The Legend of the Blue Sea

About The Legend of the Blue Sea

The Legend of the Blue Sea is a South Korean television series that premiered on SBS in 2016. The story follows a brilliant con-artist and a mermaid who travels across the ocean to find him. It is a unique blend of comedy, fantasy, drama, and romance that is loosely based on a classic Joseon legend from Korea's first collection of unofficial historical tales.

Making / Production

The series is written by Park Ji-eun and directed by Jin Hyuk. It is produced by Culture Depot and distributed by SBS. The show was shot at different locations in Korea and Spain to depict both the modern and historical timelines of the story.

Actors

• Lee Min-ho, playing the role of Heo Joon-jae, a clever con-man with ability to hypnotize people. His performance showcased versatility, effectively portraying a comical yet romantic character.
• Jun Ji-hyun, portraying Shim Cheong, a naive mermaid unaware of human customs. Jun achieved a perfect balance of innocence and charm in her performance.
• Shin Won-ho, in the character of Tae-oh, a genius hacker in Heo Joon-jae's team. Shin Won-ho's performance effectively captured the quirks and intelligence of the character.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This was Lee Min-ho's first acting project after completing his two-year military service.
• Jun Ji-hyun spent hours in the water, learning how to swim like a mermaid for the role.
• Despite the fantasy elements, the show incorporated societal issues such as class and wealth disparity.

Awards

The series received several nominations and awards, including the SBS Drama Awards for Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Fantasy Drama for Lee Min-ho, and Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Fantasy Drama for Jun Ji-hyun.

Quotes

• "Sometimes, the fate we have isn't the fate we desire." - Heo Joon Jae
• "A human can live without a heart. But it's painful." - Shim Cheong
• "This is all a dream that's come to an end." - Heo Chi Hyun

Music and Soundtrack

• "Love Story" by Lyn
• "Someday, Somewhere" by Sung Si Kyung
• "Lean On You" by Jung Yup
• "You Are My World" by Yoon Mirae