Choi Woo-shik and Moon Ga-young are joining forces for a new historical romance drama set in 1920s Gyeongseong.
tvN’s upcoming drama ‘The Whale Star’ confirmed its main cast on June 17, revealing a lineup that includes Choi Woo-shik, Moon Ga-young, Heo Nam-jun, Yoo Jae-myung, Kang Han-na, Kim Yeo-jin, and Gong Seung-yeon.
Based on the popular webtoon of the same name, ‘The Whale Star’ is a youth romance set in 1926 Gyeongseong. The story begins when a maid working in a pro-Japanese household rescues an independence fighter who has fallen into the sea.
Choi Woo-shik Plays Independence Fighter Kang Ui-hyun
Choi Woo-shik will take on the role of Kang Ui-hyun, an independence activist with a complicated family background.
Although his father is aligned with Japanese interests, Kang Ui-hyun chooses a different path and dedicates himself to Korea’s independence movement. While carrying out a mission, he is saved by a young maid, and that encounter changes the direction of his heart.
The role is expected to show a more serious and emotional side of Choi Woo-shik, who has built a strong reputation through both film and television.
Moon Ga-young Becomes Heo Su-a, a Maid Caught in History
Moon Ga-young will play Heo Su-a, a maid working for a pro-Japanese family.
Heo Su-a is described as kind-hearted, strong, and practical. After meeting Kang Ui-hyun and another independence fighter, Song Hae-su, her life begins to shift in ways she never expected.
As she becomes caught between love, loyalty, and the turbulent reality of the colonial era, Heo Su-a is expected to become the emotional center of the drama.
Heo Nam-jun Joins as Song Hae-su
Heo Nam-jun will portray Song Hae-su, an independence activist who lost his family during the Primorsky Krai massacre.
Song Hae-su is a man with a strong will and a willingness to sacrifice everything for a greater cause. However, his connection with Heo Su-a begins through an unfortunate incident, creating a complicated emotional thread within the story.
His character is expected to add tension and depth to the drama’s romance and independence movement narrative.
A Strong Supporting Cast Adds Weight to the Story
Yoo Jae-myung will play Kang Geun-hyung, Kang Ui-hyun’s father.
The character is a pro-Japanese figure who betrays his nation for personal ambition and attempts to use his own son for political gain. His role is expected to bring conflict and pressure to the drama.
Kang Han-na will appear as Han Yeon-gyeong, a woman who lost her husband and family while participating in the independence movement. Despite deep personal loss, she continues to move forward with firm conviction.
Kim Yeo-jin will play Hwang Soon-im, the owner of a café called Whale Star. The café serves as a symbolic gathering place for independence fighters in Gyeongseong. Hwang Soon-im is expected to show both warm leadership and quiet charisma.
Gong Seung-yeon will make a special appearance as Yeo Yun-hwa, the young lady whom Heo Su-a serves. Although she treats Su-a sharply on the surface, she secretly cares for her in her own way.
‘The Whale Star’ Brings Webtoon Romance to tvN
With its original webtoon already loved for its emotional storytelling, ‘The Whale Star’ is expected to draw attention as a period romance that blends youth, sacrifice, and historical tension.
The casting of Choi Woo-shik and Moon Ga-young has also raised anticipation, as the two actors will meet in a story shaped by love, identity, and the independence movement.
Directed by Hur Jin-ho and Yoo Beom-sang, and written by Moru and Seolsup, ‘The Whale Star’ is scheduled to premiere next year on tvN.
As one of tvN’s upcoming high-profile dramas, the series is already drawing interest from fans of Korean period romance, webtoon adaptations, and character-driven historical stories.