With all the amazing webtoons-based dramas that have been released in the past couple of years, we have only become more excited about upcoming K-Dramas linked with webtoons.

The webtoon "The Mermaid I Loved" is a special case because the story was first written as a script for a drama production. The drama production is on its way and the webtoon was pre-released. The drama's production company, Group Eight, thought that in releasing it first as a webtoon they could showcase some of the various deep sea adventures of the story and also help garner attention for the drama.

The romance fantasy adventure webtoon “The Mermaid I Loved” ("내가 사랑한 물고기," literal translation, “The Fish I Loved”), written by Cosmic Bom Bom and Bubal (우주봄봄 and 부발), tells the story of a man whose intermittent transformations into a mermaid become increasingly uncontrollable as he experiences the emotion of love and spends time with a woman who he finds himself more and more attracted to. The season 1 of the webtoon ended on March 13th with 31 episodes.

Given the webtoon’s popularity, Group Eight is looking forward the positive effect the webtoon will have on the upcoming drama’s viewership. They have built a solid portfolio with dramas based on webtoons like "Taxi Driver", "My ID is Gangnam Beauty" and "A Good Day To Be A Dog". Among their awaited projects is the reboot of the popular drama "Princess Hours" (2006).

Currently, there are no actors cast for “The Mermaid I Loved”. Fans of the webtoon are waiting for the announcement of the cast. We can already think of actors and actresses who would be perfect for the roles!

We at Kpopmap have thought up a cast of actors who would suit this drama amazingly.

 

1. Sim Kai (심카이), a mermaid and 3rd generation chaebol

Sim Kai is the lead male character. He discovered he was a mermaid 12 years ago and he pretends to be a human.

When he shares physical touch with a woman, his fish scales begin to appear and he transforms back into his mermaid form. Because of this, he avoids all contact with women and has been single his whole life.

But due to his handsome looks, he has a lot of girls chasing after him, so he hired YaNa to pretend to be his girlfriend. However, he can’t help himself from having physical contact with YaNa even if it means he won’t be able breathe.

Kai is the son of the jewelry brand Inoroo, or 3rd generation chaebol, but he is not interested in the family business and instead prefers performing as a mermaid at the aquarium.

The actor must possess features suitable for long hair and a muscular physique to be able to portray a mermaid. He should exude charm and look dazzling in a suit, while also being capable of conveying a mix of cynicism, cuteness, and panic in his expressions. Comfort with underwater filming is also mandatory.

Moon SangMin, WEi's Kim YoHan, Baek SungChul, Kim MyungSoo (INFINITE's L), and Chae JongHyeop could be a good match.

Not only would they look stunning with long hair and looks amazing in suits, but their facial features would perfectly match the character's. Beyond their physical attributes, all five actors possess the talent and ability to convey Kai through the right facial expressions. The genre of fantasy romance suits them impeccably. Each actor would bring their unique colors and charms to the character, making him stand out on screen. Additionally, we can anticipate excellent chemistry with the lead actress.

Vote for your pick in the poll below!

 

2. Jung YaNa (정야나), an easy-going part-time student

Jung YaNa (24 years old) is the lead female character. She is a student who works a part-time job and has an easy-going personality.

She accidentally kisses Kai when she meets him for the first time, and shocked to see him suddenly fall very sick, she calls the ambulance. She ends up more shocked when she sees him put his face into a dirty bucket of water used for cleaning.

The actress should possess a mix of cuteness and strength, capable of expressing a wide range of emotions, and especially comedy. The character experiences rapid and extreme changes in emotions, so the actress should be able to show these transitions convincingly. Additionally, she should look just like a regular student, but be able to become a stunning lady with expensive clothes.

Kang MinAh, WJSN's Bona (Kim JiYeon), Chae SooBin, Girl's Day's HyeRi, and Seor InA could be a good match.

All five actresses have demonstrated their talented acting and are well-suited for a character like YaNa. Each of them possesses the ability to portray the youthful, cute, and fiery vibes of the female lead character. Comedy and expressive acting would not be an issue for any of them, so it would be a smooth portrayal of the character without overdoing it and making viewers laugh. No need to mention that they would all bring great chemistry with the lead actor! Being a romance, it is crucial.

Vote for your pick in the poll below!

 

The webtoon is not available in English officially yet, but you can read it in Korean here.

Let us know who you want to see cast!

Note: The aim of the vote is for Kpopmap readers to share their opinion about their preference for the cast. It is not affecting the cast of the production team.

