The 2025 MBC historical fantasy series has captured attention both domestically in Korea and internationally. With a compelling mix of political intrigue, romance, and fantastical body‑swap elements, this drama delivers a fresh viewing experience. In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Moon Over River drama cast, plot and characters, including key roles, story arcs, and why fans are so invested.
1. Drama Overview
Moon Over River is an original historical fantasy series airing on MBC. Unlike many Korean dramas based on existing webtoons or novels, this series introduces an entirely new world and narrative. This original setup allows the Moon Over River drama cast, plot and characters to come to life without expectations tied to source material, giving viewers surprising developments and unpredictable twists.
| Category | Details |
| Genre | Historical Fantasy, Romantic Comedy, Fantasy |
| Broadcast Time | Fridays & Saturdays / 9:40 PM (KST) |
| Airing Period | Currently Airing – November 7, 2025 to December 20, 2025 (Scheduled) |
| Episodes | 14 Episodes + 1 Special |
| Planner | MBC |
| Production Company | HighZium Studio |
| Additional Channels | MBC Dramanet, MBC every1, MBC M |
| Filming Period | February 2025 – October 22, 2025 (Pre-Produced) |
2. Main Characters
(1) Prince I‑Gang(Kang Tae‑oh)
- As the reluctant heir who pretends madness to survive palace politics, Prince I‑Gang drives much of the drama’s tension and humor.
- His journey is central to the Moon Over River drama cast, plot and characters dynamic, especially as he navigates love, danger, and identity.
(2) Park Dal‑Yi(Kim Se‑jeong)
- Formerly a warrior with lost memories, Dal‑Yi’s path crosses fatefully with I‑Gang’s.
- The body‑swap twist becomes a defining moment for the Moon Over River drama cast, plot and characters, deepening emotional stakes while challenging both leads.
(3) Lee‑Un(Lee Shin‑young)
- A subdued prince with a complicated past, his emotional arc enriches the Moon Over River drama cast, plot and characters with layered vulnerability and romantic tension.
(4) Kim Woo‑Hee(Hong Soo‑ju)
- A smart and compassionate woman forced into hardship by her family’s ambitions, Woo‑Hee becomes a key figure in the unfolding Moon Over River drama cast, plot and characters storylines.
3. People Who Cherish Kang
(1) King Lee‑Hee (Kim Nam‑hee)
- As the puppet king manipulated by powerful ministers, his presence adds depth to the Moon Over River drama cast, plot and characters by anchoring the central conflict in palace politics.
(2) Oh Shin‑won (Kwon Joo‑seok)
- A loyal friend and warrior, Shin‑won’s unwavering support highlights the stronger emotional currents within the Moon Over River drama cast, plot and characters.
(3) Yoon Se-dol (Actor: Han Sang-jo)
- He serves as the Crown Prince Kang’s eunuch and grew up with him since childhood.
- He claims that he became a eunuch out of loyalty to Kang, but that’s not entirely true.
- In reality, he lost his manhood after being bitten by a dog while defecating in the mountains as a child.
- Although he keeps this painful secret hidden, he tends to confess it when drunk.
(4) Cha Eun-woo (Actor: Kim Yoon-bae)
- His name is impressive, but his looks fall short – giving him an unexpected charm.
- In modern terms, he serves as Crown Prince Kang’s “personal stylist.”
4. People Who Cherish Dari
(1) Park Hong-nan (Actor: Park Ah-in)
- Even in her thirties, she is still regarded as the most beautiful woman in Boryeong.
- Her vast knowledge and artistic talent touch the hearts of many – traits she honed during her time as the top courtesan in Hanseong.
- Five years ago, her beloved Yeonwol’s family was destroyed, and she lost him.
- Since then, she has continued her life carrying that sorrow.
(2) Dari’s Father (Actor: Lim Ki-hong)
- Due to poverty, he became a eunuch and his younger sister a courtesan to make ends meet.
- Though he lost his manhood, he couldn’t sever his feelings for the woman he loved – the court lady (Dari’s mother).
