If you love melodramas and period dramas, then you can not miss this one. This drama has it all, a strong love story, intense mystery, nice background story and politics. I loved that they kept the interest high throughout the twenty episodes, though some dramas tend to overdo it and spread the story so it can last for that long. The flawless acting helped in this case as well, though the leading lady was kind of emotionless at some points. Another thing that kind of stood out for me was that the moving from the past characters to the adult ones was a bit of a bumpy ride, but I can overlook that one, judging this drama as a whole.
31 Reviews
okay. good.
chilligrrl12 April 2020
I am finding this show good in storyline and visuals, but excruciatingly slow and painful to watch. Each episode could be cut in half and still achieve the same goal. The switch of characters in the time jump baffled me as they looked nothing alike and it took me 3 slow episodes to figure it out. While i feel like I've complained a lot, the storyline is good and interesting and the costumes and sets are beautiful. I just wish i didn't fall asleep midway through every episode.
CLASSIC
xeniamd-352104 August 2020
MOON EMBRACING THE SUN (2012)
Definitely a classic. Predictable ending though. All the actors were brilliant. I felt all their emotions. I like the Crown Prince Lee Hwon (Yeo Jin-goo) and the King Lee Hwon (Kim Soo-hyun) the most. I cry when they cry.
8.75/10 for me.
Been watching Historical drama the past weeks. I would like to be a shaman for one day. Haha!
Definitely a classic. Predictable ending though. All the actors were brilliant. I felt all their emotions. I like the Crown Prince Lee Hwon (Yeo Jin-goo) and the King Lee Hwon (Kim Soo-hyun) the most. I cry when they cry.
8.75/10 for me.
Been watching Historical drama the past weeks. I would like to be a shaman for one day. Haha!
Refreshing and extremely moving
debvee6013 March 2016
I overheard a student where i work mentioning that all her friends were asking for more Korean program suggestions on Netflix and I was intrigued. I've already enjoyed a few subtitled shows and when I heard her discussing them I knew I had to see for myself. While one of the suggestions wasn't really my cup of tea, Moon Embracing the Sun is one of those series you can only hope you find another like it. I'm on Episode 13 of 20 of Moon Embracing the Sun and it is one of the most enjoyable experiences I've had on television in years. It's a Korean period piece set in the distant past with a little bit of everything. The drama and romance (not sex) between the main characters is so intense. I love looking at their faces, their clothes, everything they do and the places they go. I find myself staring at the screen. It's a story about lovers who are subject to the events around them living in the royal palace and city. There's some political intrigue. There's the shaman culture and Confucian philosophy. There is a point where without warning the characters are replaced by older actors in a passage of time so I was a little confused at first but soon caught up. Love the actors who play the King - young and old. I'm thinking I want to know more about Korea now.
beautiful
Vincentiu1 August 2014
it is an inspired mixture between grace of fairy tale and force of cultural message. a seductive love story and remember of values, naive and profound. the feelings and the power. the sacrifice and the force of emotion. the past as veil and the pressure of duty. the meetings and the transformation of universe. at first sigh,nothing new. the Korean movies are masters of this kind of magic. but something seems be different. maybe,the subtle details, the precise performance of the young actors,the tension circles and the carefully made of the end. a film who can be more than a show. who is not exactly memorable. but it has the art to be, like a small river, good occasion to rediscover the beauty behind the reality of every day. and that fact represents, not doubt, a precious virtue.
Very Powerful Mystical Love Story
bwillson17810 March 2015
This is a powerful historical drama and love story, combining myth, shamanism, Confucius thought and a glimpse into some aspects of an ancient society. Very well-done and most compelling. Having lived many years in Korea/Japan, it gives me more insight into the depths of Korean history and society, the script they used, the food they ate, how they treated each other. I am dying to get back to Korea and see the people, experience the amazing cuisine of many small dishes of various fish, vegetables, rice, and visit the temples.
By studying this series, one can gain some good understanding into the Confucius thought that Korea adopted as its "religion" for hundreds of years, and gain some good insight into the people today.
By studying this series, one can gain some good understanding into the Confucius thought that Korea adopted as its "religion" for hundreds of years, and gain some good insight into the people today.
