The Chinese version of Scarlet Heart became a phenomenon when it aired back in 2011. The story was based on a heart stoppingly exciting time in Chinese history. And the drama’s stars had such chemistry that they later got married in real life.
We dedicate this entire episode to talking about the much anticipated Korean version of Scarlet Heart. (Also known as Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo.) Which has been adapted to an equally exciting part in Korean history. It also has an unparalelled cast of established stars as well as talented up-and-comers.

More about this episode’s drama:
Scarlet Heart Ryeo (a.k.a. Moon Lovers)

With: IU, Lee Joon Ki, Kang Ha Neul, Han Jong Hyun, Byun Baek Hyun, Nam Joo Hyuk, Ji Soo, Kim Sung Kyun and many more.
Plot: A woman from present day Korea gets into an accident and is transported back in time to Goreyo Dynasty in Korea.
There she wakes up in the body of a young noblewoman. And finds herself in the middle of the royal court which is ripe with powestruggle between the royal family’s many princes.
 
 
 
This Korean version has been expertly crafted by big-hitter directors, script writers and cinematographers. It’s based on the Chinese book Scarlet Heart, which was made into the explosively popular Chinese drama in 2011.
We hope that regardless if you have watched this drama before or are watching it for the first time – you’ll enjoy watching this first episode with us!

K-drama Reaction / Audio Commentary Podcast:

Here’s how you listen & follow along:

* Prepare the K-drama episode we’re watching (in the same way you normally watch)
* Start the podcast
* Listen and press PLAY, to start the K-drama episode, when we tell you

It’s that easy!

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo – Relationship chart
There are so many people in this cast, it’s hard to keep them all straight…
Use this chart to sort it out.
(Click the image for the full-sized version. Opens in a new window.)

Other K-drama we mentioned in this episode:

* The Producers
* Pretty Boy
* Dream High
* The Scholar Who Walks the Night
* Joseon Gunman
* My Girl
* Two Weeks
* Misaeng/Incomplete life
* The Heirs
* Twenty (movie)
* Her lovely heels
* We got married (variety show)
* Dating Agency Cyrano
* White Christmas
* Abiding Love Dandelion
* EXO Next Door
* Mermaid / Surplus Princess
* Cheese in the trap
* Angry mom
* Sassy Go Go
* Page turner
* Doctors
* Nightwatchmans Journal (The fantasy drama Frances mentions, that has rock in its soundtrack)
* Splash Splash Love (the gender-bender time-travel drama)

Other tidbits that goes with this episode
Sorry, Sorry – Super Junior

IU & ZeZé
An article that explains IU’s ZeZé scandal
Short films
The short films that Frances mention, which give you a quick intro to some history and useful information about Scarlet Heart Ryeo:

* Short film one
* Short film two

Neil Gainman book
The book that Sofia mentions and completely fails to remember the name of… was: