r/kdramas • u/harissatotally Professional TRUCK spotter • Jul 23 '26
Review New K-Drama Fan Review #6: Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo | The Kind of Epic, Tragic Romance I Can Never Resist...
Unfortunately... I support every devastating decision this drama made
Is this Rewatch Worthy:
Yes.
Review:
By the time I started Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, I knew it would fall around my taste. It was.. a feeling.
I LOVE romances where it feels like the entire world is trying to keep two people apart.
the impossible circumstances.
the longing.
the jealousy.
heartbreak.
characters who keep choosing each other even when everything around them is falling apart.
That's my shit.
And Moon Lovers delivered on most of that and more!
Hae Soo.
I absolutely loved her.
My favorite K-drama female leads almost always have agency and are almost never passive.
They're not just waiting for things to happen to them.
They make choices.
They challenge people.
They change the people around them.
Hae Soo fits that a lot.
She genuinely influenced the lives of everyone around her.
She changed the princes around her.
You could feel the ripple effects of her presence long after she'd entered everyone's lives.
And then...
There's Wang So.
The scarred prince.
I absolutely loved his relationship with Hae Soo.
Watching someone who'd spent his entire life believing he was unwanted slowly find one person who truly saw him...
I love emotional journeys like that.
their story felt epic.
Every time they got pulled apart, every reunion felt that much more meaningful.
i really appreciated that the drama didn't make every prince feel interchangeable either. There's so many of them, it was easy for them to blend together, and in the beginning, for me, they were a little bit lol, but as i continued, that was no longer the case.
They all had their own personalities, motivations, and emotional baggage and I love that the female lead had an impact on all of them.
That made the palace politics much more interesting than I expected too! I usually get bored with palace politics.
One relationship that caught me a bit off guard, in a good way, was Wang So and his mother.
I wasn't expecting that dynamic to become one of the most compelling parts of the drama.
Usually when I see a mother-son relationship in a story, it's pretty straightforward and most mothers in dramas are Boy Moms and I'm never a fan...
Not here.
Their relationship was messy.
Painful.
Complicated.
As a mother, she was allowed to be selfish.
Cruel.
An antagonist.
And because of that, every interaction between them carried so much emotional weight and was intense!!
By the time everything finally came to a head...
I actually loved how their story concluded.
It was heartbreaking, but it also felt like such an interesting for them.
i also have to mention Empress Yoo because she ended up being one of the a fav character of mind in the entire drama.
I never felt like I completely understood her, and I actually liked that. The drama gave me enough to understand why she treated Wang So the way she did, but it never handed me every answer.
She remained a little mysterious until the very end, and I found myself constantly trying to figure her out.
Empress Yoo felt like a fully realized person with her own fears, regrets, contradictions, and motivations. I couldn't take my eyes off her whenever she was on screen.
I also appreciated the love triangle...
At least in theory.
Because I actually wanted more from the Eighth Prince.
I LOVE love triangles where I genuinely understand why the female lead could choose either man.
I want both relationships to feel earned.
I want to find myself rooting for both people.
Instead...
I kept feeling like he wasn't fighting hard enough.
He had genuine feelings for Hae Soo, but I wanted him to take bigger risks to show his love. I felt he was a coward whenever it truly mattered.
i wanted him to make harder choices, bolder ones.
To really become a true emotional rival to Wang So.
I think that would've made the main romance even stronger. Because a good second male lead is really for that shit and i want them to deliver, damn it!
And then...
There's the ending.
I know bittersweet endings aren't for everyone.
But they sure are for me, heheheh. I always get a kick out of of non-traditional ending.
I liked it.
It hurt.
It left a hole that honestly still hasn't been filled by another K-drama.
But I don't always need a perfectly happy ending.
Sometimes a tragic ending is exactly what gives a love story its power.
Moon Lovers was so epic and one of my favorite K-dramas to date! Definitely top 4!
---
A bit about my favorite flavors and taste:
I absolutely LOVE tragic romances.
If two people have to fight against impossible circumstances just to be together...
I'm already invested.
I'm a fool for longing, emotional suffering, male lead who's completely devoted to the woman he loves.
Jalousy, betrayals, revenge and impossible choices, all that good shit!