Really good!
ninchenbienchen15 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
First of all, let me tell you one very important thing about this show, just in case you overlooked that part just as I did:
This show is categorized as FANTASY and no, we're not talking about fantasy as in fiction here (though that is also true) but about fantasy as in this show heavily builds its plot on shamans' magic and specifically black magic. So you will see some hocus pocus if you decide to watch this drama.
The first 5 episodes were typical k-drama-material as all characters were introduced as well as the backstory of the characters the show is about. While those episodes weren't totally bad, they did include some very boring scenes. I would describe them as a test you have to pass in order to have fun afterwards because they were necessary but not overly exciting.
After that the drama got REALLY good and I was hooked. The general plot distinguishes itself from other Joseon era dramas due to magic spells which play a key role in the plot. Most characters were awesome and it wasn't hard to fall in love with them. Although I liked the female lead Yeonwoo, she was a little too perfect for my liking. Despite everything she had to endure, she always does and says the right things. No signs of typical human mistakes blinded by her emotions. Always understanding and forgiving. It just wasn't human-like.
The choice of cast left me disappointed in some cases and not because of their lack of skills (they all did an amazing job) but because most of the adult actors had NOTHING in common with the teenage actors who played their role in the first few episodes and in a drama that specifically describes some characters according to their general appearance or certain features the actors who played the same characters just often looked too different and had completely different features. One example is Heo Yeom, the brother of the female lead Heo Yeonwoo. In his teenage years he had earned the title most handsome bachelor or official or whatever, I don't remember clearly and while the teenage actor did have the looks to justify that nickname for the character the chosen adult actor did not. Like AT ALL. Not saying he was ugly but he was average and not overly handsome. And adult Heo Yeonwoo looked more like the teenage version of Yoon Bo-kyeong, her enemy, especially when wearing the marriage attire.
Another thing that put me off were aspects that made ZERO sense like the fact that King Hweon takes Yeonwoo for several walks in the palace when he's actually hiding her in a secret room behind his chamber all day long so no one knows (and surprise surprise, they get caught eventually) or Prince Yeongmyeong's death. It was completely unnecessary and the reasoning stupid.
Last but not least, some things were left unresolved like why Minister Yoon kept Hweon and Bokyeong from sleeping with each other by making the then Chief Shaman put a spell on him when he had various conversations with the queen consort where he worried about the King not having a heir.
I'm someone who cares about details. Unanswered questions and aspects that don't make sense annoy me.
Conclusion: Awesome plot, first five episodes more like an introduction/backstory to the plot, all in all great and lovable characters, unsatisfying choice of cast in some cases, few unanswered questions and aspects that don't make sense.
This show is categorized as FANTASY and no, we're not talking about fantasy as in fiction here (though that is also true) but about fantasy as in this show heavily builds its plot on shamans' magic and specifically black magic. So you will see some hocus pocus if you decide to watch this drama.
The first 5 episodes were typical k-drama-material as all characters were introduced as well as the backstory of the characters the show is about. While those episodes weren't totally bad, they did include some very boring scenes. I would describe them as a test you have to pass in order to have fun afterwards because they were necessary but not overly exciting.
After that the drama got REALLY good and I was hooked. The general plot distinguishes itself from other Joseon era dramas due to magic spells which play a key role in the plot. Most characters were awesome and it wasn't hard to fall in love with them. Although I liked the female lead Yeonwoo, she was a little too perfect for my liking. Despite everything she had to endure, she always does and says the right things. No signs of typical human mistakes blinded by her emotions. Always understanding and forgiving. It just wasn't human-like.
The choice of cast left me disappointed in some cases and not because of their lack of skills (they all did an amazing job) but because most of the adult actors had NOTHING in common with the teenage actors who played their role in the first few episodes and in a drama that specifically describes some characters according to their general appearance or certain features the actors who played the same characters just often looked too different and had completely different features. One example is Heo Yeom, the brother of the female lead Heo Yeonwoo. In his teenage years he had earned the title most handsome bachelor or official or whatever, I don't remember clearly and while the teenage actor did have the looks to justify that nickname for the character the chosen adult actor did not. Like AT ALL. Not saying he was ugly but he was average and not overly handsome. And adult Heo Yeonwoo looked more like the teenage version of Yoon Bo-kyeong, her enemy, especially when wearing the marriage attire.
