''River Where the Moon Rises'' () is a 2021
South Korean television series starring
Kim So-hyun
Kim So-hyun (; born June 4, 1999) is a South Korean actress who began her career as a child in 2006, initially gaining public attention for playing pivotal roles in ''Moon Embracing the Sun'' (2012) and '' Missing You'' (2013).
She took on he ...
,
Na In-woo
Na Jong-chan (; born September 17, 1994) better known by his stage name Na In-woo ( Korean: 나인우), is a South Korean actor. He is best known for his roles in ''Mr. Queen'' (2020–2021) and '' River Where the Moon Rises'' (2021). He is a c ...
,
Lee Ji-hoon and
Choi Yu-hwa
Choi Yu-hwa (born October 10, 1985) is a South Korean actress. Choi entered the entertainment industry after winning the Fashion Model Award at the fashion magazine CeCi's Model Contest in 2005. She debuted in the one-act ''Drama Special'' "The ...
. Based on the 2010 novel ''Princess Pyeonggang'' by film director and screenwriter Choi Sagyu,
it aired on
KBS2
The Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) () is the national broadcaster of South Korea. Founded in February 1927, it is one of the leading South Korean television and radio broadcasters.
KBS operates seven radio networks, ten television channels, a ...
from February 15 to April 20, 2021, every Monday and Tuesday at 21:30 (
KST).
The series is available on
Viu with multi-language subtitles. The series was submitted for the 2021
International Emmy Awards.
Originally cast as On Dal,
Kim Ji Soo was replaced after allegations of bullying and sexual abuse sparked a scandal. Six episodes had already aired; the remaining 14 were reshot with new lead Na In-woo. On March 24, 2021, it was reported that there was a plan to re-film the first six episodes of the show as well, since the original versions with Kim Ji Soo had been taken down.
The decision was also influenced by the positive reception to Na In-woo's acting and chemistry with female lead Kim So-hyun despite the circumstances of his casting.
Both Kim and Na was nominated in the
57th Baeksang Arts Awards for their performance in the drama, with Kim being the youngest nominee for Best Actress - Television Series category in the award's history
Synopsis
The series retells the love story between
Princess Pyeonggang
Princess Pyeonggang (died 595) was a Goguryeo Princess as the daughter of King Pyeongwon and sister of King Yeongyang She was married to General On Dal.
In popular culture
* Portrayed by Nam Sang-mi in the 2009 KBS2 TV series ''Invincible L ...
and
On Dal, characters from a classic
Goguryeo
Goguryeo (37 BC–668 AD) ( ) also called Goryeo (), was a Korean kingdom located in the northern and central parts of the Korean Peninsula and the southern and central parts of Northeast China. At its peak of power, Goguryeo controlled most ...
folktale.
Princess Pyeonggang (
Kim So-hyun
Kim So-hyun (; born June 4, 1999) is a South Korean actress who began her career as a child in 2006, initially gaining public attention for playing pivotal roles in ''Moon Embracing the Sun'' (2012) and '' Missing You'' (2013).
She took on he ...
) was born as a princess but raised as an assassin. Upon learning the truth of her origins, she fights to win back her country and rightful throne from the corruption that has taken over.
A peace-loving man, On Dal (
Na In-woo
Na Jong-chan (; born September 17, 1994) better known by his stage name Na In-woo ( Korean: 나인우), is a South Korean actor. He is best known for his roles in ''Mr. Queen'' (2020–2021) and '' River Where the Moon Rises'' (2021). He is a c ...
) is the exact opposite of the warrior princess. But as the two fall for each other, On Dal finds himself forsaking his principles in order to keep her safe. An endeavor that proves increasingly difficult, as players from all sides converge in a lethal battle for the throne.
Cast
Main
*
Kim So-hyun
Kim So-hyun (; born June 4, 1999) is a South Korean actress who began her career as a child in 2006, initially gaining public attention for playing pivotal roles in ''Moon Embracing the Sun'' (2012) and '' Missing You'' (2013).
