[Official] Heo Nam-jun of 'Brave New World' Syndrome to Star in 'Whale Star' as Next Project, Co-Starring with Choi Woo-shik and Moon Ga-young, Set to Air in 2027

[Sportschosun Jo Ji-young] Actor Heo Nam-jun, who has emerged as one of the industry’s hottest stars through 'Brave New World,' will team up with Choi Woo-shik, Moon Ga-young, Yoo Jae-myung, Kang Han-na, Kim Yeo-jin, and Gong Seung-yeon.

The new tvN drama 'Whale Star: The Gyeongseong Mermaid,' set to premiere in 2027, is based on the popular WEBTOON of the same name. It is co-directed by Hur Jin-ho, known for the films 'Christmas in August' and 'One Fine Spring Day,' and Yoo Bum-sang, who helmed 'Twinkling Watermelon' and 'Study Group.' The series is drawing attention for its trusted lineup of Choi Woo-shik, Moon Ga-young, Heo Nam-jun, Yoo Jae-myung, Kang Han-na, Kim Yeo-jin, and Gong Seung-yeon.

First, Choi Woo-shik plays Kang Eui-hyun, an independence activist whose father was a pro-Japanese collaborator. While carrying out an operation with Song Hae-su for the liberation of the country, he comes to regard Heo Su-a, who once saved his life by chance, as his homeland and holds her dear in his heart. Viewers are eager to see Choi Woo-shik portray the resolve and pure devotion of Kang Eui-hyun, a character who refuses to be broken like a wildflower in a harsh and exhausting era.

Moon Ga-young transforms into Heo Su-a, a kind and capable young woman. A maid in a pro-Japanese household, Heo Su-a begins to develop special feelings for Kang Eui-hyun after helping the independence activist, who is swept ashore by chance. Attention is focused on Moon Ga-young’s performance as Heo Su-a, who will be caught in an emotional storm after encountering Kang Eui-hyun and Song Hae-su.

Heo Nam-jun takes on the role of Song Hae-su, an independence activist. After losing his family in the Primorsky incident, Song Hae-su is a steadfast man who is willing to sacrifice his life for the greater good. He becomes entangled with Heo Su-a through an unfortunate incident, but fate keeps bringing them face to face. Heo Nam-jun’s passionate performance is drawing attention as he traces the life story of Song Hae-su, a character who burns like fire.

Yoo Jae-myung adds tension to the drama as Kang Geun-hyung, Kang Eui-hyun’s father and a pro-Japanese collaborator. Kang Geun-hyung is an ambitious man who joins forces with Japan and uses his son to fulfill his own desires. Viewers are also watching closely for Yoo Jae-myung’s commanding presence as a traitor blinded by greed.

In contrast, Han Yeon-gyeong, played by Kang Han-na, is a strong-willed woman who lost her husband and family while taking part in the independence movement, yet never gave up her belief in independence. Kang Han-na is expected to bring Han Yeon-gyeong’s character to life with a restrained but powerful performance, as she suppresses her boiling anger and moves steadily toward liberation.

Kim Yeo-jin heightens the drama’s emotional weight as Hwang Soon-im, the owner of Cafe Whale Star, a spiritual anchor for independence activists in Gyeongseong and a hideout for them. She is set to portray Hwang Soon-im’s gentle leadership and charisma in depth, as the character cherishes the members like family.

Finally, Gong Seung-yeon makes a special appearance as Yeo Yoon-hwa, the young lady Heo Su-a served and the daughter of a pro-Japanese family. Through Yeo Yoon-hwa, who is sharp-tongued toward the maid Heo Su-a but secretly holds her in special regard, Gong Seung-yeon delivers a wide emotional range and leaves a strong impression.

With such a powerful cast lineup, 'Whale Star: The Gyeongseong Mermaid' promises a moving romance about young people who devote themselves to protecting the love they cherish in an era when even speaking out could put their lives at risk. The drama is already generating anticipation for its first broadcast, as it depicts the struggle of those who want to reclaim their stolen homeland and protect the people they love.

Based on Na Yoonhee’s webtoon of the same name, 'Whale Star: The Gyeongseong Mermaid' is a love story set in 1926 Gyeongseong. It begins when a maid from a pro-Japanese family saves an independence activist who has fallen into the sea. The drama captures the passionate and radiant romance of young people in a turbulent era, for whom each other was both homeland and love. Choi Woo-shik, Moon Ga-young, Heo Nam-jun, Yoo Jae-myung, Kang Han-na, Kim Yeo-jin, and Gong Seung-yeon star in the series. It is written by Moru and Seolsup, and co-directed by Hur Jin-ho, known for 'One Fine Spring Day' and 'Princess Deokhye,' and Yoo Bum-sang, known for 'Twinkling Watermelon' and 'Study Group.' It will premiere in 2027.