Lights, Camera, Action: Kim So‑Hyun Takes on a Dark Role and Stuns Fans
Fans of the Love Alarm star Kim So‑Hyun can rejoice, because our favorite actress is now rocking a whole new persona in the drama River Where The Moon Rises. The 22‑year‑old is stepping away from her sweet girl‑next‑door vibe and stepping into the shoes of an assassin—allowing a gritty, cool‑hearted performance that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.
From Kisser to Killer: A Complete Role Turnaround
In the drama, Kim plays Yeom Ga‑jin, a ruthless killer with no clue that she’s actually Princess Pyeonggang. She’s been forced to abandon any notion of being the “princess” and instead embrace the deeply cynical side of her character. It’s a reversal that shows how versatile the actress can be.
How She Made It Look Real
When asked about her approach to the fight scenes, Kim said she pushed herself to look “brutal and cold‑blooded.” She imagined the character as a “cool, heart‑free” assassin in every movement. Turning to her interview transcript, she acknowledged how noisy in the first takes. “I was awkward at first and hesitant,” she confessed, “but the whole thing was strangely fun.” This candid confession hints at the dedication she brought to a fresh challenge: mastering the art of combat on screen.
Failure Accepted, Mistakes Made—But Learning Curtis Endless
It wasn’t a smooth ride: Kim’s first foray into real action sequences resulted in a few flubbed overhead shots and awkward mid‑air stances. Still, she has taken each slip as a learning curve and turned every trial into a triumph. She’s not kidding when she says the process was “fun” and “memorable.” The same confidence that fed her success in “Love Alarm” truly lives on in this new role.
The Storyline: From Royalty to Ruthless
In River Where The Moon Rises, a younger version of Pyeonggang trekking through the kingdom with the Empress (her mother) is horribly shattered by a brutal assassination. Princess Pyeonggang is rescued and raised by an assassin, later assuming the identity of Yeom Ga‑jin. In secret, she longs to become Goguryeo’s first crowned queen. It’s a dramatic twist that will leave audiences craving more.
So‑Hyun’s Goal: From Assassin to Queen
According to the actress, her character’s ambition is to “level up” from a ruthless killer to a historic queen—an arc that’s both thrilling and emotional. The progress from being the sword to becoming the crown showcases her ability to haul herself up from the shadows to the throne. It’s an exciting story still unfolding in the next chapters of the show.
With “From Girl‑Next‑Door to Assassin,” Kim So‑Hyun shows us that fame can take many twists, and this latest project is a perfect example of growth, determination, and a newfound “figuring out how to look cool” attitude—definitely worth watching!

So‑Hyun’s Real‑Life Mirror: The Tale of Bravery and Balance
So‑Hyun reminds us that her on‑screen hero and her real‑life persona champion the same virtues—courage and a keen sense of fairness. “I’m brave and can be objective at times like my character,” she says, adding that she’s no match for the fire‑starter she plays. “I’d only take a bit less initiative, but that keeps me sane.”
The Ripple Effect of a Controversial Cast
- Fans first fell in love with River Where The Moon Rises in February.
- Then a storm hit: co‑star Ji Soo, 27, faced allegations of bullying and sexual assault from school‑days.
- Ji Soo was replaced by 26‑year‑old Na In‑woo, who now portrays the passionate On Dal from episode seven onward.
- Rumor mill whispers that In‑woo will re‑shoot the first six episodes after the series wraps.
- Despite the hiccup, viewership stays strong—apparent proof that quality beats controversy.
Why Every Viewer Should Hold the Show Close
When asked what vibes she wants the audience to carry away, So‑Hyun sums it up like this: “Think of it as a fairytale for grown‑ups. It feels like a children’s story on paper, but in reality it wraps adults in a warm, comforting blanket.”
Catch the Magic on Viu
River Where The Moon Rises is streaming on Viu, ready for binge‑watchers who crave both intrigue and heart.
