heroic feeling that he wanted to portray when saving a damsel in distress. In these cases, he had nothing to lose: Soo's "enemies" were all external and he could also pose as the good prince saving his family. More than once, when faced with clear situations in which he could actively help Haesoo (such as the beating scene, where he could have stopped Yeonhwa from the very beginning), he preferred not to take any action, his constant excuse being the circumstances (he could never turn against a member of his family to protect Soo). When having to choose between standing for Haesoo or keeping himself in the comfort zone of being a filial son and good brother, he always preferred the latter, proving more than once that his very carefully constructed image of a prince following the rules of the society he lives in (choosing family over love) is much more important than the woman he supposedly loves.

HIS MOTIVES

How can one justify the need for power without getting their image dirty? Blaming it on the circumstances or claiming to do it for a greater good seem pretty good alternatives, and Wook falls precisely into this category. Coming from a formerly exiled family who had regained its position through a strategic marriage, he could never feel secure enough, especially with a mother and a sister to take care of. This context fits Wook’s ends like a glove. Posing into a victim of his own circumstances usually attracts sympathy and it’s far from turning an unfortunate character into a villain. In order to protect his family, in order to keep his mother and sister safe in the turbulent 10th century Goryeo, Wook needs to have power.

Or, on another note, could someone really blame a person who seeks to have power out of love? In order to protect the woman he loves? To have the ability to claim her without the constraints of the etiquette and social status? Of course, in both situations, the absolute, ultimate power which could bend everything and everyone to its will is the throne.

From these two perspectives, Wook’s actions in the later part of the drama are perfectly justifiable, even making him a hero. Or so he wants us to believe. On a closer inspection, what is actually the real reason that drives him to pursue the throne? To scheme against the king, the crown prince, and ultimately, whether intentionally or not, against the very woman he pretended he loved? Masked behind the very admirable motives of protecting his family and the woman he loves are actually much darker reasons. Wook’s own ambition and greed, stemming perhaps from his own inferiority as a prince who was once humiliated, who regained his status not by his own merits, but by his marriage to Lady Hae.

To some extent, another reason for his acceptance to fight for the throne is also his hatred towards So, who is constantly gaining - while he is losing - ground. A masterfully depicted scene where this hatred is so tense that it’s almost impersonated, yet remaining at an allegorical level, is the one where Wook shoots an arrow after practicing archery with Yo. Wook keeps missing the target, and prince Yo tells him that he always pictures someone before aiming for the target. Willing to stick to his righteous prince image, Wook answers that he never shot an arrow with someone in mind. A few moments later, left alone, he shoots with a very resolute look. The arrow goes straight into the bull’s eye.

Wook’s deep hate for So amplifies gradually, while the latter not only starts winning Soo’s attention, but also political importance, unintentionally stirring Wook into a competition which he wanted to win by any means possible. Later in the drama, while So can easily promise Soo he won’t kill his brothers, Wook not only shows that he is very much capable of doing that, but specifically commands that So should be killed: “If 4th Prince So tries to stop us…please make sure to kill him” – he tells Prince Yo, who immediately agrees.

His willingness to get the throne is even greater when he realizes that, ironically, So started to have exactly what he himself refused him in the beginning - “his people”: “He’s taking everything. No matter what I do… everything will become his. Why is that? Why should I do?” – and the answer seems obvious.

HIS GOALS

Although he doesn’t initially reveal it, Wook’s ultimate goal is to have the throne. His main objective is to gain power, a power so great that not only would bring him and his family protection and safety, but can also satisfy his own ambitions and greed. However, paradoxically, he doesn’t mention it as his main goal, but rather as a means to achieve other smaller objectives, which would only serve to justify his most important one in his own eyes.

All the other goals fall under the main one. Wook claims several times that what he is trying to achieve is actually the protection of his family, and also a marriage to Haesoo. However, unlike his willingness to fight for the throne, which prompts him immediately into action, the latter never makes him go beyond mere promises. Which clearly shows that his priorities are different: for his love he could not move a finger, while for his desire to have the throne he has Mu killed without hesitation.

The way to achieve his most important goal is also a force to be reckoned with. The kind scholar-like prince in the beginning of the drama who later proved to be as scheming and cunning as (if not more than) the Yoo-Yo party gives chills to the viewer. Teaming up with prince Yo after King Taejo’s death, then turning against prince Yo in the middle of the fight, poisoning Mu and not only being able to give up the woman he pretended he loved and whom he promised to marry, but also convincing the king to use her as a bait to keep So under control. One very relevant scene that fully depicts his newly found personality, completely dedicated to achieving his most important goal, is in Episode 12. Prince Yo reminds him not to forget his promise to support him, and not the Crown Prince, then leaves. Left alone with her brother, Yeonhwa questions his decision to act as their 3rd brother shadow instead of taking the throne for himself. His answer shows that he can be a far better schemer than Yeonhwa: “If you push the Crown Prince now, you will be a traitor, even while on the throne. However, a traitor who kills a traitor… becomes a hero.” Seemingly delighted by the explanation, she still doubts that Yo can be trusted and further asks him what he will do in case their brother ends up betraying him. His answer ultimately reveals us a cold blooded Wook ready to even sell his sister for his own ends: “You can help me. [and looks at his sister’s finger, adorned with Yo’s ring] That ring…It suits you very well. Yeonhwa. [to which she asks him Are you telling me to become a hostage?] Colleague, collateral…Use a term that makes you feel better. We are heavily indebted to one another, are we not? You should risk that much” – ending his sentence with a cynical smile.

HIS TRAITS

The initial encounters with Wook picture him as the exact opposite of the character he truly is. He first appears as calm and collected, thoughtful, understanding, even caring towards his brothers, more like a scholar than a prince, only to be later revealed that his diplomacy was mainly a mask to hide his true features: indecisiveness, a permanent inability to act, cunningness, cowardice and the constant need to find scapegoats for his own actions (or rather lack of).

His permanent obsession with keeping the appearance of a righteous prince is visible from the beginning until the end. He is the first one to plead with the king not to dethrone Crown Prince Mu under political pressure, receives So as a guest in his own household, although all the other princes openly reject him, takes So’s side and tells the others that he is still their brother, and he seems a true role-model when it comes to family values. The flawless result of his efforts is brilliantly mirrored in Chae Ryung’s description of him: “He is the best man in all of Goryeo. He’s just as well educated as any scholar out there. He is a man of good character, the best of all 25 princes. Many believe that the Crown Prince should not be the 1st prince. They believe it should be our prince”.

Unconsciously, Chae Ryung’s words picture the future development of the “best man in all of Goryeo” turned into “the most cunning man in all of Goryeo”. Although he initially rejects Yeonhwa’s attempts to make him go for the throne, he ultimately succumbs – not necessarily to his sister’s pressure, but actually to his own hidden ambitions. Although these ambitions had been suppressed for a long while, they start to surface once the perfect antagonist for Wook comes into the picture: So, the man who just acts instead of only uttering forever unfulfilled promises, who could openly fight for his love and try by all means to protect it, a thing which Wook never did.

The need to protect his family is real, yet his reasons to pursue the throne go deeper than that. Yeonhwa is indeed the one to trigger the darkest side of prince Wook’s personality, but there would definitely be no smoke without fire. It doesn’t take too long for her to convince Wook to turn his back on Soo for the sake of a greater ambition, a fact which makes every viewer question his proclaimed love for her, especially since his mother had already told him to follow his heart. While So tells Soo without blinking that, if she wishes so, he would run away with her far away from the palace, and later is ready to kill anyone who would stand in his way when he tries to save her from imminent hanging, Wook remains constant in his refusal to act, only capable of complaining of his own uselessness, and later using this uselessness to justify his pursuing the throne.

His indecision is mirrored in almost all his important moments with Haesoo, when all he can offer are empty promises, such as the one after the scene in Episode 4, when she is beaten by Yeonhwa: “I am sorry I could not stop it. But, I promise you this: No one will ever be able to treat you in such a way again. Trust me”. And this is exactly what Haesoo does, giving him, unconditionally, her trust. Only to understand, many episodes later, that the trust she offered was never paid back. Her realization is fully revealed in Episode 13 when she confronts Wook, fully aware that he had been using her to kill the 4th Prince So. It’s the moment she finally begins to understand what kind of a person he truly is and decides to give up on her past feelings: “You said you were doing this for me. You are fooling yourself. Now… I cannot have the same feelings for you as I did in the past, Your Highness. I want to keep my distance from you.”

His ambition is first revealed after the rain ritual, when So takes the spotlight and Wook starts to understand that he could be a very strong potential rival. And later, in the iconic episodes following Haesoo’s imprisonment after she’s accused of murder attempt, this ambition fully surfaces, radically changing him. The midnight dialogue between Yeonhwa and Wook has an important symbolical weight. It is the moment the villain acknowledges himself as what he is, casts off all appearances and makes the pact with the devil. And the price is Haesoo, which, to some extent, could be an allegory for his soul. What follows later is only the natural result of this “pact”: Wook turns from the scholar into the scheming mastermind, dangerous and unpredictable.

HIS IMPACT TO PLOT ADVANCEMENT

As one of the main characters, Wook’s actions or inaction definitely have a significant impact upon how the whole story unfolds. Firstly, the final outcome of the love triangle is actually driven by no other than himself. Constantly refusing to take action regarding his relationship with Haesoo has as ultimate result letting So gain more and more ground and finally sending the girl straight into his arms. His behavior triggers as series of “what ifs” which definitely show how the turn of events could have been entirely different should he have acted otherwise than he actually did. What if he was the one to catch Yeonhwa’s hand when she was whipping Haesoo? What if he had just took Soo away from the palace in the spur of a moment like So did? What if, in the famous rain scene, he hadn’t turned his back on her? Most certainly we wouldn’t have a stellar So-Soo couple right now.

There is also an iconic moment that clearly defines Wook’s standing when it comes to the relationship between So and Soo. After Soo’s ingenious – but dangerous – idea to cut her wrist in order to prevent her becoming King Taejo’s wife, Wook gives her a bracelet as present. Although, at a first sight, it might get the viewer to believe it is actually a symbol of his love or a means to cover a scar that would violate the required aesthetics of the Goryeo era, his words also hide his desire to bind her to him: "Can you promise me that you will never take it off?" As compared to So, who gave Soo the hairpin but never forced it upon her, despite Soo's numerous refusals. Although she tries, ironically enough, it is the only one promise to Wook that she cannot keep. However, although he breaks the bracelet, the meaning is not the reverse, that is to free her from this binding, but actually it's rather like an open declaration of war towards both So and Soo, or, going even further, it's like a declaration of war towards the So-Soo relationship itself. "You will become queen", he tells Yeonhwa. "No one can have everything". Wook finally breaking the bracelet is also a sign that he finally gave up all hope of reclaiming Soo, which is replaced with the selfish mentality of destroying Soo-So relationship if he couldn't have Soo for himself, like in the Dog in the Manger story. Wook is the one who first plants the seeds of love in Ha Jin's heart when she arrives in Soo's body, and, ironically, he is also the one who destroys her happiness with So. Again, he justifies his action as meaning good for Soo and allowing her to leave the palace. Till the very last moment when he bids her farewell, he still insists that he loved her.

On a political level, his decision to interfere with the struggle for the throne also has extremely important consequences. The moment he willingly accepts to join the race for power triggers a whole chain of events, most notably being the way he orchestrated Mu’s death from the shadows, after becoming his adviser. Had he not turned his ambitions into actions, perhaps So wouldn’t have even got on the throne – this is something we will never know, but it’s still a high possibility.

HIS MOST ICONIC SCENE

The most iconic scene featuring Wook is revealed in Episode 11, where Haesoo kneels in the rain alone, right in front of the palace, in a bid to plead for Lady Oh's innocence. We can see Wook approaching from a distance in the rain, as though meaning to come forward to support or comfort Soo. We can also see Soo herself looking expectantly at Wook with a weak but slight smile on her bloodied face. After all Soo had been through, she just needed Wook's shoulder to lean on and for him to comfort her. However, once Wook realizes that Soo is looking at him, once he realizes that she is depending on him to save her or to provide support to her cause, reality dawns on him, and he stops in his tracks. He steps back cowardly, and eventually walks away.

Even though this scene only lasts one minute, the damage to Soo and Wook's relationship is irreversible. It is clear whose side Wook had chosen to take; between Soo and his family and the HwangBo clan's glory, he had chosen to forsake Soo. We could see the deliberation in Wook's eyes, the inner burning desire to reach out to Soo, but like all the empty promises he had made to her, this would be the last straw. This was the man who promised his heart to Soo, who promised to marry her, but eventually this was also the man that destroyed every single ounce of hope Soo had. Wook is cruel in the sense that he could easily abandon the woman he claimed to have loved so much and betrays her trust in him. This scene is iconic because it shows how weak Wook was in love, and how shallow his love for Soo actually was. It is a pure demonstration of how a man can make a thousand promises to the girl he claims to love and he could destroy all the promises he made in one go, in the point where the girl was at her weakest, crushing every single ounce of hope in her.

This scene is representative not only for Wook as a character, but also for the drama itself. It is the turning point not only for the Soo-Wook relationship, but also for the new Soo-So relationship. A door is closed forever, but another one is opened, and, as Wook’s turned back signifies a lost hope, So’s protective cape brings new hope for our protagonist. Rain is also an important element in the scene: a symbol of renewal, of refreshment after drought (which in this case translates as empty promises), it also mirrors the end of Wook-Soo and the beginning of So-Soo relationship.

"I will be like a god above the king"

"I will b"I will be like a god above the king" god above the king"

HWANGBO YEONHWA, WANG WOOK'S SISTER & WANG SO'S WIFE (AKA QUEEN DAEMOK)

TYPE OF VILLAIN

Yeonhwa is an example of a complex and multi-faceted villain. She is a combination of psychotic, femme fatale, and mastermind types of villains.

She is a femme fatale because she uses her great beauty and acts sweet and kind to get what she wants from the opposite sex, as seen by how she easily escapes trouble and is easily forgiven by her brother- princes including Yo, So and Wook.

Her intelligence and ruthlessness makes her skilled as a master mind villain. Although she initially connived with Queen Yoo to poison Crown Prince Mu, she took it further, seeing it as the perfect opportunity to kill the Crown Prince and eliminate Haesoo from the palace and from their lives by having her serve the poisoned tea. Her presence of mind and ability to protect herself was seen when upon witnessing her plan fail when So instead drank the poisoned tea, she pretended to drink the tea which she spilled into her sleeve, bit her lip to bleed and acted like she was poisoned, bringing to light So’s poisoning while protecting herself from being accused of the poisoning.

Yeonhwa can be very charming to people she needs to use, as well as manipulative. She is also a psychopath, unable to form emotional attachment or feel real emotions toward others. Yeonhwa never showed any remorse for all the crimes she committed, and justified each act in the name of protecting her family and getting what she thought she truly deserved to have. She never regretted using the knowledge of the whereabouts of Eun and his wife Seon Dook to gain leverage so that Yo, who was king at that time, will not proceed with his plan of making her enter into a political marriage, something she has been fearing all of her life. She used her emotional pain like So’s rejection of her and her fear of her family being exiled once again, as justification for her acts. Her main priority is herself as seen when she tried to convince her brother Wook to take another wife, when she saw that the health of Lady Hae, whose family’s influence and power was instrumental in the HwangBo clan’s return from exile, was failing.

HER BACKGROUND

“You must believe there is no better way to control a woman than marriage. I am disappointed in you.”

Who is Yeonhwa? Yeonhwa is the daughter born to King Taejo and Queen HwangBo, who received her father’s love the most. Befitting of her status, she possessed class and beauty, but was also obsessed/fixated on her position. As she was born a woman, she laments the fact that she cannot rise to the throne. Therefore, she wished to become a king-maker, the genius above the emperor. Born and raised as a princess, she knew that she did not have the privilege of marrying for love. She witnessed how her father used marriage as a means to secure clan support, so she realized that despite the love of her father, she would eventually have to enter into a marriage that would help secure the kingdom. For her, marriage became more of a matter of life and death, and is a double-edged sword because her fate depends on who she marries.

HER RELATIONSHIP WITH WANG SO & HAESOO

Yeonhwa and Wang So

Yeonhwa and Wang So share the same father but had different mothers. She is the sister of Wang Wook, who is married to Lady Hae, the cousin and guardian of Haesoo. Yeonhwa’s curiosity was always piqued by Wang So, the prince who was sent away at an early age and who had the reputation of Wolf Dog. Of all the princes, Yo would have been next in line for the throne after Crown Prince but since he already had a wife, marrying him would make her a queen but not the Queen. If Wook were to be king, she would just be the sister of the king, not the Queen. So she set her eyes on So, who she heard was born with the star of a king, and even told Yo that “Sometimes I think it’d be fun to make a man out of a beast.”

Yeonhwa and Haesoo

“Now I know why I always hated you. For you, feelings and marriage are just silly games. They aren’t life and death like they are for me.” – HwangBo Yeonhwa

Although Soo stayed at the house where Wook, Yeonhwa and Lady Hae lived so she can take care of her cousin, Yeonhwa used to ignore her. Her hatred for Soo started to fester when Soo became close with the princes, and eventually developed a love relationship with So, making her a rival for So’s love and an obstacle to her marrying So and becoming queen. She resented the fact that Soo was favored and loved by most princes and eventually including King Taejo, despite her not understanding how things work in the palace. She had to do something to get rid of Soo so that she can marry So and become queen.

HER MOTIVES

“This is a palace where one wrong word can determine if you live or die.” – HwangBo Yeonhwa

As someone who witnessed and experienced her family being sent into exile after her mother Queen HwangBo was accused of sending poisoned tea that resulted in the death of the unborn child of Lady Oh, King Taejo’s true love, Yeonhwa’s motives for being ruthless were to gain power and to protect her family. Aside from fearing the retaliation of other clans against her clan, and knowing that her family had no power compared to that of the Yoo family, Yeonhwa also saw that the ultimate power for protecting herself and her family was to sit on the throne. Although one option was to make Wook the king, she later realized that Wook’s driving force to become king was to get Soo back from So, and that would mean having less control over her brother and the possibility of him letting her enter into a political marriage to benefit the kingdom.

HER GOALS

“I have a new goal now. I will no longer be a daughter or sister of a king. I will be like a god above the king.” – HwangBo Yeonhwa

At first, Yeonhwa wanted to become queen to protect herself and her family. In the course of the drama, Yeonhwa realized that So was her best option to become queen and so she started working on getting him to like her. But along came Soo, who not only changed her brother Wook but also So, the Wolf Dog who she felt she was entitled to tame.

After she finally succeeded in marrying So, her next goal was to bear a son, someone she could groom to be the next king, to fulfill her dream of becoming a king-maker, particularly since So, now known as King Gwangjong refused to spend time with her, sleeping instead with Soo at Damiwon. She eventually did bear a son, who the king refused to name and see. Her life as queen was spent begging the king to visit and see their children.

HER TRAITS

Yeonhwa can be whatever she wants to be. She can be sweet and charming but only when it serves her interests. She is smart, calculating and manipulates people to further her cause, seen when she deduced Eun was hiding at Damiwon when she saw the folded towels and used this information to stop her from being sent away to be married, her alliance with Queen Yoo to poison Crown Prince Mu, and her use of Soo’s mask in an attempt to trick So into spending the night with her.

She can also be seen as a younger but "improved" version of Queen Yoo.

HER IMPACT ON PLOT ADVANCEMENT

Yeonwha contributed many challenges and struggles for Wang So and Haesoo.

By joining Queen Yoo in the plot to kill Crown Prince Mu by poisoning his tea and on her own, setting up Soo to serve the poisoned tea, Yeonwha would have succeeded in gaining the trust of Queen Yoo, as well as getting rid of Soo. When her plan failed as So was the one who drank the tea, she protected herself from being suspected by pretending to drink the tea and acting like she was poisoned. This incident resulted in Soo being tortured and imprisoned, and the death of Lady Oh, who took the fall for the poisoned tea. When Wook tried to go to Soo, Yeonhwa told him “You have already turned your back on her. It isn’t like you can’t do it twice.” This was the turning point for the relationship between Soo and Wook as Soo watched Wook turn and walk away from her as she knelt to beg the king to set Lady Oh free, after as well as for Soo’s relationship as So proved to her that he will always be there for her, regardless of the consequences.

Yeonhwa visited Soo to tell her to let go of So and that she will marry him instead because Soo did not have the power to protect him. Soo responded by saying “He is happy because of me. He makes me feel valued and that is why I want to marry. If he remains steadfast, there is no reason for me to change. I will not leave him first.” Although this scene showed the resolve of Soo to hold on to So, Soo eventually had to let Yeonhwa marry So when she realized she had nothing to offer him except for her love.

"I knew what I forget to teach you. If you want to own the palace, you must sacrifice something." – Queen HwangBo

As So, Baekha and the general, together with their troops were about to storm the palace, Yeonhwa betrayed Wook and took away from him the chance to be named king, when she led the guards and allowed So to enter without having to shed any blood. This incident paved the way for So to be declared king by Soo with her greeting of "Manse! Manse! Manse!"

Presented with the option to cast away Wook for So to sleep with her, Yeonwha agreed for her to achieve her goal of getting pregnant and possibly bearing a son who will become Crown Prince.

