The Moon Embracing the Sun
Drama guideEnded

The Moon Embracing the Sun

해를 품은 달

Don't come close! But don't go far...

Air date: 2012-01-04
Episodes: 20 ep
Network: MBC
Rating: 7.9 / 10
Cast entries
21
Episodes
20
Locations
4
Food stops
Not available for this drama
Story

Synopsis

A concise overview of the premise, tone, and dramatic setup.

Years after being presumed dead by the palace, a young noblewoman returns to court, now trained as a shaman, to reclaim her rightful place as queen. This dramatic tale unfolds during the Joseon Dynasty and centers around the poignant romance between the fictional king Lee Hwon and the mysterious shaman Wol, who is actually the noblewoman Heo Yeon-woo.

As Lee Hwon grapples with the pain of losing Yeon-woo, he is shocked when she reappears, albeit with no memory of her past. Their intense love story is complicated by political intrigue and the struggles of power within the court, leading to a gripping narrative filled with emotional depth and unexpected twists. Ultimately, as secrets unravel, the tale explores themes of fate, love, and the fight against adversity, culminating in a powerful conclusion that resonates with viewers.

Filming locations

Filming locations

Places connected to scenes, checked against source links before they appear publicly.

  1. 01

    Yongin Dae Jang Geum Park

    용인 대장금 파크
    778-1 Yongcheon-ri, Baegam-myeon, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

    This location served as a filming site for the historical drama 'The Moon Embracing the Sun'. It features various sets and areas reminiscent of the Joseon era. / The cafe 'Haereul Pumeun Dal' is mentioned as a filming location for the drama. It is a place where the script reading for 'Unlucky Romance' took place. / Yongin MBC Dramia is a major filming location for MBC historical dramas, including 'The Moon Embracing the Sun'. It features various sets and exhibits related to the dramas.

    Today, I will share my experience visiting the MBC historical drama filming site, Dae Jang Geum Park, located in Yongin, which is a great place for a weekend outing and sightseeing.
    blog.naver.com
  2. 02

    Andong Hahoe Folk Village

    안동 하회마을
    1176-1 Hahoe-ri, Pungcheon-myeon, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do경북 안동시 풍천면 하회리 1176-1

    Andong Hahoe Folk Village is a traditional village that showcases the lifestyle and culture of the Joseon Dynasty. It is known for its beautiful scenery and historical significance.

    While most people are familiar with Andong Hahoe Village, not many may know about Yeongju Seonbi Village.
    blog.naver.com
  3. 03

    Seonbi Village

    선비촌
    2796 Sobak-ro, Sunheung-myeon, Yeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do경북 영주시 순흥면 소백로 2796

    Seonbi Village is a recreated space that reflects the scholarly lifestyle of Confucian scholars in Korea. It has been used as a filming location for various historical dramas.

    It has also been used as a filming location for dramas such as 'The Moon Embracing the Sun,' 'Chuno,' 'Jeong Do-jeon,' and 'The Book of Corrections.'
    blog.naver.com
  4. 04

    MBC Dramia Set

    MBC 드라미아 세트장
    Yongin-si, South Korea

    The MBC Dramia Set is a filming location for the historical dramas 'The Moon Embracing the Sun' and 'Gyebaek'. Visitors can explore the set where iconic scenes were filmed.

    Will we meet Lee Seo-jin from "The Moon Embracing the Sun" at the MBC Drama set, or will we meet Kim Soo-hyun from "The Moon Embracing the Sun"?
    blog.naver.com
Discovery

More to explore

Step beyond this drama — explore filming sites, food spots, and related titles across the catalog.

Details

Production

Broadcast details, runtime, language, and key production credits.

Country
South Korea
Original language
Korean
Episode runtime
65 min
Spoken languages
Mandarin, Korean
Production companies
  • Pan EntertainmentPan Entertainment
Directors
Kim Do-hoon
Lee Sung Joon
Kang Sook강숙
Writers
Jin Soo-wan

Source: TMDB

Characters

Cast & characters

Key roles, performers, and character context for quick scanning.

Source: TMDB

Actors

Lead actors

Lead performer biographies and notable credits.

Kim Soo-hyun

Kim Soo-hyunas King Lee Hwon

김수현
1988-02-16 · Seoul, South Korea

Kim Soo-hyun, born on February 16, 1988, is a prominent South Korean actor recognized as one of the highest-paid stars in the industry. He has garnered numerous accolades, including five Baeksang Arts Awards and two Grand Bell Awards, solidifying his status as a leading figure in Korean entertainment. His success is reflected in his consistent presence on Forbes Korea's Power Celebrity 40 list, where he was featured from 2012 to 2016 and again in 2021. Kim made his acting debut in 2007 with the family sitcom "Kimchi Cheese Smile," following earlier theatrical performances. He rose to fame through notable roles in hit dramas such as "Dream High" (2011) and "Moon Embracing the Sun" (2012), the latter earning him the Baeksang Arts Award for Best Actor in Television. His portrayal of King Lee Hwon in "Moon Embracing the Sun" and his role in the fantasy romance "My Love from the Star" (2013-14) further cemented his status as a top Hallyu star. After completing his mandatory military service in 2019, Kim made a successful return to the screen with the critically acclaimed drama "It's Okay to Not Be Okay" (2020). He continues to showcase his versatility with projects like "One Ordinary Day" (2021) and is set to star in the upcoming series "Queen of Tears" (2024). Kim Soo-hyun remains a significant influence in the Korean entertainment landscape, captivating audiences with his talent and charisma.

