A crown prince and a merchant woman are in for the chaos of a lifetime when they magically swap bodies in MBC’s new fantasy romance “Moon River.” Starring Kang Tae-oh and Kim Se-jeong, this historical drama mixes political intrigue with a magical mix-up, premiering on October 31, 2025.
The series, also known as “The Moon Flows in This River,” is set in the Joseon era. It follows Crown Prince Lee Gang, a man burdened by grief and a thirst for revenge, and Park Dal-i, a cheerful merchant with amnesia. Their lives collide, leading to an unexpected body swap that forces them to navigate each other’s worlds.
The Story of “Moon River”
“Moon River” is a fantasy romance historical drama about Crown Prince Yi Kang, who has lost his smile, and merchant Park Dal Yi, a woman who has lost her memory. Their souls are mysteriously switched overnight, forcing them to live each otherโs lives.
Crown Prince Lee Gang is known by many as an unserious, pleasure-seeking man. However, he uses this facade to hide his deep pain from losing his beloved wife in a politically motivated execution. He is dismissive of his mother’s attempts to find him a new spouse, focusing only on revenge.
Park Dal I is a traveling merchant who suffers from amnesia and bears an uncanny resemblance to the prince’s late wife. Although their first meeting goes poorly, they soon find themselves as unlikely allies helping those in need. Their connection takes a dramatic turn when they wake up one morning to discover they have swapped bodies.
As Lee Gang and Dal I try to figure out how this happened, they begin to uncover political conspiracies and dangerous secrets. They also discover that their connection might run deeper than they initially thought. Their story becomes entangled with the scheming Left State Councilor Kim Han Cheol, who is trying to take control of the royal court.
A Prince Seeking Revenge
Crown Prince Lee Gang acts as regent for his father, King Yi Hui. Although the king appears to hold absolute power, this is only a faรงade. He is powerless against Kim Han Cheol, who holds real authority within the palace. Lee Gang is looking for a way to change this unfavorable power dynamic.
A recently released teaser shows the prince burning with vengeance toward Left Councillor Kim Han Cheol. The councillor leaves him with a chilling warning, showcasing the tense relationship between the two. Lee Gang’s words, “The Crown Princess is the Left Councillor’s daughter anyway,” suggest how Kim Han Cheol manipulates even the royal family to his own liking.
Lee Kang declares that his strategy against Kim Han Cheol will be a “head-on attack,” signaling that he will confront him without retreat.
Kim Han Cheol appears to be connected not only to the dethronement of the concubine Lee Kang once loved but also to the death of Lee Kang’s mother. The councillor also expresses hostility toward Park Dal Yi, who bears a striking resemblance to the prince’s lost love, telling her coldly, “You’re an eyesore.”
A Merchant with a Hidden Past
In contrast to the prince’s life of political strife, Park Dal Yi lives happily within her warm merchant family. Thanks to her father, played by Im Ki Hong, and mother, played by Park Bo Kyung, Dal Yi has lived harmoniously in a warm and down-to-earth household despite their humble status.
Yet, even among those who love and support each other, everyone has hidden secrets. Dal Yi’s amnesia and her resemblance to the prince’s late wife are central to the unfolding mystery. Her character brings a bright and energetic presence that clashes with, and eventually complements, the prince’s somber demeanor.
The Powerful Forces Against Them
The character of Kim Han Cheol, played by Jin Goo, is a man of absolute power who serves as the minister-advisor to the king. He mobilizes every possible means and method to realize his ambitions, creating a major obstacle for the crown prince.
The family of Kim Han Cheol is full of ambition. Like her father, his daughter Kim Woo Hee, played by Hong Su Zu, also aims to rise to the very top of society for her own sake. The father-daughter relationship is tense, shaped by their opposing ambitions.
The supporting cast also includes Lee Shin-young in a key role, adding another layer to the complex social and political dynamics of the story. The differing families and their secrets create a rich backdrop for the body-swap premise.
Behind the Scenes and Global Release
“Moon River” is directed by Lee Dong-hyeun, whose works include “Bitter Sweet Hell,” and written by Cho Seung-hui, who wrote “More Than Friends.” The production is managed by HighZium Studio.
The drama will be available globally on the streaming platform Viki as a Viki Original. This is part of Rakuten Viki’s initiative to expand its slate of exclusive content for its 100 million-plus registered users.
Jaehee Hong, senior VP of content at Rakuten Viki, said: “The demand for K-drama continues to surge globally and Viki is committed to investing in high-quality content that viewers won’t be able to find elsewhere.”
“Moon River” is set to premiere on October 31, 2025, at 9:50 p.m. KST on MBC. It will be available on Viki with English subtitles for international audiences. The series promises a unique blend of historical romance, fantasy, and political intrigue, driven by the compelling chemistry between its two leads.
Also Read: Moon River Trailer Out: Crown Prince and Merchant Swap Souls in New Historical Drama
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