Love in the Moonlight

A spirited young woman has spent her life presenting as a man to survive, taking on male duties and a masculine name. When circumstances land her inside the Joseon palace as a eunuch, she meets the crown prince, a clever and often guarded young royal. Their early interactions are playful and frequently awkward, with secret identities, court etiquette, and political pressures shaping their bond. Romance grows amid rivalries, mistaken assumptions, and the strict rules of court life. The show keeps its tone light at times and tense at others, balancing budding affection with the risks that come from love in a place where appearances and alliances matter more than hearts.

Released in 2016, the series was directed by Baek Sang-Hoon and Kim Seong-yoon, and created by Yoon Yi-soo, Im Ye-jin, and Kim Min-jung. It aired as a television drama that mixed romantic comedy beats with historical settings and political intrigue, featuring Park Bo-gum and Kim Yoo-jung in the lead roles.

The series attracted attention at South Korean year-end and network award events, with the cast and production staff receiving multiple nominations and recognition across several ceremonies. Those honors highlighted performances, costume design, and popularity among viewers, reflecting the show’s strong industry visibility during its run.

Love in the Moonlight left a noticeable mark on popular culture in 2016, boosting fan interest in historical rom-coms and sparking trends in fashion and social media discussion. The leads became household names domestically and among international K-drama fans, and scenes and moments from the show circulated widely online, helping to fuel a renewed appetite for youthful, courtroom romances.

Critics and audiences tended to praise the chemistry between Park Bo-gum and Kim Yoo-jung, along with the production’s costumes and set design, while some reviews pointed to uneven pacing and tonal shifts between comedy and political drama. Viewer ratings and online scores show a generally favorable response, with the series often noted for combining lighthearted romance with a backdrop of palace intrigue and questions about identity and duty.