She took on he ...
as
Princess Pyeonggang
Princess Pyeonggang (died 595) was a Goguryeo Princess as the daughter of King Pyeongwon and sister of King Yeongyang She was married to General On Dal.
In popular culture
* Portrayed by Nam Sang-mi in the 2009 KBS2 TV series ''Invincible L ...
/ Yeom Ga-jin
**
Heo Jung-eun
Heo Jung-eun (; born September 14, 2007) is a South Korean actress. She first drew public attention with her performances in hit dramas, '' My Lawyer, Mr. Jo'' (2016) and ''Love in the Moonlight'' (2016). At age nine, she took on her first leadin ...
as young Princess Pyeonggang
** Jung Yoon-ha as baby Princess Pyeonggang
:A princess determined to be first
Queen regnant
A queen regnant (plural: queens regnant) is a female monarch, equivalent in rank and title to a king, who reigns ''suo jure'' (in her own right) over a realm known as a "kingdom"; as opposed to a queen consort, who is the wife of a reignin ...
of
Goguryeo
Goguryeo (37 BC–668 AD) ( ) also called Goryeo (), was a Korean kingdom located in the northern and central parts of the Korean Peninsula and the southern and central parts of Northeast China. At its peak of power, Goguryeo controlled most ...
and restore the country her father failed.
*
Na In-woo
Na Jong-chan (; born September 17, 1994) better known by his stage name Na In-woo ( Korean: 나인우), is a South Korean actor. He is best known for his roles in ''Mr. Queen'' (2020–2021) and '' River Where the Moon Rises'' (2021). He is a c ...
as
On Dal
**Seo Dong-hyun as young On Dal
:A peace-loving, pure man who goes against his principles in order to protect Princess Pyeonggang.
*
Lee Ji-hoon as General Go Geon
**Park Min-sang as young Go Geon
:An elite general who is perfect in every way and longs to make Pyeonggang his.
*
Choi Yu-hwa
Choi Yu-hwa (born October 10, 1985) is a South Korean actress. Choi entered the entertainment industry after winning the Fashion Model Award at the fashion magazine CeCi's Model Contest in 2005. She debuted in the one-act ''Drama Special'' "The ...
as Hae Mo-yong
** Moon So-Hee as young Hae Mo-yong
:A woman who desired to take control of
Goguryeo
Goguryeo (37 BC–668 AD) ( ) also called Goryeo (), was a Korean kingdom located in the northern and central parts of the Korean Peninsula and the southern and central parts of Northeast China. At its peak of power, Goguryeo controlled most ...
and play with it as she wants. She is the adoptive daughter of Hae Ji-wol and falls in love with Go Geon.
Supporting
Royal Palace
*
Kim Pub-lae as
King Pyeongwon, was originally a benevolent and generous king, but he has gradually changed into a sensitive and suspicious personality. Since then, he has been playing around with Gowon Pyo's tactics and is keeping the palace his.
*
Cha Kwang-soo as Jin Pil, father of the second queen Jin-bi and a timid and weak person who depends on his daughter's power.
*
Kim Jung-young
Kim Jung-young ( born on 27 July 1972) is a South Korean actress. She made her acting debut in 2000 in films, since then, she has appeared in number of plays, films and television series. She got recognition for her supporting roles in ''Clean w ...
as Lady Gongson, nanny of Princess Pyeonggang. She is a loyal person who is guarding the empty Gongju Palace (Magnolia Palace) alone, hoping that Princess Pyeonggang, who disappeared 10 years ago will return alive, and then becomes a shadow of Pyeonggang after Pyeonggang comes back alive.
*
Kim So-hyun
Kim So-hyun (; born June 4, 1999) is a South Korean actress who began her career as a child in 2006, initially gaining public attention for playing pivotal roles in ''Moon Embracing the Sun'' (2012) and '' Missing You'' (2013).
She took on he ...
as Queen Yeon, the former Queen of Goguryeo. A brave and intelligent woman, she works to protect Goguryeo from evil tribe leaders but is killed by Go Won-pyo at Sunnobo. She is the mother of Princess Pyeonggang and Prince Go-won.
