Scarlet Heart: Ryeo (2016)

A sweeping Korean historical fantasy about a modern woman thrust into the Goryeo Dynasty, caught between royal princes and an impossible love.

Scarlet Heart: Ryeo - Series Information

  • Original Title: 달의 연인 - 보보경심 려
  • First Air Year: 2016
  • Last Air Year: 2016
  • Created by: Tong Hua
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: Drama, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, War, Politics
  • Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
  • Number of Seasons: 1
  • Number of Episodes: 20
  • Status: Ended
  • Original Language: Korean
  • Spoken Languages: Korean
  • First Air Date: August 29, 2016 (Brazil - 14), August 29, 2016 (South Korea - 15)
  • Networks: SBS
  • Alternative Titles: レイ〜はなもゆるはちにんのおうじたち〜 (JP), Corazon Escarlata (ES), Bobogyungsim: Ryeo (KR), 月亮的恋人 (CN), Scarlet Heart (PH), Алое сердце (RU)
  • Production Companies: YG Entertainment, NBCUniversal
  • Production Countries: South Korea

Scarlet Heart: Ryeo - Plot

A story of a 25-year-old Go Hajin who is transported back in time to the Goryeo Dynasty. She then wakes up in the body of Lady Hae Soo and finds herself amongst the ruling princes of the Wang Family.

Scarlet Heart: Ryeo - Trailer

Watch the official trailer and see the world of Goryeo come to life.

I'll be waiting for you, even if it's for a thousand years.

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Scarlet Heart: Ryeo - Cast & Crew

Creator(s)

  • Tong Hua

Main Cast

  • IU
  • Lee Joon-gi
  • Kang Ha-neul
  • Hong Jong-hyun
  • Baekhyun
  • Nam Joo-hyuk
  • Kim Ji-soo
  • Yoon Sun-woo
  • Kim San-ho
  • Seohyun

Writers

  • Cho Yoon-young

Scarlet Heart: Ryeo - FAQs

Is Scarlet Heart: Ryeo based on a true story?

It's not a true story, but it's rooted in real history. The series is a Korean adaptation of the Chinese novel Bu Bu Jing Xin by Tong Hua, set during the actual Goryeo Dynasty. The princes are loosely inspired by historical figures, though the central romance and time-travel premise are entirely fictional.

Where can you stream Scarlet Heart: Ryeo?

Scarlet Heart: Ryeo is available to stream on Rakuten Viki, both with a subscription and with free ad-supported viewing. For a full and up-to-date list of streaming options in your region, JustWatch is a reliable resource to check current availability.

Does Scarlet Heart: Ryeo have a happy ending?

The ending is bittersweet and has sparked passionate debate among fans. Without giving too much away, the finale leans heavily into tragedy, leaving Go Hajin and Wang So separated across time. Many viewers found it emotionally devastating, while others appreciated its poetic, melancholic resolution.

Who are the main actors in Scarlet Heart: Ryeo?

The series stars IU as Go Hajin / Lady Hae Soo and Lee Joon-gi as the brooding 4th Prince Wang So. The ensemble cast also includes Kang Ha-neul, Hong Jong-hyun, Baekhyun, Nam Joo-hyuk, Kim Ji-soo, Yoon Sun-woo, Kim San-ho, and Seohyun.

Is Scarlet Heart: Ryeo worth watching?

For fans of historical Korean dramas, absolutely. The chemistry between IU and Lee Joon-gi is electric, the palace politics are gripping, and the emotional stakes build beautifully across 20 episodes. It has developed a devoted international following and is widely regarded as one of the standout K-dramas of 2016.

Why did Wang So and Hae Soo end up separated?

Their separation stems from a painful mix of political pressure, betrayal, and the cruel demands of power. As Wang So ascends the throne, the weight of kingship and court conspiracies drives a wedge between them. Their love, though undeniable, ultimately cannot survive the forces tearing them apart.

What shows are similar to Scarlet Heart: Ryeo?

If you loved Scarlet Heart: Ryeo, try Love in the Moonlight, The King's Affection, Empress Ki, or Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth for more historical Korean romance. For fantasy crossover appeal, Love Between Fairy and Devil and The King: Eternal Monarch also deliver compelling drama and sweeping emotion.

How many episodes does Scarlet Heart: Ryeo have?

Scarlet Heart: Ryeo consists of 20 episodes across a single season, each running approximately 60 minutes. The series aired on SBS in South Korea from August 29 to November 1, 2016, offering a complete and self-contained story with no sequel season.

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