After a game of intense wits, forlorn longing, and a seemingly unending battle for the throne, historical K-Drama "Captivating The King" has come to its climactic end. With Cho JungSeok and Shin SaeKyeong at its helm, as the drama's name suggests, audiences were captivated by the tvN series from the start.

Now that it's over, however, there will surely be a noticeable absence from the weekend drama roster. And while there are many amazing series currently on air, there was something special about "Captivating The King" that appears once every few months. Many might be looking for a drama with a similar plot or underlying themes. So if this sounds like you, you've definitely come to the right place.

Here are a few K-Dramas that you can watch if you enjoyed the thrilling, yet heartfelt "Captivating The King".

 

1. "My Dearest"

Cast: NamKoong Min, Ahn EunJin, and more

Summary: "My Dearest" dives into the love story between noblewoman Yu GilChae and the mysterious Lee JangHyun. They must navigate their relationship while also tackling the effects of war.

Reasons To Watch: "My Dearest" experienced resounding success, immersing audiences into a war-torn world with a pinch of incredible yearning. Both NamKoong Min and Ahn EunJin provided stunning performances, causing audiences to feel a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Similar to "Captivating The King", "My Dearest" will keep you at the edge of your seats, ready to binge well into the night.

 

2. "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo"

Cast: Lee JoonGi, IU, Kang HaNeul, Nam JooHyuk, Ji Soo, Hong JongHyun, EXO's BaekHyun, and more

Summary: During a solar eclipse, Go HaJin is transported from modern day to Goryeo times. She first falls in love with the kind 8th Prince but later changes to the 4th Prince. This prince is known for being fearless and hides his face with a mak. She is trapped in the princes' rivalry over the throne.

Reasons To Watch: "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo" is a timeless masterpiece, praised for its stellar cast and immersive plot. The brothers' battle for the throne is intense, causing temperatures to rise and jaws to drop straight to the floor out of shock. Coming into the drama, just know that you'll be in for a ride of the lifetime, exploring a story filled with intense emotions and complex relationships. At the end, you'll naturally want to watch "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo" over and over again.

 

3. "Under The Queen's Umbrella"

Cast: Kim HyeSoo, Kim HaeSook, Choi WonYoung, Moon SangMin, SF9's Chani, Yoon SangHyeon, Yoo SeonHo, Kim MinGi, and more

Summary: Tells the story of the dignified and graceful Queen HwaRyeong, who dismisses the royal protocol of education to raise her troublesome sons into proper princes.

Reasons To Watch: Kim HyeSoo pilots her character of Queen Im HwaRyeong to sheer perfection. She completely embodies a queen of elegance, strength, and smarts. She stands as a firm pillar of the royal family, even in the midst of hardship and constant attacks from her enemies. Im HwaRyeong's strength directly opposes the fragile and obedient image of many female characters in the realm of historical K-Dramas. She packs a punch in more ways than just physical, showcasing the exact reason why she is the queen of the nation.

 

4. "Bloody Heart"

Cast: Lee Joon, Kang HanNa, Jang Hyuk, and more

Summary: Lee Tae, ​the king who has to throw away his beloved woman to survive, and YooJung, who has to be a heavy fighter to survive, point swords at each other's necks.

Reasons To Watch: "Bloody Heart" and "Captivating The King" are similar in many regards. Both series' main characters go through a significant change, taking on the burdens of their time. They are faced with overwhelming power struggles, sincere character development, and a heartachingly beautiful romance. You won't be able to take your eyes off of the screen the moment "Bloody Heart" begins.

 

5. "The King's Affection"

Cast: Park EunBin, SF9's RoWoon, Nam YoonSou, VICTON's ByungChan, Bae YoonKyung, Jung ChaeYeon, and more

Summary: Revolves around the secret court romance between Lee Hwi and Jung JiUn. Lee Hwi is a woman who was abandoned because she was born as a girl. When her twin brother died, she took his place as the crown prince while trying to keep her identity and affection for her first love.

Reasons To Watch: Lee Hwi (Park EunBin) harbors a secret that she's kept hidden all these years. It is in upholding this secret that she continuously chooses to push forward and put on the mask of a ruler, which was meant to be bestowed upon her brother. However, she shows immense grit and undeniable charm that Jung JiUn (RoWoon) isn't the only person who falls for her. Both Park EunBin and RoWoon give mind-blowing performances that showcase their acting prowess. "The King's Affection" will grab hold of your heart and won't easily let it go.

Which K-Drama are you watching now that "Captivating The King" is over?

