Korean Drama Review: "Moon in the Day" (2023) 낮에 뜨는 달, "Moon in the Day"

Korean Drama Review: "Moon in the Day" (2023)

(낮에 뜨는 달, "Moon in the Day")
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Historical, Reincarnation
Episodes: 14
Starring: Kim Young-dae, Pyo Ye-jin, On Joo-wan
Director: Park Chan-yool
Writer: Kim Hyeon-joo (Based on a web novel)

Plot Summary

A tragic love story spanning 1,500 years, Moon in the Day follows:

Han Jun-oh (Kim Young-dae): A firefighter who becomes possessed by the spirit of Do Ha, a nobleman from the Silla Kingdom who was betrayed and murdered.

Han Ri-ta (Pyo Ye-jin): A top celebrity whose past life is connected to Do Ha’s death—she was Kang Young-hwa, the woman who killed him.

When Jun-oh and Ri-ta meet in the present day, their fate becomes entangled as Do Ha’s vengeful spirit seeks answers—and revenge.

Detailed Review

1. Characters & Performances

✅ Kim Young-dae (Do Ha / Han Jun-oh) – Delivers a dual performance as the cold, vengeful nobleman and the kind-hearted firefighter. His emotional range shines, especially in flashback scenes.

✅ Pyo Ye-jin (Han Ri-ta / Kang Young-hwa) – Balances modern-day arrogance with historical-era vulnerability well. Her chemistry with Kim Young-dae is intense but uneven at times.

⚠️ On Joo-wan (Han Min-oh / Han Ji-gyeom) – The antagonist in both timelines, but his motives feel underdeveloped.

2. Romance & Chemistry

Toxic Yet Tragic Love – Do Ha and Young-hwa’s past is full of betrayal and regret, making their present-day connection painfully bittersweet.

Slow-Burn Reincarnation Romance – The leads’ chemistry is stronger in historical scenes than modern ones.

Love Triangle? – A minor subplot involving Ri-ta’s manager feels unnecessary.

3. Pacing & Storytelling

First Half (Historical Focus) – Engaging and emotional, with well-shot Silla-era flashbacks.

Second Half (Modern-Day Drama) – Loses momentum as the revenge plot drags.

Ending – Satisfying but rushed, with some loose ends.

4. Cinematography & Setting

Historical Scenes – Gorgeous costumes and sets that capture Silla’s elegance.

Modern Scenes – Standard K-drama visuals, but ghostly effects for Do Ha’s spirit are well-done.

5. Music & Soundtrack

Haunting OST – Fits the melancholic, vengeful tone (e.g., "Moonlight" by Kassy).

Lacks Memorable Themes – No standout tracks like Goblin or Hotel Del Luna.

Themes & Feel

Revenge vs. Forgiveness – Do Ha’s anger vs. Jun-oh’s kindness.

Fate & Second Chances – Can past sins be redeemed in a new life?

Supernatural Mystery – Ghostly possession, past-life memories.

Comparison to Similar Dramas

Drama Similarities Differences

Goblin Reincarnation, tragic love More humor, stronger chemistry

Hotel Del Luna Ghosts, past-life regrets Female-led, more fantasy elements

Bulgasal: Immortal Souls Vengeful spirit, historical flashbacks Darker, more action-heavy

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros:

Kim Young-dae’s stellar dual role

Beautiful historical scenes

Unique premise (vengeful ghost in a firefighter’s body)

Emotional flashbacks

❌ Cons:

Uneven pacing (slow second half)

Underdeveloped villain

Modern-day romance lacks depth

Final Verdict: 7.8/10

Moon in the Day is a visually stunning, emotionally charged fantasy-romance with strong performances (especially Kim Young-dae) but suffers from pacing issues and a weak antagonist.