Kang Tae-oh Returns to Historical Dramas as a Princely Character in 'When the Moon Rises'

Actor Kang Tae-oh is set to make a grand return to historical dramas with MBC's new Friday-Saturday series, 'When the Moon Rises.'

Slated to premiere on the 7th, Kang Tae-oh will take on the role of Crown Prince Lee Kang, the heir to the throne, promising a captivating performance. The drama unfolds as a unique fantasy historical romance where a joyless prince and a bodyguard who lost their memories engage in an exchange of perspectives.

In the drama, Lee Kang appears outwardly haughty and self-willed, but harbors a deep wound from losing someone he loved. Despite acting as regent in place of his father, he indulges in luxury and extravagance, setting up a personal wardrobe within the royal textile bureau to focus on lavish attire and self-care. However, this superficial indulgence conceals the heavy burden of being an heir and the pain of loss, alongside a burning desire for revenge. Viewers are keenly anticipating how Kang Tae-oh will portray the dual nature of Lee Kang.

An unexpected turn of events occurs when Lee Kang encounters Dal-yi (played by Kim Se-jeong), a bodyguard who bears a striking resemblance to his deceased consort, leading to a soul-swapping incident. The fateful encounter between Crown Prince Lee Kang and Dal-yi sparks curiosity about whether their destinies will intertwine in a poignant and epic romance. Kang Tae-oh's portrayal of a thrilling historical romance is already heightening audience expectations.

Previously, Kang Tae-oh established himself as a 'master of historical dramas' with his role as Cha Yul-mu in KBS2's 'Tale of Nokdu' (2019). He garnered significant attention for his dual-faced charm, transitioning from a warm-hearted lover devoted to Dong-ju (played by Kim So-hyun) to a villain plotting a coup, leaving a strong impression on viewers. His shocking transformation scene as the villain Yul-mu is still remembered as a highlight that brought the drama to its peak tension.

Kang Tae-oh's diverse performances have left a lasting impact, leading to many requests for his return to historical dramas. Six years after 'Tale of Nokdu,' Kang Tae-oh is poised to once again raise the heartbeat of viewers with his portrayal of a compelling character in this new series.

Throughout his career, Kang Tae-oh has steadily built his filmography with roles in dramas such as 'Run On,' 'Doom at Your Service,' ENA's 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo,' and tvN's 'Drama Special - Potato Research Institute.' In 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo,' he charmed audiences as Lee Jun-ho, earning the affectionate nickname 'Nation's Disappointment Guy' for his sweet and caring demeanor. In 'Drama Special - Potato Research Institute,' he solidified his presence as a 'Rom-Com Pass Holder' by portraying So Baek-ho, a cold, principled character whose hidden warmth completed a delightful and thrilling romance.

With his solid acting skills and exceptional ability to embody diverse characters, all eyes are on Kang Tae-oh's new performance in 'When the Moon Rises.'

The drama, featuring Kang Tae-oh's anticipated historical acting, will premiere on the 7th at 9:50 PM KST.

Fans are expressing excitement for Kang Tae-oh's return to historical dramas, with comments like 'Finally, Kang Tae-oh is back in a historical drama!' and 'His acting in 'Tale of Nokdu' was so impressive, I have high expectations for this one too!'