Trusted and watchable "rom-com king" Kang Tae-oh's passionate performance has truly exploded.
The MBC Friday-Saturday drama Moon River, which aired its first episode on the 7th (Fri) (written by Jo Seung-hee / directed by Lee Dong-hyun / planned by Kwon Seong-chang / produced by Highzeum Studio), is capturing viewers with Kang Tae-oh's portrayal of Crown Prince Lee Gang, who harbors a painful past and dreams of revenge.
In the last broadcast, Kang Tae-oh (playing Lee Gang) energetically led the drama's center as the flashy, living-for-appearances crown prince Lee Gang, who even claimed to be the royal family's rogue, amid dynamic developments. He delivered a strong impact from his entrance with unpredictable words and actions, from personally checking the lining of the dragon robe to watching the ministers quarrel in person and eating roasted corn. In particular, Lee Gang's prickly yet playfully affected traits were portrayed comically, producing pleasant laughter.
But when longing for the late concubine and desire for revenge against Left State Councilor Kim Han-cheol (played by Jin Goo) boil up, he revealed a completely different face. In the rain, recalling Kim Han-cheol, he shot arrows as if unaware his hand was bleeding, and in scenes recalling the dead concubine he sheds tears, laying bare Lee Gang's complex emotional line in which frenzied rage and desperate affection are intertwined, drawing many into the performance.
Above all, after meeting Park Dal-i (played by Kim Se-jeong), who has exactly the same face as the concubine, Lee Gang's uncontrollably shaken heart was shown, doubling the intrigue. Although Park Dal-i had completely different status, personality and background from the concubine, Lee Gang kept finding himself drawn to her. From the moment he first met Park Dal-i to the point he realizes she is the daughter of the deputy minister, Kang Tae-oh delicately portrayed Lee Gang's pitiably confused state.
Meanwhile, Lee Gang's decision to step in personally to help Park Dal-i when she was in danger also suggested a romance that will deepen, raising expectations. Portraying Lee Gang's emotional shift—from seeming to step back for the sake of his revenge cause to ultimately running to Park Dal-i—was compelling and sent the excitement level soaring.
In this way, Kang Tae-oh is completing an irreplaceable Lee Gang character with twisty charms that move between romance and comedy. Kang Tae-oh's wide expressive range, convincing in showing the multidimensional character's inner life, makes viewers look forward to what new enjoyment and resonance future broadcasts will bring.
The MBC Friday-Saturday drama Moon River, where viewers can see Kang Tae-oh's versatile acting marking a successful return to historical drama, will expand its programming from episode 3, airing on the 14th (Fri), and will be broadcast 10 minutes earlier at 9:40 p.m.
[Photo] Moon River
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