Moon River Episode 12 recap: Han-chul forces Dal-i's confession and Lee Gang plans her rescue

Moon River Episode 12 delivers intense drama that keeps viewers completely hooked from start to finish. The episode shows Dal-i facing her worst nightmare as Han-chul makes a ruthless move that changes everything. The palace becomes a deadly trap where Lee Gang watches helplessly as events spiral out of control. He must find a way to save the woman he loves before time runs out.

The stakes have never been higher as Dal-i's true identity puts everyone in grave danger. Han-chul uses this secret to his advantage during the episode, which aired on December 13, 2025. Fans eagerly awaited this installment after last week's cliffhanger, and the story picks up right where episode eleven ended with Dal-i's secret finally exposed. Han-chul has been waiting for this moment, and now the palace walls close in on our heroes. They must act fast or lose everything as each passing minute brings them closer to disaster.

Park Dal-i faces an impossible choice in Moon River Episode 12 when Han-chul discovers that she is Crown Princess Kang Yeon-wol. He takes her adoptive family hostage to force her hand, and these innocent people who raised her will die unless Dal-i confesses publicly. She cannot let them suffer for her sake.

Dal-i reveals her true identity to the entire court, and her confession sends shockwaves through the palace. Ministers demand her execution while King Lee Hee faces tremendous pressure from all sides. He orders her death despite having doubts because the political situation leaves him no choice.

Lee Gang's confinement in Moon River episode 12

Lee Gang refuses to accept this outcome and insists on Dal-i's innocence to anyone who will listen. His protests earn him punishment, and the court confines him to the East Palace. But Lee Gang will not surrender and starts planning a rescue from his prison.

Moon River Episode 12 shows his determination as he reaches out to trusted allies, and together they form a dangerous plan.

The King provides help in Moon River episode 12

Earlier, Lee Gang had warned the king about Han-chul's secret private army, which was hidden at a remote base. The king finally understands the extent of Han-chul's absolute power and makes a brave decision.

King Lee Hee secretly supports their escape plan in Moon River Episode 12 because he cannot lose both his son and Dal-i. This shifts the balance of power while Han-chul remains unaware.

The rescue team in Moon River episode 12

Lee Gang does not work alone, as Grand Prince Lee Un joins the rescue effort, while his lover, Kim U-hui, also participates. They all know the dangers, but love drives them forward.

Lee Un creates chaos at the palace and pulls guards away with clever tricks. U-hui bravely enters Dal-i's prison cell, and the two women quickly swap their clothing in secret. U-hui stays behind wearing Dal-i's outfit while the real Dal-i escapes in U-hui's dress. Guards fail to notice the switch.

Han-chul's fury in Moon River episode 12

Han-chul learns about the escape quickly, and rage consumes him. He sends his men to search everywhere while the palace erupts into chaos.

Han-chul worries that Dal-i discovered his base on Mount Gamak, where the Myeongdan group hides. Years ago, Dal-i saw a woman in white on that mountain, and that memory now makes sense.

The body swap strategy

Moon River Episode 12 uses the body swap element cleverly as Lee Gang and Dal-i switch souls one final time. Dal-i's spirit enters Lee Gang's body and tells him where the base is located. Lee Gang's spirit inhabits Dal-i's body and travels to Mount Gamak with Lee Un on this perilous journey.

Queen Jang Jeong lives

Mount Gamak holds a secret that shocks everyone when Han-chul's motivation becomes clear. He loved Queen Jang Jeong and thought she was murdered. But she lives at the base where Han-chul hid her for years, and his revenge stems from grief.

Lee Un sees his mother alive, and the reunion shakes him to the core. He believed she was dead, but everything was a lie. Moon River Episode 12 ends on a dangerous note.