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고래별: 경성의 인어공주 [Goraebyeol: Gyeongseongui Ineogongju] #1
Whale Star: La sirenetta di Gyeongseong, Vol. 1
Una rinarrazione de “la Sirenetta” di Hans Christian Andersen durante l’occupazione giapponese del 1926 in Corea del Sud. Sua Heo è una cameriera che trascorre i suoi giorni lavorando e nuotando nel mare. Un giorno la sua vita viene sconvolta da un rivoluzionario ferito, Uihyeon Kang, naufragato sulla spiaggia. La ragazza mentre lo cura, perderà l’abilità di parlare a causa di attentato omicida da parte di un commilitone rivoluzionario. Sua, viaggiando verso la capitale, Gyeongseong (la Seoul dei giorni nostri), per ottenere vendetta, scoprirà uno strano nuovo mondo e alle persone che sono al suo interno.
336 pages, Paperback
Published June 25, 2025
30 people are currently reading
327 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
August 15, 2022
I have always loved retellings of old stories; I didn't know I would fall in love with a historical retelling this much. Whale Star is the retelling of The Little Mermaid story and the author has done her job very well. I strongly recommend it to all readers. The story, history, characters and the art was so complete and astonishing. One of the best Webtoons and comics I have read...
May 6, 2022
"if I cut myself open and tasted my blood, it would taste like sea salt."
I'm sobbing.
I'm sobbing.
February 4, 2024
Gorgeous, intriguing story with beautiful art. It's such a good read!!!
August 4, 2024
My emotions and tears are all out right now that I don’t know what to say.
Rewatching Mr.Sunshine while reading this doesn’t help either.
How the author woven in the story of The Little Mermaid was done well.
Rewatching Mr.Sunshine while reading this doesn’t help either.
How the author woven in the story of The Little Mermaid was done well.
June 1, 2022
The art is beautiful and the story is really powerful and touching. I can't wait to sink deeper into this story.
November 17, 2022
oh my gosh this was soooo good. i can't wait to read the rest
October 12, 2023
my first Manhwa and how much i'm loving it!
November 28, 2025
what the helly
July 22, 2025
SOBBING CRYING
reading this is the literary/webtoon version of touching grass bc god that was beautifully written (and illustrated)
reading this is the literary/webtoon version of touching grass bc god that was beautifully written (and illustrated)
October 20, 2022
This has been a beautiful and heartbreaking story! From the very beginning the reader can tell that this is not going to be a magical reading. It's actually a retelling of the story of Hans Christian Andersen’s "The Little Mermaid". And it's set in 1926, when Korea (Joseon) was under Japanese rule. It's amazing how the author connected the story to that time.
And the characters!!! I want to say something about them: Su-a and Uihyeon are great from the beginning, so I won't say much about them. But Haesu and Yeongyeong!!!
Those two don't give a good impression at first, at all . I want to highlight this: this is a period of war. This story is not shy to talk about was and its consequences. Is what they did the right thing? No. Is it justifiable? No! But, is it understandable? Yes, because this is a period of war, and as spies, it's hard to tell who you can really trust. They won't be liked at the beginning. However, the author did a great jo with those characters, so please remember who the real enemies are while you read this story.
There, I needed to say that.
Once again, I want to highlight how wonderful this story is. I really loved it!
June 4, 2023
💧🌊🏙️🇼🇭🇦🇱🇪 🇸🇹🇦🇷⦂ 🇹🇭🇪 🇬🇾🇪🇴🇳🇬🇸🇪🇴🇳🇬 🇲🇪🇷🇲🇦🇮🇩🏙️🌊💧
4.5 Stars
Breathless, gasping, flawless, powerful, awe-struck what in the world did I just read?
"It's not shameful to lack an education. It's only shameful to be educated and still say the wrong things."
-Doctor Kim
↝What's it about: Set in 1926 Whale Star is a retelling by Na Yoonhee that starts off with a bang. Handmaiden Su-a Heo works for Lady Yunhwa. Lady Yunhwa's father is forcing her into a marriage with a powerful Japanese man. During this time, Joseon is under Japanese rule, and Yunhwa's family is pro-Japanese. When Uihyeon Kang, an independence fighter, is in possession of dangerous plans. Su-a nurses him back to health, bonding with him in the private moments they have together. With the people of Joseon struggling under this rule, the two will no longer have these moments as Uihyeon's duty calls to him. But when Lady Yunhwa gets involved in the whole ordeal, she must choose between the country and her people or her family and the beliefs she was taught.
