Episode 1 is fundamentally about identity. Go Ha-jin was a woman with no history and no family. Hae Soo is a woman with a history she doesn't know and a family she doesn't recognize. The episode explores the terror of losing oneself. When Soo looks in the mirror and sees a stranger’s face, the horror is palpable.
Wang So (The 4th Prince): Known as the "Wolf Dog," he arrives in the capital with a dark reputation and a mask covering a facial scar. His entrance is chilling and establishes him as the ultimate outsider.
If you enjoyed dramas like "My Love from the Star" or "The Emperor: Owner of the Mask", then you'll likely love "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo". Give it a try and let me know what you think! moon lovers: scarlet heart ryeo ep 1
This scene serves as the "meet cute" for the drama’s central ensemble. We are introduced to the many princes of the Wang clan, but two immediately command the screen:
The episode opens with a paradox. Ha-jin (Lee Ji-eun, aka IU) is a young woman drowning in the 21st century—not in water, but in emotional debt. She is a cynical, modern百货 store worker who has been hardened by betrayal and a broken family. When she witnesses a stranger’s suicide attempt, she tries to save him, only to end up in a river herself. Episode 1 is fundamentally about identity
The genius of Episode 1 is that it makes you root for Wook. So is terrifying. But Lee Joon-gi’s eyes betray a bottomless sadness. When he looks at Hae Soo for the first time, it is not love. It is curiosity mixed with rage. He has never been treated with kindness, and her naive attempts to help him only confuse him. The show is planting a seed: the safe harbor (Wook) is not where the story is going. The storm (So) is.
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016) sets up a high-stakes, time-slip premise, featuring Go Ha-jin (IU) transported to the Goryeo Dynasty and waking in the body of 16-year-old Hae Soo. The episode introduces a complex web of princes and initiates the central conflict with the dramatic arrival of the "wolf-dog" 4th Prince, Wang So. For more, read the Wikipedia entry . Wikipedia +3 Would you like to see this from a different perspective? Cinematographer Korean Historian Screenwriter AI can make mistakes, so double-check responses Copy Creating a public link... You can now share this thread with others Good response Bad response 3 sites Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo - Wikipedia Synopsis. During a total solar eclipse, a 25-year-old 21st-century woman, Go Ha-jin (Lee Ji-eun), is transported back in time, to ... Wikipedia Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo - Wikipedia During a total solar eclipse, a 25-year-old 21st-century woman, Go Ha-jin (Lee Ji-eun), is transported back in time, to the Goryeo... Wikipedia Let's Rewind: Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016) - Reddit Mar 14, 2025 — The episode explores the terror of losing oneself
For a significant portion of Episode 1, the drama feels like a historical romantic comedy. Soo, believing this might be a dream she just needs to "wake up" from or a temporary stopover, decides to enjoy the luxury. She indulges in fine food, expensive clothes, and the attention of handsome men. It is a "Cinderella" fantasy—something she never had in her life as Go Ha-jin.
It is here that the show introduces its supernatural element: a total solar eclipse. As the sun vanishes, so does Ha-jin. The transition is jarring, moving from the stark realism of modern Korea to the vibrant, saturated hues of the Goryeo Dynasty.
Episode 1 isn't just about romance; it’s about survival. Ha-jin’s internal monologue highlights her desperation to return home, but as she realizes she is trapped, her focus shifts to surviving the deadly games of the palace. The "Scarlet Heart" of the title refers to the cautious, blood-stained path these characters must walk to stay alive near the throne. Visuals and Production Value
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo Episode 1 is a stunning introduction to the world of Goguryeo and the complex characters that inhabit it. With its rich costumes, breathtaking scenery, and strong performances, this drama is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and romantic rides of the year.