Knowing that So and Soo's relationship was rocky particularly after Chaeryung's death, and as another attempt to get Soo out of So's and her life, Yeonhwa planted the seed in Wook for him to tell So about his past relationship with Soo, So would have hesitated in having Wook executed for his crimes, knowing that Soo cared for Wook at some point, and that she would also beg him to spare his life. The knowledge of Soo's former relationship with Wook devastated So and led him to send Soo away. This was the very last time So and Soo saw each other, although So spied on Soo and Jung at Jung's house.

HER MOST ICONIC SCENE

Since Yeonhwa is synonymous with doing anything and everything to become queen, her most iconic scene would obviously be her wedding, coronation as queen and her wedding night.

"You must decide now. You can have the world and lose love. You can have love and live in a very small world." Queen HwangBo

She sat triumphantly on her throne, radiant with joy for all of her plots, schemes and meticulous planning finally brought her to the seat she had always dreamed of. Yeonhwa not only became queen, she gained the power to protect herself and her family, as well as So/King Gwangjong, the man she wanted. On her wedding night, So came and lifted the veil from her face and as they stared at each other, he leaned toward her as Yeonhwa looked at him with anticipation. Suddenly, So stepped back, turned and started to walk away. Despite her efforts to stop him by saying that Soo could be used against him again and again, and that he should rid himself of Soo, So firmly told her to just focus on being the Queen, warned her not to cross that line with him again and left the room. As tears filled her eyes, reality dawned on her that despite marrying him, she will never win the love and heart of So. In the end she could not get all that she wanted. This scene showed what the whole drama was all about, the price of the power everyone fought for is never cheap.

Conclusion

MLSHR brings forth a quartet of villains which unconsciously complete each other, ultimately forming a compact image that touches all the facets of viciousness, from betrayal to crime. However, ironically, although diverse, their motivations originally stem from raw need to survive in a very harsh historical context, a need that translates differently for each of them and eventually goes completely astray. Queen Yoo and Princess Yeonhwa need power for personal glory which is also a synonym for safety, among others. In Goryeo, it was important for women to marry well and have sons that will bring glory to them and their families. As such, they have no qualms about pushing their sons, or other men within their control, towards the throne, and destroying anyone that would thwart their plans. For Yo and Wook, the desire for power was not entirely for themselves, but began as a means to protect their loved ones, to gain their respect and acceptance, and bring honour and glory to their families. In today's society, we may question why Yo and Wook could not break free of their mother's desires and allowed themselves to be controlled. But this is a typical social norm in Asian societies, where it's a man's duty to bring honour to his family and filial piety is deemed very important. As such, in many marriages, love is never a consideration as it is a son's duty to carry out their mother's wishes and bring pride to their family and clan. Any man unable to fulfill that role to protect or bring pride to his family is deemed to be unimportant.

Credits to TEAM STARGAZERS

@antoniaclamens @chi13lou @ktcjdrama @meahri_1 @NerinaC @q4q4 @silentwind @Siracusa @summer2017 @sublimelyheureuse

Moon Lovers' Time Travels

( A Collection of thoughts, point of views, interpretations and analysis)

Resident Eclipses

By @briseis

Spoiler

Episode 1 The Eclipse

The first Meeting

Hae Soo and Wang So

Hae Soo and Wang So part 2

Episode 2

Wang So

Wolf Prince

Wolf Prince Part 2

Episode 3

HE DOES CARE, HE DOES CARE ABOUT HER SO FREAKING MUCH.

“Why?! I almost had him. All because of a girl like you!”

Hae Soo defending her right to fight for her life

Wang So and the Wolf Inside

“Funny. Mum? What’s that?”

Episode 4

“I erased all traces of you. I’ve burned it all down. Nothing will lead back to you, Mother… It was all for you, Mother, Mother, Mother,…”

I told you I killed people

The Hairpin

“It was you who bumped into me.”

Hae Soo the trouble magnet

“You’re a prince: Don’t you know you hold more responsibility the higher you are?”

Walk on the Hill

The Chicken Picnic

“I'm not destroying it. I'm building it.”

Cut Scene (Prayer Stones )

Episode 5

Wang So and The Palace

Are You Here to Spy on People Bathing Again?

THAT MOMENT WHEN NO ONE UNDERSTANDS HAE SOO BETTER THAN WANG SO!!!

Intermarriages : The Royal Stance for Power

Episode 6

Moon Lovers

Wang So and Hae Soo

THE ROYAL BROTHERS TEAM UP TO SAVE THEIR NOONA!

Episode 7

Wang So and Hae Soo's conversation next to the cottage

“Your eyes… That look in your eyes… I hate it like crazy.”

“He said he’d give me what I wanted. Hae Soo, you said so too. You said Wang So would give me this gift.”

When Baek Ah literally drags So straight from his brooding session

It’s so heartwarming to see Wang So smile and laugh as if he had no care in the world

Baek Ah and Woo Hee ~ Eun and Soon Deuk

Episode 8

OMG! This is adorable - she is trying to bribe him and win him over with his favourite tea and snacks!

Awwww, even when he is angry at Hae Soo and confused he is still looking at the night sky

“So don’t ever look at me like that again.”

Episode 9

The Mysteries of Time Travel

The Kiss

Hae Soo playing God

The kiss scene - commentary

Episode 11

GORYEO FASHION - ARE YOU A SAGEUK SPECIALIST?

Moon Lovers Episode 12 Predictions

THE GLORIOUS MANE OF GLORY IS BACK!

The tale of two brothers

meeting of So and Soo in prison

Episode 12

Episode 13

Episode 14

A child's heart

The Defender of the Throne

A Secret Rendezvous

An impossible dream - a world of freedom

Episode 15

The Goryeo Domestic

The Poem of a Loyal Heart and Infinite Longing

The Oathbreaker

Episode 16

The Final Wish - The Ultimate Act of Brotherly Love

When A Soul Shatters

Fate Laughs At Romantics

The Truth Is in the (Eye) Heart of the Beholder

Wang So: The Brutal Truth Behind The Fantasy

Cul-De-Sac: Setting You Free

Moments Lost Forever

Complete - The Eclipse of Two Hearts

When You’ll be Mine - The Wolf Prince Takes a Mate

The Proof of Love and Mortality

Lovers from the Lotus Pond

Forever Apart - Separated by the 38th Parallel

Seasons of Waiting

TO PROTECT SO FROM THE PAIN OF KILLING HIS OWN BROTHER

Love Birds

Wearing a Mask Again

Episode 17 | 18

Gwangjong and the Queen of His Heart

Never Letting Go

A Death Sentence - The Worthlessness of Freedom

A Dying Flower

Meaning of Mask : The Fool and His Bride

MONSTERS ARE NOT BORN, THEY ARE MADE

The King Maker

Don’t Trust Anyone

Lovers Reunited

By @akinahana89 thru KdramaCentral

Spoiler

First Impression Episode 1-3

Re-impression (Director's Cut 1-3)

By @bebebisous33

Spoiler

Clues from the 6 minute Trailer
Eclipse's Symbol

A Walk in the Snow, A Walk on the Hill

Explanation to the title Moon lovers

personality of Wang Wook: snow and ice

comparison between two horse scenes Wang So -Hae Soo

Interpretation of the scene "Your look, I hate it like crazy!"

Wang So's humiliation: the different reactions of the character

comparison the forehead kiss between Wang So -Hae So and Wang Wook and Hae Soo

Episode 4: Beginning and ending of Wang So's love

Hae Jin or Hae Soo? Identity of the heroine

Hae Soo: allegory for Goreyo

Hae Soo's behaviour towards Wang So: a certain consistency

Hae Soo's feelings for Wang So - episode 8 and 9

Wang Wook vs Wang So - Existentialism

Wang So's reactions to the rejection of Hae Soo and his mother

The different symbols of water and their significations

Wang Wook's debts -

Poison in Moon Lovers

parallels in the scenes between Wang So-Hae Soo and Wang Wook-Hae Soo

Comparison of the two proposals

Hae Soo and Candide: a voyage of initiation

Wang So and Baek Ha - a comparison and explanation for their friendship

Wang Wook - Wang So: wolf or dog?

Trust : Wang So and Hae Soo

past, future and present

Past, present and future part II

Jealousy among brothers: Jung and So

The heavy weight of guilt and his consequences

CR's letter and Hae Soo's reaction

By @skxz

Spoiler

Episode 11 | Episode 12 | Episode 13 | Episode 14 | Episode 15

About Princess Yeon Hwa

Lady Oh

By @Adnana What does a boy do after realizing that he likes a girl?

By @zi4r

It is gritty. It's ruthless. It doesn't get too tropey; it doesn't care about fan service

Action Sequence Deconstructed

Episode 13 : Wang So versus Wang Wook

Episode 16 : Wang So saves Hae Soo

Episode 18 : Wang So, Hae Soo

By @40somethingahjumma

Spoiler

Wang So

So-Soo (Episode 7 )

So-Soo (Episode 4)

A major part of what makes this show so addictive is the unpredictability in the relationships

Wang Wook , Wang So

they do love their villains to be villains.

when male bravado gets cut down and shredded into pieces.

This is why I love So-Soo dynamic

I think one of my favourite scenes in Ep. 12 was him proposing marriage to her.

The love triangle

The centrepiece of Ep. 13 for me was the fight between So and Uk

For me the saddest thing about the entire drama is the fact that in the royal palace of Goryeo brothers can't be brothers

Su and Soo Anomaly

Wang So: dog and wolf

By @brielover : Hae Soo and the myth of Goreyo ; Taejo-lady Oh: myth and drama

By @littleloony Episode 1-9 Review : Hajin as Hae Su represents the key to the kingdom of Goryeo and it is her heart that is going to choose the keeper.

By @bingewatcherinsomniac THE ACCURACY OF HAESOO'S PREMONITIONS

Episode 11 Insights

Spoiler

Last night episode KILLED it!!!! I can barely breathe!!!!! - @zi4r

Home Truths | Our caped crusader to the rescue | We keep giving Wook an out, saying 'but his family' when they are in no danger at present. - @MadraRua

the execution of the epic rain scene was done nicely in this Korean adaptation - @wackeemarie

its TongHua most epic and heartbreaking romance of all.. - @violet90

Before we talk about the three VVIP, i want to talk about Madam Oh first - @solelylurking

Wang So proving time and again that he is THE ONE - @feignedreality

The Wolf Prince became a Raven Prince - protecting her under his Wings.. - @Mau_Cherry

When haesoo finally realize that wangso will always be there with her no matter what - @MAROSA_JIN

she is hurt not just because of what the action symbolises, but also his betrayal. - @frostfire

This scene is so memorable and symbolizes so many things. - @rumasa79

I gotta say the cinematography this episode was ON POINT - @faeriealice

You walked away and left me & my heart in the rain.. - @USAFarmgirl

In front of each other HS and So always play strong - @Yippeuni

Videos - Heart wrenching scenes! - @MoOnLoVeRz

We finally witnessed TENDERNESS from Wang So, the wolf - @sharreb

And Lady Oh... Tribute to you... Amazing person. - @edensor

LOVE a man that LOVES you more than you love him he will die for you if he has to. - @Kelly86

How much pain can a broken heart and broken body hold? - @mitheone

it was also a masterpiece in political machinations and delicious evil - @theonlyone88

Episode 11 was spot on. - @Nymeria289

major milestone in plot development. - @qwenli

I have to applaud the writer for this episode, - @privio

Even so, his face full of pain and his mouth full of blood, haunted me for hours. - @Diana Blanche

Moon Bloggers

Dramafever

Episode 12-13 | Episode 14-15 | Episode 16

Allkpop | Episode 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

kjtamusings Episode 1- 2 | 3 -4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16

Silverpeticoat Episode 1 | 2-3 |4-5 | 6-7

Soompi | First Impressions

Hancinema Episode 1 | 2 | 3

Dreamsnowflakes (Tumblr)

Dramatroll

Strawberry Koko

Original Soundtrack

Chen, Baekhyun, Xiumin of EXO (첸, 백현, 시우민) – For You (너를 위해)

LOCO (로꼬), Punch (펀치) – Say Yes

IOI - I Love You, I Remember You 사랑해 기억해

Davichi- Forgetting You 그대를 잊는다는 건

태연 (TAEYEON) - All With You

에픽하이 (EPIK HIGH) - 내 마음이 들리나요 Can You Hear My Heart (Feat. 이하이 LEE HI)

백아연 (Baek A Yeon) - 사랑인 듯 아닌 듯 (A Lot Like Love)

IU- 친구야 친구 (너다워 고마워) My Dear Friend (Thank You For Being You) (Episode 7 )

Lyrics

Spoiler

Download MP3
Download live version from Debut 8th Anniv FM

Haesoo sang this song in Ep 7 of Moon Lovers. The director wanted a song that expresses gratitude for friendship, which the princes can think back on later in the storyline (probably when the princes start fighting for the throne), but IU looked through her whole playlist and couldn’t find a suitable song, so amidst her busy filming schedule, IU composed a song instead. She also said the 줌 ‘joom’ part is her favourite in the lyrics. This song has two verses. Initially, the first verse was from Haesoo’s perspective, followed by the second verse intended to console the 4th prince, but the director liked the second verse better so the verses were swapped and in the end, only this part was included in the broadcast.

아프게 할퀴고 가는
It hurts me
날이 선 바람 속에도
as it blows past
한 줌 볕이 좋아서 웃나
But the one small ray of sun makes me smile

바쁘게 스치고 가는
Everyone is so busy
무정한 사람 속에도
They get on with their lives
한 줌 벗이 좋아서 웃나
But that one friend makes me smile

외로움 없는 곳을 찾게 되면
When I find a place where loneliness does not exist
나와 그 곳으로 함께 가다오
Join me there my friend, come with me

친구 친구야
My dear friend
너다워 고마워
Thank you for being you

아무 말 없는 하늘이
Although the silent sky
어제와 달라보여도
seems different from yesterday
누구를 탓할 수가 있나
How can you blame anyone?

어쩌면 세상 모두가
Maybe everyone in the world
무서운 꿈을 꾸는데
has nightmares
나 혼자만 울 수가 있나
How can I cry by myself?

돌아가고 싶은 곳이 있었지만
There’s a place I wanted to return to
이젠 내 발자국마저 낯선데
Now even my footprints seem unfamiliar to me

친구 친구야
My dear friend
너다워 고마워
Thank you for being you

Korean lyrics via IU dc gall
Translation via SBS One TV and by squishy

lifted from original post

임선혜 (Sun Hae Im) - 꼭 돌아오리 (Will Be Back)

SG워너비 (SG Wannabe) - 고백합니다 (I Confess)

이하이 (LEE HI) - 내 사랑 (MY LOVE)

정승환 (Jung Seung-Hwan) - 바람 (Wind)

악동뮤지션 (AKMU) - Be With You

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Spoiler

Where can I rely more on history about Goryeo ?

Goryeo Background , Summary by @Zelda

Meaning of Names by @gihwayujo

Additional Read: Myth of Yuhwa , The Haes and Hae Soo by @brielover

Are there uploaded versions of SBS?

Licensed streaming link Dramafever uploads the international version. There are no official licensed streaming link for SBS version. Soompi doesn't allow recommendations for unlicensed / backdoor streaming links. Sorry :/

Added post from MyDramaList

Hessa - 880 Posts

Hi, guys.
So, basically, I noticed over the past few weeks that people keep asking the same questions again and again. So, I decided to make a thread answering all of your questions.

Why is this very different than the Chinese version?

To answer you simply, this is not a remake of the Chinese version, this is an adaption of the novel. In addition, not all adoptions have to follow the original story exactly, they may focus on different aspects and that is why there is a difference. And of course this is set in Korea, not China, so you have to expect differences.

Why did 3 episodes air in the first week?

SBS had an empty slot, that is why.

I don't know because I don't know much about Korean speech level. But, why does Joseon speech sounds more archaic than this one? The speech on this drama sounds so casual and I understand it better than when I watched Joseon-period drama.

I have not read any explanation from the production company about the type of speech but some people were complaining about it. Let us get our facts first, Middle Korean (중세국어) corresponds to Korean spoken from the 10th to 16th centuries, or from the era of Goryeo to the middle of Joseon. In addition, there were tones in Middle Korean, just like Mandarin Chinese. However, in this show, we hear them speak almost modern Korean.
I noticed that this show is tagged as "Youth" in the Korean Wikipedia page, so I concluded that they used modern Korean to make this show fun, light-hearted, and easier to understand for the youngster. In addition, maybe it is used to subliminally imply how young the princes are or to make it relatable to how Koreans speak nowadays.

How are the princes ranked?

It is by who is born first.

Does the 13th price have the same name as the 8th price?

The answer is yes and no. Their Hangul name is spelled as 왕욱, which is romanized as either Wang Wook or Wang Uk. However, bear in mind that this was an era where Hangul still wasn't invented. Therefore, they used to use the Chinese character, or what is called Hanja. And here is where the difference appears. The 8th prince's name is written as 王旭, while the 13th prince's name is written as 王郁. Remember middle Korean had tones, therefore their name is not only written differently but also pronounced differently.
In addition, the 13th price is referred to as Baek Ah (Which is his nickname in the show), so the viewers are not confused.

The king has multiple wives/queens, was that really normal back then?

Yes, it was normal, and it was not just done in Korea, many kings from all over the world usually had multiple wives. You might find it weird because in our current time polygamy is not frequently seen. But it was a common practice by nobles back then to further increase their power or create unity between kingdoms.

The king has many concubines, was that really normal back then?

Yes, this was also normal and a common practice by nobles. Men, if they could afford it, sometimes kept one or two concubines as sexual playmates and friends (Source). Moreover, don't be mistaken, concubines are not married to the King, so they are not his wives. They are different from the queens.
Actually, all court ladies working in the palace are thought to belong to the king and the King can bed them if he wishes. In addition, court ladies can't get married without the king's permission. You can read more about royal noble consort of Korean kings and their status over here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Noble_Consort_of_Korean_Kings

Was incest allowed back then?

Most people have seen this show's relationship chart and were baffled by it. I know how you feel, I was surprised too. But we have to bear in mind that this is a story from the past, where there were not many restrictions placed on royal family members. Royal family members did marry their sibling in the hope of keeping their bloodline pure.

Why is there 2 versions of the episodes?

To explain it simply, this show was pre-produced, meaning that all episodes were shot in advance and edited. Moreover, before this show was aired in Korea, it was sold to multiple countries to be simultaneously broadcasted. Therefore, the overseas broadcasting channels, who bought the rights to this show, have already subbed the episodes and they air them at the same time the episodes are broadcasted in Korea.
However, since this show did not receive high viewership rates in Korea as expected, the production company decided to re-edit the episodes. Nonetheless, the production company either,
1. Did not send it to the overseas broadcasting channels that already bought this show.
2. Or they did send it, but the broadcasting channels did not want to spend more money and time to re-translating the episodes.
However, that was what cause the chaos.

What are the 2 versions?

The original international version and the SBS re-edited version.

How to know which version I'm are watching?

It is simple, just look at the top right corner and if there is an SBS's logo, you are watching the re-edited version. Plus, usually, the original version starts with a song, while the re-edited version starts at the lake shot with the 15+ age restriction.

Are there many differences between the 2 versions?

No, there is not much difference except for a few extra scenes and some music difference. However, I suggest you choose one version to watch and then watch the extras from the other version. All the extra scenes timings will be included below.

The SBS version has some untranslated lines, why is that?

If you notice some missing subs, that means you are watching the SBS re-edited version but with the originally sold overseas episodes' subs.

What are the extra scenes?

*Episode 1*
[55:27] scene included in the SBS re-edited version, but not in the original version.

*Episode 6*
Scenes included in the SBS re-edited version, but not in the original version:

[1:50], [9:10], [24:54], [37:17].
At the end of the episode a short scene of Lee Joon Gi looking at Hae Soo while she is walking.

Scenes included in the original version, but not in the SBS re-edited version:
[14:08], [14:44].

*Episode 7*
Scenes included in the SBS re-edited version, but not in the original version:
[5:40], [7:18], [51:56] more flashbacks.

Scenes included in the original version, but not in the SBS re-edited version:
[15:48], [23:33], [24:48].

*Episode 8*
Scenes included in the SBS re-edited version, but not in the original version:
[22:08], [27:48] Extra dialogue, [32:34] More mud/poo throwing scenes, [39:40], [48:57], Different preview.

Scenes included in the original version, but not in the SBS re-edited version:
[30:52], [32:55] A very short scene of Wang So's back, [33:03] A very short scene of the Queen wiping sweat, [33:23] A very short scene of people praying, [34:37] More scenes of rock throwing, Different preview.

Scenes present in both versions but at different timings:
[42:08] in the original version and [39:51] in the re-edited version.
[48:24] in the original version and [48:30] in the re-edited version.

*Episode 9*
Scenes included in the SBS re-edited version, but not in the original version:
[31:33], [45:18], Different preview.

Scenes included in the original version, but not in the SBS re-edited version:
[27:19] Continuation of the dance, [37:31] A few second shot of the palace, [58:24] *You need to see this* XP, Different preview.

Scenes present in both versions but at different timings:
[26:31] in the original version and [33:20] in the re-edited version.
[55:33] in the original version and [47:38] in the re-edited version.

kaiskloset · November 12, 2015

Universal Studios invests in Moon Lovers, Korean remake of Chinese classic Scarlet Heart (Bu Bu Jing Xin)

by Nancy Z on Thu, Sep 24, 2015

Has Hollywood finally discovered the power and influence of K-dramas? Universal Studios is making a huge investment in Moon Lovers, also reported as Lovers of the Moon, to be directed by the director of It's Okay, That's Love. The new Korean drama will be a remake of the extremely popular Chinese historical fusion Scarlet Heart (Bu Bu Jing Xin).

