The Moon That Embraces the Sun
(1,427 Comments)
Title: 해를 품은 달 / The Moon That Embraces the Sun
Chinese Title: 月亮怀抱太阳
Also known as: The Sun and The Moon / The Moon Embracing the Sun
Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Period
Episodes: 20 + 2 Special
Broadcast network: MBC
Broadcast period: 2012-Jan-04 to 2012-Mar-15
Air time: Wednesday & Thursday 21:55
Synopsis
“The Moon Embracing The Sun” tells a love story between King Lee Hwon and a female shaman named Wol. Wol was born from a noble family and became the crown princess, but she was entrapped and faced execution. Finally, she lived as a shaman.
Cast
Main Cast
Kim Soo Hyun as Lee Hwon
- Yeo Jin Goo as Lee Hwon (young)
Han Ga In as Wol / Heo Yeon Woo
- Kim Yoo Jung as Wol / Heo Yeon Woo (young)
Jung Il Woo as Prince Yang Myung
- Lee Min Ho (1993) as Prince Yang Myung (young)
Kim Min Seo as Yoon Bo Kyung
- Kim So Hyun as Yoon Bo Kyung (young)
The Palace
Kim Young Ae as Queen Jeonghui (Lee Hwon’s grandmother)
Ahn Nae Sang as as King Sung Jo (Lee Hwon’s father)
Kim Sun Kyung as Queen So Hye (Lee Hwon’s mother)
Nam Bo Ra as Princess Min Hwa (Lee Hwon’s sister)
- Jin Ji Hee as Princess Min Hwa (young)
Jung Eun Pyo as Hyung Sun
Song Jae Rim as Kim Chae Woon
- Lee Won Gun (이원근) as Kim Chae Woon (young)
Yoon Hee Suk as Hong Kyu Tae as Hong Gyu Tae
Kim Ye Ryung as Lady Park (Yang Myung’s mother)
Seo Hyun Chul as Shim San
Lee Seung Hyung as Han Jae Gil
Chu Gwi Jung as Court Lady Jo
Kim Min Kyung as Court Lady Min
Kang Chan Yang as palace maid
Hong Hyun Taek as royal prince (cameo, ep.20)
The Sungsuchung
Jun Mi Sun as Female shaman Jang Nok Young
Kim Ik Tae as Hye Gak
Bae Noo Ri as Jan Shil
- Jo Min Ah as Jan Shil (young)
Jang Young Nam as Ali (cameo, ep 1)
Heo Family
Sun Woo Jae Duk as Heo Young Jae (Yeon Woo and Yeom’s father)
Yang Mi Kyung as Shin Jung Kyung (Yeon Woo and Yeom’s mother)
Song Jae Hee as Heo Yeom
- Si Wan as Heo Yeom (young)
- Kim Jin Woo as Yeom (child)
Yoon Seung Ah as Seol
- Suh Ji Hee as Seol (young)
Yoon Family
Kim Eung Soo as Yoon Dae Hyung (Bo Kyung’s father)
Jang Hee Soo as Mrs. Kim (Bo Kyung’s mother)
Kim Seung Wook as Yoon Soo Chan
Production Credits
Director: Kim Do Hoon
Screenwriter: Jin Soo Wan
Awards
2012 MBC Drama Awards: Golden Actress Acting Awards, Yang Mi Kyung
2012 MBC Drama Awards: Best Child Actress Acting Awards, Kim Yoo Jung
2012 MBC Drama Awards: Best Child Actress Acting Awards, Kim So Hyun
2012 MBC Drama Awards: Best Child Actor Acting Awards, Yeo Jin Goo
2012 MBC Drama Awards: Popularity Actor Awards, Kim Soo Hyun (The Moon That Embraces the Sun)
2012 MBC Drama Awards: Writer of the Year, Jin Soo Wan (The Moon That Embraces the Sun)
2012 MBC Drama Awards: Top Excellence Actress Awards (Mini Series): Han Ga In (The Moon That Embraces the Sun)
2012 MBC Drama Awards: Top Excellence Actor Awards (Mini Series): Kim Soo Hyun (The Moon That Embraces the Sun)
2012 MBC Drama Awards: Drama of the Year
2012 48th Baeksang Arts Awards: Top Excellence Actor: Kim Soo Hyun (The Moon That Embraces the Sun)
2012 48th Baeksang Arts Awards: Best Drama (The Moon That Embraces the Sun)
Notes
- Based on the novel 해를 품은 달 (The Moon That Embraces the Sun) by Jung Eun Gwol (first published December 29, 2005), who is also the author of the novel that Sungkyunkwan Scandal was based on.
- Actor Joo Won was originally cast as Prince Yang Myung, but dropped out of the show due to Ojakgyo Brothers being extended. Actor Jung Il Woo has been replaced for this role.
