Kang Tae-ho / Courtesy of Man of Creation
Actor Kang Tae-oh has as soon as once more delivered what many are calling a career-defining position, fascinating not solely home viewers but in addition world audiences by means of the historic drama “Moon River,” his first in six years.
The MBC Friday–Saturday sequence aired its ultimate episode on Dec. 20, posting a nationwide viewership score of 6.8 % — its highest thus far, in line with Nielsen Korea. The drama follows Crown Prince Lee Gang, performed by Kang, and itinerant service provider Park Dali, performed by Kim Se-jeong, whose souls instantly change our bodies, sparking a deadly royal survival story intertwined with romance. By combining a conventional historic setting with a soul-switching premise, the sequence drew consideration for its contemporary pacing and robust on-screen chemistry between its two leads.
Assembly with Hankook Ilbo at a café in Seoul’s Gangnam District, Kang stated he felt vital strain returning to a historic drama after such a protracted break. “It had been some time since I final did a sageuk (historic drama), so I used to be anxious,” he stated. “I felt I wanted to point out higher performing than earlier than, and I wished to satisfy the expectations of followers.”
The drama additionally gained robust traction abroad. With its visible model rooted in Ok-historical aesthetics and the quick rhythm of a romantic comedy, the sequence drew curiosity from worldwide viewers shortly after its launch. It proved particularly well-liked in Indonesia and Thailand, whereas consideration additionally adopted within the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong. Kang stated he may really feel how a lot the environment had modified. “It actually appears like a worldwide period,” he stated. “I’m grateful that worldwide viewers now have simpler entry to Korean productions, and it felt significant to point out the great thing about our traditions by means of a historic drama.”
“Moon River” marks Kang’s return to the style since his 2019 KBS2 drama “The Story of Nokdu,” during which he gained vast recognition for his position as Cha Yul-mu. Returning to sageuk after six years, he as soon as once more earned reward for the way effectively historic dramas go well with him. Kang stated he rewatched clips from “The Story of Nokdu” earlier than filming, including that having such a transparent level of comparability made him fear whether or not he may reside as much as expectations.
Requested why he in the end selected the venture, Kang stated the title itself drew him in. “I favored it from the beginning. The narrative felt deep and lingering,” he stated. “The soul-switching factor added to a historic drama made it much more attention-grabbing.” He added that whereas filming was not simple, the style has a definite appeal, noting the facility of elaborate units and the uncommon alternative to put on conventional apparel.
Kang Tae-ho / Courtesy of Man of Creation
To painting the body-switch convincingly, Kang and Kim carefully noticed one another’s performances and communicated regularly. Kang stated probably the most difficult half was clearly differentiating between Lee Gang and Dali. “Even on days with out filming, we might name or message one another, report strains and ship them backwards and forwards,” he stated. He added that Kim even sought recommendation instantly from Ha Ji-won, who starred in “Secret Backyard,” one other well-known body-swap drama.
Kang’s potential to shift seamlessly between the 2 characters turned one of many drama’s key highlights. He stated that early on, he generally slipped into Dali’s dialect whereas taking part in Lee Gang, however later discovered Dali’s character extra comfy to painting. He additionally defined how he studied Kim’s expressive eye performing and included refined actions to convey the physicality of a Joseon-era lady.
The chemistry between Kang and Kim has been extensively praised, with the pair talked about as potential nominees for Greatest Couple on the 2025 MBC Drama Awards. Kang stated he can be completely satisfied if nominated, however didn’t wish to get forward of himself. “I’m already grateful that viewers beloved Lee Gang and Dali,” he stated. He described Kim as an lively and passionate actor who genuinely loves her work and characters, including that he discovered a fantastic deal from working alongside her.
Kang rose to prominence in 2022 by means of the ENA sequence “Extraordinary Legal professional Woo” earlier than enlisting for necessary navy service. Reflecting on that interval, he stated he didn’t personally really feel remorse or worry concerning the hiatus. “I used to be requested lots whether or not it was disappointing, however I didn’t dwell on the hole,” he stated. “I believed that if I labored onerous, one other alternative would come, and fortunately, I met a venture quickly after my discharge.”
Talking about his postmilitary comeback drama “The Potato Lab” on tvN, Kang stated the expertise mattered greater than scores. “It was a venture that confirmed me how lucky I’m with individuals,” he stated. “The method mattered greater than the end result, and it helped me develop.”
Requested concerning the significance of “Moon River” for his profession, Kang mirrored on his decade-long journey as an actor. He stated he was reminded that not solely performing expertise but in addition one’s perspective and conduct on set drastically affect a manufacturing. “The time after I was referred to as Lee Gang reasonably than Kang Tae-oh is treasured to me,” he stated. “I wish to proceed being remembered by means of my characters.”
This text from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Instances, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Instances.