"The day I first saw you Lady Su-a you looked just like the Little Mermaid to me."
-Uihyeon Kang
↝The Plot: I have read several pieces of literature, watched many movies, and read many webtoons, manhuas, mangas, and manhwas. Never have I stumbled upon a story that so effortlessly stirs such emotion within me in the span of thirteen episodes. I would recommend this to anyone, anywhere. I implore those who do not read webtoons to still give this a try. This takes place in a time of Korean history that my grandparents and parents would tell me about, but I have never really read or seen anything about it. There was a long time in history when Korea (Joseon) was forced to live under the rule of Japan. It's visceral to really see what my ancestors would have experienced. I could definitely see elements of The Little Mermaid inserted so well into the story and given a fresh breath of life. The first thirteen episodes are intense, establishing glimpses of romance in a dark, fairytale-esque, inspired story rooted in history. The dynamic between characters is anxious, tense, fearful, and powerful. This is a rather dark webtoon that shows how much each character is struggling. So much is accomplished in these thirteen episodes—so much emotion stirred up, so much complexity—that already I can feel that this will become a favorite.
"I am not like you. I cannot leave anything behind and I can't gain anything either. I cannot leave anything behind because I am a traitor. I cannot gain anything because I'm a woman. Thats why I cannot become a woman of a dying nation. I cannot become a patch of dry grass trampled upon before I had a chance to breath."
-Lady Yunhwa
↝The Characters:
- Su-a : Su-a is such a strong-hearted, kind girl willing to help those in need. As described in the synopsis, she loses her ability to speak as someone tries to rob her of the ability to communicate with others. Su-a is a handmaiden who never received an education and was never taught to read or write. There is a heavy focus on the class divide between a servant and her master. Her dynamic with Lady Yunhwa was very interesting. When they were children, both were good friends, only to have the pressures and expectations force them apart. From what we know, she was not yet entrenched in dark politics until she met Uihyeon. He seems to lift a layer from her eyes, exposing a side of her people's suffering that has not yet fully hit her. Su-a is such a brave protagonist, and I am truly excited to see more from her.
- Uihyeon : While we don't get to see a lot from his perspective, in the first thirteen chapters, Uihyeon's character is well established well. The reader learns that he is a courageous man fighting for the freedom of his people. Every day is a struggle; every mission could change the course of history or destroy him and Joseon's freedom. There is a struggle between the Koreans who are pro-Japanese in order to save themselves and those who keep on fighting. Uihyeon was very kind to Su-a. I loved how he inspired the characters he met and the way he called Su-a "Lady Su-a," even if she wasn't of high status.
- Haesu : I saw little of his character in the episodes, yet his actions showed me a lot. Haesu was a man who didn't want to stoop down to accommodate his oppressors. He was willing to do whatever it took to achieve freedom, even at the cost of his own life, the lives of others, and his own sanity. Unlike Uihyeon, there is a coldness to him. He is a man who fights for the right cause but doesn't necessarily inspire a noble and kind-hearted image. Instead, he is a man who has been hardened and beaten by pain until he comes out as someone who is callous. Still, he still has little bits of humanity within him, and it will be interesting to see how that will affect his mission.
- Lady Yunhwa : *pauses for a moment of silence* Wow. Lady Yunhwa's character was so complex, so complicated, and so conflicting. She was brought up to support what her father wished. Forced into marriage with a man so much older than her. Forced to act, speak the language, look, and talk the way that others wanted. She was, put simply, a traitor not only to her own people but to herself as well. We see the mounting pressure within her reach a breaking point. She was truly a woman who left such a strong impression.
✅PLOT
✅CHARACTERS
✅PLOT TWISTS
4.5 Stars
Breathless, gasping, flawless, powerful, awe-struck what in the world did I just read?
"It's not shameful to lack an education. It's only shameful to be educated and still say the wrong things."
-Doctor Kim
↝What's it about: Set in 1926 Whale Star is a retelling by Na Yoonhee that starts off with a bang. Handmaiden Su-a Heo works for Lady Yunhwa. Lady Yunhwa's father is forcing her into a marriage with a powerful Japanese man. During this time, Joseon is under Japanese rule, and Yunhwa's family is pro-Japanese. When Uihyeon Kang, an independence fighter, is in possession of dangerous plans. Su-a nurses him back to health, bonding with him in the private moments they have together. With the people of Joseon struggling under this rule, the two will no longer have these moments as Uihyeon's duty calls to him. But when Lady Yunhwa gets involved in the whole ordeal, she must choose between the country and her people or her family and the beliefs she was taught.
