“Moon Embracing The Sun” once received complaints about casting before becoming a blockbuster drama

KBS 2TV’s “Entertainment company Live” re-examined dramas that succeeded after overcoming hardships.

The broadcast of “Entertainment company Live” aired on the evening of December 10th released the “Top 7 dramas/films that made big hits with twists and turns”.

The drama “The Moon Embracing the Sun” drew attention as it ranked 4th place in the list. From the first episode of “The Moon Embracing the Sun”, child actors Yeo Jin-goo, Kim Yoo-jung, Kim So-hyun and Im Si-wan, received explosive responses from the viewers for their great acting. However, controversy over their acting skills and ages arose when it came to adult actors.

On a show in the past, actor Song Jae-hee, who appeared in “The Moon Embracing the Sun”, said, “The drama became so famous, but the viewers were talking about me. They wondered why Im Si-wan suddenly got too old”. Then, he revealed a witty explanation through SNS, saying, “I play Yeom in The Moon Embracing the Sun. Due to my sister’s death and the shock of being exiled, I was the only person who didn’t know that I was aging.”

There was also a controversy related to the casting. The viewers complained that Han Ga-in didn’t suit the female lead role because of the big age gap between her and the 2 male leads, Kim Soo-hyun and Jung Il-woo. Regarding the age difference with other actors, Han Ga-in once said, “First of all, I’m really sorry for that”, adding, “If the viewers keep watching the drama, I think they will naturally see me as Yeonwoo who has grown up.”

Nevertheless, “The Moon Embracing the Sun” remained a masterpiece as it surpassed the rating of 40%. After each episode was aired, about 430 million won of advertisement was earned. The total advertising revenue is known to each 13 billion won.