Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo: Review, Story, Cast, Episodes, Release Date, Budget & More

Moon Lovers Scarlet Heart Ryeo

“Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” is a 2016 South Korean historical fantasy drama starring Lee Joon-gi, IU, and Kang Ha-neul, based on the Chinese novel Bu Bu Jing Xin. This lavishly produced series aired on SBS for 20 episodes from August to November 2016, featuring breathtaking cinematography filmed across stunning Korean locations. While it was considered a ratings disappointment domestically, it became a massive international phenomenon, reaching over two billion views on streaming platforms and becoming one of the most beloved K-dramas worldwide. The show boasts an ensemble cast of Korea’s most talented actors portraying various princes of the Goryeo Dynasty, each with distinct personalities and motivations. With its perfect storm of romance, political intrigue, stunning period costumes, and an unforgettable OST, this time-travel tale has left countless viewers emotionally devastated yet utterly captivated often begging for a second season that never came.

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo: Release Date, Story, Plot, Episodes, Cast, Actors Salary, Actors Net Worth, Budget, OTT Response, Trailer, Songs, Awards, Review, Ratings & More

InfoMoon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
GenreHistorical fiction
Romance
Fantasy
Melodrama
LanguageKorean
Directed byKim Kyu-tae
Star CastLee Joon-gi
Lee Ji-eun
Kang Ha-neul
Produced byBaek Choong-hwa
Production
companies
BaramiBunda inc.
GT Entertainment
NBCUniversal International Television
YG Entertainment
Written byCho Yoon-young
CinematographyKim Cheon-suk
Park Jang-hyuk
Lee Sang-su
Edited byKim Hyang-suk
Lee Hyun-ju
CountrySouth Korea
Original networkSBS TV
Original release29 August – 1 November 2016
Running time60 minutes

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo Storyline

Modern woman Go Ha-jin mysteriously wakes up in ancient Korea’s Goryeo Dynasty after a solar eclipse, trapped inside the body of Hae Soo, a young girl living among the royal family. Suddenly surrounded by multiple princes vying for the throne, she initially falls for the gentle Eighth Prince Wang Wook but gradually discovers the wounded soul beneath the fearsome Fourth Prince Wang So’s scarred face and cruel reputation. As Hae Soo helps So overcome his painful past and believe in himself, their forbidden love blossoms amidst brutal power struggles, family betrayals, and deadly political schemes. Her presence changes history itself, but their romance comes with a heartbreaking price neither anticipated.

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo Cast, Crew, Role, Salary, Remuneration & Net Worth

Here are the complete details of actors and actresses names in the Web Series.

1.Lee Joon-gi as 4th Prince Wang So

Lee Joon-gi as 4th Prince Wang So
Info4th Prince Wang So
Real NameLee Joon-gi
Salary Per Web Series $228,500
Net Worth$50 million

2.Lee Ji-eun as Go Ha-jin / Hae Soo

Lee Ji-eun as Go Ha-jin / Hae Soo
InfoGo Ha-jin / Hae Soo
Real NameLee Ji-eun
Salary Per Web Series$160,000
Net Worth$45 million

3.Kang Ha-neul as 8th Prince Wang Wook

Kang Ha-neul as 8th Prince Wang Wook
Info8th Prince Wang Wook
Real NameKang Ha-neul 
Salary Per Web Series$65,000 to over $1 million
Net WorthNot Known

4.Kim San-ho as Crown Prince Wang Mu

Kim San-ho as Crown Prince Wang Mu
InfoCrown Prince Wang Mu
Real NameKim San-ho
Salary Per Web SeriesNot Known
Net WorthNot Known

5.Hong Jong-hyun as 3rd Prince Wang Yo

Hong Jong-hyun as 3rd Prince Wang Yo
Info3rd Prince Wang Yo
Real NameHong Jong-hyun
Salary Per Web SeriesNot Known
Net WorthNot Known

6.Yoon Sun-woo as 9th Prince Wang Won

Yoon Sun-woo as 9th Prince Wang Won
Info9th Prince Wang Won
Real NameYoon Sun-woo 
Salary Per Web SeriesNot Known
Net WorthNot Known

7.Byun Baek-hyun as 10th Prince Wang Eun

Byun Baek-hyun as 10th Prince Wang Eun
Info10th Prince Wang Eun
Real NameByun Baek-hyun
Salary Per Web SeriesNot Known
Net WorthNot Known

8.Nam Joo-hyuk as 13th Prince Wang Baek-ah

Nam Joo-hyuk as 13th Prince Wang Baek-ah
Info13th Prince Wang Baek-ah
Real NameNam Joo-hyuk
Salary Per Web Series$50,000
Net Worth$4 million – $5 million

9.Ji Soo as 14th Prince Wang Jung

Ji Soo as 14th Prince Wang Jung
Info14th Prince Wang Jung
Real NameJi Soo 
Salary Per Web SeriesNot Known
Net WorthNot Known

10.Jo Min-ki as Wang Geon, King Taejo

Jo Min-ki as Wang Geon, King Taejo
InfoWang Geon, King Taejo
Real NameJo Min-ki
Salary Per Web SeriesNot Known
Net WorthNot Known

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo Web Series Awards

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Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo Review

“Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” is an emotionally devastating masterpiece that’ll leave you sobbing for days. Lee Joon-gi delivers a career-defining performance as the tortured Wang So, while IU’s growth throughout the series is remarkable. The ensemble cast shines brilliantly, particularly Kang Ha-neul’s heartbreaking portrayal of the ambitious Eighth Prince. The cinematography is absolutely gorgeous, the OST unforgettable, and the chemistry between leads is electric. However, the pacing feels rushed toward the end, leaving plot threads unresolved, and that cliffhanger ending remains unforgivable. Despite its flaws, this drama creates such profound emotional impact that viewers still haven’t moved on years later. Bring tissues—you’ll need them. It’s tragically beautiful, frustratingly incomplete, yet absolutely unforgettable.

Disclaimer: The Data is collected from various sources and some from our own research. These data can be estimated and Primes World does not make any claims about the authenticity of the data.