Cut to Heart (2021)

Superb acting, and compelling chemistry between leads!

Watched RWTMR many times, and I kept rewatching it because of how compelling the story of Pyeonggang and Ondal was!
KSH and NIW's chemistry was one of the reasons I kept rewatching the series----- I imagined them being a couple in real life. Though this is only a retelling of the classic Goguryeo tale, I have to commend the writer for his reimagination of PyeongOn's story.
NGL, I love sageuk dramas (Empress Ki, Jewel in the Palace, Jumong, to name a few) and RWTMR sure hit the right spots. For some the episodes could be dragging (especially the politics inside the palace), but it didn't dampen the story.

Kim So Hyun is a gem of an actress! This girl deserves the best, and I hope more people will take notice of how passionate she is with her craft! Next to Ha Ji Won, Lee Young Ae, Son Ye Jin, Gong Hyo Jin, and Bae Doona, So Hyun became a favorite after watching this, and her other works ( Who Are You: School 2015, Tale of Nokdu, Let's Fight Ghost, Pure Love.)

The other cast members were good as well---- Kang Ha Neul (albeit cameo), & Lee Ji Hoon were really good!

Na In Woo was a revelation, as he truly embodied the foolish, but oyal On Dal. He was literally a gentle giant especially in his scenes with So Hyun wherein he exhibited being his being a dutiful husband.

Their relationship was so organic---- from Dal getting infatuated with Ga Jin's beauty, to becoming her savior, then ally, and ultimately becoming husband and wife---- for reel to real.
The kiss scenes progressed from coy and awkward, to full of love, and passion (NIW kissed KSH like she was his treasured wife,, it was so romantic.)


If not for the Ji Soo issue, I am guessing that RWTMR could've scored higher in terms of viewership, and of ratings.

Guys give this a shot! Worth watching!

P.S. I wish NIW and KSH will once again team up in a modern day drama ( kinda medical drama wherein they'll be former flames but gor separated due to NIW pursuing his dream abroad; not knowing that he left a pregnant KSH. Fate has it that the two will meet again as professional doctors who must work together to stop a new virus from spreading. The catch?! One of their twins got infected with the virus, and was assigned as NIW's unknowningly. Teehee, no annoying love triangles for both actors this time around.)

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Started out so well

The drama had a lot of positives: good acting, compelling plot, romantic chemistry, and a complete lack of cliche tropes which I really appreciated. But, convoluted plotlines really brought the quality down.

ML went through a very intense character development starting as a clumsy and goofy mountain man and graduating to a giga-Chad "God of War". Na Im Woo playing Dal really helped in developing the character. He is probably the biggest man I've ever seen in Asian drama, so it was completely fitting for him to play an unbreakable warrior. Writers did a great job at flushing out Dal's motivations for fighting. Being a pacifist, he stayed away from conflict. But falling in love gave him something to protect. Him calling Ga Jin his "country" was very meaningful and it showed that she was the center of his universe and everything he did he did for her.

While the drama had really good characterization and good romantic chemistry, the plot gradually became very convoluted with more plotlines than it could handle. The story started out as a political drama where ML helped FL fight political corruption and an uprising against her family. This should've been the only plot line because there was plenty of story to work with. Unfortunately, the plot got entangled with additional characters and storylines involving outside forces that had nothing to do with the main plot, the assassin's sect and another country, none of which had anything in common with the main story. The writers tried to tie it all together, but it wasn't really convincing. The assassin's motivation for revenge was the murder of his family. But the writers didn't develop the character enough for us to care. There was one flashback of his family dying and that's it. Other than that, he was just a plot device for the main characters to act and drive the main plot forward without getting any meaningful development of his own.

The writers also seemed to be confused about Dal's character direction. His personality went full circle back to pacifism because the writers unnecessarily created too much conflict that involved unnecessary fighting. Fighting was his own decision to protect the woman he loved, which was enough to resolve his internal conflict between staying peaceful and fighting for love. Some reviews here put the blame on the princess who fixated too much on the country's problems and disregarded Dal's feelings. I cannot agree with that. Ga Jin was the princess who had the weight of the world on her shoulders and a warrior trying to protect the country and her royal family against assassination attempts and a political revolt. She did not have the luxury to worry about feelings, even when it came to Dal. Dal just worried about Ga Jin and followed her. Creating an additional arc about his feelings and just have him leave went completely against everything he worked for. Ga Jin was his entire world. He lived for her. The way he was originally written, he would've never left her.