*
Son Woo-hyuk as Head Eunuch, he is a close aide to the King Pyeongwon and the head of eunuchs.
*
Ahn Shin-woo as Kim Pyeong-ji, a friend of King Pyeongwon and a servant of Goguryeo. He is a person who does not check his family because he does not have much to see, has no property, and even has no family to protect
*
Wang Bit-na
Wang Bit-na (born April 15, 1981) is a South Korean actress. She is best known for playing Bu-yong in the popular historical drama ''Hwang Jini''.
Filmography
Television series
Film
Awards
* 2018 Korea Drama Awards: Top Excellence Award, A ...
as Queen Jin, a figure who won the king's heart with her outstanding beauty and manner. She is the mother of
Prince Geon-mu, she seeks the chance to drive out Prince Go-won and make Prince Geon-Mu the king.
*
Ki Eun-se as Royal Consort Hyeon, one of King Pyeongwon's concubines.
*
Kwon Hwa-woon
Kwon Hwa-woon is a South Korean actor and model. He is known for his roles in ''Lie After Lie'', ''Sky Castle'', ''Doctor John,'' ''Zombie Detective'' ''and Mouse.'' He also appeared in movie ''Northern Limit Line
The Northern Limit Line or ...
as
Prince Go-won, Princess Pyeonggang's younger brother and the person who encourages On Dal to participate in the war.
**
Park Sang-hoon as young Prince Go-won.
Ghost village (''Sunnobu Tribe'')
*
Kang Ha-neul
Kang Ha-neul (born Kim Ha-neul on February 21, 1990) is a South Korean actor. He is best known for his roles in television dramas ''The Heirs'' (2013), '' Misaeng: Incomplete Life (2014)'', '' Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo'' (2016), '' When t ...
as General On Hyeop, the father of On Dal and the head of the Sunno region in Goguryeo. His is a dutiful leader who fulfills his responsibilities for his country and his people. Embodying a sense of charisma and righteousness, he is a revered general of the people who receives support and loyalty from the masses.
*
Hwang Young-hee
Hwang Young-hee is a South Korean actress and model. She is known for her roles in dramas, '' While You Were Sleeping'', ''My Healing Love'', and ''Nokdu Flower''. She also appeared in movies such as '' The Witness'', ''Stray Dogs'', '' May 18' ...
as Lady Sa, the nanny of On Dal. She took care of On Dal after his father's wrongful death and the only remaining family of On Dal.
* Jung Wook as Sa Woon-am, a subordinate general of On Dal's father, General On Hyeop and leader of Sunno tribe after General's death.
*
Kim Dong-young as Sa Pung-gae, the son of commander Sa Woon-am and On Dal's childhood friend.
**
Kim Hyun-bin as young Sa Pung-gae
*
Oh Ah-rin
Oh Ah-rin (Korean: 오아린; born on 2 May 2011) is a South Korean child actress. She made her acting debut in 2015, since then, she has appeared in number of films and television series. She is known for her various roles as child actor as: ' ...
as Wol-yi, a
Baekje
Baekje or Paekche (, ) was a Korean kingdom located in southwestern Korea from 18 BC to 660 AD. It was one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, together with Goguryeo and Silla.
Baekje was founded by Onjo, the third son of Goguryeo's founder Jum ...
refugee and playful child who uplifts everyone in the Ghost village.
*Yoon Ah-jeong as Hong Mae, a maiden that lives in Sunno.
* Lee Sang-chan as Seok Gu. Ran from working at Goon-yeong's barn because the work was too hard, is found by On Dal and is taken to the ghost village, he looks gruff but is very deep-minded and loyal.
* Won Woo as Pil Gu. Ran from the construction site of the Jangan Castle, goes from mountain to mountain and meets On Dal and ends up in the ghost village.
Gyeru Tribe
* Lee Hae-young as Go Won-pyo, the Gochuga of Gyeru Tribe, a cunning and elaborate politician who boasts a brilliant speech and excellent showmanship. With the conviction that his family should become King of Goguryeo, he takes the lead to dethrone the reign of King Pyeongwon.
* Yoon Joo-man as Go Sang-cheol, Go Won-pyo's right-hand man.
Sonobu Tribe
* Jung In-gyeom as Hae Ji-wol, head of Sono tribe and one of the most powerful people in
Goguryeo
Goguryeo (37 BC–668 AD) ( ) also called Goryeo (), was a Korean kingdom located in the northern and central parts of the Korean Peninsula and the southern and central parts of Northeast China. At its peak of power, Goguryeo controlled most ...
.
Jeolnobu Tribe
*
Jasper Cho
Jasper Taekwan Cho (born February 12, 1986), a Canadian actor and art director based in South Korea. He gained attention through his roles in television series ''Descendants of the Sun'' (2016) and ''Man Who Dies to Live
''Man Who Dies to Live' ...
as Wol Gwang, a monk and former Jeolnobu's greatest fighter who once defended the north.
Cheonjubang
* Han Jae-young as Du Jung-seo, an expert in witchcraft and the imperial fortune-teller who predicts good and bad fortune of Goguryeo.
*
Ryu Ui-hyun
Ryu Ui-hyun (born April 15, 1999), a South Korean actor. He gained attention through his roles in web series ''A-Teen'' (2018), ''A-Teen 2'' (2019) and ''Adult Trainee
''Adult Trainee'' () is a South Korean web series directed by Yoo Hak-chan ...
as Tarasan, a talkative but clumsy best friend of Princess Pyeonggang and Tarajin's twin brother.
*
Kim Hee-jung as Tarajin, a killer who lives with her twin brother Tarasan, in Dorim-hyang, where people abandoned in Goguryeo gather.
* Moon Jin-seung as Ma Tae-mo, a member of the Cheonjubang a group in which Pyeong-gang belongs. He is a cruel murderer without compassion, and is loyal to Du Jung-seo.
*
Jung Eun-pyo
Jung Eun-pyo (born March 27, 1966) is a South Korean actor. He is active in both stage and screen since 1990, notably in the film ''Kilimanjaro'' (for which he won Best Supporting Actor at the Grand Bell Awards) and the television dramas ''Moon ...
as Yeom Deuk, adoptive father of Yeom Ga-jin.
Silla Kingdom
* Kim Bum-suk as Kim Cha-seung
*
Kim Seung-soo
Kim Seung-Soo (born July 25, 1971) is a South Korean actor.
Filmography
Television series
* '' Hur Jun'' (1999)
* ''Bad Boys'' (2000)
* ''Rookie'' (2000)
* ''Cool'' (2001)
* '' Mina'' (2001)
* ''Fox and Cotton Candy'' (2001)
* ''Remember' ...
as
Jinheung of Silla
Kim Sammaekjong (526–576; reign 540–576) was the 24th monarch of Silla, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea.
He followed King Beopheung (r. 514–540) and was followed by King Jinji (r. 576–579). Jinheung was the nephew / grandson of K ...
Extended
* Jung Dong-geun as Il-yeong, Go Geon's escort warrior.
* Jo Bok-rae
Production
Development
Early working title of the series is ''Pyeong-gang, Cut to the Heart'' ().
The series is based on Choi Sagyu's novel ''Princess Pyeonggang''.
The novel shows a different perspective on Princess Pyeonggang as an outstanding leader to her country and people, breaking the image of a crying princess and a pleasant-looking wife in the Goguryeo folktale ''Pyeonggang and Ondal''. Choi took 25 years to complete the novel.
It is directed by Yoon Sangho, who directed other works such as ''
Saimdang, Memoir of Colors
''Saimdang, Memoir of Colors'' () is a South Korean drama starring Lee Young-ae in the title role as Shin Saimdang, a famous Joseon-era artist and calligrapher who lived in the early 16th century. It aired on SBS every Wednesday and Thursday at ...
'', ''
Different Dreams
''Different Dreams '' () is a 2019 South Korean television series starring Lee Yo-won, Yoo Ji-tae, Lim Ju-hwan and Nam Gyu-ri. It aired four episodes every Saturday on MBC TV from 20:45 to 23:10 ( KST), from May 4 to July 13, 2019.
