Moon River Episode 8 Review: Tragedy of The Jimjo

In the previous episode, Lee Gang and Dal-i’s souls get swapped back to normal, but this time their blood gets mixed, and the reaction starts. What could this possibly mean?

Moon River Episode 8 runs about 60 minutes.

This new Korean drama consists of 14 episodes, with one episode released every Friday and Saturday. The series takes over MBC’s drama To The Moon.

Moon River Episode 8 Recap

The episode opens on a tense note as the Chief Court Lady is arrested. Lee Gang finally uncovers the identity of the masked assailant, it was her all along. But before he can interrogate her and expose the truth, she is mysteriously found dead in her cell. The Left Councillor, already furious that his plots keep crumbling, is pushed to the breaking point as his most trusted spies are uncovered one by one.

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Meanwhile, a recovering Dal-i awakens from a disturbing nightmare. Fragmented memories of her life as Crown Princess continue to haunt her dreams, even though she cannot fully recall them. Lee Gang comforts her, and the pair share a deeply emotional moment acknowledging the unbearable pain and separation they have both endured. Curiously, they wonder how their souls became swapped in the first place.

In the midst of this vulnerable exchange, Lee Gang makes a firm decision: he will take Dal-i as his royal concubine, ensuring she remains by his side and protected. He even gives her a luxurious room furnished with silk bedding. When she gently questions why he wrote the love letter or kept a portrait of the two of them together, he deflects, claiming that if he cannot give her the picture, then who else would deserve it? Clearly, his heart speaks louder than his guarded words.

Elsewhere, tensions finally ease between Lee Gang and Lee Un. Lee Gang promises to ensure the Princess Consort’s safety and encourages Lee Un to escape with her while they still can. Lee Un, torn but hopeful, meets his beloved and asks her to wait just a little longer so they can build a peaceful life together. Soon after, the Princess Consort discovers that Lee Gang has always known about her affection for Lee Un and that he never wished to claim her for himself. Determined to right the wrongs of her cruel father, she vows to help bring the formidable Left Councillor down.

Preparing to strike back, the Left Councillor teams up with the terrifying Jimjo, plotting a new scheme to eliminate both the Crown Prince and Dal-i for good. As palace rules dictate, Dal-i is prepared to spend the night with Lee Gang. He remains a gentleman throughout, respecting her boundaries as they fall asleep side by side. However, when her wounds flare painfully in the quiet of the night, she slips away to apply ointment. Lee Gang follows to assist her, their closeness stirring shy but unmistakable affection.

The next day, the search for the Jimjo begins, and just as the Left Councillor planned, capturing it alive proves nearly impossible. The creature swoops violently through the kingdom, frantic to protect its baby. Knowing Lee Gang needs the Jimjo alive, Dal-i bravely takes the baby and runs, luring the creature away. Lee Gang arrives just in time and scolds her, torn between fear and anger. Dal-i admits through tears that she only wanted to help him.

But when the Jimjo launches itself at Lee Gang, he is forced to kill it to protect Dal-i. She apologises for jeopardising everything, but later that night, Lee Gang finally confesses the truth he can no longer hide: she is the most important person in his life. He loves her. With feelings laid bare at last, the episode concludes with the two sharing a heartfelt and passionate kiss.

Moon River Episode 8 Review

Episode 8 masterfully ratchets up the tension as palace conspiracies collide with personal reckonings. The shocking death of the Chief Court Lady just as Lee Gang prepares to interrogate her sets off a wave of panic not only for him, but for the scheming Left Councillor, whose secret plots and network unravel dramatically. Meanwhile, Dal-i, plagued by nightmares and fragmented memories, finally allows herself to confront the shared pain that binds her to Lee Gang. Their tearful conversation reveals the emotional cost of the soul-swap and loss, giving depth to their growing bond.

As the power struggle in the court intensifies, the story doesn’t lose sight of heart: Lee Gang’s decision to make Dal-i his concubine is less about politics and more about protection and perhaps love. The episode blends romance with danger beautifully: Dal-i’s brave but risky attempt to save the Jimjo’s baby shows her loyalty and compassion, while Lee Gang’s killing of the creature in defence of her underscores the lengths he’ll go for her. Their confession and kiss at the end feel like the calm after a storm, a tender respite in a treacherous world, and a powerful turning point for their relationship.

Also read: Moon River Season 1 Review