And then the ending... **SPOILERS**

Honestly, it would've been better if Dal died in battle. Even his "death" scene was underwhelming - getting randomly ambushed after the war ended and pretending to die by getting into suspended animation so he could disappear from civilization. What were the writers thinking? Why couldn't Dal and Ga Jin just retire from war and live a peaceful life. All of these unnecessary and far fetched story lines really cheapened the plot and made me not care about the characters. If the writers stuck to the original plot involving political intrigue, the show would've been so much more interesting. Moreover, the last few episodes introduced a completely new storyline which did not even fit into the original plot. I didn't want to drop the drama because I was so close to the end, but I couldn't wait for it to end.

Overall, I really loved the drama even with all of the unnecessary plotlines, but the ending just completely disappointed me.

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The actors did an amazing job with their roles especially with all the issues the filming had.

I didn't know anything about the plot of this drama before starting it. I started this drama to see Kim So Hyun play a character that was more mature. She did amazing playing the roles of both mother and daughter, her vibe in this drama was completely different to all her other dramas I've seen. And I've read so much about Na In Woo and his role in this drama, he did amazing and it didn't feel as though (I believe) episode 4 was the first episode he filmed because he fit right in, the chemistry and emotions were there from the start.

A strong female lead who can hold her own in a fight; I feel like there isn't enough of this in Asian dramas, but we're starting to get a lot more of it in Kdramas and Cdramas. I LOVED that every female we meet in this drama is really strong, physically and mentally or just a female that holds a lot of power.

I loved the ML, don't get me wrong. But, it was the SML's loyalty to the crown that really got me. I was dubious whether or not his loyalty would remain, but I LOVED everything about it and he was in the toughest situation out of all the other charecters and I wouldn't have blamed him for 'turning to the dark side'. Though the last thing I expected was a love triangle and me getting really annoyingly bad second lead syndrome.

I LOVED the ML and FL's mutual loyalty and love for each other, their personalities and upbringing evened each other in a way. She grew up as an assassin only knowing to kill and he grew up in the village and was taught not to harm others. She carries the world on her shoulders whilst he seems very lighthearted and free, he also brought all the humor. I LOVED how they both had the same goal and the same enemy to destroy, they both had the same reason to fight the war they were fighting, it didn't feel as though the FL was dragging the ML into her fight because it was their fight. They were always there for each other at all the right times and never gave up on each other.

But I HATED how it was essentially love at first sight. It made no sense for them to love each other the way they did within the first few days of their encounter as adults. This is one of the reasons I shipped the FL so hard with the SML, because it made sense: it was very obvious he liked her since the first episode when they were both children, and his love for her, even as adults, was very genuine.

I actually kinda loved the ending of this drama, especially for the main leads, they deserved to be free from the palace and get a happy ending. The second leads ending was inevitable, after the first half of the drama, especially after the time jump, it did not seem as though the SML would get a happy ending.

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River Where the Stars Fizzle Away

The story suffered from erratic pacing, cramming too many plots that made it hard keep any interesting narrative. The characters were a simulated circus clown that kept making foolish moves intentionally at every turn. Might explains why it's 20 episodes. The childish love square was another contributor in that regard. Na In Woo's portrayal felt strained, his expressions, intonations, inflections, and emotions seemingly forced to fit the character mold. Comparing it to the original version, it seems there was a notable disparity. Checked a couple of scenes side by side, there's a clear difference in the delivery, as big as expressing an entirely different emotion of the exact same scene. I wonder what was the director even doing? The lack of chemistry with his colleagues was obvious too. He was called to fill in a role on a quick notice with so little to work with in the first place. All of that didn't compare to the abysmal last episode, and even worse, the detestable last scene.

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A Masterpiece Despite the Controversy

RIVER WHERE THE MOON RISES (Daleui Ddeuneun Gang) was a really great show. Going into this, I was reluctant, given some of the controversy and outrage of changing the male lead cast member mid-show. I won't get into that topic, but was worried that presumably significant change might have caused the show to suffer and feel disjointed somehow, whether in story, character chemistry or even by editing flaws. I was concerned something might not feel right. Still, I reluctantly gave it a chance.