Another thing that put me off were aspects that made ZERO sense like the fact that King Hweon takes Yeonwoo for several walks in the palace when he's actually hiding her in a secret room behind his chamber all day long so no one knows (and surprise surprise, they get caught eventually) or Prince Yeongmyeong's death. It was completely unnecessary and the reasoning stupid.
Last but not least, some things were left unresolved like why Minister Yoon kept Hweon and Bokyeong from sleeping with each other by making the then Chief Shaman put a spell on him when he had various conversations with the queen consort where he worried about the King not having a heir.
I'm someone who cares about details. Unanswered questions and aspects that don't make sense annoy me.
Conclusion: Awesome plot, first five episodes more like an introduction/backstory to the plot, all in all great and lovable characters, unsatisfying choice of cast in some cases, few unanswered questions and aspects that don't make sense.
Excellent
mansurovbakha8 December 2018
Historical extravaganza
seveneleven-442697 December 2019
This is one of the rare TV series which is created by the people who really loves what they are doing. On the point acting , beautiful direction. It falls on some plot points but that can be ignored by it's beautiful execution.
10/10 for the younger cast, 10/10 for Kim Soohyun, Rest get the 7/10, Female lead gets zero
11ovz116 September 2021
The younger cast had 6 episodes and really built a solid base for the drama. Their acting range were far superior to all the adults, except Kim Soohyun that reprises their roles.
The female lead was like a card board cutout that utters only the dialogues. She had just one emotion: Act Surprised!
There was no chemistry between her and the male lead. And their love story felt flat. The only saving grace was the Lee Hwon character, which was greatly built up by Yeo Jingoo and successfully continued by Kim Soohyun. The character is absolutely iconic! Props to the actors and the writers.
The story was sweet too (if not for the female lead for ruining it for me). I loved the comedy between the King and his servant, as well as the bromance between the brothers.
This is a solid drama. And would have been a masterpiece had they casted an actress who can actually act.
The female lead was like a card board cutout that utters only the dialogues. She had just one emotion: Act Surprised!
There was no chemistry between her and the male lead. And their love story felt flat. The only saving grace was the Lee Hwon character, which was greatly built up by Yeo Jingoo and successfully continued by Kim Soohyun. The character is absolutely iconic! Props to the actors and the writers.
The story was sweet too (if not for the female lead for ruining it for me). I loved the comedy between the King and his servant, as well as the bromance between the brothers.
This is a solid drama. And would have been a masterpiece had they casted an actress who can actually act.
Involving story keeps you watching - a good intro to Korean costume drama
phd_travel11 April 2020
The story is involving and entertaining. It's got palace intrigue, great enduing passion, a love triangle and lots of tears and grand drama. The mysticism is interesting. There is a suitable musical score and the costumes are nice.
The first 5 episodes the child actors carry the show and they are quite good. When the grownups take over I didn't like the lead actress - she acts quite well but her face is too round. If someone more beautiful had been cast it would have been better. But the story is involving so it doesn't matter. Kim Soo Hyun became a star from this show. As the King he is watchable. Sometimes he slightly overacts but I guess it is the story that makes him shouts and cry a lot. Only thing I didn't like was some of the self sacrifice.
If you are reluctant to try costume Korean dramas this one is actually a good introduction. Between the light hearted Rookie Historian and this one I prefer this one. It was a huge hit and there is a reason why.
The first 5 episodes the child actors carry the show and they are quite good. When the grownups take over I didn't like the lead actress - she acts quite well but her face is too round. If someone more beautiful had been cast it would have been better. But the story is involving so it doesn't matter. Kim Soo Hyun became a star from this show. As the King he is watchable. Sometimes he slightly overacts but I guess it is the story that makes him shouts and cry a lot. Only thing I didn't like was some of the self sacrifice.
If you are reluctant to try costume Korean dramas this one is actually a good introduction. Between the light hearted Rookie Historian and this one I prefer this one. It was a huge hit and there is a reason why.
