(LEAD) Actors of 'Love in the Moonlight' meet fans at palace

(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with fan meeting, quotes; CHANGES headline, photos; ADDS byline)
By Lee Haye-ah and Lee Yu-jeong

SEOUL, Oct. 19 (Yonhap) -- The main actors of "Love in the Moonlight" fulfilled a promise with their fans Wednesday as they signed hundreds of autographs for an excited mob.

Park Bo-gum, Kim Yoo-jung, Jinyoung and Kwak Dong-yeon entered Gyeongbok Palace in full costume just as they appeared in the KBS period series that ended Tuesday after a successful run. Gyeongbok was one of the main palaces of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) in which the drama was set.

While thousands screamed and took photos, only 200 lucky fans were allowed to receive autographs from the four actors after being chosen in a contest.

Shin Se-hwa, a 31-year-old kindergarten teacher from Incheon, west of Seoul, stood patiently in line carrying large bags of presents she'd prepared for each of the four stars.

Her favorite, she said, was Park, the 23-year-old actor who played the lead role of Crown Prince Lee Yeong.

"This summer was the hottest summer we've had, and he went through so much trouble," she told Yonhap News Agency. "I could see from beginning to end how hard he was working and how he was improving, so my heart ached for him and I was moved at the same time."

The 18-part series, which aired Mondays and Tuesdays, told the story of Crown Prince Lee Yeong who ruled the country in his ailing father's stead from 1827-1830. In the drama, which was based on the web novel of the same name, the prince falls in love with a woman disguised as a eunuch (Kim).

In its final episode, the series recorded a viewership of 22.9 percent after peaking at 23.3 percent the previous day, according to media research company Nielsen Korea.

Park pledged early on that the cast would sign autographs for their fans should the viewership exceed 20 percent.

"I'm so thankful and honored that we were able to carry out the pledge," he said during the signing. "Thank you all so much for coming."

A few episodes in, it became clear that much of the series' popularity could be attributed to Park's handsome looks and endearing character, as women of all ages tuned in to watch the budding romance between the two young protagonists.

"I've liked him since he starred in 'Reply 1988,'" said 16-year-old Nam Yeon-ji, referring to the hit drama in which Park played a genius Go player. "His dimples are so cute when he smiles. I couldn't say anything when I was getting his autograph but I'd like him to wish me luck on my exams next week."

Yoo Jin-young, a 39-year-old clay artist, held up a clay model of the actor.

"As I was making it, I felt happy and passionate," she said. "I abandoned everything and worked on it straight for two days."

Asked what she would like to say to Park, she added, "My life is really depressing these days, but I was really happy while watching the drama. Everything will go well for you. I'll support you."

hague@yna.co.kr
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