"The day I first saw you Lady Su-a you looked just like the Little Mermaid to me."
-Uihyeon Kang
↝The Plot: I have read several pieces of literature, watched many movies, and read many webtoons, manhuas, mangas, and manhwas. Never have I stumbled upon a story that so effortlessly stirs such emotion within me in the span of thirteen episodes. I would recommend this to anyone, anywhere. I implore those who do not read webtoons to still give this a try. This takes place in a time of Korean history that my grandparents and parents would tell me about, but I have never really read or seen anything about it. There was a long time in history when Korea (Joseon) was forced to live under the rule of Japan. It's visceral to really see what my ancestors would have experienced. I could definitely see elements of The Little Mermaid inserted so well into the story and given a fresh breath of life. The first thirteen episodes are intense, establishing glimpses of romance in a dark, fairytale-esque, inspired story rooted in history. The dynamic between characters is anxious, tense, fearful, and powerful. This is a rather dark webtoon that shows how much each character is struggling. So much is accomplished in these thirteen episodes—so much emotion stirred up, so much complexity—that already I can feel that this will become a favorite.
"I am not like you. I cannot leave anything behind and I can't gain anything either. I cannot leave anything behind because I am a traitor. I cannot gain anything because I'm a woman. Thats why I cannot become a woman of a dying nation. I cannot become a patch of dry grass trampled upon before I had a chance to breath."
-Lady Yunhwa
↝The Characters:
- Su-a : Su-a is such a strong-hearted, kind girl willing to help those in need. As described in the synopsis, she loses her ability to speak as someone tries to rob her of the ability to communicate with others. Su-a is a handmaiden who never received an education and was never taught to read or write. There is a heavy focus on the class divide between a servant and her master. Her dynamic with Lady Yunhwa was very interesting. When they were children, both were good friends, only to have the pressures and expectations force them apart. From what we know, she was not yet entrenched in dark politics until she met Uihyeon. He seems to lift a layer from her eyes, exposing a side of her people's suffering that has not yet fully hit her. Su-a is such a brave protagonist, and I am truly excited to see more from her.
- Uihyeon : While we don't get to see a lot from his perspective, in the first thirteen chapters, Uihyeon's character is well established well. The reader learns that he is a courageous man fighting for the freedom of his people. Every day is a struggle; every mission could change the course of history or destroy him and Joseon's freedom. There is a struggle between the Koreans who are pro-Japanese in order to save themselves and those who keep on fighting. Uihyeon was very kind to Su-a. I loved how he inspired the characters he met and the way he called Su-a "Lady Su-a," even if she wasn't of high status.
- Haesu : I saw little of his character in the episodes, yet his actions showed me a lot. Haesu was a man who didn't want to stoop down to accommodate his oppressors. He was willing to do whatever it took to achieve freedom, even at the cost of his own life, the lives of others, and his own sanity. Unlike Uihyeon, there is a coldness to him. He is a man who fights for the right cause but doesn't necessarily inspire a noble and kind-hearted image. Instead, he is a man who has been hardened and beaten by pain until he comes out as someone who is callous. Still, he still has little bits of humanity within him, and it will be interesting to see how that will affect his mission.
- Lady Yunhwa : *pauses for a moment of silence* Wow. Lady Yunhwa's character was so complex, so complicated, and so conflicting. She was brought up to support what her father wished. Forced into marriage with a man so much older than her. Forced to act, speak the language, look, and talk the way that others wanted. She was, put simply, a traitor not only to her own people but to herself as well. We see the mounting pressure within her reach a breaking point. She was truly a woman who left such a strong impression.
✅PLOT
✅CHARACTERS
✅PLOT TWISTS
March 28, 2023
This was legit such a depressing read. I really loved all the characters...they were so realistic and complex..my heart is shattered 🥲
I especially loved how complex each character is and how the author explores each character individually...Haesu grew on me as a character especially...although what he did to Su-a was unforgivable...you find yourself understanding his point of view and admiring him for his devotion/loyality to his country and his people.
I also really loved the artstyle! Especially the background scenery...it's so beautiful.