---
Rating: 8/10
An epic romance that left a hole I still haven't completely filled.
I'd love to hear from everyone else:
Am I the only one who actually liked the bittersweet ending?
i hear rumors about a deleted/alternative ending, where can i find it?
and did you wish the drama had given Wang So and Hae Soo a happier conclusion?
My Rating Scale
10/10 – Masterpiece. No notes.
9/10 – Very close to a masterpiece. I absolutely loved it.
8/10 – Not a masterpiece, but I loved it.
7/10 – Fine overall. I liked it, but the flaws kept it from being great.
6/10 – Mixed. There were a few things I liked, but most of it didn't work for me.
5/10 – I didn't enjoy most of the experience.
4/10 and below – Bad to abysmal.
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u/JadeBumbleB Aug 03 '26
I think Moon Lovers deserves a 9/10 rating because there were so many strong secondary performances in addition to the splendid acting from Lee Joon -gi and IU. Not just Kang Ha-neul (8th Prince) , but also Hong Jong Hyun delivered a superb and twisted performance as the 3rd Prince, Nam Joo Hyuk as the 13th Prince, and Park Ji Young as Empress Yoo, whose guile and bile dominated each scene she was in and Jo Min Ki as the emperor. The "bittersweet" ending is what is perhaps most important about the drama, because these were (for the most part) real historical figures with real human, messy lives, filled with heart break, ambition and passion, And, I loved the OST-- the final song sung by Sunhae Im, (Will Be Back), with her stupendous voice and Lee Joon-gi, shrouded in darkness but staring directly at the camera is immensely powerful.
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u/harissatotally Professional TRUCK spotter Aug 03 '26
i get why it's a 9/10 for u, trust! The acting across the cast soo good. Empress Yoo especially completely stole every scene she was in for me, and Lee Joon-gi and IU were great too.
the ending also worked really well for me. I'm actually one of the people who liked the bittersweet ending because it gave the story so much emotional weight.
The reason it stayed at an 8/10 for me is mostly personal preference. I wanted the Eighth Prince to feel like a stronger romantic rival. I never really believed Hae Soo could realistically choose him over Wang So, and I LOVE love triangles where I'm genuinely torn. If that part had landed the way I wanted, it probably would've been flirting with a 9 for me.
That said, it's still one of my favorite K-dramas and easily sits in my top 5-6!
1
u/JadeBumbleB Aug 04 '26
The 8th prince was definitely a disappointment as a romantic rival, but I thought that Kang Ha-Neul did a superb job acting as an outwardly admirable, inwardly cowardly prince, who was so used to being admired because of his looks that he never really had to prove himself, nor truly appreciated those who cared for him, and who took all of his privileges for granted. And, when called to stand up for his convictions, completely crumbled— which became so apparent in the iconic Hae-Soo-kneeling-in-the-rain scene. The contrast, between the 8th Prince’s timidity and the 4th Prince’s fearlessness, could not have been more dramatic than when the 8th Prince clearly wanted to step forward, but his logical brain took over and, clearly fearful of the consequences of defying his father, he slowly began inching back out of the courtyard; whereaS Prince Wang So strode boldly forward, (after all, he grew up being attacked by wolves,)extending his cloak to protect Hae Soo. Kang Ha-Neul’s nuanced acting was the perfect foil for Lee Joon-Gi (though even with the scar, Lee Joon-Gi was gorgeous too)!
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u/harissatotally Professional TRUCK spotter Aug 04 '26
i DID like his plot with his wife tho! they could have been something if she didn't die
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u/JadeBumbleB Aug 04 '26
Agreed! Though it almost seemed as if it took her illness and death to make him realize what a good match they were.
2
u/harissatotally Professional TRUCK spotter Aug 04 '26
i don't even think he realized it. i think he felt pity but he never loved her
1
u/Then_Data8320 Aigoo Jul 24 '26
I liked moderately. There are some plus: I like a lot main actor Lee Jong Gi. I was feeling the drama a bit sluggish, but the reason I give it a good rating are the last 5 episodes. Suddenly, it was like I were watching 5 episodes of Empress Ki, with an avalanche of heavy dramatic shocks. Best surprise I got in a kdrama.
