SBS drama “Moon Lover: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” displayed Wang-So’s leadership and political ability as the fourth monarch of Goryeo. The drama finally reach the highest viewership rating.

The 4th Prince Wang-So was crowned as the fourth monarch of Goryeo with the title King Gwangjong in Episode 17. In order to secure his position as king in a power struggle, he married Princess Yeonhwa, the sister of 8th Prince Wang-Wook. He understands without proper action, he can end up like his two brothers, King Hyejong (Crown Prince Wang-Mu) and King Jeongjong (3rd Prince Wang-Yo), who were both murdered.

He used his political skills to unite his brothers, especially his potential enemy, Wang-Wook. Marrying princess Yeonhwa will reduce and eliminate the threat from Wang-Wook to his throne. Prior to make his decision, King Gwangjong took Hae-Soo out to the festival to console her before making a tough decision.

“Scarlet Heart Ryeo” Episode 17 marked the first step to gain viewership ratings. It earned a 9.8% rating in Nielsen Korea, as reported by Donga. Episode 17 took 8th place, surpassing MBC drama "Woman with a Suitcase” and the new KBS2 drama “Sweet Stranger and Me” that replaced “Moonlight Drawn By Clouds” in 11th position with 9.0%.

Afterwards, “Scarlet Heart Ryeo” Episode 18, which aired on October 25, increaseed its rating with 11.2% in Nielsen Korea. It also reached a higher position in its TnMS rating with 10.7%, outscoring “Sweet Stranger and Me” that reached 9.9%. Meanwhile, “Woman with a Suitcase” failed to reach the Top 20 position.

The coronation of Wang-So played a very important role to boost the rating, according to SE Daily. This is mainly because Lee Joong-Gi, who played Wang-So, has a lot of fans in Korea. Fans would love to see him become a king in the "Moon Lover: Scarlet Heart Ryeo."

“Scarlet Heart Ryeo” will air its last two episodes next week on Monday, Oct. 31 and Tuesday, Nov. 1 on SBS at 10:00 p.m. KST (GMT+9). The viewers expected to have a sad ending to the love story between Hae-Su and King Gwangjong.

Watch the highlight of “Moon Lover: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” Episode 18 below: