Casting Announcement For New K-Drama Sparks Controversy Over Lead Actors
Moon Ga Young and Choi Woo Shik are facing backlash over their casting in the upcoming K-Drama Gorae Byul – The Gyeongseong Mermaid. Fans say they don’t match the webtoon’s original characters at all.
The controversy began after news broke they would be the leads. Online communities like theqoo exploded with comments questioning the fit.
The female lead, Heo Su A, is described in the webtoon as “short height, tanned skin, freckles, and round eyes.” The creator said she’s “absolutely not someone with a striking presence or conventional beauty.” She’s “a small, shabby girl carrying hardships bigger than herself.”
Fans say Moon Ga Young’s polished and elegant image clashes with the character’s rough, ordinary look.
The male lead, Kang Ui Hyeon, is described 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’s “handsome,” “tall and slender,” inspired by The Little Mermaid’s prince archetype.
Fans say Choi Woo Shik’s boy-next-door image does not fit this idealized, visually striking character.
Responses online range from confusion to frustration.
“It seriously feels like the casting is reversed…”
“Ack. Why Choi Woo Shik…”
“Even their ages are so different… Why?”
“Did they change the characters’ genders?”
“Let’s just swap the male and female leads.”
“I haven’t read the original, but it feels like the casting is the opposite of the character settings…”
“This makes no sense.”
“I don’t even think it would work if they switched the male and female roles either.”
“Ugh, not my Gorae Byul!”
“They don’t fit at all.”
Some fans acknowledge both actors are talented but question the choice for such clearly defined characters. Others say styling and acting might change everything once the show airs.
For now, the casting alone has sparked a big debate. Will the production stick closely to the webtoon or take a new approach? Fans are watching closely.