- He should have been executed for this forbidden love, but survived thanks to the late king Heungseo and his sister’s money.
- Now, he lives as “Joseon’s lucky guy.”
(3) Dari’s Mother (Actor: Park Bo-kyung)
- Once a court lady in the royal embroidery department, she narrowly escaped execution after falling in love with a eunuch.
- She now lives thanks to the help of her sister-in-law, who gave everything she had to save and employ them.
- She remains grateful and apologetic to her sister-in-law, living with her husband in peace.
(4) Heo Young-gam (Actor: Choi Deok-moon)
- Once a fierce general who ruled the seas, he is now completely disarmed in front of his precious daughter, born when he was over fifty.
- For her, he gives up his pride and even sheds tears with theatrical flair.
- He now lives solely for his daughter as a devoted “daughter fool.”
5. People of the Palace
(1) Kim Han-cheol (Actor: Jin Goo)
- He lives as the king above the king – with fiery ambition but a cold rationality.
- He murdered the late king and installed a puppet ruler to take over Joseon.
- He plans to secure the throne with his own bloodline.
- But his only daughter, Woo-hee, keeps obstructing him by attempting to assassinate the crown prince, rejecting a royal marriage, and even falling in love with Prince Jae-woon – driving him mad.
(2) Grand Queen Dowager Han (Actor: Nam Ki-ae)
- Once the most powerful figure in Joseon, she lost both her son and power in the Gyesa Year Incident.
- She fears Prince Woon will rise and take revenge for the death of his mother, whom she killed.
- Instead of Woon, she schemes to regain power by placing palace maids in the Crown Prince’s quarters, hoping to produce a royal heir.
(3) Chief Royal Secretary Han Seok-won (Actor: Ji Il joo)
- After the Gyesa Year Incident, he now works as an advisor to the Grand Queen Dowager.
- He believes power rightfully belongs to the Han family and is determined to reclaim the kingdom from the Kim clan.
- He is a cold strategist aiming to rebuild the Han dynasty.
(4) Minister of Personnel Ja-gyeong (Actor: Kim Joong-ki)
- A close ally and distant relative (fifth cousin) of the Left State Councillor.
- He is greedy but lacks insight and often irritates the Councillor.
(5) Minister of War Hong-ro (Actor: Minister of War)
- Also a close ally of the Left State Councillor, but equally lacking in tact.
- Though he wants to distance himself from Ja-gyeong, he is forced to remain allied due to circumstances.
6. Other Characters
(1) Tak-i (Actor: Tak I-on)
- A loyal servant to Han-cheol, he handles dirty work.
(2) Yeo ri (Actor: Song Ji-hyun)
- She serves as Lady Woo-hee’s handmaiden.
(3) Yeon shim (Actor: Yoon Chae-bin)
- She is Dari’s roommate.
7. Full Character Relationship Chart of Moon Over River
8. Plot Summary – What Happens in Moon Over River
- The Moon Over River drama cast, plot and characters revolve around a fantasy twist in which two main characters swap bodies.
- This narrative device not only delivers humor and dramatic irony but also deepens connections between protagonists and their allies.
- Set against a backdrop of court conspiracies and shifting allegiances, the story explores identity, love, and survival.
- With every episode, the Moon Over River drama cast, plot and characters impact the broader kingdom’s future.
- The political stakes escalate alongside emotional revelations, keeping audiences engaged from start to finish.
9. Why Moon Over River Is Trending
Audiences around the world are buzzing about the Moon Over River drama cast, plot and characters because of:
① Strong performances from the leads
② Distinctive blend of historical setting and fantasy concept
③ Complex emotional arcs
④ Engaging political storyline
10. Conclusion
Moon Over River stands out as one of the most exciting 2025 K‑dramas, with a unique mix of fantasy, historical intrigue, and rich character development. Whether you’re drawn to the Moon Over River drama cast, plot and characters or the larger narrative world, this series offers a captivating experience from beginning to end. Stay tuned for each new episode and see how the story unfolds!
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