Native Title	이강에는 달이 흐른다
Also Know as	The Moon Flows Over the River, The Moon Flows In This River, Yigangeneun Dalyi Heureunda
Director	Lee Dong-Hyun
Writer	Jo Seung-Hee
Distributor	MBC
Air Time	Friday, Saturday 21:50
Content Rating	15+ - Teens 15 or older
Runtime	14 episodes
Genre	Historical, Romance, Fantasy
Language	Korean
Country	South Korea
Release Date	2025-10-31
End Date	2025-12-13

"Moon River" is an enchanting fantasy romance set in Joseon-era Korea, blending soul-swapping chaos, palace intrigue, and heartfelt redemption. Directed by Lee Dong-hyeon, this MBC drama promises a whirlwind of humor, heartbreak, and unexpected love between unlikely souls.

Overview

"Moon River" (Korean: 이강에는 달이 흐른다, also known as The Moon Flows Over the River) is a 2025 South Korean historical fantasy romance drama directed by Lee Dong-hyeon, written by Jo Seung-Hee. Produced for MBC, the series airs every Friday and Saturday at 21:50 KST starting October 31, 2025, until December 13, 2025. It explores themes of lost happiness, memory, revenge, and second chances through a mystical body-swap narrative.

Plot Synopsis

In the turbulent Joseon Dynasty, Crown Prince Yi Kang, a regent burdened by his father's incapacity, lives a facade of reckless luxury while harboring a seething desire for revenge after the tragic loss of his beloved crown princess. Consumed by grief and palace power struggles, Yi Kang's meticulously planned retribution begins to unfold.

Enter Park Dal Yi, a quick-witted, amnesiac peddler who roams the markets with her sharp tongue, charming dialect, and uncanny resemblance to the late princess.

After a fateful encounter, the two inexplicably swap souls overnight, thrusting Yi Kang into Dal Yi's impoverished, chaotic world of haggling merchants and survival schemes, while Dal Yi awakens in the opulent yet treacherous palace, navigating royal duties and hidden enemies.

As they grapple with unfamiliar bodies, fragmented memories, and clashing personalities – his brooding intensity versus her fiery resilience – they unravel mysteries of the past, forge an unlikely alliance, and rediscover joy amid the soul-swapping mayhem.

The story weaves revenge plots, forbidden romance, and whimsical disguises into a tale of healing and fate.

Cast & Characters

Main Cast

Kang Tae-oh as Crown Prince Yi Kang (Lee Kang): The enigmatic regent prince, outwardly carefree and indulgent but inwardly scarred by loss, driving a vengeful path until the swap upends his life.
Kim Se-jeong as Park Dal Yi: The resourceful, memory-lost merchant with ace sales skills, playful banter, and disguise mastery – from bearded man to elegant lady.

Supporting Cast

Lee Shin-young as Grand Prince Lee Woon (Je Woon): Yi Kang's cousin and the king's former heir, now a reluctant rebel entangled in romance and suspicion amid the intrigue.
Hong Su-zu as Kim Woo-hee: The intelligent, beautiful noblewoman from a powerful clan, schemed into a puppet role but harboring ambitions for Joseon's throne.
Jin Goo as Kim Han-cheol: The ruthless chief minister, a cold schemer wielding absolute power and manipulating even his daughter for dominance.
Includes additional palace figures and merchants enhancing the dual worlds of royalty and common folk.

Reception

Teaser and Poster Hype

Teasers and posters have generated positive buzz, with fans excited for Kang Tae-oh's brooding prince and Kim Se-jeong's spirited peddler, drawing comparisons to "Mr. Queen" for its historical fantasy romance.

Electric Script Reading Chemistry

Script reading photos showcased electric chemistry, positioning it as a cozy winter watch.

Early Praise for Unpredictable Dynamics

Early sentiment praises the unpredictable dynamics and revenge elements

Fun Facts & Highlights

Body-Swap Chaos

Inspired by classics like "Mr. Queen," the soul exchange leads to hilarious mishaps, like Park Dal Yi wielding royal authority or Yi Kang haggling in markets.

Kang Tae-oh's Comeback Trifecta

Post-military, this is his third lead in 2025, alongside "Extraordinary Attorney Woo Season 2" and "The Potato Lab."

Kim Se-jeong's Historical Debut

The idol-actress dives into Joseon with disguises and dialects, showcasing her business-savvy merchant in stills carrying oversized bundles.

Script Reading Synergy

Attended by the full cast, it transformed into a "royal palace" vibe, with Kang Tae-oh and Kim Se-jeong's banter stealing the show.

Poster Playfulness

Features Yi Kang "riding" Dal Yi's bamboo hat like a landscape painting, teasing their opposites-attract romance.

Teaser Panic

Highlights the swap's shock – "What have you done to me?" – blending mischief and fate in vibrant visuals.

Final Thoughts

"Moon River" looks poised to be a captivating 2025 gem, merging soul-swapping whimsy with Joseon intrigue for a fresh take on revenge and romance. Kang Tae-oh and Kim Se-jeong's contrasting energies promise sparks, while the ensemble adds depth to themes of loss and rediscovery. In a year of bold K-dramas, this could become a binge-worthy escape – equal parts chaotic fun and emotional resonance, reminding us that true happiness often hides in the unlikeliest swaps.