Great story and first half, but gets draggy towards the end
magnoliacream22 October 2023
This is about Joseon crown prince Lee Hwon (Yeo Jin Goo, Kim Soo Hyun) who at 15 falls in love with the chief scholar's intelligent and sensible 13-year-old daughter Heo Yeon Woo (Kim Yoo Jung, Han Ga In). Their love would be tested by political schemers who prefer a crown princess who would advance their standing in court.
I love the first 6 episodes of this drama, before the kids grow up. Kim Yoo Jung is loaded with charisma even at such a young age. Her chemistry with Yeo Jin Goo is much more palpable than that of their older counterparts.
The emotional Lee Hwon is everything I don't like about kdrama acting - too melodramatic and the yelling! Gosh I really hate when kdrama actors end heated remarks with yelling at the top of their lungs. Seems to me like whining, but yelling to desperately assert a frail ego. I can understand an immature character doing this once or twice in a series. But to treat the audience with this outburst as often as the grown-up Lee Hwon does in this drama is rather traumatic. Surely a grown man, especially a powerful man - a king! - at that, would realize that outbursts are signs of character weakness.
The grown-up Yeon Woo is also a disappointment. Her bulging eyes are distracting. But at least she's not too melodramatic.
The story is compelling but gets draggier and draggier after the first half, or maybe I just stopped caring about the characters by then.
Considering the number of awards this drama got, I had hoped for a much better viewing experience.
I love the first 6 episodes of this drama, before the kids grow up. Kim Yoo Jung is loaded with charisma even at such a young age. Her chemistry with Yeo Jin Goo is much more palpable than that of their older counterparts.
The emotional Lee Hwon is everything I don't like about kdrama acting - too melodramatic and the yelling! Gosh I really hate when kdrama actors end heated remarks with yelling at the top of their lungs. Seems to me like whining, but yelling to desperately assert a frail ego. I can understand an immature character doing this once or twice in a series. But to treat the audience with this outburst as often as the grown-up Lee Hwon does in this drama is rather traumatic. Surely a grown man, especially a powerful man - a king! - at that, would realize that outbursts are signs of character weakness.
The grown-up Yeon Woo is also a disappointment. Her bulging eyes are distracting. But at least she's not too melodramatic.
The story is compelling but gets draggier and draggier after the first half, or maybe I just stopped caring about the characters by then.
Considering the number of awards this drama got, I had hoped for a much better viewing experience.
Lacking in chemistry and dull relationship drama
satuone-0861121 October 2021
I stopped watching at ep 13. The first 6 episodes are tight and introduce the story well enough. But as soon as Wol arrive at the palace, the series loses its hold on me. The problem, I think, is the dynamic between the main couple, it has become somewhat boring. As a character, Wol is nonexistent. She's a blank slate whose defining traits are her pining for the king and being tortured.
The ost is amazing.
The ost is amazing.
beautiful
Kirpianuscus26 February 2017
sure, a fairy tale. a Korean one, with the entire flavor of spices and scents and beauty and bitter joy. with slices of drama in brilliant clothes. with delicate romanticism and links between so different worlds. but, in same measure, chronicle of a fight. for love. and for self definition. the young king looking the right manner to solve the crisis. the young woman looking be herself and, in same measure, the good answer to the challenges around her. so, a film who preserves many ingredients from the historical films from South Korea cinema. but , in same measure, who remains special. for its delicate and precise use of poetry
Best historical drama with the most charming king ever!
Applecrumbless27 August 2021
This drama was aired years ago, and I've watched it twice two years in a row. I'm not a fan of historical drama, this is the first time I've watched it and I am totally amazed with it. Obviously Kim Soo Hyun always looks so stunning in all his projects, but I think this is the best one and one of his mega hits that boost his popularity. I was so skeptical about historical drama because I thought it would be so boring. But this is an exceptional, this is just a perfect package. I'm very impatient with slow paced drama, but trust me it is just too good. A very charming Kim Soo Hyun (I'm totally falling in love with him here), outstanding child actors and don't forget its famous soundtrack by Lyn!
Must watch
madbird-612436 January 2019
"Mystical" truly defines it.