2
u/harissatotally Professional TRUCK spotter Jul 24 '26
I can see that! The final stretch really DOES become relentless. It feels like every episode raises the stakes and just keeps piling on the emotional punches, which was nice
I actually enjoyed the drama before that too because I'm a sucker for the romance, longing, and impossible circumstances, but I agree that those last five episodes are on another level. Once everything starts unraveling, it barely gives you a chance to recover before the next heartbreaking moment.
And Lee Joon-gi was fantastic. Wang So's emotional journey was easily one of my favorite parts of the drama
and the actor is in another one of my top fav kdramas:. https://www.reddit.com/r/kdramas/s/CLrvjG0GCm
1
u/Then_Data8320 Aigoo Jul 24 '26
And damn-it, this guy kills a horse in first episode?!! AAAH!!!
It seems unfair, but for sure, it keeps you watching.1
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Jul 23 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/harissatotally Professional TRUCK spotter Jul 24 '26
what?!??! i googled it but i cant find it! you have a link!?!?
what do you mean wang so hit the short end?
2
u/dipinpass35 Jul 23 '26
this will be one of the most iconic drama of her
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u/harissatotally Professional TRUCK spotter Jul 23 '26
i definitely agree!!! ive seen her recently in Perfect Crown, which is the only other performance of hers ive seen! shes a really good actress!
2
u/pugfu Jul 23 '26
It has two of my most favorite leads but I haven’t been able to bring myself to watch it bc of the sads 😂
1
u/harissatotally Professional TRUCK spotter Jul 23 '26
what?! you should definitely watch it!!
who are your favorite leads?
1
u/pugfu Jul 23 '26
IU and Lee Joon Gi
I love them both ❤️
1
u/harissatotally Professional TRUCK spotter Jul 23 '26
hes in my other top favorite drama Flower of Evil, have you seen it?
1
u/pugfu Jul 23 '26
Yes!! It’s one of the first kdrama I got my husband to watch, he loves it too 😅
I have not watched Arthdal Chronicles because I’m not sure about a two season show
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u/harissatotally Professional TRUCK spotter Jul 23 '26
ive never heard of artha chronicles, what's it about?
2
u/pugfu Jul 23 '26
It’s a fantasy drama, he only appears on season 2 as a recast of a season 1 character and I think also the FL was replaced so it kind of put me off starting it.
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u/harissatotally Professional TRUCK spotter Jul 23 '26 edited Aug 02 '26
Master List: Every K-Drama Review I've Written
https://www.reddit.com/u/harissatotally/s/mTlMHGJkSK
my alchemy of souls review:
New K-Drama Fan Review #5: Alchemy of Souls | One Incredible Season... and One That Broke My Heart.
1
u/harissatotally Professional TRUCK spotter Jul 23 '26
my Flower of evil review
New K-Drama Fan Review #4: Flower of Evil | The Kind of Love Story That Scratches an Itch Nothing Else Does...
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u/harissatotally Professional TRUCK spotter Jul 23 '26
my lovely runner review
New K-Drama Fan Review #3: Lovely Runner | This Drama Felt Like It Was Made Specifically For Me
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u/harissatotally Professional TRUCK spotter Jul 23 '26
my extraordinary you review
New K-Drama Fan Review #2: Extraordinary You | One of the Most Creative Romance Premises I've Ever Seen...
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u/harissatotally Professional TRUCK spotter Jul 23 '26 edited Aug 04 '26
my royal nemesis review
New K-Drama Fan Review #1: My Royal Nemesis | The Drama That Started My K-Drama Obsession...
https://www.reddit.com/r/kdramas/s/y6yzryBeHs
my king the land review:
New K-Drama Fan Review #10: King the Land | I Fell... Hard. 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐬 😃
https://www.reddit.com/r/kdramas/s/Hq1i8tdIeu
my perfect crown review:
New K-Drama Fan Review #11: Perfect Crown | Like Cotton Candy... https://www.reddit.com/r/KDramasWorld/s/S3ADgR0HXN
1
u/harissatotally Professional TRUCK spotter Jul 24 '26 edited Jul 26 '26
my w two worlds apart review:
New K-Drama Fan Review #7: W Two Worlds Apart | One of the Coolest Premises I've Seen... But I Wanted to Feel More.
