The Moon Embracing the Sun (2012)
A sweeping Korean historical fantasy about lost love, palace conspiracy, and a shaman who holds the key to a king's heart.
The Moon Embracing the Sun - Series Information
- Original Title: 해를 품은 달
- First Air Year: 2012
- Last Air Year: 2012
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (65 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 20
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin, Korean
- First Air Date: January 4, 2012 (United States - TV-PG), January 4, 2012 (Germany - 12), January 4, 2012 (France - 12), January 4, 2012 (Mexico - B-15), January 4, 2012 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: MBC
- Alternative Titles: ลิขิตรักตะวันและจันทรา (TH), 拥抱太阳的月亮 (CN), The Moon Embracing the Sun (US), 해품달 (KR), La Luna Abraza al Sol (MX)
- Production Companies: Pan Entertainment
- Production Countries: South Korea, China
The Moon Embracing the Sun - Plot
Years after she's assumed dead by the palace, a young noblewoman, now trained as a shaman, returns to court to reclaim her rightful position as queen.
Where to Watch The Moon Embracing the Sun
Looking for where to watch The Moon Embracing the Sun?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
The Moon Embracing the Sun - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Kim Soo-hyun
- Yeo Jin-goo
- Han Ga-in
- Kim Yoo-jung
- Jung Il-woo
- Lee Tae-ri
- Kim Min-seo
- Kim So-hyun
- Sunwoo Jae-duk
- Song Jae-hee
Writers
- Jin Soo-wan
The Moon Embracing the Sun - FAQs
Is The Moon Embracing the Sun based on a book?
The series is adapted from a popular Korean web novel of the same name by Jung Eun-gwol, serialized online before being published in print. The novel became a bestseller in South Korea, and the drama adaptation closely follows its romantic fantasy storyline set in the Joseon dynasty.
What is The Moon Embracing the Sun about?
Set in a fictionalized Joseon dynasty, the series follows a young noblewoman who is presumed dead after a court conspiracy strips her of her future as queen. Years later, she returns to the palace as a shaman with no memory of her past, unknowingly reuniting with the king who never stopped loving her.
Where can you stream The Moon Embracing the Sun?
The series is available to stream on OnDemandKorea, Kocowa, and Kocowa via Amazon Channel, all offering flat-rate subscription access. Availability may vary by region, so check your local streaming services for the most current options.
Who plays the lead roles in The Moon Embracing the Sun?
Kim Soo-hyun stars as King Lee Hwon, with Han Ga-in as the shaman Wol, formerly the noblewoman Heo Yeon-woo. The younger versions of the leads are portrayed by Yeo Jin-goo and Kim Yoo-jung, both of whom delivered widely praised performances early in their careers.
How was The Moon Embracing the Sun received by audiences?
The drama was a massive hit in South Korea, consistently breaking its own ratings records and peaking above 40% viewership — extraordinary figures for a primetime drama. It sparked a wave of renewed interest in historical fantasy K-dramas and helped launch Kim Soo-hyun to international stardom.
Did The Moon Embracing the Sun win any awards?
The series swept major Korean television awards in 2012. Kim Soo-hyun won the Grand Prize (Daesang) at the MBC Drama Awards, while Yeo Jin-goo and Kim Yoo-jung earned recognition for their standout performances as the younger leads, cementing the drama's legacy as one of MBC's most celebrated productions.
Is The Moon Embracing the Sun worth watching?
Absolutely worth your time, especially if you enjoy historical romance and fantasy. The chemistry between the leads is compelling, the younger cast is exceptional, and the palace intrigue keeps the story moving. It remains one of the most beloved K-dramas of the 2010s and a great entry point for the genre.
What are similar shows to The Moon Embracing the Sun?
Fans of this series often enjoy Sungkyunkwan Scandal, The Crowned Clown, and Queen In Hyun's Man — all blending Joseon-era settings with romance and intrigue. Dong Yi and Rookie Historian Goo Hae-Ryung are also strong picks for viewers drawn to historical Korean dramas with compelling female leads.
More About The Moon Embracing the Sun
Explore further details and community resources for this series.