Yeo Jin-goo

Yeo Jin-gooas Lee Hwon (young)

여진구
1997-08-13 · Seoul, South Korea

Yeo Jin-goo is a prominent South Korean actor known for his versatile performances across both film and television. He began his career as a child actor, making his debut in the 2005 film Sad Movie. Quickly gaining recognition, he earned the affectionate nickname "Nation's Little Brother" as he portrayed younger versions of lead characters in notable works such as A Frozen Flower (2008), Giant (2010), and Moon Embracing the Sun (2012). His role in Moon Embracing the Sun, along with his performance in Missing You (2012), earned him the Best Child Actor award at the 2012 MBC Drama Awards. In 2013, Yeo took a significant leap in his career by playing the titular character in the action thriller Hwayi: A Monster Boy, a performance that garnered him the Blue Dragon Film Award for Best New Actor. Since then, he has continued to shine in lead roles, featuring in films like Shoot Me in the Heart (2015), The Long Way Home (2015), and Warriors of the Dawn (2017). Yeo Jin-goo has also captivated audiences in popular television series such as The Crowned Clown (2019), Hotel del Luna (2019), and Beyond Evil (2021), solidifying his reputation as a talented and versatile actor in the South Korean entertainment industry.

Notable credits on this site
Han Ga-in

Han Ga-inas Heo Yeon-woo / shaman Wol

한가인
1982-02-02 · Seoul, South Korea

Han Ga-in is a prominent South Korean actress and model, born on February 25, 1982. She began her career in 2002 as a model for Asiana Airlines, quickly transitioning to acting in television dramas. Early in her career, she gained recognition for her roles in "Yellow Handkerchief" and "Terms of Endearment," establishing herself as a popular figure in the entertainment industry. Throughout her career, Han has starred in a variety of successful projects, including the hit period drama "Moon Embracing the Sun" and the box office sensation "Architecture 101." Her talent and charm have made her a sought-after model for commercials, further enhancing her public profile. Han's personal life saw her marrying fellow actor Yeon Jung-hoon in 2005 after a two-year relationship, and the couple welcomed their first daughter in 2016, marking a new chapter in their lives. After a hiatus, she made her much-anticipated return to television in the 2018 drama "Mistress," reaffirming her status as a leading actress in South Korea.

Kim You-jung

Kim You-jungas Heo Yeon-woo (young)

김유정
1999-09-22 · Seoul, South Korea

Kim You-jung is a prominent South Korean actress born on September 22, 1999, in Seoul. She began her career at a young age, first gaining attention as a child model for a confectionery brand at four years old. Shortly thereafter, she made her acting debut in 2003 and quickly became one of the most recognized child actresses in Korea, earning the affectionate title of "Nation's Little Sister." Her breakthrough came in 2016 with the historical romance series "Love in the Moonlight," which established her as a leading actress in the industry. Throughout her career, Kim has been celebrated for her performances in various historical dramas, earning her the nickname "Sageuk Fairy." She has garnered acclaim for her roles in popular series such as "Dong Yi," "Moon Embracing the Sun," and "May Queen." In 2017, she made waves by ranking 8th on the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity list, marking her as the youngest to enter the Top 10 at just 17 years old. In recent years, Kim continued to expand her repertoire, starring in diverse projects such as the romantic-comedy "Backstreet Rookie," the historical fantasy "Lovers of the Red Sky," and the teen romance film "20th Century Girl." With her captivating performances, she has also earned the moniker "Nation's First Love." Despite facing health challenges, including a diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction in 2018, Kim You-jung remains a beloved figure in the South Korean entertainment industry.

Jung Il-woo

Jung Il-wooas Prince Yang-myung

정일우
1987-09-09 · Seoul, South Korea
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Streaming data via JustWatch through TMDB.

Episode guide

Episodes

Episode stills, air dates, runtimes, and summaries.

  1. Two Suns and a Moon
    Ep 1Two Suns and a Moon
    2012-01-04 · 71 min

    Young Yeon Woo, the daughter of a noble family, attends a ceremony honoring her brother at the palace, where she runs into Crown Prince Hweon.

  2. Two Moons and a Sun
    Ep 2Two Moons and a Sun
    2012-01-05 · 68 min

    Yeon Woo's brother, Heo Yeom, is appointed to teach the Crown Prince, who does not welcome the new teacher. Meanwhile, Queen Yoon plots a conspiracy.