- Actor Kim Jeong Hoon scheduled to play Heo Yeom but dropped out the series prior to filming due to his album being released early 2012 in Japan. Song Jae Hee has been replaced for this role.
- The Ratings for this drama dropped significantly on 29/Feb/2012 due to the Live Broadcasting of FIFA World Cup Qualification of Asia Region on the same time.
- On 6/March/2012, MBC confirms that Episode 19 & 20 will not air this week and will air Special Episodes in its place due to the MBC labor strike. (Source)
- Kim Soo Hyun sings the song “You Are The One” for this drama series’ OST which will be released 13/March/2012 in Korea.
Episode Title & Episode Preview
| Epsiode | Title | Preview |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Two Suns and a Moon | NA |
| 2 | Two Moons and a Sun | Preview |
| 3 | Like Petals, Like Fireworks | Preview |
| 4 | One Sun, one Moon | Preview |
| 5 | Fallen Moon | Preview |
| 6 | Hidden Moon | Preview |
| 7 | Shaman Wol – Moon | Preview |
| 8 | Shaman Who Absorbs Adversity | Preview |
| 9 | Moon That Is Hidden Beside The Sun | Preview |
| 10 | Correspondence Of The Dead | Preview |
| 11 | Secret Love | Preview |
| 12 | Road Of Tears | Preview |
| 13 | Witch Hunt | Preview |
| 14 | Why Am I DEad? | Preview |
| 15 | Once Again Two Suns and Two Moons | Preview |
| 16 | True Identity Of The Moon | Preview |
| 17 | The Sun Embracing The Moon | Preview |
| 18 | Bloody Precursor | Preview |
| 19 | Rebellion | Preview |
| 20 | The Moon Embracing the Sun | Preview |
Episode Ratings (TNmS Media Korea)
| Date | Episode | Nationwide | Seoul |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012-01-04 | 1 | 15.0 (3rd) | 16.9 (3rd) |
| 2012-01-05 | 2 | 17.3 (3rd) | 20.8 (2nd) |
| 2012-01-11 | 3 | 19.4 (2nd) | 22.3 (1st) |
| 2012-01-12 | 4 | 20.6 (2nd) | 25.1 (1st) |
| 2012-01-18 | 5 | 21.6 (2nd) | 24.9 (1st) |
| 2012-01-19 | 6 | 25.9 (1st) | 28.6 (1st) |
| 2012-01-25 | 7 | 25.5 (1st) | 28.8 (1st) |
| 2012-01-26 | 8 | 26.2 (1st) | 29.4 (1st) |
| 2012-02-01 | 9 | 28.4 (1st) | 32.3 (1st) |
| 2012-02-02 | 10 | 30.5 (1st) | 35.1 (1st) |
| 2012-02-08 | 11 | 34.3 (1st) | 38.6 (1st) |
| 2012-02-09 | 12 | 33.7 (1st) | 37.8 (1st) |
| 2012-02-15 | 13 | 34.6 (1st) | 39.3 (1st) |
| 2012-02-16 | 14 | 37.2 (1st) | 42.0 (1st) |
| 2012-02-22 | 15 | 37.7 (1st) | 42.6 (1st) |
| 2012-02-23 | 16 | 39.8 (1st) | 45.5 (1st) |
| 2012-02-29 | 17 | 33.3 (1st) | 36.1 (1st) |
| 2012-03-01 | 18 | 40.7 (1st) | 47.0 (1st) |
| 2012-03-07 | Special 1 | 24.7 (1st) | 26.0 (1st) |
| 2012-03-08 | Special 2 | 19.8 (3rd) | 21.7 (1st) |
| 2012-03-14 | 19 | 38.9 (1st) | 42.9 (1st) |
| 2012-03-15 | 20 | 42.3 (1st) | 46.5 (1st) |
Episode Ratings (AGB Nielson)
| Date | Episode | Nationwide | Seoul |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012-01-04 | 1 | 18.0 (3rd) | 19.7 (2nd) |
| 2012-01-05 | 2 | 19.9 (2nd) | 22.2 (1st) |
| 2012-01-11 | 3 | 23.2 (1st) | 26.1 (1st) |
| 2012-01-12 | 4 | 23.4 (2nd) | 26.0 (1st) |
| 2012-01-18 | 5 | 24.9 (1st) | 28.3 (1st) |
| 2012-01-19 | 6 | 29.3 (1st) | 32.9 (1st) |
| 2012-01-25 | 7 | 29.7 (1st) | 33.8 (1st) |
| 2012-01-26 | 8 | 31.7 (1st) | 35.3 (1st) |
| 2012-02-01 | 9 | 34.5 (1st) | 38.9 (1st) |
| 2012-02-02 | 10 | 37.1 (1st) | 40.5 (1st) |
| 2012-02-08 | 11 | 37.1 (1st) | 41.7 (1st) |
| 2012-02-09 | 12 | 37.1 (1st) | 40.8 (1st) |
| 2012-02-15 | 13 | 38.4 (1st) | 42.9 (1st) |
| 2012-02-16 | 14 | 37.6 (1st) | 42.1 (1st) |
| 2012-02-22 | 15 | 39.1 (1st) | 43.1 (1st) |
| 2012-02-23 | 16 | 41.3 (1st) | 46.1 (1st) |
| 2012-02-29 | 17 | 36.0 (1st) | 39.7 (1st) |
| 2012-03-01 | 18 | 41.2 (1st) | 45.8 (1st) |
| 2012-03-07 | Special 1 | 24.5 (1st) | 26.9 (1st) |
| 2012-03-08 | Special 2 | 19.2 (2nd) | 20.9 (2nd) |
| 2012-03-14 | 19 | 38.7 (1st) | 41.8 (1st) |
| 2012-03-15 | 20 | 42.2 (1st) | 45.8 (1st) |
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March 20th, 2012 at 10:49 am
@KDaddict-1073
