K-Drama Flashback: ‘Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo’ and Five of Its Iconic Songs

Moon Lovers (2016) is tailor-made for followers of romantic time-slip K-dramas. The Korean remake of the Chinese novel Bu Bu Jing Xin unfolds the thrilling journey of a young woman who erroneously ends up in the Goryo dynasty, where royal siblings face off for power. Given its generally grim tone, there are emotional, intimate times and moments of [romantic] tension, especially when Lee Joon-gi and IU‘s characters interact.

I loved the way director Kim Kyu-tae created cliffhangers inside each episode, gradually disclosing details till the epilogue. There’s fine videography, gorgeous sets and costumes, charming characters (an amazing ensemble), and witty bantering. The plot follows a total solar eclipse that lands Go Ha-jin (IU), a 21st-century woman, in the Goryeo Dynasty as Hae Soo, a young girl—the year is 941 under the regime of King Taejo. 

Hae Soo initially falls for the gentle eighth Prince Wang Wook (Kang Ha-neul) but then falls for the ruthless fourth Prince Wang So (Lee Joon-gi). With a complex plot entwined between romance, jealousy, intrigues, and alliances between the princes, she gets caught up in all of it. 

As far as I am concerned, Wang So and Hae Soo will remain unfeigned forever. The fragility of his past, his ascent from affliction to power, his character development, and eventually his decision to follow his heart make him a fascinating character. In Hae Soo, you’ll find a woman of character and consciousness; the two make a beautiful couple.

Oddly, Moon Lovers got less traction during its run, getting just an average audience. Perhaps it was because the series’ overarching plotline is one of tragedy. As a result, a lot of viewers [I think] were unhappy with it deviating from predictability and lacking the happy ending that we often expect in romantic K-dramas. That’s okay, though. Not every story ends well. For all the other reasons that make Moon Lovers appealing, I recommend watching it if you haven’t already. Its underlying intrigues and shifting emotional arcs will keep you hooked through the last minute.

Another notable aspect of the classic is the series’ wildly gorgeous OST, which blends beautifully with its mood. Let’s go over the top five songs from the album, revisiting memorable scenes and musing wistfully on the story.

“For You” by Chen, Baekhyun, Xiumin

I keep coming back to this classic heartwarming ballad by the vocal superstars Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin (EXO-CBX). It’s a delicate and sensitive expression of romantic feelings. Their vocals flawlessly blend while also standing out throughout the tune. Together with providing his voice for it, Baekhyun also plays the 10th Prince Wang Eun in the drama—a cheeky and jovial guy with a vivacious, childish disposition—who becomes Hae Soo’s first companion in Goryeo.

“Say Yes” by Loco and Punch

Punch’s supple vocals have a genuinely seductive quality. In “Say Yes,” she sings in a smooth, stream-like flow that drifts through profoundly sentimental passages. Loco’s rap rhymes feature his distinctive voice quality, adding a fresh flair to the song that is replete with emotional scenes between the drama’s characters.

“All with You” by Taeyeon

“All with You” is a lyrical exploration of emotions. The song’s arrangement and piano melody make it an entrancing ballad. The music video is primarily devoted to Hae Soo and Wang Wook, who initially have a beautiful relationship that becomes convoluted as the plot progresses. The bluesy melody and tone are complemented by Taeyeon’s ethereal singing style. It’s musically mild with moving words and warm melodies.

“Can You Hear My Heart” by Epik High and Lee Hi

In “Can You Hear My Heart,” Hae Soo and Wang So communicate feelings that are ingrained deep within their hearts. The song is a classy duet, attributable to the harmony of the fantastic beat, vocals, and rap movement. Between Lee Hi’s beautiful voice and Epik High’s potent rapping, the song builds a distinctive auditory atmosphere, much like a poem heightening the song’s immersion and contributing to its musicality.

“Forgetting You” by Davichi

There’s a song in every drama that speaks to you. That’s how “Forgetting You” is for me, and the fact that it comes from Davichi lends it complete justice. “Like the passing wind/Even if you don’t see me/My heart goes toward you/Loving you/is such a painful thing/Feelings that can’t be emptied/is such a sad thing…” Such are the lyrics that evocatively emphasize the tune’s intensity, performed by the incredibly talented pop duo.