That was not the case, thankfully. The cast, Kim So Hyun as the Assassin / Warrior named Princess Pyeonggang, and Na In Woo as the charming, peaceful On Dal had such adorable chemistry and many of the side cast was likable or relatable as well, such as the other Ghost Village members, but especially On Dal's Mother / nanny. I adored On Dal and his mother's sweet, unique relationship. That was probably one of the most absolute sweetest things I've seen in a K-Drama in a while. The little orphan girl was so adorable as well. The side cast did a really good job honestly and truly helped make this show so memorable.

While the show used a few old drama tropes that I'm not a huge fan of, such as convenient amnesia, unrequited love from childhood friend (to the point of silliness imo), and random breakups of serious couples, it still managed to keep me engaged.

All that aside, this series was really touching, great writing and direction, great acting/casting, great character development, great story arcs and scene settings, and wonderful aesthetic design, such as costumes and cinematographic visuals. The music was really memorable as well. Overall, this was a show that has it all; adventure, action, romance, mystery, comedy, and tragedy. I highly recommend giving this one a fair chance (with the reshot episodes/scenes with Na In Woo), despite the critics, naysayers and casting controversy concerns.

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Meaning storyline but with too many villain characters

I find the storyline of an innocent love story of two strong leads fighting for the unification of 3 countries meaningful. And, the replacement male lead and the female lead had really great onscreen chemistry and their acting is superb. However, as the episodes built up, there were so many different villain characters being brought in, each with their personal and evil agenda which made it went a bit off as the story should focus more on the relationship between the lead couple and how they bring about the unification of the 3 countries. So, there did not need to have so many villain characters but just a few main villain characters will do. Nevertheless, this drama was good and touching.

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average historical kdrama

River Where the Moon Rises 8/10 -kdrama

average historical kdrama...

even though I like Kim So Hyun... I just felt this drama lacks something. May be caused I lately mostly watched historical cdramas which got little different feel.

got classic theme alot of political intrigues and some fighting.

plot - FL is princess of Goguryeo ... sadly she and her mother gets into accident caused by traitous ambitious ministers. In this accident dies father of ML which was general. FL and ML survive. Fl loses memory and becomes puppet assassin for another ambitious guy. ML hides in mountains and lives as hermit. Both leads again meet as adults and their fates and feelings gets tangled together.


genre - historical, revenge, intrigues

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First Dropped Drama of 2021

I’m on episode 9 and I’ve lost interest in this drama. It is draggy, repetitive and nothing exciting to look forward to. I feel bad for Kang Ha Neul since he’s one of my fave actors. To those who know me, I rarely give up on a drama (yeah Mydramalist said I’ve seen almost 6,800 episodes of Kdramas, shows and movies) esp. when I’ve watched almost half of it, but this one, I really couldn’t. I don’t mind the controversies too. I can confidently say it didn’t affect how I rated and dropped this show.

I could no longer continue because of the story. At this point, I feel sleepy and uninterested. I don’t see the point in continuing how a princess goes in and out of the palace like flipping a switch on and off. She was introduced as a bad ass assassin but somewhere along the way, she regressed into making stupid and impulsive decisions, which is contrary to how she was built up. It was too ambitious for the show to have the female lead play both the role of the Queen mother and her daughter. Her portrayal of the queen missed the mark for me. She’s too young for the role and there wasn’t much of a motherly emotion emanating from her acting.

I could also foresee a cliche ending.

Acting is not bad though. I have problems with the plot and how slow moving it is. It is a fail for me. I cannot see imagine myself going through this boredom for 10 more episodes. If you’re presented Penthouse 2 or Mouse, this drama will sink in the river.

Out of curiosity and if I find time, I’d probably watch the last 2 episodes to see how it ends.

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ALMOST A 10!

My review is long overdue!

This drama was FANTASTIC! It is one the best historical Korean dramas that I've watched. Although I loved the first actor who played On Dal, I liked In Woo too. The acting was phenomenal, on top of that, the female lead character is strong, the storyline was amazing, and there weren't any loopholes in the writing. You maybe wondering how come I didn't give this drama a 10? It's because the ending was rushed; specifically the last 4 episodes. I would have loved to see the transition of the prince becoming the king, and the previous king's death. Additionally, the last episode, while tear-jerking, it was missing something.

What makes a female lead character strong? Visit the link to find out... https://mydramalist.com/discussions/recommendation-forum/63911-what-makes-female-character-strong-in-your-mind?page=last&p=1870583#p1870583

Btw, I believe the reason for the low ratings have to do with the scandal of the original actor who played On Dal, which really shouldn't be a reason to hate the drama lol.

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Good drama but felt long

Typical Korean dramas are about 16 episodes, therefore this felt long to me at 20 episodes. Especially towards the last 5 I started to fast forward a lot I just really wanted to know who was going to become king and how are they going to end all the complicated characters.

That out of the way, Kim so Hyun as Pyeong Gang was great. She's always been a great actress in all the dramas that I've watched her in. This is a refreshing character - we don't see a dumb innocent female lead but someone who is great in martial arts, can lead an army, can stand her own in the king's court and at the same time be shy (only in the beginning LOL) and in love and actually shows her feelings.

I found On Dal's character has become more manly when Na In Woo took over the role. He just fits my image of the great general more. I think he did well in this drama - me becomes a new fan so hope to see him in more lead roles. It was kinda shocking at episode 7 when On Dal suddenly got a new face but got used to it really quickly.

I didn't really know how I felt about Go Geon - was he good? was he bad? I think he was at one point but became loyal towards the end - I think those were the parts that I fast forwarded a lot so I don't know how and why he transitioned back to being loyal but as I mentioned above at this point I didn't really care for all the details anymore.

Wol Yi the little girl really played well in her character speaking like an ahjumma. If her voice was not that of a little girl you'd think you were listening to one.

The costumes were nice, the acting was great from all the cast, action scenes were great too we have females fighting in the battlefield.

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I'm dropping this just like how the producers dropped jisoo

1st story wise, tbh beside the FL I think the story was repetitive and the 20eps were pushing it. they kinda just took the usual backstory of the ML and made it the FL's story. SHE was the lost princess with the horrible dad king, there was nothing new, but it gave the FL a chance to be something more than the love interest.

and kim sohyun was the perfect choice I can't imagine someone else as her. but with that I also can't get over jisoo as Dal, I personally HATE actor changes and bellow this part I shall rant in peace so whoever is looking for a fight, or want to twist people's words then please don't read past this







I hate how some people say fans are stupid for being hurt over an actor they never met/that doesn't know they exist, but this is so like what happened in veronica mars s4.
I just loved the characters so much, and I loved the series then they went ahead and stabbed the fans and the other cast with their choices, they sabotaged the true core of veronica and they disregarded one of their most important actors' hard work just for the sake of "suspense" and most probably money..

here, they didn't drop jisoo becasue of his past deeds but they did it for the sake of the ratings and the money. and the rest of the fans of the other cast are so ready to show they never cared for jisoo or anyone beside their favs.
everyone is acting like everything is ok, as if one's hardwork is more than the other

I'm in no way defending jisoo's past actions, but if they really cared for the victim's, they should deal with this in a bigger scale.
you can't fight bullying with bullying and now jisoo is the target for so many people.
some say "deformation" is a huge crime in korea, but as a long time idol fan I've seen so many false rumors regarded as the truth just becasue they were posted online.
just one anonymous post on a shabby site like koreanboo can ruin people's reputation and even if the truth comes out no one cares.


and in turn the idol bullying scene is just as bad as the school bullying which just proves the whole system needs to change. bullying should be a crime with consequences.. and that includes cyber bullying that targets the celebrities.

people need to pay a price and try to work on themselves. I've seen so many ugly things thrown at jisoo, even the actress Park Hye Soo addressed how easily her past got twisted and the ones who bullied her are now back to play the victims.
it's not always the case, I'm not disregarding victims but spreading non proven facts doesn't make it real or ok to share..



anyway, ep7 aired and the 1st thing people care about is rating or how their own favs are doing, so I can't take this double standard bias... they made jisoo the villain that ruined the staffs hard work and now they're working for free

I'm really sad over this, I love both jisoo and sohyun as actors and this was a dream casting for me. no matter what, jisoo has worked hard on his career, he always got side tracked or ended in low projects that this was his big break. and I can't see anyone else pull of Dal like him.
and I'm not hating on the other actor... and I watched part of ep7 but I just can't. it's such a huge difference...
they should've killed him off, I HATE actor changes it just takes away from the character, I even hate anime voice actor changes. it feels unnatural.
and they could've brought the new actor as a new character who is a general in the palace. there could've been so many better solution.
but mostly I wish this was preproduced. as a fan of the characters and the art form my feelings are valid

I hope no one comes at this and attacks me for whatever reason they want to twist this into. be kind and let me vent my valid sadness in peace ;D

I really loved kim sohyun in this, I'll forever keep her as one of my favorite female characters and maybe once things are cleared out and sorted I'll come back and watch this with a lighter heart

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