K-Content News

Yoo Seung-ho, Hyeri develop romance in Joseon-era 'Moonshine'

By Lee Gyu-lee

Actors Yoo Seung-ho and Lee Hye-ri ― better known as Hyeri ― are set to portray the romance of a couple in the alcohol prohibition era, with KBS' new period series, "Moonshine."

Set in the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), the series revolves around the time when the king strictly prohibited alcohol consumption across the country.

Inspector Nam Young (Yoo), who has a rigid personality and is known as a man of principle, works in the division that oversees the enforcement of the alcohol ban and is responsible for cracking down on violators. While on his mission, he comes across Kang Ro-seo (Lee), who illicitly brews alcohol to make a living to support her family.

The two characters are in completely different positions ― one is involved in law enforcement and the other is a violator of the law ― and don't hit it off from the start but eventually find themselves falling in love with each other. The romance drama is directed by Hwang In-hyuk, who is known for the hit period series, "Sungkyunkwan Scandal," and the medical series, "Doctor Prisoner." The script was written by Kim Ah-rok.

The first episode kicked off Monday, scoring a 7.5-percent viewership rating nationwide.

"This fictional series is about young adults rebelling against the prohibition order during the Joseon Dynasty," the director said during the online press conference for the series, Monday. "The concept of developing a story during the era of the prohibition order stirred our curiosity. There were records that the country had banned alcohol during the Joseon era."

He added that the series will explore the lives of the young adults and how they came to stand up against the reign that used prohibition ultimately to exercise its power.

Yoo plays the strong-willed inspector who moves to the capital city to find success. He expressed excitement about taking on a period series as it has been about four years since he starred in "The Emperor: Owner of the Mask" in 2017.

"There is a unique vibe that the set of a period series gives, which I really enjoy. Frankly, (period series) need more preparation compared to modern-themed series and are not as easy. But they also have their charms," he said. "It's interesting to get a glimpse of people's lives in past eras."

Adding that both Lee and he share many resemblances to their characters, he expressed that his co-star Lee helped him a lot in playing his role.

"I still get very nervous (when acting), like more than I really need to be. But thanks to the director and fellow cast members, especially Lee Hye-ri, it worked out well," he said. "Lee was the perfect fit for Ro-seo. She's positive and spirited… her unique energy helped me a lot to stay in the coolheaded character of Young."

Lee also added that she hit it off well with Yoo on the set. "I would always ask Yoo for advice and we would have a lot of conversations about a scenes. He is very considerate," she said. "Young and Ro-seo start off with an uncomfortable relationship, like enemies. Starting from that, the relationship turns into something romantic, and it will be interesting to see that process."

She noted that the series will portray various moods. "At first I thought that the title hinted at a subtle story and was curious what it would be about. And unlike my first feeling, it had cat-and-mouse chasing action, and a lot of comedy, as well as friendship and love," she said.

"Moonshine" airs on KBS on Mondays and Tuesdays at 9:30 p.m.