I especially loved how complex each character is and how the author explores each character individually...Haesu grew on me as a character especially...although what he did to Su-a was unforgivable...you find yourself understanding his point of view and admiring him for his devotion/loyality to his country and his people.
I also really loved the artstyle! Especially the background scenery...it's so beautiful.
January 1, 2025
The little Joseon mermaid who bombed .·°՞(¯□¯)՞°·.
🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️
If you have a bit of knowledge regarding Japan's last war on Korea, you fangirl over spy stories and you feel ready to be devastated by a tragic romance, this is the one for you.
NOTE: Don't give up reading after the first chapters! It just gets better ( ◡̀_◡́)ᕤ
The art style is so beautiful, so sensible, so saturated. I was instantly hooked.
Soo-a is a complex heroine, groomed to be an obedient servant and not only do everything, but even believe her employers are god-like entities. Everybody she meets takes her kindness, her resilience and her selflessness for granted. They even threaten her life on several occasions. Yet, she cares for them nonetheless. Taking a look back, she did resemble Ariel in many ways, but her ending consolidated her as a complex activist. She made a difference, yet her existence dissolved in time. Which is both heartbreaking and infuriating 💥
From the moment she was introduced, Nokjoo stole the spotlight. She was smart, cheeky, ambitious, non-judgemental and caring for all, even though she's always been left out of all the possible discussions. And Geon with his green but stern loyalty was a close second for me. Such a breath of fresh air to see young characters develop and hold themselves together even when faced with tough choices.
The rest of the cast was very rational and dedicated to a specific cause, yet somehow couldn't bring themselves to fully live or love. And because of this reason, in the beginning most are portrayed as having uncreative and malicious means of solving dangerous situations. As rebels, I imagine one always is met with harsh decisions. However, all of their lives changed after meeting Soo-a. Yes, most of our characters didn't survive by the end, but they were able to grow emotionally, while holding space for a significant move that would end their country's suffering. Such convoluted arguments. No good cause feeds off the murdering of innocents. Yet, no true freedom was ever unlocked without sacrifice.
Contrary to my complete loathing over the "teach me how to read" trope, this reinterpretation wasn't that bad and made sense within the context.
In the end, after so many breakdowns, I choose to believe we got a happy open-ending. Kudos to the author for such a brave and emotional retelling!
🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️
If you have a bit of knowledge regarding Japan's last war on Korea, you fangirl over spy stories and you feel ready to be devastated by a tragic romance, this is the one for you.
NOTE: Don't give up reading after the first chapters! It just gets better ( ◡̀_◡́)ᕤ
The art style is so beautiful, so sensible, so saturated. I was instantly hooked.
Soo-a is a complex heroine, groomed to be an obedient servant and not only do everything, but even believe her employers are god-like entities. Everybody she meets takes her kindness, her resilience and her selflessness for granted. They even threaten her life on several occasions. Yet, she cares for them nonetheless. Taking a look back, she did resemble Ariel in many ways, but her ending consolidated her as a complex activist. She made a difference, yet her existence dissolved in time. Which is both heartbreaking and infuriating 💥
From the moment she was introduced, Nokjoo stole the spotlight. She was smart, cheeky, ambitious, non-judgemental and caring for all, even though she's always been left out of all the possible discussions. And Geon with his green but stern loyalty was a close second for me. Such a breath of fresh air to see young characters develop and hold themselves together even when faced with tough choices.
The rest of the cast was very rational and dedicated to a specific cause, yet somehow couldn't bring themselves to fully live or love. And because of this reason, in the beginning most are portrayed as having uncreative and malicious means of solving dangerous situations. As rebels, I imagine one always is met with harsh decisions. However, all of their lives changed after meeting Soo-a. Yes, most of our characters didn't survive by the end, but they were able to grow emotionally, while holding space for a significant move that would end their country's suffering. Such convoluted arguments. No good cause feeds off the murdering of innocents. Yet, no true freedom was ever unlocked without sacrifice.
Contrary to my complete loathing over the "teach me how to read" trope, this reinterpretation wasn't that bad and made sense within the context.
In the end, after so many breakdowns, I choose to believe we got a happy open-ending. Kudos to the author for such a brave and emotional retelling!
