What do you think?
Rate this book
고래별: 경성의 인어공주 [Goraebyeol: Gyeongseongui Ineogongju] #6
Whale Star: The Gyeongseong Mermaid (고래별: 경성의 인어공주) Volume 6
Episode 87 to End
416 pages
Published January 15, 2022
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
August 15, 2022
The depth of this story and the characters is so unique🥲 I wish I could give it more than 5 stars
May 11, 2022
I'm like a fish. My voice cannot reach the people of the land.
I cried like a baby... How can something be so cruel and yet so breathtakingly beautiful!!!
I feel in love with this since chapter 1. The writing was like a fairytale but with so much honesty and conviction it was literally like history in every single page… I cannot praise the story enough, it is a magical read but also a tragic retelling of history not commonly known to the world.
How could it be so tragic yet still give a glimmer of hope!!!
The list of pros as to why read this is incredibly long but with that said I truly wished Su-a would have chosen herself for once, not let her love and loyalty for others overtake her own love for herself… but I know that loving others so unconditionally is sadly a part of her and possibly a way she shows love to herself.
I can say this with certainty Whale Star is one of the best Manhwa’s I have read and it will certainly be one I will not forget!
April 2, 2022
I would've given it 20 stars if I could but i can't.
July 4, 2023
💧🌊🏙️🇼🇭🇦🇱🇪 🇸🇹🇦🇷⦂ 🇹🇭🇪 🇬🇾🇪🇴🇳🇬🇸🇪🇴🇳🇬 🇲🇪🇷🇲🇦🇮🇩🏙️🌊💧
*may contain spoilers because it is a review on the last volume/series
"If my breath was able to retain your life ... I hope you will love me with that life."
I am very rarely moved to tears by a film or book, and when such a thing happens, it only sparks one or two tears that never fall. So I was astounded to find myself shocked after finishing this and then sobbing my heart out. I cried heavily, sobbed, and went through half the tissues, all while probably keeping the neighbours up. After fifty or so minutes, I stopped, but I will always remember how powerfully this impacted me. In the morning, I felt the power this story had on me, drawing tears from my eyes again. This was the first thing ever, apart from my personal life, that triggered such a strong emotional response from me, that broke through my coping mechanisms and walls, that honestly broke me.
"My world, my water, the ocean that I breathed. Goodbye, ."
↝What's it about:Set during Japan's rule of Korea (Joseon), Handmaiden Su-a Heo's life is forever changed when she saves the life of freedom fighter Uihyeon. Then begins an epic tale of freedom, loyalty, pain, love, and hope. One in which several people are brought together and forced to make a decision. This The Little Mermaid retelling dissects where the characters true loyalties lie and the struggle of living every day when fighting for freedom. Uihyeon has grown up learning the language of his colonizers but searches for the remains of his country. Su-a was a maid for most of her life until she made her way to Whale Star in order to get revenge, only to learn of the greater secret that lies there. Haesu is desperate to save the people of Joseon, his people, but what will be the cost of the sacrifices he makes? Yeongyeong sacrificed everything for her fight for her country's freedom, but what if she s sacrificed her own humanity? Geon's love may cost him everything, pulling him out of his normal life into one filled with loss and heartache. A brilliant story that shows how much Joseon's freedom fighters sacrificed in order to free Korea, making it the country it is today.
"You cannot see your shadow if you look up . . . but just because you cannot see it does not mean that it does not exist."
↝The Plot: I haven't ever read anything set in Korea during Japan's rule, and the thought of a The Little Mermaid retelling at this time made me curious to see what Na Yoonhee had to offer. The story progresses at its own pace, keeping a steady (rarely irregular) pacing. The story has a lot of heart, with a lot of darker undertones. The tone was consistently serious and emotional. Na Yoonhee does this retelling so seamlessly, blending two stories together but making the elements of The Little Mermaid relevant to this story. Whale Star: The Gyeongseong Mermaid is inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's tale while simultaneously creating a masterpiece that is the paragon of brilliant storytelling. The story progresses, tying together new and old plot points and introducing new characters while feeling wide in scope. I can't spoil much, but I must warn that this story did not try to shield readers from the pain these characters felt. There are several trigger warnings and a lot of heartbreak, heartache, and sorrow. In short, this isn't your feel-good read but one that takes your breath away while drawing you deeper into the history of Korea and the lives of the freedom fighters. The plot was excellent, as were the beautiful drawings that illustrated the parallels between Andersen's masterpiece and Na Yoonhee's brilliant creation. The story has time to breathe, allowing characters to have enough interaction to build momentum and complexity in relationships.
"This helplessness, rage, and guilt of having done nothing . . . I quickly learned that these feelings do not fade away. This is love. The kind of love that you try to ignore, but can't help but acknowledge. I love the people of this country. I love each blade of grass, and every handful of Earth in Joseon. I love the moon that I saw from a faraway country, because there must have been at least one moonbeam that shined onto this land. Then Lady Su-a how much do you think I can love you?"
