K-dramas keep pulling fans deeper into their worlds of romance, fantasy, and historical twists, and Moon River looks set to join that elite lineup. This upcoming MBC series blends soul-swapping antics with Joseon-era intrigue, promising a fresh take on the body-swap trope that has charmed audiences in shows like Mr. Queen. With a stellar cast and a premise full of heartbreak and hilarity, excitement builds as the premiere edges closer. Here’s a full rundown on what to expect from Moon River.
Release Date and Air Time: When Does Moon River Premiere?
Moon River hits screens on October 31, 2025, kicking off MBC’s Friday-Saturday drama slot at 9:50 PM KST (that’s 21:50 in Korean Standard Time). Each episode runs about an hour, with the series wrapping up after 14 episodes total. Fans can catch it live on MBC TV in South Korea, or look for international streams on platforms like Viki or Netflix soon after airing—though exact global details haven’t dropped yet.
This timing slots perfectly into the cozy fall viewing season, right as leaves turn and nights get longer. The drama follows To the Moon in MBC’s lineup, keeping that prime weekend spot for historical romances. Trailers dropped in late September, and they’ve already racked up millions of views, hinting at a strong launch.
Cast Updates: Who’s Bringing Moon River to Life?
The ensemble for Moon River mixes rising stars with seasoned pros, creating chemistry that’s sparking early chatter on forums like Reddit and MyDramaList. Here’s the key lineup:
- Kang Tae-oh as Crown Prince Lee Kang: Fresh off military service, Kang steps into the brooding prince role with his signature intensity. Known from Extraordinary Attorney Woo and The Book of Friends, he nails the “lost his smile” vibe—think a royal wrestling inner demons after betrayal. Fans rave about his historical glow-up in hanbok.
- Kim Se-jeong as Park Dal-yi: The Business Proposal and The Uncanny Counter alum takes on the feisty merchant who’s all fire and forgotten memories. Se-jeong’s charm shines in dual roles thanks to the soul swap, and early stills show her owning the hanbok look. Her versatility has everyone hyped for the comedic beats.
- Lee Sin-young as Lee Woon: As the prince’s loyal (or scheming?) sidekick, Lee adds layers of court drama. Spot him from Shooting Stars—his sharp delivery fits the political undercurrents perfectly.
- Hong Su-zu as Woo-hee: This newcomer brings youthful energy to a supporting role tied to the merchant’s past. Her fresh face contrasts the leads’ star power, adding that unpredictable spark.
Veterans like Jin Goo pop up in elder statesman spots, grounding the fantasy with gravitas. Director Lee Dong-hyun (My Rosy Life) helms the project, while writer Cho Seung-hee crafts the script—her touch for emotional depth shows in the teasers. No major casting shakes since announcements in early 2025, but behind-the-scenes photos keep the updates flowing on MBC’s socials.
Plot Details: What’s the Story Behind Moon River?
Set against the misty rivers and shadowed palaces of Joseon, Moon River weaves a tale of swapped souls, buried secrets, and a love that defies fate. Crown Prince Lee Kang lives in quiet torment—his laughter stolen by a brutal betrayal that shattered his trust in the world. Across town, Park Dal-yi hustles as a no-nonsense bounty hunter (or merchant, depending on the whisper), her days filled with chases and deals until a freak accident wipes her memories clean. She wakes up adrift, piecing together a life that feels like someone else’s puzzle.
Fate throws a cosmic curveball: their souls switch bodies under a full moon’s glow. Suddenly, the refined prince navigates gritty streets in a woman’s form, dodging foes and fumbling merchant tricks. Meanwhile, Dal-yi struts through royal halls, her brash spirit clashing with court etiquette in ways that had teaser audiences cracking up. “You’re the runaway servant from Hanyang, aren’t you?” Lee Kang snaps in one clip, eyeing his own body with total suspicion.
As they scramble to reverse the swap, old wounds reopen. Lee Kang uncovers Dal-yi’s hidden ties to his betrayal, while she sparks life back into his guarded heart. Expect palace plots, vengeful rivals, and those classic K-drama slow-burn moments by the riverbank—where the moon’s reflection hints at truths yet to surface. It’s got revenge, fantasy body-swap rom-com vibes, and a dash of historical depth, all wrapped in lush cinematography that makes Joseon pop.