There has been much buzz from the fans with regards to the casting for "Gorae Byul – The Gyeongseong Mermaid", which is an upcoming Korean drama from the popular Korean webtoon. In fact, opinions have surfaced regarding whether the two chosen lead actors Moon Ga Young and Choi Woo Shik fit the description of the characters in the story.
The female lead in the webtoon, Heo Su A, is portrayed as a small, unassuming girl with "short height, tanned skin, freckles, and round eyes." The creator emphasized she was "absolutely not someone with a striking presence or conventional beauty." Instead, she is described as "a small, shabby girl carrying hardships bigger than herself, struggling fiercely to endure them."
Fans have expressed doubt about Moon Ga Young's suitability for this role, citing her polished appearance and elegant image as inconsistent with the character's intentionally modest and weathered look.
According to discussions on Korean online forum theqoo, some commenters said, "It seriously feels like the casting is reversed..." Another Chimed in, "This makes no sense" And "They don't fit at all."
Regarding the male lead Kang Ui Hyeon, the original webtoon depicts him as a "refined young man who captivates people at first sight," with "dark brown hair, clean and defined eyebrows... and eyes like glass beads beneath long lashes." He is described as "tall and slender," embodying a soft yet striking presence reminiscent of The Little Mermaid's prince archetype.
Even though Choi Woo Shik has been lauded for his acting skills, some fans believe he is more of a down-to-earth person who seems like your neighbor's kid compared to the perfectionist-looking character in the original work.
Some of the comments posted on Koreaboo indicate this point of view. One commenter said, "Ack. Why Choi Woo Shik..." Other noted, "Even their ages are so different... Why?" and "Did they change the characters' genders?"
Even though there were criticisms, fans also realized the potential of the actors and asked other people to be patient about their work since the show was not yet released. As one commenter noted on theqoo, "I haven't read the original, but it feels like the casting is the opposite of the character settings..."
Whether "Gorae Byul" will remain faithful to its webtoon origins or take creative liberties remains unclear. But the casting decisions alone have generated a lot of talk and split opinions among the fans.