The adaptation of online writer Tong Hua's groundbreaking time travel romance, published in 2005 with a very creative story that wove a modern 21st-century girl into Qing Dynastry's royal intrigue hundreds of years ago, started a huge time travel wave between Chinese, Taiwanese, and Korean dramas. (You can see a similar story in the drama Palace on DramaFever.)

If you watch Scarlet Heart for the first time today and feel that you've glimpsed similar plots or characters in some of the other time-travel dramas, it's because Scarlet Heart actually came first. Scarlet Heart is so popular that it already has a sequel as well as a movie version.

Fans will be anxious to see the new Korean drama. It will be interesting to see how the story that occurred in the Qing Dynasty, inspired by actual historical events involving fierce struggles between Emperor Kangxi's many sons in their battles to succeed him, will be adapted for Korea's Joseon kingdom, which has plenty of royal intrigue of its own.

The new Korean drama's production will be in the excellent hands of director Kim Kyu Tae, who directed such famous dramas as That Winter, the Wind Blows, IRIS, and It's Okay, That's Love. Filming reportedly may begin by the end of the year with an estimated budget of 15 billion won, or almost 13 million US dollars.

Kang Ha Neul the First Male Lead to Join Moon Lovers, the K-drama Version of Bu Bu Jing Xin

via http://koalasplayground.com/tag/moon-lovers/

Now this is what I call a promising first step in drama casting. Even without a network or time slot secured yet, PD Kim Kyu Tae‘s upcoming K-drama Moon Lovers slated for 2016 has gotten a lot of attention for being the K-drama adaptation of Chinese period novel Bu Bu Jing Xin. Most know the story from the C-drama adaptation starring now married stars Nicky Wu and Liu Shi Shi, but the C-version was itself adapted from the source novel by writer Tong Hua.

PD Kim is no slouch in his own name recognition department, having directed It’s Okay, It’s Love and That Winter, the Winter Blows among many of his popular works, so having him adapt BBJX to a K-drama is as promising a pick as any. The drama now has the first acting name attached to the project – rising movie and drama actor Kang Ha Neul is in talks for one of the male leads. A scant two years ago his name as a big drama lead would cause consternation since he was such an unknown, but since then his star power has risen astronomically and he did five movies this year alone.

Lee Joon Gi to Play Lead Role in Remake of Chinese Drama “Moon Lovers”

JiwonYu November 11, 2015

Actor Lee Joon Gi is confirmed to play the main character in the upcoming drama “Moon Lovers.”

The actor’s agency Namoo Actors confirmed, “He had received the love call and it was one of the projects he was looking over. There are still some details to work out.”

This is a remake of the Chinese drama of the same name, which was very popular when it aired.

Lee Joon Gi will be playing the Emperor’s heir, who does not want to be in the spotlight but is naturally born into royalty. His personality is as cold as ice.

The story plot involves a girl named Jang Hyo, who is in the present time, suddenly traveling back to the historical period.

Actor Kang Ha Neul has also confirmed to star in this drama, and it will start filming as soon as it completes all casting selections.

“Moon Lovers” will start airing in the beginning of next year.

Source (1)

Edited November 12, 2015 by kaiskloset

November 12, 2015

Lee Jun Ki cast as lead in Bu Bu Jing Xin's Korean remake

Ilgan Sports - Naver: Lee Jun Ki to lead Bu Bu Jing Xin's remake 'Moon Lovers'

1. [+1,009, -39] You can trust Lee Jun Ki!! I love him in sageuks but please do a contemporary drama too ㅠㅠ You have no idea how good you look in a suit ㅠㅜ

2. [+850, -39] Heol another sageuk? I like sageuks but it's time for him to move to a contemporary setting

3. [+732, -28] I wish they don't remake this, to be honest. Lee Jun Ki for sure is a good actor but finding a skilled writer is the key to its success

4. [+135, -6] I hope they don't pair him with an incompetent female lead this time..

5. [+128, -9] The casting of the female lead is more important than the male lead. I hope they find a good one. I'm not in favor of remakes but Lee Jun Ki's sageuks never disappoint

6. [+113, -7] What a relief that Kim Gyu Tae PD is helming this. Make sure the drama doesn't collapse midway only for poor Lee Jun Ki to hard carry it

7. [+95, -8] You can trust Lee Jun Ki!! I hope you get to work with a good writer and leading lady this time ~~

8. [+94, -9] Don't cast either Jin Se Yeon or Lee Yoo Bi ㅜ Park Min Young would be great ^^

9. [+89, -4] Please do a good job with the remake and pick a talented female lead! No idols ㅋㅋ

10. [+79, -24] Pick Park Shin Hye for the female lead ㅠㅠ And no idols please

11. [+60, -3] Bu Bu Jing Xin is epic. The female lead's casting is important

cr: kkuljaem

kaiskloset · November 12, 2015

poke poke sis @pandalover1

here it is... we can rave and write about our Tong Hua novel obsession yippppppppppppppppppppppie.

already finished with Da Mo Yao as well as Yun Zhong ge novels (both from Tong Hua) but

BuBujingxin is by far my fave of faves!

hope with all the hype and big bucks prod, Moon Lovers will be as successful as its chinese counterpart...fighting!

kaiskloset · November 12, 2015

Lee Jun-ki in talks to take Bu Bu Jing Xin remake drama

by javabeans

According to latest reports, Lee Jun-ki (Scholar Who Walks the Night) is considering taking on the remake of the popular Chinese drama Bu Bu Jing Xin, retitled Moon Lovers, with his management confirming that he has received the offer. All the usual caveats apply, about how the discussions are positive but not yet finalized, etc.

In the original series, the present-day heroine traveled back in time to land in the Qing dynasty, leading to romantic entanglements with several Qing princes. The K-drama remake will take place during the early Goryeo era (mid to late 10th century), but while the historical background will be entirely different, I think we can expect many of the same narratives and themes to play out in the new version. With a K-drama twist, of course, which probably means we’ll have more angsty love triangles, a coup attempt or twenty, and star-crossed everything. (I dunno about you, but I think Fate could stand to go on holiday. Who needs destiny to screw you over when we’re so very capable of doing that ourselves?)

If he signs on, Lee Jun-ki would play Goryeo’s fourth king, Gwangjong, born Wang So, who was fourth son to King Taejo. Historically remembered as a harsh ruler, the drama character is described as so cold-blooded that he’s called an untamed wolf. Coincidentally, that’s the same character recently played by Jang Hyuk in MBC’s fantasy historical drama Shine or Go Crazy — reimagined history is all the rage these days, as we know.

In any case, it seems perfectly obvious to have Lee Jun-ki doing a time-traveling fantasy costume drama adaptation — not necessarily obvious in a bad sense, though I wouldn’t mind Lee Jun-ki stepping outside his (beautifully garbed) sageuk wheelhouse for something completely different. But he’s so great in historical projects so I get the interest; even when the dramas themselves aren’t great, he’s always reliably solid in them (Joseon Gunman, Scholar Who Walks the Night).

Kang Haneul (Misaeng) was previously reported as a potential casting, and that is still the case, with no final word just yet. Neither do we have any hint of who they may cast for the time-slipping heroine. Who’s got a wish list already up and running? I’m sad that Moon Chae-won’s already booked, as is Han Chae-ah.

