Casting news for the upcoming webtoon-based K-drama Whale Star (literal title) is already drawing mixed reactions — even as production gets underway.
According to News1, the drama — based on the popular comics Whale Star: The Gyeongseong Mermaid — began filming on April 24th.
Mun Ka Young and Choi Woo Shik have been cast as the leads, but fans quickly took to online communities to question whether the pair align with the original characters.
The debate largely centers on how specifically the webtoon defines its leads.
Heo Su A, the female protagonist, is intentionally written to fall outside traditional beauty standards — described as “short, with tanned skin, freckles, and round eyes,” and “absolutely not someone with a striking presence or conventional beauty.” Instead, she’s portrayed as “a small, shabby girl carrying hardships bigger than herself.”
That’s led some readers to question Mun Ka Young’s casting, pointing to her polished, elegant image as a stark contrast.
On the other hand, male lead Kang Ui Hyeon is depicted as a near storybook figure — “a refined young man who captivates at first sight,” with delicate features, a tall, slender build and a soft yet striking presence inspired by The Little Mermaid’s prince archetype.
While Choi Woo Shik is widely respected for his acting, some fans say his approachable, boy-next-door image doesn’t fully match the more idealized character.
“It seriously feels like the casting is reversed…” one commenter wrote, while others added, “Why Choi Woo Shik?” and “They don’t fit at all.” Some even joked about swapping the roles, while others expressed disappointment: “Ugh, this is not my ‘Whale Star.’”
Still, not everyone is convinced it’s a misstep. Some fans pointed out that styling, direction and performance can dramatically reshape how characters come across on screen.
With filming now underway, all eyes are on how Whale Star will bring its beloved characters to life, and whether it can win over skeptical fans.
>> Mun Ka Young, Choi Woo Shik in Talks for Historical Drama ‘Whale Star’
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