The highly anticipated historical romance K-drama “Whale Star: The Gyeongseong Mermaid” has officially confirmed its lead cast. Choi Woo Shik and Mun Ka Young are set to star as the main leads, alongside Heo Nam Jun, Yoo Jae Myung, Kang Han Na, Kim Yeo Jin, and Gong Seung Yeon. The drama is expected to premiere on tvN in 2027 and will also be available on major streaming platforms globally.
Based on the popular Naver webtoon of the same name, the story is a reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid.” It is set in 1926 Gyeongseong (present-day Seoul) during the Japanese occupation. The plot centers on Kang Ui Hyeon, a man who dedicates everything to his country, and Heo Su A, a woman who risks her life to protect him.
Choi Woo Shik Takes on the Role of Independence Fighter Kang Ui Hyeon
Choi Woo Shik will play the male lead, Kang Ui Hyeon, an independence activist who runs a photo studio as a cover for his espionage work. His character faces a unique conflict as his father is a pro-Japanese collaborator. While carrying out a mission with Song Hae Su, Ui Hyeon is saved by Heo Su A after falling into the sea, and he begins to consider her as his “country.” This marks Choi Woo Shik’s return to television dramas following his work in the film Number One and variety show Youth Over Flowers: Limited Edition.
Mun Ka Young Stars as the Kind-Hearted Heo Su A
Mun Ka Young portrays Heo Su A, a kind-hearted maid working for a pro-Japanese household. She is described as a woman who loves the sea and believes she is a fish. After saving independence fighter Kang Ui Hyeon, the two begin to develop feelings for each other. Her character is expected to undergo a significant transformation, facing emotional turmoil as she becomes entangled with Ui Hyeon and Song Hae Su. Mun Ka Young recently won the Best Actress award at the 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards for her role in the film Once We Were Us.
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Heo Nam Jun and a Stellar Supporting Cast Join the Lineup
Heo Nam Jun will play Song Hae Su, a fiery independence fighter who lost his family and is willing to sacrifice his life for a greater cause. His character becomes intertwined with Heo Su A in an unfortunate way, but he continues to run into her as if by fate.
The supporting cast features a roster of talented actors:
- Yoo Jae Myung as Kang Geun Hyung, Ui Hyeon’s ambitious and pro-Japanese father who uses his son to fulfill his desires.
- Kang Han Na as Han Yeon Kyung, a strong-willed woman who remains committed to the independence movement despite losing her husband and family.
- Kim Yeo Jin as Hwang Soon Im, the owner of the café “Whale Star,” who provides mental support and a safe hideout for the independence fighters.
- Gong Seung Yeon is set to make a special appearance as Yeo Yoon Hwa, the prickly yet caring daughter of the pro-Japanese household where Su A works.
The drama will be co-directed by Heo Jin Ho of Christmas in August and One Fine Spring Day, and Yoo Bum Sang of Twinkling Watermelon and Study Group. “Whale Star: The Gyeongseong Mermaid” is scheduled to premiere on tvN in 2027.
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