  3. Like Petals, Like Fireworks
    Ep 3Like Petals, Like Fireworks
    2012-01-11 · 66 min

    Nok Yeong senses an aura from the two girls at the palace; Queen Yoon orders her to read their fate to see whether one will marry the crown prince.

  4. One Sun, One Moon
    Ep 4One Sun, One Moon
    2012-01-12 · 66 min

    Yoon Dae Hyeong's clan begins its plan to make Bo Kyung the owner of Kyo Tae Palace. Hweon asks Yeon Woo to submit her name to be the prince’s wife.

  5. Fallen Moon
    Ep 5Fallen Moon
    2012-01-18 · 66 min

    As Yeon Woo begins the training she will need as the crown prince's wife, Queen Yoon orders Nok Yeong to put a debilitating spell on Yeon Woo.

  6. Hidden Moon
    Ep 6Hidden Moon
    2012-01-19 · 64 min

    Having accepted a great god to become a shaman, Yeon Woo loses memories of her past due to the shock. Meanwhile, Bo Kyung becomes the crown princess.

  7. Shaman Wol - Moon
    Ep 7Shaman Wol - Moon
    2012-01-25 · 63 min

    Despite Nok Yeong's warning that she avoid strangers, Yeon Woo heads out to the streets when she learns that the king will be visiting the village.

  8. Shaman Who Absorbs Adversity
    Ep 8Shaman Who Absorbs Adversity
    2012-01-26 · 63 min

    After nearly being rescued by a disguised Yang Myung, a captive Weol is dragged to the palace to act as a human talisman for Hweon.

  9. Moon That Is Hidden Beside the Sun
    Ep 9Moon That Is Hidden Beside the Sun
    2012-02-01 · 63 min

    Hweon wakes up and furiously commands Weol to name the person who ordered her to spy on him. Bo Kyung is uneasy that a shaman serves the king in bed.

  10. Correspondence of the Dead
    Ep 10Correspondence of the Dead
    2012-02-02 · 62 min

    Hweon orders Hyung Sun to bring in the royal doctor to treat Weol. Bo Kyung is distraught by the relationship between Hweon and the shaman.

  11. Secret Love
    Ep 11Secret Love
    2012-02-08 · 63 min

    Yang Myung stops Weol going to the king's quarters and confronts Nok Yeong. Her warning to not become closer to Weol leads to an argument.

  12. Road of Tears
    Ep 12Road of Tears
    2012-02-09 · 63 min

    Yoon Dae Hyung tries to find out the reason of Hweon's secret inspection. Bo Kyung learns that the date of consummation is only three days away.

  13. Witch Hunts
    Ep 13Witch Hunts
    2012-02-15 · 63 min

    After Hweon faints before consummation with his queen, a humiliated Bo Kyung conspires to charge Weol for practicing witchcraft and defame Hweon.

  14. Why Am I Dead?
    Ep 14Why Am I Dead?
    2012-02-16 · 64 min

    Weol is sentenced to exile, while Hweon loses his leadership to bureaucrats. He visits Weol in jail and, hiding his heart, commands her to leave him.

  15. Once Again, Two Suns and Two Moons
    Ep 15Once Again, Two Suns and Two Moons
    2012-02-22 · 63 min

    Yeon Woo asks Seol about the situation when she was blessed to become a shaman. Woon dismisses the army keeping Yang Myung at his house.

  16. True Identity of the Moon
    Ep 16True Identity of the Moon
    2012-02-23 · 63 min

    After meeting shaman Weol, Bo Kyung becomes terrified thinking that Yeon Woo has been resurrected. Later, some news from her past shocks Yeon Woo.

  17. The Sun Embracing the Moon
    Ep 17The Sun Embracing the Moon
    2012-02-29 · 63 min

    When burglars come to the Infirmary and attack Yeon Woo and Yang Myung, Woon and Hweon guard her. Yang Myung flees from the burglars with Yeon Woo.

  18. Bloody Precursor
    Ep 18Bloody Precursor
    2012-03-01 · 62 min

    Princess Min Hwa is pregnant after a long wait and goes to the palace to give Hweon the happy news. Hweon speaks to the queen of his final decision.

  19. Rebellion
    Ep 19Rebellion
    2012-03-14 · 63 min

    Street posters convict the king for having a shaman in his bedroom and the clan of Yoon for having murdered the previous crown princess.

  20. The Moon That Embraces the Sun
    Ep 20The Moon That Embraces the Sun
    2012-03-15 · 62 min

    When Yoon Dae Hyung's private army surrounds Hweon and his retinue, Yang Myung finds himself on the verge of killing his brother.

Source: TMDB

Media

Videos

Trailers, OST, interviews, making clips, reviews, and recommendations.

Trailers & teasers

OST

Interviews & making-of

Reviews & recommendations

Source: YouTube