“Love in the Moonlight (구르미 그린 달빛)” is a 2016 KBS2 Korean drama starring Park Bo-gum and Kim Yoo-jung. Set in the Joseon Dynasty, it tells a sweet yet poignant royal love story between a crown prince and a woman disguised as a eunuch. With poetic cinematography and heartfelt performances, it became one of the most beloved K-dramas worldwide.

[Korean Drama] Park Bo-gum & Kim Yoo-jung in Love in the Moonlight

Main Cast & Instagram

Park Bo-gum — A globally loved actor known for his warm smile and expressive emotional range. As Crown Prince Lee Yeong, he portrays both royal dignity and youthful charm with grace. His gentle charisma earned him the nickname “Nation’s Prince.”

Visit Park Bo-gum’s Instagram ▶ @bogummy

Kim Yoo-jung — A talented actress who grew up on screen with remarkable depth and charm. She plays Hong Ra-on, a spirited young woman who disguises herself as a male eunuch and enters the royal palace. Her pure energy and radiant smile captured the hearts of fans across Asia.

Visit Kim Yoo-jung’s Instagram ▶ @you_r_love

Story Summary

Set in the Joseon Dynasty, Love in the Moonlight follows the secret romance between Crown Prince Lee Yeong and Hong Ra-on, a girl disguised as a eunuch. Their fateful meeting leads to a love that defies class and gender, glowing softly like moonlight amidst the rigid walls of the royal court.

The title “Love in the Moonlight” symbolizes love that shines quietly yet beautifully, just like the moon behind drifting clouds — fragile but everlasting in memory. Every scene captures the bittersweet essence of youth and first love.

Main Characters

Lee Yeong – Park Bo-gum: The Crown Prince of Joseon, torn between love and royal duty.
Hong Ra-on – Kim Yoo-jung: A clever and kind girl living as a male eunuch in the palace.
Kim Yoon-sung – Jinyoung: A nobleman who quietly harbors unrequited love for Ra-on.
Jo Ha-yeon – Chae Soo-bin: A noble lady bound by political marriage to the prince.

Cultural Highlights

Beyond romance, Love in the Moonlight portrays the emotional growth of young people in Joseon. It beautifully reinterprets traditional Korean culture — from royal etiquette to hanbok fashion — through a modern lens. Park Bo-gum’s royal robes and Kim Yoo-jung’s cross-dressing attire even inspired new Korean fashion trends.

OST (Original Soundtrack)

The Love in the Moonlight OST perfectly embodies the drama’s romantic mood. Songs like “Love in the Moonlight” by Gummy, “I Think I’m Done Sleeping” by Sung Si-kyung, and “Foggy Road” by Ben are still cherished by fans today. The soft piano melodies and soothing vocals create a timeless atmosphere.

Listen to the OST ▶ YouTube Music

International Viewer Q&A

Q. What does the title “Love in the Moonlight” mean?
A. It symbolizes love that is fleeting yet luminous — like moonlight behind the clouds.
Q. Are English subtitles available?
A. Yes! Netflix offers English, Japanese, and Chinese subtitles for global audiences.
Q. Were the filming locations real?
A. Yes. The series was filmed at historical sites like Jeonju Hanok Village and Buyeo Gungnamji Pond.
Q. How was the chemistry between Park Bo-gum and Kim Yoo-jung?
A. Their natural bond and warm on-screen energy earned them the nickname “Moonlight Couple.”
Q. Why was this drama so popular overseas?
A. Its blend of Eastern beauty, poetic storytelling, and pure first love resonated across cultures.
Q. Does it reflect real Joseon history?
A. Yes. Details like royal education, palace etiquette, and hanbok design were carefully researched.

Conclusion

Love in the Moonlight is more than a romance — it’s a story of youth, identity, and destiny. With its elegant cinematography and emotional storytelling, this Korean drama redefined the historical romance genre. Park Bo-gum and Kim Yoo-jung’s heartfelt performances still shine like moonlight in fans’ hearts worldwide.

Watch on tving ▶

[Korean Drama] Park Bo-gum & Kim Yoo-jung in Love in the Moonlight — A Tender Royal Romance Under the Joseon Moon