My Royal Foe star Heo Nam-jun signs on to new drama Whale Star with Choi Woo-shik and Moon Ga-young, adapted from a hit webtoon
Heo Nam-jun is really leveling up these days! đ
Key takeaways
- tvN’s new drama “Whale Star,” adapted from the hit webtoon of the same name, is expected to premiere in 2027.
- Choi Woo-shik plays independence activist Kang Ui-hyun, who embarks on a heartbreaking romance with a maid from a pro-Japanese household, played by Moon Ga-young.
- Set in Gyeongseong in 1926, the story portrays the fervent love of young people living through a turbulent era.
- Heo Nam-jun, Kang Han-na, and acclaimed actors including Yoo Jae-myung join the cast to portray the complex emotions of life in troubled times.
Whenever you run out of dramas to watch, do you find yourself quietly searching forums for your next favorite? If you enjoy period dramas or heartbreaking romances, your feed has probably been flooded with this major news lately. tvN’s new Korean drama “Whale Star,” adapted from the hit webtoon of the same name, has finally revealed its lead cast, including Choi Woo-shik, Moon Ga-young, Heo Nam-jun, and Kang Han-na. As soon as the star-studded lineup was announced, fans exclaimed, “This is an all-star showdown!”
- Related reading: His cold exterior is just an act: Heo Nam-jun from “My Royal Foe” is actually a sunny guy offscreen
Gyeongseong in 1926: A heartbreaking romance between homeland and true love
“Whale Star” is set in turbulent Gyeongseong in 1926. The story follows Heo Su-a, a maid working for a pro-Japanese family, who happens to rescue independence activist Kang Ui-hyun after he falls into the sea. From then on, their fates become deeply intertwined. In an era when even speaking out was dangerous, these young people weave together their beliefs, their homeland, and the people they love, writing a passionate and moving love story.
Choi Woo-shik and Moon Ga-young’s first collaboration: Their characters are too easy to root for
The most exciting part is undoubtedly the setup for the two leads. Choi Woo-shik plays Kang Ui-hyun, an independence activist who, despite being the son of a pro-Japanese collaborator, remains true to his beliefs and his pure love. Moon Ga-young plays Heo Su-a, a maid in a pro-Japanese household whose life and feelings undergo huge changes after she rescues Kang Ui-hyun. They save each other in troubled times; their identities put them at odds, yet they are drawn to one another. The more you learn about this setup, the more it makes you look forward to their chemistry.
The supporting cast is just as exciting. Heo Nam-jun, whose popularity has been on the rise lately, plays Song Hae-su, an independence activist carrying old wounds, while Kang Han-na takes on the role of Han Yeon-kyung, a woman with a strong will.
Acclaimed actor Yoo Jae-myung also plays a pro-Japanese father who colludes with Japan. Kim Yeo-jin and Gong Seung-yeon round out the cast, adding even more tension to the drama.
Expected to premiere in 2027: Add this to your watchlist now
With its hugely popular original webtoon, dream casting, and carefully rendered period setting, “Whale Star” is sure to become one of the most talked-about dramas to come. The series is currently expected to premiere on tvN in 2027, so if you enjoy this kind of story, add it to your watchlist and patiently await its premiere date.
Here are a few other recent stories worth checking out:
- Chic short hair with full-on retro charm: the teaser for Kim Yoo-jung and Park Jin-youngâs new drama 100 Days of Lies is out, and this high-visual duo has incredible chemistry
- Want to quit every time you step out the door? Lee Joon-hyukâs new drama âEven After Winning the Lottery Jackpot, I Still Go to Workâ: An office worker gets 1.3 billion but doesnât leave, ready to return to the company and fight back!
- Fansâ hearts skipped a beat: NewJeans drops 2026 summer visuals, confirming Minjiâs return as they restart as a four-member group