The series ...
'', ''
Kingmaker: The Change of Destiny'' and written by Han Ji-hoon, who previously wrote ''
Time Between Dog and Wolf
''Time Between Dog and Wolf'' () is a 2007 South Korean action-romance drama, starring Lee Joon-gi, Nam Sang-mi and Jung Kyung-ho. It aired on MBC from July 18 to September 6, 2007 on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 21:55 for 16 episodes.
Title
...
'', ''
Temptation
Temptation is a desire to engage in short-term urges for enjoyment that threatens long-term goals.Webb, J.R. (Sep 2014). Incorporating Spirituality into Psychology of temptation: Conceptualization, measurement, and clinical implications. Sp ...
'' and ''
Woman of 9.9 Billion''. The drama is produced by
Victory Contents
Victory Contents () is a Korean drama production company based in Seoul.
History
''source:''
*April 4, 2003 - Music Encyclopedia was established.
*October 2003 - The company's name was changed to Victory Production Co. (later Victory Productio ...
. Kim Soung-eun, owner of jewelry brand Naschenka, designed the jewelry featured in the drama including the gold, peony blossom-shaped crown wore by Princess Pyeonggang.
On January 27, 2021,
Viu revealed ''River Where the Moon Rises'' as its latest Viu Original. Virginia Lim, Viu's chief content officer commented: "With an exceptional script and amazing talent, ''River Where the Moon Rises'' is not to be missed."
Casting
The production company Victory Contents conducted a public audition for the drama from August 3–4 to be produced in the second half of 2020. The performers recruiting are male and female actors from 1987 to 2005, skilled in martial arts and sports or have experience in dramas, movies, and performances.
On October 30, Victory Contents announced the winner of The Next public audition, actor Jung Dong-geun. He was chosen through 1:1000 candidates.
On August 25, Sports Seoul reported that
Son Ye-jin
Son Ye-jin (born Son Eon-jin on January 11, 1982) is a South Korean actress. She rose to fame in 2003 for '' The Classic'' and '' Summer Scent'', which were followed by the commercially successful ''A Moment to Remember'' (2004) and ''April Snow ...
was in talks to star in the series. Following the reports, a source from Son's agency MS Team Entertainment shared, "It's one of the projects she has received offers for, and nothing is decided yet." They continued, "She is currently spurring her advance into Hollywood by affirming her appearance in the Hollywood film ''The Cross'' by
Andrew Niccol
Andrew Niccol (born 10 June 1964) is a New Zealand screenwriter, producer, and director. He wrote and directed ''Gattaca'' (1997), '' Simone'' (2002), ''Lord of War'' (2005), ''In Time'' (2011), '' The Host'' (2013), and ''Good Kill'' (2014). H ...
." The same day, it was also reported that
Kang Ha-neul
Kang Ha-neul (born Kim Ha-neul on February 21, 1990) is a South Korean actor. He is best known for his roles in television dramas ''The Heirs'' (2013), '' Misaeng: Incomplete Life (2014)'', '' Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo'' (2016), '' When t ...
was cast as
On Dal, but turned down the offer due to a scheduling conflict on September 21. The following day, Kang's agency confirmed his special appearance as General On Hyeop.
On October 5, it was reported that
Kim So-hyun
Kim So-hyun (; born June 4, 1999) is a South Korean actress who began her career as a child in 2006, initially gaining public attention for playing pivotal roles in ''Moon Embracing the Sun'' (2012) and '' Missing You'' (2013).
She took on he ...
had been cast and confirmed as the drama's protagonist.
On October 13, it was reported that
Ji Soo
Kim Ji-soo (; born 30 March 1993), professionally known as Ji Soo, is a South Korean actor.
Early life and education
In elementary school, Ji Soo was a judo athlete and competed at national level before giving it up due to injuries. He was an ...
had received an offer for the role of Ondal, the male protagonist in the drama but was still reviewing it. On October 22, Ji Soo was confirmed to be acting as the male lead On Dal, with
Lee Ji-hoon and
Choi Yu-hwa
Choi Yu-hwa (born October 10, 1985) is a South Korean actress. Choi entered the entertainment industry after winning the Fashion Model Award at the fashion magazine CeCi's Model Contest in 2005. She debuted in the one-act ''Drama Special'' "The ...
joining the cast. The script reading was held on October 23, 2020.