August 14, 2025
4.5 stars
such a melancholic tragedy.. i was genuinely not expecting the amount of depth and poetry entangled within this story when i read it but i should’ve known better
this is definitely unlike anything i’ve read before because i usually don’t like reading depressing stories but here we are
it was so compelling and thrilling throughout the entire read that i pretty much locked in and couldn’t stop
seeing how fleshed every single character is evidence of the author’s dedication and passion towards both their work and their knowledge of korean history
this was such a well crafted story with both incredibly immersive characters and world building
i felt everything for every character and each character was so well detailed that you could understand their motives and feel their emotions vicariously
although this story was literally just one tragedy after another, it still felt fulfilling and like a realistic read, so i loved how they included each emotionally disheartening scene and ravaged the readers hearts and emotions
and the art style was deceptively warm throughout the story which i loved because i felt like it played a beautiful contrast between the characters love and desire for a free korea and the cold, creep of death lurking around the corner
it felt like it created an atmosphere of hope and optimism, allowing for a space to appreciate the beauty of the independent fighters little moments together and greatly contrasts against the chilling, uninviting arms of their fates
anyways basically this was a great read and quite educational towards the korean independence movement and their fight
i loved this and i would reread if i forget the plot
such a melancholic tragedy.. i was genuinely not expecting the amount of depth and poetry entangled within this story when i read it but i should’ve known better
this is definitely unlike anything i’ve read before because i usually don’t like reading depressing stories but here we are
it was so compelling and thrilling throughout the entire read that i pretty much locked in and couldn’t stop
seeing how fleshed every single character is evidence of the author’s dedication and passion towards both their work and their knowledge of korean history
this was such a well crafted story with both incredibly immersive characters and world building
i felt everything for every character and each character was so well detailed that you could understand their motives and feel their emotions vicariously
although this story was literally just one tragedy after another, it still felt fulfilling and like a realistic read, so i loved how they included each emotionally disheartening scene and ravaged the readers hearts and emotions
and the art style was deceptively warm throughout the story which i loved because i felt like it played a beautiful contrast between the characters love and desire for a free korea and the cold, creep of death lurking around the corner
it felt like it created an atmosphere of hope and optimism, allowing for a space to appreciate the beauty of the independent fighters little moments together and greatly contrasts against the chilling, uninviting arms of their fates
anyways basically this was a great read and quite educational towards the korean independence movement and their fight
i loved this and i would reread if i forget the plot
February 22, 2025
This is one of the fairytale retelling that I enjoyed so far reading in a manhwa. Most of the retelling that I've found where about Cinderella or was executed poorly, but I can say that this manhwa really did justice. I was unable to determine what will be the next thing that will happen. At first, I thought that it will be Yunhwa who will be the villain in this story and will be the hindrance between Sua and Uihyeon, but I was wrong. I kept myself from commenting such things especially against Haesu and Yeongyeong, but their story was also shown in this manhwa where you are able to know the reason behind their actions. I felt disappointed when Yunhwa suddenly died. I can also say that the arc where Sua started living with the Whale Star and Uihyeon dragged too much or there was no remarkable actions that I was able to see, and then suddenly the progress of the story suddenly become fast after the movement was found until the arc where things go crazy. I feel sad that there was no happy ending in this story, but this manhwa was able to see the realistic side that not all fairy tales have a happy ending, like Ariel who became a sea foam after being left by her Prince Charming.
November 18, 2025
"Whale Star" (고래별) confesso mi ha attirata in primis per l'edizione fisica splendida, con pagine interamente a colori (che valgono i 16.90€). Lo stile di Na Yoonhee è armonioso fatto di tonalità pastello, molto dettagliato e attento a ambientazioni, espressioni, abbigliamento.
Il cuore è l'ambientazione: la Corea sotto il dominio coloniale giapponese (inizio XX secolo), un periodo storico di profondo impatto e ancora poco conosciuto al pubblico internazionale. Il webtoon utilizza questa cornice complessa per tessere una storia di resistenza e speranza.
Il retelling de La Sirenetta è sapientemente marginale; non è l'elemento centrale, ma piuttosto una metafora che amplifica i temi di sacrificio e amore in un'epoca di oppressione. È un'esperienza visiva ed emotiva che illumina un capitolo cruciale della storia coreana. Super consigliato. Per fortuna ho preso direttamente anche il volume 2.
Il cuore è l'ambientazione: la Corea sotto il dominio coloniale giapponese (inizio XX secolo), un periodo storico di profondo impatto e ancora poco conosciuto al pubblico internazionale. Il webtoon utilizza questa cornice complessa per tessere una storia di resistenza e speranza.