While some idols do not have individual Instagram accounts, more and more are opening them. Also, some idols have been gathering followers for years.

Here are the most followed male K-Pop idols on Instagram and a rough ranking of other idols on Instagram. If you are not following your favorite idols' Instagram, it is time to do so.

All data were retrieved on February 20 (latest update), 2024, at 11:00 AM KST. We will update regularly.

 

1. BTS' V - 64m followers - @thv

 

2. BTS' JiMin - 53.2m followers - @j.m

 

3. BTS' j-hope - 48.8m followers - @uarmyhope

 

4. BTS' Suga - 48.5m followers - @agustd

 

4. BTS' Jin - 48m followers - @jin

 

6. BTS' RM - 45.2m followers - @rkive

 

7. ASTRO's Cha EunWoo - 42.6m followers - @eunwo.o_c

 

8. GOT7's Jackson Wang - 33m followers - @jacksonwang852g7

 

9. EXO's ChanYeol - 24.1m followers - @real__pcy

 

10. EXO's SeHun - 23.4m followers - @oohsehun

 

11. BIGBANG's G-Dragon - 22.3m followers - @xxxibgdrgn

 

12. EXO's BaekHyun - 22m followers - @baekhyunee_exo

 

13. GOT7's BamBam - 17.7m followers - @bambam1a

 

14. T.O.P - 17.6m followers - @choi_seung_hyun_tttop

 

15. TXT's YeonJun - 17.3m followers - @yawnzzn

 

16. NCT's JaeHyun - 16.1m followers - @_jeongjaehyun

 

17. BIGBANG's TaeYang - 15.9m followers - @__youngbae__

 

18. EXO's Kai - 14.7m followers - @zkdlin

 

19. Lay Zhang - 14.2m followers - @layzhang

 

20. GOT7's Mark Tuan - 14.1m followers - @marktuan

 

21. NCT's JaeMin - 14.1m followers - @na.jaemin0813

 

22. NCT's Mark - 12.8m followers - @onyourm__ark

 

23. SEVENTEEN's MinGyu - 12m followers - @min9yu_k

 

24. GOT7's YuGyeom - 12.4m followers - @yugyeom

 

25. Stray Kids' Felix - 12.2m followers - @yong.lixx

 

26. NCT's DoYoung - 12.1m followers - @do0_nct

 

27. Lucas - 12m followers - @lucas_xx444

 

28. NCT's TaeYong - 11.5m followers - @taeoxo_nct

 

29. NCT's Ten - 11.3m followers - @tenlee_1001

 

30. EXO's SuHo - 11.1m followers - @kimjuncotton

 

31. Stray Kids' HyunJin - 10.8m followers - @hynjinnnn

 

32. NCT Johnny - 10m followers - @johnnyjsuh

Over 9m followers

SHINee's Key (@bumkeyk), GOT7's JinYoung (@jinyoung_0922jy), NCT's Yuta (@yuu_taa_1026), NCT's RenJun (@yellow_3to3)

 

Over 8m followers

Super Junior's SiWon (@siwonchoi), NCT's WinWin (@wwiinn_7), EXO's XiuMin (@e_xiu_o), Henry Lau (@henryl89), NCT's HaeChan (@haechanahceah), SEVENTEEN's THE8 (@xuminghao_o), SEVENTEEN's Joshua (@joshu_acoustic), TXT's SooBin (@page.soobin)

 

Over 7m followers

NCT's XiaoJun (@djxiao_888), Super Junior's DongHae (@leedonghae), NCT's Kun (@kun11xd), NCT's YangYang (@yangyang_x2), NCT's Hendery (@i_m_hendery), SEVENTEEN's SeungKwan (@pledis_boos), SEVENTEEN's S.Coups (@sound_of_coups), SEVENTEEN's Hoshi (@ho5hi_kwon), SEVENTEEN's Vernon (@vernonline), NCT's Jeno (@leejen_o_423), SEVENTEEN's WonWoo (@everyone_woo), SEVENTEEN's JeongHan (@jeonghaniyoo_n), SEVENTEEN's DK (@dk_is_dokyeom), 2PM's JunHo (@le2jh), Stray Kids Bang Chan (@gnabnahc), Stray Kids SeungMin (@miniverse.___), Stray Kids ChangBin (@jutdwae)

 