The series reunited actors Kim So-hyun, Ji Soo and
Hwang Young-hee
Hwang Young-hee is a South Korean actress and model. She is known for her roles in dramas, '' While You Were Sleeping'', ''My Healing Love'', and ''Nokdu Flower''. She also appeared in movies such as '' The Witness'', ''Stray Dogs'', '' May 18' ...
who previously acted together in the drama ''
Page Turner''. It marked the fourth collaboration of Kim So-Hyun with Hwang Young-hee after 2016 series ''Page Turner'', film ''
Pure Love'' and 2017 series ''
While You Were Sleeping'', and second collaboration with
Jung Eun-pyo
Jung Eun-pyo (born March 27, 1966) is a South Korean actor. He is active in both stage and screen since 1990, notably in the film ''Kilimanjaro'' (for which he won Best Supporting Actor at the Grand Bell Awards) and the television dramas ''Moon ...
in 2012 ''
Moon Embracing the Sun
''Moon Embracing the Sun'' (, also known as ''The Moon that Embraces the Sun'' or ''The Sun and the Moon'') is a 2012 South Korean television drama series, starring Kim Soo-hyun, Han Ga-in, Jung Il-woo, and Kim Min-seo. It aired on MBC from Jan ...
''. It also reunited Kim So-Hyun and
Kim Hee-jung who previously worked together in the 2015 series ''
Who Are You: School 2015''.
Filming
On November 23, the production of ''River Where the Moon Rises'' was suspended as a direct result of the
COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic, is an ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The novel virus was first identif ...
. It was reported that a supporting actor was identified as close contact with a COVID-19 carrier. Ten crew members who came in contact with the person also underwent voluntary
COVID-19 testing
COVID-19 testing involves analyzing samples to assess the current or past presence of SARS-CoV-2. The two main types of tests detect either the presence of the virus or antibodies produced in response to infection. Molecular tests for viral ...
.
OCN's ''
The Uncanny Counter
''The Uncanny Counter'' () is a South Korean television series starring Jo Byung-gyu, Yoo Jun-sang, Kim Se-jeong and Yeom Hye-ran. Based on the Daum webtoon ''Amazing Rumor'' by Jang Yi, it centers on the titular character So Mun, a high schoo ...
'', which shares the set with the series, decided to cancel their press conference. On November 24, the extra's result was confirmed positive, but all affiliated cast and crew members tested negative. For safety, the production crew practiced self-isolation for one or two more days, observed the situation, and resumed shooting.
After the series ended, Lee Ji-hoon revealed he injured his nose during an action scene, suffering difficulty breathing. He underwent nose surgery on June 29 to treat his deviated septum.
Release
KBS showed a 40-second pre-release special video at the
2020 KBS Drama Awards
The 2020 KBS Drama Awards (), presented by Korean Broadcasting System (KBS), was held on 31 December 2020 at KBS Hall in Yeouido, Seoul. It was hosted by Jo Bo-ah, Lee Sang-yeob, Kim Kang-hoon and . Considering the resurgence of COVID-19, the s ...
on December 31, 2020. A special video part 2 was released on January 8, 2021. A poster released on January 14 features the silhouette of Pyeonggang on a horse with On Dal's face faintly hovering in the sky above her. This reflects Pyeonggang's strong determination to restore and lead Goguryeo and On Dal's love for Pyeonggang and his desire to watch over her. It reads, "On Dal, the general who turned love into history. Princess Pyeonggang, whose life in Goguryeo was everything."
The series aired after ''
Royal Secret Agent
''Royal Secret Agent'' () is a South Korean historical comedy, detective television series. The series is directed by Kim Jung-min and stars Kim Myung-soo, Kwon Nara, Lee Tae-hwan, Lee Yi-kyung, and Jo Soo-min. Written by Kang Min-sun and Par ...
'' from February 15, 2021.
Original soundtrack
''River Where the Moon Rises Original Television Soundtrack''
The following is the official track list of ''River Where the Moon Rises Original Television Soundtrack'' album. The tracks with no indicated lyricists and composers are the drama's
musical score; the artists indicated for these tracks are the tracks' composers themselves. The album consisting of a total of 22 tracks released digitally on April 13, and physically on April 20.
;Part 1
;Part 2
;Part 3
;Part 4
;Part 5
;Part 6
Episodes
Reception
Critical response
Lee Do-hak, an expert on Korean history and a professor at the
Korea University of Traditional Culture described the series as "it is not a story but real history" as the drama shifts from 'The Story of Pyeonggang' to 'The Story of Ondal'
..with the message that Ondal consistently emphasizes in his story is 'keeping promises'." He also said the drama "shows the genres of various historical dramas centered on one person named Pyeonggang, where the reality and dreams of current youth are projected. It depicts the aspects of war and political historical dramas reflecting the characteristics of the times of Goguryeo, while at the same time portraying the growing drama of Peace and Ondal, as well as the youth melodrama. These various fun elements are the reason why 'River of the Rising Moon' has gained a wide audience of various generations." Despite Na In-woo sudden appearance on the drama, Professor Lee praised him for "adjust
ngthe awkwardness through filming" and Kim So-hyun for her great effort in "growing him as an actor by matching the newly-introduced Na In-woo, just as Pyeonggang grew Ondal in the drama". historical drama with an amazing story that has never been seen before. He concluded by saying that "''The River Where the Moon Rises'' is a historical drama with an amazing story that has never been seen before.
Viewership
Awards and nominations
Controversies
Backlash from Chinese netizens about Hanbok origin
On February 13, 2021,
Kim So-hyun
Kim So-hyun (; born June 4, 1999) is a South Korean actress who began her career as a child in 2006, initially gaining public attention for playing pivotal roles in ''Moon Embracing the Sun'' (2012) and '' Missing You'' (2013).
She took on he ...
was heavily criticized by Chinese internet users regarding Kim
Instagram
Instagram is a photo and video sharing social networking service owned by American company Meta Platforms. The app allows users to upload media that can be edited with filters and organized by hashtags and geographical tagging. Posts can ...
's photo of herself taken at a drama set wearing a
Hanbok
The (; term used in South Korean standard language, South Korea), also called ()
n North Korean standard language, North Korea and China, is an Hyponymy and hypernymy, umbrella term which is used to refer to traditional ethnic Koreans, Korean ...
, in which she wished her followers, "Everyone, have a safe and warm Happy Lunar New Year". The post was flooded with claims that the Korean traditional costume she was wearing was a Chinese traditional costume known as
Hanfu
''Hanfu'' () is the traditional styles of clothing worn by the Han Chinese. There are several representative styles of ''hanfu'', such as the (an upper-body garment with a long outer skirt), the (an upper-body garment with a long underskirt ...
, with several Chinese netizens calling South Korea a "thief country". Afterwards, Rapper
E Sens
Kang Min-ho (; born 9 February 1987), better known by the stage name E Sens (), is a South Korean rapper. He debuted in 2009 as a member of the hip hop duo Supreme Team, which disbanded in 2013. In 2015, he released his first solo album, ''Th ...
and singer
Song Ga-in
Jo Eun-sim (; born December 26, 1986), better known by her stage name, Song Ga-in (), is a South Korean female trot singer. She is the winner of the 2019 reality television show ''Miss Trot.'' She often appears on KBS's '' Golden Oldies''.
...
expressed their anger at the so-called 'hanbok remarks'. E Sens wrote a direct remark about the issue on his Instagram story, and Song posted a picture of herself wearing a Hanbok with the caption "Kimchi and Hanbok are our country's, please!". Using the hashtags, 'love kimchi' and 'love hanbok'.
Ji Soo involved in school violence allegations
On March 3, 2021, school violence rumours surrounding actor
Ji Soo
Kim Ji-soo (; born 30 March 1993), professionally known as Ji Soo, is a South Korean actor.