Il retelling de La Sirenetta è sapientemente marginale; non è l'elemento centrale, ma piuttosto una metafora che amplifica i temi di sacrificio e amore in un'epoca di oppressione. È un'esperienza visiva ed emotiva che illumina un capitolo cruciale della storia coreana. Super consigliato. Per fortuna ho preso direttamente anche il volume 2.
October 12, 2023
1926 year, Korea (Joseon) under colonised Japanese rule. Korean independence movement in its finest.
The story is heartbreaking 💔
Author did a very good job at showing true colours of that time frame.
The plot, character’s development, their devotion to each other and the country they live in. Uneasy, difficult times, deaths, poverty, treasons and much more. Everything is drawn and shown in this manhwa so lively. It keeps you absorbed until the very last page and leaves a sorrowful aftertaste.
This is not just a story of one person, it is about the state of the whole country beautifully described. The story goes on with lives of characters, and finishes as soon as their lives stop.
One of the best things I’ve read recently.
I wish the last chapter was not the final one, but sure it’s obvious there wouldn’t be any continuation after these events.
The story is heartbreaking 💔
Author did a very good job at showing true colours of that time frame.
The plot, character’s development, their devotion to each other and the country they live in. Uneasy, difficult times, deaths, poverty, treasons and much more. Everything is drawn and shown in this manhwa so lively. It keeps you absorbed until the very last page and leaves a sorrowful aftertaste.
This is not just a story of one person, it is about the state of the whole country beautifully described. The story goes on with lives of characters, and finishes as soon as their lives stop.
One of the best things I’ve read recently.
I wish the last chapter was not the final one, but sure it’s obvious there wouldn’t be any continuation after these events.
August 20, 2022
De pequeña amaba la sirenita. De grande aprendí que la sirenita no solo iba de una chica que tiene cola de pez y se enamora del príncipe, sino del hecho de salir y descubrir el mundo. Y esta historia nos muestra justamente eso. En un símil casi perfecto, al menos para mí, con el cuento de Andersen. Pero, además de eso, te lo presenta en una historia de época; en un mundo en donde Korea, Gyeongseong, era "colonia" japonesa. Muy interesante, y amé sus ilustraciones, especialmente cuándo hacía el simil con la sirenita.
September 1, 2022
“If my breath was able to retain your life, I hope you will love me with that life”.
This reminds me too much of Mr. Sunshine. . . I know that the ending is going to be bittersweet but it still worth the read. You’ll notice the Little Mermaid references, and I love the drawings at every end of a chapter. . I spent a lot of coins because it’s just too good. Hoping for a drama adaptation of this webtoon.
This reminds me too much of Mr. Sunshine. . . I know that the ending is going to be bittersweet but it still worth the read. You’ll notice the Little Mermaid references, and I love the drawings at every end of a chapter. . I spent a lot of coins because it’s just too good. Hoping for a drama adaptation of this webtoon.
April 9, 2025
I didn’t know that Webtoons could be added on here until I saw a list for some on here. I’ve been getting back into reading this webtoon recently and it’s really interesting with Su-a’s story and her encounter with Uihyeon while taking inspiration from the original “The Little Mermaid”, as Episodes 1-13 have hooked my interest. I also really like the sprinkles of history facts throughout. Recommend if you like comics and historical fiction.
July 26, 2025
Questo manhwa racconta la storia di Sua Heo, una cameriera che lavora per una famiglia collaborazionista, è stata venduta per pagare dei debiti e ora è al servizio della figlia del padrone. Ama nuotare e un giorno trova sulla spiaggia un uomo, nello specifico un ricercato, un rivoluzionario. Farà di tutto per salvarlo e l’interesse verso di lui continuerà a crescere fino a che, a causa di un tentato omicidio Sua Heo perderà la voce per sempre.
La trama è molto interessante e mi piace molto la visione che ci viene portata del volume, il retelling della sirenetta, con un contesto storico fortissimo e senza fantasy di mezzo. Ne sono rimasta sorpresa, stupita e ho apprezzato moltissimo la narrazione di un pezzo di storia che molti di noi ignorano, ma che invece è accaduto davvero. Questo è solo l’inizio, il primo di sei volumi e non vedo l’ora di scoprire cosa ci riserverà il futuro.
Un manhwa che è pronto per essere letto e per portarvi una cultura, la storia e la luce di una ragazza che perdendo tutto, forse troverà se stessa. Non lo sappiamo, possiamo solo immaginarlo, perché questo è solo l’inizio.
Recensione estesa sul blog sakuraribooks.it, anche su instagram e tiktok
La trama è molto interessante e mi piace molto la visione che ci viene portata del volume, il retelling della sirenetta, con un contesto storico fortissimo e senza fantasy di mezzo. Ne sono rimasta sorpresa, stupita e ho apprezzato moltissimo la narrazione di un pezzo di storia che molti di noi ignorano, ma che invece è accaduto davvero. Questo è solo l’inizio, il primo di sei volumi e non vedo l’ora di scoprire cosa ci riserverà il futuro.
Un manhwa che è pronto per essere letto e per portarvi una cultura, la storia e la luce di una ragazza che perdendo tutto, forse troverà se stessa. Non lo sappiamo, possiamo solo immaginarlo, perché questo è solo l’inizio.
Recensione estesa sul blog sakuraribooks.it, anche su instagram e tiktok
July 24, 2025
I disegni originali sono molto belli ma l'edizione cartacea italiana ha una stampa pessima, così scura e sbiadita che rende difficile la lettura.
La storia è interessante ma la scena nell'albergo non ha senso, parlare di argomenti delicati accanto alla porta, quando nel corridoio poteva esserci chiunque è un errore così grossolano, un plot device così forzato che mi ha fatto passare la voglia di continuare.
La storia è interessante ma la scena nell'albergo non ha senso, parlare di argomenti delicati accanto alla porta, quando nel corridoio poteva esserci chiunque è un errore così grossolano, un plot device così forzato che mi ha fatto passare la voglia di continuare.
December 1, 2025
oh wow. I know rather little about the Japanese occupation of Korea but how that tragic history is incorporated to the re-telling of little mermaid is done so masterfully. How far people are willing to go for freedom for their nation, for their ideologies, and for themselves is told so skillfully. And on top of that the art-work is just wonderful on its on. I especially love the color ways that are used and the frames going back to the story of little mermaid.
April 10, 2024
One of the most complex and full stories that I’ve read on webtoon so far. Lovely characters with great depth, great story that stays strong from beginning to end, and great drawings. Truly underrated piece. I hope that it gets the recognition that it deserves some day.
I will write it as a script for a movie fr.
I will write it as a script for a movie fr.
October 14, 2025
Personal note: I have already read Whale Star, and it is fabulous and heart wrenching and all the things. However, I am using this in place of This Magical Moment by the same author. It is unfortunately not listed on GoodReads. I enjoyed it immensely. Beautiful artistry once again.. Great storytelling
July 6, 2022
Finished this webtoon yesterday. So many questions and emotions triggered yet you already know the answers to and know you can’t do anything for the characters. My heart is moved and broken. Illustrations are out of this world! Easily one of the best webtoons I’ve read, thank you <3
August 19, 2022
Me encanta la historia, amo la historia de la sirenita y me encanta esté retelling que nos muestra la historia de una manera diferente y a la vez con muchas similitudes. Sin duda te atrapa y te enreda con cada página hasta que no puedes dejar de leer.
January 14, 2024
This is a review for Chapter 1 - 17 of the webtoon.
Wow this is absolutely gorgeous. The art style is beautiful and the storyline is progressing nicely. Knowing how the little mermaid ends, I can guess somewhat how things will end for Su-a but I hope that the author will prove me wrong.
Wow this is absolutely gorgeous. The art style is beautiful and the storyline is progressing nicely. Knowing how the little mermaid ends, I can guess somewhat how things will end for Su-a but I hope that the author will prove me wrong.
January 23, 2024
İlk kez bir manhwa okudum. Çok keyifliydi. Hikaye çok duygusaldı. Karakterler çok iyi yazılmıştı. Andersen'in küçük deniz kızı masalı ile Kore'nin bağımsızlık mücadelesini birleştirmişler ve ortaya böyle dram yüklü bir hikaye çıkmış.
January 5, 2025
Read English translation for episodes up to Ep 50 on Webtoons.
Very slow moving, poignant storyline with tragic Korean & Japanese historical events that keep me coming back to find hope for these characters. Well written with stellar art.
Very slow moving, poignant storyline with tragic Korean & Japanese historical events that keep me coming back to find hope for these characters. Well written with stellar art.
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