'The Moon That Embraces The Sun' breaks 40%, but will not be extended

After several promising weeks, MBC drama "The Moon That Embraces The Sun" has finally broken the 40% barrier, but in a rare occurence, also officially confirmed that there will be no extension.

Since its promising start with an 18.0% rating, the popular historical drama has been increasing viewers every week. �Episode 16, aired on February 23rd, finally achieved a rating of 41.3%, cementing it's status as a national drama.

The feat also left rival dramas like SBS "Take Care of Us, Captain" and KBS "Wild Romance" (finale) floundering with 5.8% and 5.4% respectively.

In the past, MBC would either ask for an extension if a drama does well in the ratings or reduce episodes if it was failing to achieve decent ratings.

Director Kim Do Hoon has however expressed through his Twitter account that the drama will stick to it's original plan of 20 episodes. Kim Do Hoon said that there were discussions for 4 additional episodes, but they decided to eventually shelve the idea. Several cast members, in particular one of the leads Han Ga In have very tight schedules already lined up as soon as this drama wraps.

If everything goes as scheduled, the drama will end on March 8th.

Source: Newsis via Nate