Moonlight Drawn by Clouds

Moonlight Drawn By Clouds, also known as Love in the Moonlight, is a charming blend of historical drama, romance, and comedy that aired on the South Korean network, KBS2, from August 22 to October 18, 2016.

Set in the vibrant Joseon Dynasty, this series is an imaginative take on a period piece infused with a sense of youthful ebullience and romantic intrigue. It’s based on a web novel written by Yoon Yi-soo, which was later published as a five-part series, that presents a vibrant encapsulation of Joseon era customs, costumes, and socio-political structures.

The series centers on the character of Lee Young, also known as Crown Prince Hyomyeong, portrayed brilliantly by the well-known actor, Park Bo-gum. Lee Young is an enlightened prince who is in line for the throne, but his journey isn't as straightforward or easy as it seems, despite his royal lineage. As heir to the throne, Lee Young must not only prove his worth as future king but also navigate the treacherous waters that are the politics of the royal court.

Kim Yoo-jung portrays Hong Ra-On (also known as Hong Sam-Nom), the female lead, with superb balance between jouissance and solemnity. Ra-On is an intelligent and free-spirited woman who lives a double life due to a string of incidents. Born into a humble background, she disguises herself as a man and provides dating advice to lovelorn men, not knowing that her life is about to become intertwined with the Crown Prince's in unexpected ways.

The narrative cleverly explores their challenging yet beautiful journey, as two individuals from drastically different social standings intersect within palace walls. The series strikingly showcases the joys and tribulations of young love, complex palace politics, friendships that cross social barriers, and the internal conflicts that come with identity and personal growth.

Also joining them is a colourful ensemble of supporting characters, each with their fascinating storyline, playing vital roles to enhance the engaging plotline. Among the key secondary characters, Jinyoung as Kim Yoon-sung and Kwak Dong-yeon as Kim Byung-yeon are particularly prominent, adding substantial complexity and depth to the overarching narrative.

Moonlight Drawn By Clouds, under the skillful direction of Kim Sung-yoon and Baek Sang-hoon, managed to weave the captivating allure of historical grandeur with fresh and modern sensibilities, creating a dexterous adaptation of a unique love story. The cinematography, costume design, and production quality transport viewers back in time, facilitating an immersive experience that strengthens the overall appeal of the show.

Despite containing period-specific elements, the show is not reserved only for fans of historical dramas. It deftly balances dramatic tension with light-hearted, comedic moments and a compelling romance. It provides a unique spin on traditional narratives by incorporating concepts of gender disguise and mistaken identities, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the dynamics between the characters.

The exceptional acting performances from the cast, the excellent screenplay, stunning aesthetics, and the overall intriguing storyline elevate this drama to a highly entertaining visual spectacle that strikes a chord with a global audience. The characters' development across the series, coupled with the intricate storyline, made this show extremely popular, not just in South Korea but also overseas.

The show was also commended for its beautiful OST, featuring the voices of some famous artists. The music, deeply rooted in theme and tone, synergized perfectly with the narrative, bolstering its emotional efficacy.

Over the 18 episodes, Moonlight Drawn by Clouds creates an enchanting blend of tender romance, historical intrigue, palace politics, and personal growth. It explores themes of identity, love, duty, with an underlying lesson about being true to oneself and not becoming a mere puppet to societal norms and expectations. This drama certainly leaves an impression with its charming presentation and in-depth character explorations.

Whether you’re a veteran fan of K-dramas or looking for an enthralling series to start, Moonlight Drawn By Clouds promises a riveting, heartwarming, and visually stunning experience that is truly one-of-a-kind.