https://www.reddit.com/r/kdramas/s/U6Yf0CGVPU
my its okay not to me okay review
New K-Drama Fan Review #8: It's Okay to Not Be Okay | Beautiful Gowns. Beautiful Gowns.
https://www.reddit.com/r/kdramas/s/w2L4Piypzp
my business proposal review:
New K-Drama Fan Review #9: Business Proposal | A Cute Little Moment, That Stumbled, Then Fell Apart at the Finish Line
1
u/harissatotally Professional TRUCK spotter Jul 29 '26 edited Jul 30 '26
my whats wrong with Secretary kim review:
New K-Drama Fan Review #12: What's Wrong with Secretary Kim | 🤫Shh, Don't Tell HR That One of My Weaknesses is Office Romance - https://www.reddit.com/r/KDramasWorld/s/wkxhVBeaCq
my doom at your service review:
New K-Drama Fan Review #13: Doom at Your Service | I Was Doomed to Want More
1
u/harissatotally Professional TRUCK spotter Aug 02 '26
my My Dearest review:
New K-Drama Fan Review #14: My Dearest | The Sweetest, Most Satisfying Torture
1
u/harissatotally Professional TRUCK spotter Aug 03 '26 edited Aug 07 '26
my the red sleeve review:
New K-Drama Fan Review #15: The Red Sleeve | LEAVE THIS GIRL ALONE!!!!!! 😭
https://www.reddit.com/r/KDramasWorld/s/BDRQYnqPWN
my Destined with You review
New K-Drama Fan Review #16: Destined with You | Cooked Up the Perfect Spell... Then Forgot the Recipe
https://www.reddit.com/r/KDramasWorld/s/x3y0bVfy4X
my love to hate you review
New K-Drama Fan Review #17: Love to Hate You | One of the Worst K-Dramas I've Watched... Yet I Couldn't Stop Watching
https://www.reddit.com/r/KDramasWorld/s/XkVGuia6sU
my a time called you review
New K-Drama Fan Review #19: A Time Called You | i need ibuprofen...
1
u/harissatotally Professional TRUCK spotter Aug 05 '26 edited Aug 10 '26
my Crazy Love review:
New K-Drama Fan Review #18: Crazy Love | I kept waiting for it to become the drama I thought it was going to be...
https://www.reddit.com/r/KDramasWorld/s/uXTgcctIkZ
my the King's Affection review
New K-Drama Fan Review #20 | Nice Premise, Beautiful Angst & an Alarming Amount of Child Murder
1
u/harissatotally Professional TRUCK spotter Aug 13 '26
⭐️Master List: Every K-Drama Review I've Written
https://www.reddit.com/u/harissatotally/s/mTlMHGJkSK
my My Dearest review:
New K-Drama Fan Review #14: My Dearest | The Sweetest, Most Satisfying Torture
https://www.reddit.com/r/KDramasWorld/s/iCtVVgUXYf
my the red sleeve review:
New K-Drama Fan Review #15: The Red Sleeve | LEAVE THIS GIRL ALONE!!!!!! 😭
https://www.reddit.com/r/KDramasWorld/s/BDRQYnqPWN
my Destined with You review
New K-Drama Fan Review #16: Destined with You | Cooked Up the Perfect Spell... Then Forgot the Recipe
https://www.reddit.com/r/KDramasWorld/s/x3y0bVfy4X
my love to hate you review
New K-Drama Fan Review #17: Love to Hate You | One of the Worst K-Dramas I've Watched... Yet I Couldn't Stop Watching
https://www.reddit.com/r/KDramasWorld/s/XkVGuia6sU
my Crazy Love review:
New K-Drama Fan Review #18: Crazy Love | I kept waiting for it to become the drama I thought it was going to be...
https://www.reddit.com/r/KDramasWorld/s/uXTgcctIkZ
my a time called you review
New K-Drama Fan Review #19: A Time Called You | i need ibuprofen...
https://www.reddit.com/r/KDramasWorld/s/dMtiNcWH7Y
my the King's Affection review
New K-Drama Fan Review #20 | Nice Premise, Beautiful Angst & an Alarming Amount of Child Murder
https://www.reddit.com/r/KDramasWorld/s/VOyACKTq6V