Over 6m followers

GOT7's YoungJae (@333cyj333), WINNER's Mino (@realllllmino), Super Junior's YeSung (@yesung1106_), GOT7's Jay B (@jaybnow.hr), NCT's Taeil (@mo.on_air), Hwang MinHyun (@optimushwang), RoWoon (@ewsbdi), SEVENTEEN's WooZi (@woozi_universefactory), Stray Kids I.N (@i.2.n.8)

 

Over 5m followers

Super Junior's HeeChul (@kimheenim), ASTRO's MoonBin (@moon_ko_ng), SHINee's TaeMin (@xoalsox), Super Junior's Lee Teuk (@xxteukxx), NCT's JungWoo (@sugaringcandy), SEVENTEEN's Dino (@feat.dino)

 

Over 4m followers

Zico (@woozico0914), Kang Daniel (@daniel.k.here), Dawn (@hyojong_1994), Park JiHoon (@0529.jihoon.ig), B.I (@shxxbi131), Eric Nam (@ericnam), CNBLUE's Kang MinHyuk (@mr_kanggun)

 

Over 3m followers

Ong SeongWu (@osw_onge), BTOB's Yook SungJae (@yook_can_do_it), INFINITE's L / Kim MyungSoo (@kim_msl), iKON's Bobby (@bobbyindaeyo), WEi's Kim YoHan (@y_haa.n), CNBLUE's Lee JungShin (@leejungshin91), SHINee's MinHo (@choiminho_1209), ASTRO's SanHa (@ddana_yoon), iKON's Jay (@gnani_____), Rocky (@p_rocky), Rain (@rain_oppa), ASTRO's JinJin (@ast_jinjin), ASTRO's MJ (@mj_7.7.7), 2PM's TaecYeon (@taecyeonokay), TXT's BeomGyu (@bamgyuuuu)

 

Over 2m followers

CNBLUE's Jung YongHwa (@jyheffect0622), FTISLAND's Lee HongKi (@skullhong12), iKON's Song (@sssong_yh), iKON's DK (@_dong_ii), iKON's Chan (@chan_w000), WINNER's Yoon (@w_n_r00), KARD's BM (@bigmatthewww), SHINee's Onew (@dlstmxkakwldrl), Super Junior's ShinDong (@earlyboysd), WonHo (@iwonhoyou), TVXQ's YunHo (@yunho2154), JinYoung (@jinyoung0423), iKON's JuNe (@juneeeeeeya), WINNER's Hoony (@maetamong), Super Junior's KyuHyun (@gyuram88), JaeJoong (@jj_1986_jj), BTOB's MinHyuk (@hutazone), MONSTA X's HyungWon (@coenffl), Cha HakYeon (@achahakyeon)

 

Over 1m followers

Kwon HyunBin (@komurola), VICTON's Han SeungWoo (@w_o_o_y_a), VICTON's ByungChan (@b__yccn), INFINITE's Nam WooHyun (@nwh91), VIXX's Ravi (@ravithecrackkidz), Highlight's Yoon DooJoon (@beeeestdjdjdj), KARD's J.Seph (@j.seph_), TVXQ's ChangMin (@changmin88), Ha SungWoon (@gooreumseng), WINNER's Jinu (@xxjjjwww), Yoon JiSung (@_yoonj1sung_), Kim JaeHwan (@jaehwan0527), DAY6's WonPil (@kimwon.pil), BTOB's Peniel (@btobpeniel), MONSTA X's KiHyun (@yookihhh), DAY6's DoWoon (@d.ddablue), MONSTA X's I.M (@imnameim), Jae (@eajpark), Ren (@mingi_choi), 2PM's Nichkhun (@khunsta0624), AKMU's ChanHyuk (@leechanhyuk), Kim JongHyeon (@__jonghyeon), BLOCK B's P.O (@pyojihoon_official), Highlight's Yang YoSeob (@yysbeast), VIXX's Leo (@leo_jungtw), 2AM's Jo Kwon (@kwon_jo), Highlight's Lee GiKwang (@gttk0000), DAY6's Young K (@from_youngk), UP10TION's Kim WooSeok (@woo.ddadda), WOODZ (@woodz_dnwm), MONSTA X's MinHyuk (@go5rae), The Rose's WooSung (@iwoosung), MONSTA X's ShowNu (@shownuayo), MONSTA X's JooHoney (@joohoneywalker), Holland (@holland_vvv), SF9's Yoo TaeYang (@taeyang_0228), DAY6's YoungK (@from_youngk), THE BOYZ's Ju HakNyeong (@_juhaknyeon_), THE BOYZ's JuYeon (@tbzuyeon)

 

Did we miss anyone? Let us know in the comments!