‘Moon In The Day’ Review: Kim Young-dae, Pyo Ye-jin’s drama is a tale with twist of time (2025)

New Delhi,UPDATED: Nov 10, 2023 16:56 IST

In the world of entertainment, romantic comedies have an enduring appeal. However, when you infuse the story with elements of angst and revenge, the result is an even more captivating narrative. Such is the essence of 'Moon In The Day,' a drama that also has a pinch of historical drama. Featuring the talents of Kim Young-dae and Pyo Ye-jin in the lead roles, this series, which airs on Wednesdays and Thursdays, takes its viewers on a journey through time and emotions, where love and vengeance collide.

The story of ‘Moon In The Day’ commences in a distant past, transporting the audience to a turbulent battlefield during the fall of the Gaya confederacy, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea during the Silla Dynasty. Here, we are introduced to Do Ha, a formidable warrior who wields his arched bow skillfully, releasing an arrow that takes down the Gaya general. With his enemies' blood barely dried on his armor, he proceeds to the hangman's scaffold, where he enforces the execution of the general's family and sends a chilling warning to onlookers, urging them to fall in line.

However, amidst the terrified crowd, one person, Han Ri-ta, stands out. She is the vengeful daughter of the fallen general, who had been hidden by her mother just before soldiers took her away. Ri-ta's steely glare locks onto Do Ha, the man responsible for her family's death and downfall. Subsequently, Ri-ta attempts to assassinate Do Ha, but an unexpected twist unfolds, leading to the blossoming of an unlikely romance between them. Yet, the weight of her duty as an avenger eventually drives Ri-ta to strike down Do Ha, setting the stage for an eternal bond.

Do Ha's spirit refuses to move on to the afterlife, instead tethering itself to Ri-ta and all her future incarnations, as he awaits his own opportunity for revenge, transcending time and manifesting in the present day. In 2023, Ri-ta reemerges as Kang Young-hwa, a courageous firefighter with a flawless record of rescuing people from fires, believing her deceased policeman father to be her guardian angel. Little does she know that it's Do Ha's spirit that continues to accompany her.

As the series progresses, both characters meet their untimely ends, only to be revived by Do Ha's spirit. However, there's a catch, a twist that keeps the viewers intrigued and invested. As of November 9, only four episodes have aired, leaving the direction of the drama uncertain. Nevertheless, the on-screen chemistry between the lead pair, Young-hwa and Jun-oh, is undeniably captivating, and will hook the audience to their story.

The heart of 'Moon In The Day' centers on star-crossed lovers, a classic theme in literature and media that weaves a touching story of love overcoming challenges. In this series, the theme takes a unique turn, and to prevent spoilers, I won't disclose the details. Suffice it to say, I found myself on an emotional rollercoaster, passionately hoping that the couple's love prevails. The narrative's passion and longing stirred emotions within me, which has left a lasting impression.

While Do Ha's actions initially seem to be driven by a desire for revenge, hints of other complex emotions lurk beneath the surface. It becomes evident that Do Ha may love Ri-ta (and by extension, Young-hwa) as much as he despises her. Flashbacks to their shared history reveal moments of tenderness amidst the turmoil, making it clear that Do Ha remains deeply connected to her, even after all these years. His prolonged attachment to her and the curse that binds them creates a unique and compelling aspect of the story.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Do Ha's character is his eternal confinement alongside the woman he loves, witnessing her live and die through countless past lives. Even if he weren't driven by anger for his own murder, such an experience would undoubtedly take a toll on any soul. The unfolding of the narrative promises to be filled with potential, even if the initial episodes appear somewhat conventional.

While the drama is an interesting watch, there were moments when it felt like the episodes were slightly dragged. Imagine if Do Ha had fully committed to the Jun-oh persona—now that's a plot twist worth the popcorn! Picture Do Ha strutting around like he owns Jun-oh's body, creating chaos and turning the drama into a full-blown comedy fest. It would've been a laugh riot, and the audience would've been on the edge of their seats, not just for the drama but for the sheer hilarity of it all!

In conclusion, ‘Moon In The Day’ offers a unique and emotionally charged story of love, vengeance, and time-traveling spirits. It combines elements of historical drama, romance, and mystery, drawing viewers into a complex and engaging narrative. With the promise of unexpected twists and a love story that transcends the bounds of time, ‘Moon In The Day’ holds the potential to be a memorable addition to the world of Korean drama.