Yes, I like your ending. Since these are fictitious characters, the writer could have taken the liberty to change the ending. However, if all end well, then there will be no heart wrenching moments for viewers to shed their tears and come to this thread to vent their frustration!
March 20th, 2012 at 12:13 pm
@OK OK OK-1058,
You asked what Comment #1056 written in Korean meant. Maybe the person who wrote it isn’t fluent in English. Here is a rough translation:
I thought this drama impressive. Although the actress who took the role of Yeon Woo was not satisfactory to me, but it is still not too bad if I consider that the actress has a resemblance with the young Yeon Woo. The highlight of this drama is Mr. Kim Soo Hyun. I think that if he is paired with better professional actor/actress, he will surely become more fascinating and attractive actor. He is very handsome. Please never ever try plastic surgery on your face. Everybody wants to make a longer nose… If you do plastic surgery you’ll never become a super actor, so please keep that in mind. I regret to write short comment, but thank you very much for this kind of good drama…
@OK3,
FYI, this comment is extremely representative of viewer sentiments in Korea.
March 20th, 2012 at 8:49 pm
This drama really makes me thrilled.
I thought this drama is not interesting.
but after seeing the episode I just 1-4 with this play.
March 20th, 2012 at 11:16 pm
1061 UEE
Re Yang Myung – actually my sis was watching the CUT / NG about the spear stuck in Yang Myung’s body (last ep) – he was laughing all the way with all the actors during that scene. I asked her where she got this video, she told me its from this blog page under Official Site / Photo From official Site. But when I went to search it for you or those interested to watch – my sis cld not rem how she got to that site bc all in Korean language. Too bad, if not many will cheer up after watching that video. JIW is well & happy.
March 20th, 2012 at 11:26 pm
1077 KDaddict
I find it funny that there is a blog meant for Korean language and yet it was posted here. I thought Koreans already accepted Plastic Surgery.
But anyway,
Thanks so much for the explanation. How did you do so well? How many years did you learn Korean Language? I am very curious.
You make me so eager to learn……
Kim Soo Hyun ssi – You have very pleasant face features and personality. Very handsome. So please do not do P.S on your face.
March 22nd, 2012 at 12:31 am
This is one of the best korean drama!!
I love the story line and also the cast soo much, especially Kim Soo Hyun and Yeo Jin Goo! They done their role very” well.. ♥ ♥
March 23rd, 2012 at 6:32 am
love the drama but a bet disapointment the ending
March 23rd, 2012 at 11:05 pm
i’m going to watch this
March 24th, 2012 at 5:17 am
My eyes full of TEARS :’)
this serial really AWESOME !!!!!
WELL DONE
What i can learn from this serial is Family,Friendship,Loyality,and offcourse Love
March 25th, 2012 at 2:25 am
last time i told that maybe this drama will take 1st,2nd,3rd place in my favourite drama!
~before watching MTES until the end!
1-baker king
2-my girl
3-ur beautiful
4-city hall
5-sassy girl chun hyang
~after watching the MTES ending!
1-baker king
2-my girl
3-ur beautiful
4-city hall
5-sassy girl chun hyang
result still the same.. i really dont like the ending! such a stupid!
i still agree about yang myung reason to die, bcoz he’s suffered a lot!
but about shaman jang die, i really dont get it! why she’d to chose the stupid decision! this drama didn’t take place in my list all bcoz of the ending was really bad! this drama just like secret garden that wasn’t take place after i’d watch it till the end! the secret garden doesn’t take place bcoz of the beginning of the story was really slow & waste my time!
one more thing! the sad SCENE in this drama can’t compete wt baker king that made my tears can’t stop falling! still no drama that can challenge baker king! & still no drama can take the 1st place!
btw,love MTES!
