The story of Crown Prince Lee Gang and merchant Park Dal-i reaches a critical juncture with the arrival of the final two episodes. Scheduled for release on Friday, December 12, and Saturday, December 13, 2025, episodes 11 and 12 are positioned to bring major conflicts to a head as the season moves toward its conclusion. The drama airs on MBC in South Korea and is available for international viewers on Rakuten Viki.
Where and When to Watch Globally
The release follows a strict weekly schedule. Each new episode becomes available at 9:40 PM Korea Standard Time (KST) on its scheduled date.
For viewers watching from different parts of the world, this means the episodes will unlock at the following local times:
- United States (ET): 7:40 AM (Friday & Saturday)
- United Kingdom (GMT): 12:40 PM (Friday & Saturday)
- India (IST): 6:10 PM (Friday & Saturday)
The series streams internationally on Rakuten Viki, where episodes are made available shortly after they finish airing in Korea. The platform offers both free viewing with advertisements and a paid subscription for an ad-free experience.
The Key Cast Driving the Finale
The final episodes hinge on the performances of the show’s central characters. Kang Tae-oh portrays the complex Crown Prince Lee Gang, a man who masks deep personal grief behind a charming and joking exterior. His life becomes permanently entangled with Park Dal-i, played by Kim Se-jeong, a clever merchant who has lost her adult memories.
The royal court and its surrounding power struggles are populated by a strong supporting cast. Key figures include:
- Lee Sin-young as Prince Yi Un.
- Jin Goo as Kim Han-chul, a powerful minister and advisor to the King.
- Kim Nam-hee as King Yi Hui.
- Nam Gi-ae as the Queen Dowager.
- Hong Su-zu as U Hui, another significant presence in the palace.
Major Plot Points Leading to the Final Episodes
The series is built on a unique premise: the souls of the Crown Prince and the merchant woman have been mysteriously swapped. This body-swap scenario has forced Lee Gang to experience life from a position of powerlessness, while Park Dal-i has navigated the deadly politics of the palace.
Recent episodes have seen the prince sharpening his focus on revenge against those who wronged him, particularly Minister Kim Han-cheol, deepening their conflict. With loyalties constantly tested and palace politics growing more treacherous, the foundation has been laid for significant confrontations. The upcoming episodes are expected to see these simmering tensions boil over.
The Creative Team Behind the Drama
The show is directed by Lee Dong-hyeun, known for work on series like Bitter Sweet Hell, and written by Jo Seung-hee, the writer behind More Than Friends. They have blended elements of romance, historical drama, palace intrigue, and fantasy into the show’s identity. The production is led by HighZium Studio.
Since its premiere on November 7, 2025, Moon River has performed steadily in the ratings, with viewership shares in South Korea generally ranging between 3.7% and 6.1%.
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