Moonshine

"Moonshine," a captivating historical K-drama, transports viewers to Korea's prohibition era, where the production and consumption of alcohol are strictly forbidden. Starring Yoo Seung Ho as Nam Young, a principled and determined inspector, and Lee Hye Ri as Kang Ro Seo, a daring and resourceful young woman who secretly brews alcohol to support her family, this series offers a perfect blend of romance, adventure, and intrigue.

Nam Young's rigid adherence to the law is challenged when he encounters Ro Seo, whose bravery and ingenuity force him to question his beliefs. Their growing attraction amidst dangerous circumstances adds a compelling romantic tension that keeps viewers engaged. Byeon Woo Seok shines as Lee Pyo, a carefree prince with a secret fondness for alcohol, whose interactions with Nam Young and Ro Seo create humorous and heartfelt moments.

Kang Mi Na as Han Ae Jin, a noblewoman with her own set of challenges, further enriches the storyline. Her journey intertwines with the main characters, bringing additional layers of complexity and depth to the plot. The drama also features stellar performances from Choi Won Young and Jang Gwang, who add gravitas and intensity to the unfolding narrative.

"Moonshine" masterfully depicts the struggles and resilience of its characters against the backdrop of a tumultuous historical period. With its engaging storyline, strong performances, and a mix of romance and action, this K-drama is a must-watch for fans looking for a rich and immersive experience. Whether you're drawn by the historical setting or the dynamic characters, "Moonshine" promises a captivating journey through Korea's prohibition era.

Details

🙂 Native Title: 꽃 피면 달 생각하고
🌎 Also Known As: When Flowers Bloom, I Think of the Moon, Thinking of the Moon When the Flowers Bloom
🎭 Genres: Historical, Romance, Drama, Comedy
🏷 Tags: Prohibition, Illegal Alcohol, Historical Fiction, Strong Female Lead, Secret Identity
✍ Screenwriters: Kim Joo Hee
🎬 Directors: Hwang In Hyuk, Park Se Jun
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 16
🗓️ Aired: December 20, 2021 – February 22, 2022
📅 Airing Days: Monday, Tuesday
📺 Original Network: KBS2
⏰ Duration: Approx. 70 min per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older

Best Scenes

First Encounter: The tense and humorous first meeting between Nam Young (Yoo Seung Ho) and Kang Ro Seo (Lee Hye Ri) when he discovers her secret alcohol stash.
The Great Escape: A thrilling scene where Nam Young and Ro Seo narrowly escape a raid, showcasing their chemistry and the drama’s action-packed moments.
Royal Confrontation: Lee Pyo (Byeon Woo Seok) stands up to the Chief Royal Secretary, adding depth to his character and highlighting the political intrigue.
Emotional Confession: A heartfelt scene where Ro Seo reveals her struggles and motivations to Nam Young, deepening their bond and the emotional stakes.
Final Showdown: The climactic final battle against the prohibition enforcers, combining action, drama, and resolution for the main characters.

Filming Locations

Mungyeong Saejae Open Set: Many of the outdoor scenes were filmed at this historical site, providing an authentic backdrop for the Joseon-era setting.
Naju Image Theme Park: Used for its realistic reconstruction of traditional Korean streets and markets, enhancing the historical accuracy.
Hapcheon Image Theme Park: Known for its versatile sets that perfectly capture the essence of different periods, it played a significant role in bringing the drama’s environment to life.
Korean Folk Village: This location provided many of the traditional houses and village scenes, adding to the drama’s cultural authenticity.
Suncheon Open Film Location: A popular site for historical dramas, it contributed to the rich visual storytelling of “Moonshine.”

Visual Design and Costumes

Traditional Hanboks: The costumes reflect the era’s fashion, with beautifully designed hanboks for both the commoners and nobility, enhancing the visual appeal.
Detailed Set Designs: The sets are intricately designed to represent various aspects of the Joseon period, from royal palaces to humble villages.
Authentic Props: Props like traditional brewing equipment and prohibition notices add realism and immerse viewers in the historical context.
Color Palette: The use of rich, earthy tones in costumes and sets highlights the period’s aesthetics and adds depth to the visual storytelling.
Cultural Artifacts: The inclusion of period-specific cultural artifacts, such as traditional lanterns and calligraphy tools, enriches the narrative.

Themes and Messages

Resistance and Rebellion: The drama explores themes of defiance against unjust laws, embodied by Ro Seo’s illicit brewing activities.
Love and Loyalty: The evolving romantic relationship between Nam Young and Ro Seo emphasizes loyalty and love amid societal constraints.
Social Inequality: “Moonshine” delves into the struggles of different social classes, highlighting the disparities and challenges faced by the characters.
Courage and Sacrifice: Characters often display bravery and make significant sacrifices for their loved ones and beliefs, adding emotional depth.
Tradition vs. Change: The series portrays the tension between upholding traditional values and embracing change, a recurring theme in historical dramas.

Interesting Facts

Historical Accuracy: The drama meticulously incorporates historical elements from Korea’s prohibition era, providing an educational glimpse into the past.
Star-Studded Cast: Features popular actors like Yoo Seung Ho and Lee Hye Ri, whose performances have received critical acclaim.
Cultural Impact: “Moonshine” has sparked renewed interest in Korea’s prohibition history and traditional brewing practices.
Behind-the-Scenes Efforts: Extensive research and collaboration with historians were undertaken to ensure the drama’s authenticity and accuracy.
Global Reach: Available on platforms like Netflix, “Moonshine” has attracted a global audience, contributing to the Hallyu wave and promoting Korean culture internationally.

Awards

2022 KBS Drama Awards:

Excellent Actress (Mini Series): Lee Hye Ri (Hyeri)
Best New Actor: Byeon Woo Seok
Best New Actress: Kang Mi Na

Real-Life Loves on Set

There have been no publicly confirmed reports of any real-life romantic relationships developing between cast members of the Korean drama “Moonshine” (2021). In the entertainment industry, co-stars often maintain professional relationships, and any personal connections typically remain private unless explicitly shared with the media. The chemistry and interactions seen on-screen between the actors are a testament to their acting skills and professionalism in bringing their characters to life.