Moon Lovers will be directed by It’s Okay, It’s Love’s PD Kim Kyu-tae, and is aiming to air early next year.

Via IS Plus

kiefshi1056 · November 12, 2015

ill love to see yoon eun hye, kim so eun, hwang eun jum, kim tae hee my candidate for the lead actress

kaiskloset · November 13, 2015

ill love to see yoon eun hye, kim so eun, hwang eun jum, kim tae hee my candidate for the lead actress

waves* to you @kiefshi1056 thanks for dropping by.. yayy! excited to see the korean remake too and much excited

and anticipating who will be casted as the ever endearing rouxi / jang hyo in korean version....if they stick to what

presented in chinese ver, then female lead is in her 20s...hope it be revealed soon so we can spazz more.. fighting!

Edited November 13, 2015 by kaiskloset

theone4me · November 13, 2015

If LJK does this drama, I will be very happy.

cyang923 · November 13, 2015

ah i hope ha ji won will be hte main lead actress!!

kiefshi1056 · November 13, 2015

ill love to see yoon eun hye, kim so eun, hwang eun jum, kim tae hee my candidate for the lead actress
waves* to you @kiefshi1056 thanks for dropping by.. yayy! excited to see the korean remake too and much excited
and anticipating who will be casted as the ever endearing rouxi / jang hyo in korean version....if they stick to what
presented in chinese ver, then female lead is in her 20s...hope it be revealed soon so we can spazz more.. fighting!

actually I have 1 in my mind but she is too young KIM YOU JUNG!

pandalover1 · November 13, 2015

Summoning @delfin here!! Hi @kaiskloset, really hoping they'll get a good female lead, ruoxi was complex, im pretty sure the role of the female lead would be the same too..

delfin · November 13, 2015

@kaiskloset hi ^^.. thank you for make this thread.. i hope we get perfect cast for ruoxi character

@pandalover1 thank you for summoning me here ^^

aikitaloVe · November 16, 2015

Beautiful fanart by moongkl0417

kaiskloset · November 17, 2015

ill love to see yoon eun hye, kim so eun, hwang eun jum, kim tae hee my candidate for the lead actress
waves* to you @kiefshi1056 thanks for dropping by.. yayy! excited to see the korean remake too and much excited
and anticipating who will be casted as the ever endearing rouxi / jang hyo in korean version....if they stick to what
presented in chinese ver, then female lead is in her 20s...hope it be revealed soon so we can spazz more.. fighting!
actually I have 1 in my mind but she is too young KIM YOU JUNG!

She is too young sis.. might have perfect for "young" jang hyo/rouxi scene if there is time gap, however, if they are sticking to the story (in bubujingxin) which is time travel, same girl (as rouxi in the qing dynasty and xiang xiao in present time (20s) plus the confirmed lead is Lee Joon ki at 33 ....

and Yoo Jung just turned 16 we have a very huuuuge age gap there in between...

Edited November 17, 2015 by kaiskloset

alekaonu · November 17, 2015

Annyeong @‌kaiskloset thanks for creating this thread. I'm looking forward to this remake drama with Lee Jun Ki as the main lead. Now like you all, I'm wondering too who will be the female lead.

Ahhh I see 3 of my chingu deul are here annyeong dear @‌pandalover1 @‌ororomunroe and @delfin

HRyujin · November 17, 2015

omg! i feel sad ending through original Chinese Drama "Bu Bu Jin Xin" when Jang Hyo/ Ruoxi died in past life.

In present she was coma for a week.

whoever female lead is, there is not only one lead i think in this drama.

Maybe haneul will be Yinsi character (Ruoxi first love) and other 13 prince will cast include crown prince and their wife.

but as i see Crown Prince is not same with the Emperor role is. Idk how many prince that Producer choose in the end.

Ma Oppa will cast the fourth prince (Yinzhen)

and *news he will be next king/emperor

(correct me if im wrong^^)

Then after Janghyo wakes up, in the end she cant find any record of Qing dinasty (Joseon).

she research into library and found one picture of queen resemble her alot.

one she dont know, someone beside her resemble Yinzhen~he dont reconigze her ofc.

then show closed when Yinzhen walk infront of Ruoxi and suddently tears is falling TT

'is it sad ending right?'

i really hope korean makes *happy ending of them plss SBS-writernim-producerNim!

MadraRua · November 17, 2015

OMG

I can't believe they're making this **squeals** This is one of my favourite all time dramas, the story, the characters, the OST, just dang near everything. They have a big challenge on their hands to make it as successful as the original. Even if they're a quarter way there they'll be doing well. God the original is just about the most emotionally charged drama/film I've ever watched. I was in buckets of tears at the end but it was so worth the journey.

Have to post some links to the OST

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxMHkVokMxw

kaiskloset · November 18, 2015

Annyeong @‌kaiskloset thanks for creating this thread. I'm looking forward to this remake drama with Lee Jun Ki as the main lead. Now like you all, I'm wondering too who will be the female lead.
Ahhh I see 3 of my chingu deul are here annyeong dear @‌pandalover1 @‌ororomunroe and @delfin

anneyong sis... hugs hugs! yep. excited to see a k-remake of my bubuxingjing ayeiiiii...and yes wonder who will the cast the korean rouxi...

btw, production is slowly releasing cast confirmation... buzz earlier have this ..

http://koalasplayground.com/2015/11/17/baekhyun-of-exo-in-talks-for-moon-lovers-to-play-a-young-prince/

I knew it was too early to get complacent, to start thinking that the upcoming K-adaptation of time-traveling C-novel Bu Bu Jing Xin (Startling with Each Step) was going to be all good casting news. It was off to a fantastic start, first with the additional of Kang Ha Neul, followed by Lee Jun Ki confirmed to play the male lead 4th Prince equivalent role. Now the third prince has been revealed and it’s reportedly going to be boy band EXO’s member Baekhyun.

kaiskloset · November 18, 2015

app pics via http://koalasplayground.com/2015/11/17/baekhyun-of-exo-in-talks-for-moon-lovers-to-play-a-young-prince/

lets see the rundown so far...

Lee Joon Ki - as the 4th prince / Kang Haneul __? / Baek Hyun ___?....

personally, i think BaekHyun will be a cute version of the 10th prince...

the one who have a crush to our lead, (but was married off to the sister-in-law of the 8th prince)

hooooel, if baby BK is the 10th prince, then our lead girl is around his age (early 20s)

Edited November 18, 2015 by kaiskloset

valsava · November 18, 2015

Move over coming in can't believe nobody send me a shout out of LJK new drama and I'm loving it he's taking the main lead also has it been mention who will be the female lead ?

MY BAD @kaiskloset, Thanks for opening this thread Love the beautiful fanart

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[Drama 2016] Moon Lovers ❤ Scarlet Heart Ryeo, 달의 연인-보보경심 려 \^0^/ Soompi Kdrama 2016 Winner

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Universal Studios invests in Moon Lovers, Korean remake of Chinese classic Scarlet Heart (Bu Bu Jing Xin)

Lee Joon Gi to Play Lead Role in Remake of Chinese Drama “Moon Lovers”

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Lee Jun Ki cast as lead in Bu Bu Jing Xin's Korean remake

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