As the final episode of the Korean drama Moon River aired on December 20, 2025, viewers are now left wondering about the future of Crown Prince Lee Gang and merchant Park Dal-i . Despite the drama’s rising popularity and an ending that left several questions, the production company MBC has not yet confirmed a second season . The show, starring Kang Tae-oh and Kim Se-jeong, tells the story of a grieving prince and a spirited merchant who find their souls and lives mysteriously entangled .
While the first season provided a hopeful conclusion for the main couple, many story elements remain open. The central mystery of the magical body swap, unresolved palace politics, and new characters introduced late in the story have fueled strong fan demand for more episodes . The decision for a sequel now rests with the network, which will consider the show’s consistent ratings growth and international streaming performance before making a final call .
What Was Moon River About?
Moon River is a historical fantasy romance that aired on MBC from November 7 to December 20, 2025. The drama follows Crown Prince Lee Gang (Kang Tae-oh), who publicly lives a carefree life but secretly mourns the death of his beloved wife and seeks revenge . His world changes when he meets Park Dal-i (Kim Se-jeong), a merchant suffering from amnesia who looks identical to his late wife .
Their complicated relationship takes a fantastical turn when the two characters wake up one morning to find they have swapped bodies . Forced to live in each other’s lives, they navigate dangerous court secrets and political conspiracies, uncovering a deep, fated connection between them . The supporting cast includes Lee Shin-young as Prince Jeon and Hong Su-zu as Kim Woo-hee .
The Current Official Status of Season 2
As of late December 2025, there is no official announcement regarding Moon River Season 2. The network, MBC, has not renewed the series for another season, nor has it announced a cancellation .
The show’s performance provides a mixed picture. On national Korean television, Moon River showed steady growth. It started with a 3.8% viewership rating for its first episode and finished strong, with the finale on December 20 achieving a 6.8% rating, its personal best . This positive trend is a good sign, but industry observers note a significant hurdle: traditional Korean dramas are very rarely produced with multiple seasons .
A review of the situation noted, “Given the sheer wealth of talent in this that are sure to move onto other projects, we predict that Moon River will not be renewed for a second season” .
The cast has also publicly wrapped up their involvement for now. In thankful messages to fans, Kang Tae-oh expressed his gratitude to viewers who loved the characters until the end, while Lee Shin Young promised to strive for deeper acting in future projects . These statements suggest the actors are moving on to new work, which would make scheduling a second season complex.
Why Fans Think a Season 2 is Needed
Although the first season ended with Lee Gang and Dal-i reunited and starting a family, fans and recaps point out several major plot threads that were not resolved, leaving the door open for more story .
The biggest unanswered question is the nature and consequences of the body-swap. The series never explained how the soul exchange between Lee Gang and Dal-i happened, whether it is permanent, or if it can be reversed . The magical rules of this world remain a mystery.
Political threats also persist. While Lee Gang made a revolutionary decision to ban family punishment, this could spark major resistance from conservative factions in the palace . Furthermore, the finale reintroduced Queen JangJeong, a character long presumed dead, who now mourns her lost lover at his grave, adding another layer of intrigue to the court .
New mysteries were also introduced late in the season. The story hinted at a secret Zhen bird trafficking operation connected to the palace, a plotline that was teased but never fully explored . The true motives of powerful figures like Minister Kim Han-chul and the Dowager Queen also leave room for further conflict and storytelling .
What Would Season 2 Be About?
If MBC greenlights a second season, the story has a clear foundation to build upon. The central focus would likely be the long-term effects of the soul swap on Lee Gang and Dal-i’s lives and relationship . A second season could finally allow their romantic feelings for each other, which developed while they were in each other’s bodies, to be fully addressed .
The political landscape offers another rich avenue. Season 2 could explore the fallout from Lee Gang’s reforms and the ongoing power struggle within the royal court . The mysterious return of Queen JangJeong and the unresolved bird trafficking conspiracy could become major drivers of a new plot .
There is also the question of Park Dal-i’s true identity. The striking resemblance to the late crown princess was a key point in Season 1, but her exact lineage and connection to the palace were never fully revealed. Uncovering this secret could be a central mystery of a new season .
The Reality of Korean Drama Renewals
The strongest argument against a second season is the standard practice of the Korean television industry. Unlike Western series, most K-dramas are designed as one-season, complete stories, often based on a single web novel or series of scripts . Production companies and broadcasters traditionally prefer to create new stories with new casts.
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However, this model is slowly changing. The rise of global streaming platforms has introduced the concept of multiple seasons for successful shows. Recent examples like Taxi Driver, Tale of the Nine Tailed, and Alchemy of Souls have received new seasons, proving it is possible . Moon River, with its strong finishing ratings and built-in fan demand, could potentially follow this new trend.
The final decision will come down to a combination of factors: the continued popularity of the show on streaming services, the willingness of the key cast and creative team to return, and ultimately, MBC’s assessment of whether a second season makes creative and business sense.
For now, fans of the magical and romantic world of Moon River will have to wait and hope that the story of Lee Gang and Dal-i has not yet reached its final chapter.
Also Read: Moon River Finale Explained: Dal-i’s Fate, Lee Gang’s Sacrifice and the Twist Ending