Me_KC6 July 2019
I started liking historical Korean dramas because of this piece. I'm impressed by how Koreans make outrageous plots and turn it into something believable. Political schemes, magic and romance were the key ingredients of this series...and it worked.
Loved it
jenniferBlossoms5 April 2021
Amazing series so good..
I loved the costumes and set the was really good.
Omg the storyline was really was fantastic. Watching the romance unfold really was beautiful.
This story had me crying in the end.
There was so many twists and turns I didn't see coming but all of it wrapped up good in the end...
If you like a good Korean dramas definitely give this one a go...
I loved the costumes and set the was really good.
Omg the storyline was really was fantastic. Watching the romance unfold really was beautiful.
This story had me crying in the end.
There was so many twists and turns I didn't see coming but all of it wrapped up good in the end...
If you like a good Korean dramas definitely give this one a go...
Charming
wheatley-2023026 March 2021
While this is not good enough to rank alongside the best Korean historical dramas, it offers sufficient charm to keep you watching even when the pace slows or the child to adult transitions jar. The characters are moderately engaging and the plot "thickens" satisfyingly.
Long Historical that keeps you hooked in.
jgardiner-871-72672921 December 2021
* So heart wrenchingly emotionally charged. What great actors. So much crying and beautiful poetic language. I'm reading the subtitles. I tell myself that I'm going to stop watching these Kdramas but I can't help myself. Once I have a little peek I have to go all the way. Day and night and day and night I'm glued to my computer no breaks and hardly any food.. Laughing and crying. I tell myself over and over this time I'm not going to cry I'm going to harden up. Next thing tears rolling down my cheeks and I tell you this one was one of the best or worst. Which ever way you look at it. At least the ending was pretty happy apart from one of the best characters dying the kings brother who loved the king wife. The story is a fantasy historical so the authors were able to make the end a bit happy not like those historicals based on fact. You know that they are going to die in the end because that's a fact of life we all going to die in the end. I flick quickly pass the torture scenes but I love the sword fights and the kungfu fighting. Romantic scenes more up to your imagination. Least the kissing is better in this drama but most of these dramas kissing is just lip pressing bit amusing really.
BEAUTIFUL LOVE STORY
jfh_dragonfly10 October 2022
I'm not Korean, so I know nothing of Korea's history or its movies. I rarely rate a movie this high, and even more rarely binge watch a show with this many episodes. All that said, the movie is beautiful in every respect -- costumes, landscapes, acting. I love the jewelry and the sweet shoes! Your heart just aches to see two innocent young lovers torn apart. And I ended up yearning for another chance as much as they did themselves. Kim Soo-hyun was perfect in this role and I hope to see him in more movies, especially romances like this one. In his hands the king seemed gently human, and exactly as stubborn as you want him to be. The whole movie experience was delightful.
Death will be more comforting than this drama
cryspyne7 October 2021
It's a tragedy that I felt was imposed on me for I had to survive it,I kept forwarding the plot line, writer has emptied my soul which such crap. The actress annoyed hell out of me, around episode 5 I realised I had enough , the sun and moon were boring and pointless.
Superb
phillipjbrown12 June 2021
Haven't enjoyed a historical drama more since ewel in the Palace,. The production (especially he costumes), direction, music and great acting from both the teenage and adult casts. After a slightly slow start the plot races along and comes to a satisfying conclusions.
A good story that kept me really interested. The place intrigue made sense and highlighted the very conservative society of Korea at the time.
A good story that kept me really interested. The place intrigue made sense and highlighted the very conservative society of Korea at the time.
I can't stop watching it! love it!..
yosyunos18 July 2021
My sister actually have been watching korean period dramas and she suggested some titles to me.. So, I've watched 100 Days My Prince, love!.. then I watched Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung, love it too!.. and then I found this, Moon Embracing the Sun!.. and I can't stop watching it. One episode after another! I've finished watching it and what a great story! Beautiful costumes and cast. So excited watching every episodes and got emotional with some of the scenes.. Now I'm planning to get DVD or Blu-ray if available to keep, just in case Netflix stop showing the show.. It's definitely a classic!
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