March 25th, 2012 at 2:27 am
@OK OK OK
THNKS!
March 25th, 2012 at 10:28 am
Kim Soo Hyun is awesome! I like his acting esp when he’s crying or being mad.
I like other actress and actor too.
Nice drama, really
Recommended for you guys!;)
March 25th, 2012 at 11:58 am
please, can i replay it in GMA 7?
March 25th, 2012 at 2:09 pm
have watched all the eps and i think this drama is over-rated in terms of rating. storyline is very simple and the ending is very hurried… all bad people die or get their punishment and the main couple, king lee hwon and woo of course have a happy ending.. nothing exciting and much expected.
In fact, the acting of his queen (kim min seo as yoon BK) and woo’s mother (yang mi kyung) beat the performance of HGI till the end…
The chemistry between the 2 leads (KSH and HGI) was also not convincing… cant feel the passion that they were trying to portray till the end. Yet their love story was the central theme of this drama.
When all the young characters reached adult stage, there were not much growth and development in them… they were stuck in the mould they were given when they came on stage. So although KSH performance was good, it was much on 1 facet of his character.. nothing much changed in the 20 eps. same goes for JIW as prince YM…
In fact, i think credit for the good viewership should go to the young cast in the 1st 6 eps especially yeo jin goo (YJG) and kim joo yung. would especially compliment YJG for his good acting in sageuk at his age.
March 25th, 2012 at 3:45 pm
@kdviewer,
Good to see u.
Not only the bad ppl die; some good ones die quite unnecessarily as well, so that the OTP can live happily ever after. Other than that, I’ve been saying essentially similar things in so many words, over 20 eps. You manage to sum it up so succinctly at the end.
K2Hearts, 2 eps in, is already being hailed as a National drama. It is indeed shaping up v nicely. So is RoofTP, esp for those of us who love Micky. See u there! Cheers!
March 25th, 2012 at 4:42 pm
@KDaddict 1090
thanks. good to see u here too & happy to hear that our views concur.
have read all your comments that you’ve posted for TMETS but didnt have time to pend till today.
have watched the first 2 eps of K2H, RTP and The Equator Man (ETM) over the last 2 days when eng subs were up. have commented on ETM. see and hear you at the 3 new dramas
March 25th, 2012 at 7:07 pm
I agree with kdviewer, cast of the main plot is not good, han ga in and kim so hyun there is no chemistry between them, really dissapointed. The rating is number one, but for me, is not good enough to have rhe number one rating because the story is really good I know, but the cast of the mai
n plot not convincing. Sorry, for them.i like both of them.
March 25th, 2012 at 8:34 pm
because this drama have many emotion scene..
i just think 3 best actress for yeon woo role..
Moon geun young suit this character well
i also think Im Soo Jung should make comeback..she was so cool with her natural and powerful acting!!
and of course.,Moon Chae Won the most talented and super natural in emotion scene..i found that she just the same with Kim Soo Hyun..every time they act crying scene.,viewers will totally fall in tears..PErfect..!
this just my opinion bcoz i really feel METS just make a little dissappointed bcoz HGI flat acting!! huhu
March 25th, 2012 at 11:53 pm
I’M SPEECHLESS, THIS IS REALLY BEST DRAMA…
March 26th, 2012 at 2:06 pm
I just love the story… though leading man and actress doesn’t have the chemistry…. they should have chosen a leading lady with same age of the lead man
March 26th, 2012 at 2:25 pm
BEST.DRAMA.EVER.
March 27th, 2012 at 12:35 am
i think the young couple of yeon woo & lee hwon was much more sweet & had a chemistry than the adult couple.. good job YJG & KYJ..such a young talented person!
March 27th, 2012 at 12:55 pm
good drama
i love acting in this drama. and about HGI ……she is so beautiful and she has g8 acting. she was the best choice for this character.
March 28th, 2012 at 10:17 am
Love the drama. the actors were great. I am going to miss them. Hope another comes up soon with them in it.
March 28th, 2012 at 10:40 am
Two thumbs aren’t enough, four thumbs for this drama..
Can’t stop crying when King Lee Hwon felt that he couldn’t do anything when his beloved sick woman Heo Yeon was thrown away from his palace.
(ʃ˘̩̩̩_˘̩̩̩ƪ)
I love their young scenes, full off love and funny although ended with tragedy..
Cheers for this The Moon That Embraces The Sun drama..
( ‘⌣’)人(‘⌣’ )