Early life and education
In elementary school, Ji Soo was a judo athlete and competed at national level before giving it up due to injuries. He was an ...
circulated online. Through a handwritten letter, Ji Soo admitted to the school bullying rumours and apologized to those who have been hurt by his past actions and those involved in the production of the currently ongoing drama. However, he denied committing the alleged sexual assaults among these allegations, which also including extorting the students of their money, fighting and proxy testing. Ji Soo was one of the many people from the entertainment industry who were accused of being a school bully in their school days since February 2021, in which the list of people also included
Park Hye-su,
Jo Byeong-kyu
Cho Byeong-kyu (born April 23, 1996) is a South Korean actor. He is best known for his roles in the television series ''SKY Castle'' (2018–2019), ''Hot Stove League
''Hot Stove League'' () is a South Korean television series that aired on ...
,
(G)I-dle
(G)I-dle (), stylized in all caps, is a South Korean girl group formed by Cube Entertainment in 2018. The group consists of five members: Miyeon, Minnie, Soyeon, Yuqi and Shuhua. Originally a sextet, Soojin left the lineup on August 14, 202 ...
's
Soojin and
Shim Eun-woo, who either denied the allegations or apologised to the victims.
The following day, a KBS representative shared that filming scheduled for March 4 was cancelled due to Ji Soo's ongoing school violence controversy. On March 5, Ji Soo was removed as a cast member from the drama. Later that day, it was confirmed that Ji Soo was replaced by
Na In-woo
Na Jong-chan (; born September 17, 1994) better known by his stage name Na In-woo ( Korean: 나인우), is a South Korean actor. He is best known for his roles in ''Mr. Queen'' (2020–2021) and '' River Where the Moon Rises'' (2021). He is a c ...
from episode 7 onwards. The production had completed filming 90% of the drama when the allegations first arose. On March 24, a plan was proposed by the production team to re-film the first six episodes of the show (which included Ji Soo) in light of Na In-woo's replacement of the actor and the expressed public interest by existing viewers to rewatch the first six episodes and new viewers to watch the previous episodes, as well as the positive reception to Na's acting and chemistry with female lead Kim So-hyun despite the circumstances of his casting. The production team also promised to release the first six re-filmed episodes through the online broadcasting platforms and VODs as soon as possible.
In a post-drama interview, Lee Ji-hoon said that it took him around 3 days to complete the reshoots with Na In-woo while Kim So-hyun, who had the most scenes with the male lead, underwent one more month of filming to complete the re-shoots.
Cast members
Lee Ji-hoon,
Wang Bit-na
Wang Bit-na (born April 15, 1981) is a South Korean actress. She is best known for playing Bu-yong in the popular historical drama ''Hwang Jini''.
Filmography
Television series
Film
Awards
* 2018 Korea Drama Awards: Top Excellence Award, A ...
, ,
Kim Hee-jung and Yoon Joo-man offered to participate in the re-shoots without payment. It was later revealed two months after the drama end, Kim So-hyun also participated in the re-shoots without payment out of love and affection for the drama and her character.
On April 2, 2021, the show's production company is currently pending a lawsuit against Ji Soo and his management agency
KeyEast
KeyEast (; stylized as KEYEAST) is a management agency founded by actor Bae Yong-joon.
History
* October 8, 1996 – Tuneboom Korea Co., Ltd. (한국툰붐 주식회사) was established.
* November 2003 – Tuneboom Korea was listed at KOSDAQ.
...
regarding the damages caused to the drama, which totalled up to around 3 billion won as a result of the bullying scandal caused by Ji Soo. They stated that they earlier tried to seek compensation from KeyEast but to no avail due to the non-cooperation of the agency.
Notes
References
External links
*
''River Where the Moon Rises''at
Daum
*
*
{{Works by Victory Contents
Korean-language television shows
Korean Broadcasting System television dramas
2021 South Korean television series debuts
South Korean historical television series
Television series set in Goguryeo
Television shows based on South Korean novels
Television productions suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Television series by Victory Contents
2021 South Korean television series endings