-Uihyeon
↝The Characters:
- Su-a : AHHH my brilliant, brave, compassionate, strong, beautiful girl. 😭. In this story Su-a is metaphorically "The Gyeongseong Mermaid." I love how this manhwa mentions The Little Mermaid giving a nod to the writer. Su-a is suddenly thrust into a whole other side of struggling she had never known. Meeting Uihyeon was the turning point in her life, one in which she became part of another world, a world in which she saw more clearly how much the people of Joseon were suffering. Many lived better lives by turning to the Japanese and betraying their own people, selling their bodies, or working as servants. Su-a was a person with a clear conscience, someone who showed endless compassion, even to those undeserving of it. Her voice was the only way she knew to communicate, by stripping her of her voice it also marks a point in which Su-a loses something. Su-a cannot follow her master any longer left into the harsh world where she must fend for herself. When she goes to Whale Star Uihyeon teaches her how to read or write, giving her the opportunity to express herself. She is also introduced to a purpose: fight for Joseon's independence. I love that Su-a was a fighter, she didn't need some prince to constantly swoop in and save her. Su-a was brave at heart. Throughout the story she learned to fight for herself. After going through such trauma it makes sense why she didn't forgive those who did her harm to her instantly. What I respect the most is that Su-a showed compassion, something that can be so much harder than getting revenge. Still, Su-a still maintains a distance, she cared for others but didn't ever forget what certain people had done to her. Her character arc was so beautiful, so true to Su-a.
*My Interpretation on the Ending of Su-a's character arc*
Su-a is a girl who loved others, who put others before herself and in the end the greatest sacrifice she made is to love someone and to be loved, but it is also her greatest reward.
"Why is it that you make me feel this way? My devotion to Joseon is my greatest love, then what is this feeling? I cannot allow this to be love."
-Uihyeon
- Uihyeon : Uihyeon was one of the most conflicted characters in the cast. Who he was and who he used to be are almost two separate people. Once he lived a life shielded from many struggles learning to speak Japanese and indulging in beautiful music. Then his life changed and he could never look back at his life, at his fathers work, at the people he knew the same way. No longer finding joy in his old passions he joined the rebels. Joining them would conflict against his fathers power, against his families legacy, against what they stood for. As he gets embroiled deeper, it only goes to show that sacrifices are made on both sides. He plays the part of a dutiful son getting the love he once wanted from his father but doesn't need anymore. He plays the part of a social activist fighting, fighting, fighting, but losing so much as well. Uihyeon was kind-hearted but the deeper he got into this internal war and external battle between the people, His character was so powerful, and one resonated with me.
-Haesu
- Haesu : "The worst pain a man can suffer: to have insight into much and power over nothing." -Herodotus
This quote reminded me a lot of Haesu. Tracing his mentality back to his past, he was incapable of doing anything in a moment when it mattered the most, and this is why he feels the strong need to be in control, to eliminate all risks. Haesu is a man who hurt so deeply but used this pain to keep him going. It is easy to say that he rarely let himself come to turn with these emotions, that they have caged him in a escapable, relentless, sorrow. He is willing to do anything to get things done, to attain freedom for his people. Haesu was not a perfect person. He was a complex character one who did the wrong things for the right reason and the right actions for the wrong reason. His deep loyalty to those he truly cared for was admirable. It showed glimpses of humanity in him. But at the same time what defines humanity for Haesu? Is what he does humane if he had the right intention? I don't believe anything excuses his actions, but the author helps the reader to understand them. Haesu was one of my favorite characters, someone who I genuinely cared for.
"I'm scared. It's so cold. I'm scared. Because this country will never be trampled upon by anyone ever again. Fear only exists in this moment. Give me strength."
-Yeongyeong
- Yeongyeong : Yeongyeong was one of the most pivotal characters in the story. She was a woman who held her composure. How she felt internally and showed it externally were completely different ways of expressing herself. Yeongyeong was a person who was daring, relentless, who fought so hard for so long. Yeongyeong practically sacrificed everything, distancing herself from those she cared for. There was always such a melancholy tone to her every word and scene. I love getting to see each character through different perspectives. To see that everyone has their own antagonist. There was such a interesting dissection on how the Japan's rule of Joseon (Korea) was almost like the antagonist but at the same time for the freedom fighters their fight for the freedom and the sacrifices they made were a sacrifice as well. Sometimes to fight is the hardest thing to do when you could lose everything. The author is so talented at setting a scene is such cinematic ways capturing the nuances of the emotions. Yeongyeong was a excellent character whose finishing character arc was done in such a powerful and bittersweet way.
"I always wondered how you were constantly calm and cool-headed. But the more I get to know you . . . the crueler, colder, and more terrifying you are. But now I know the reason why. It's not that you cannot be comforted by anyone it's that you refuse to be comforted. I wonder if you decided to live like a criminal from the moment your country was stolen from you. I wonder if you are still living in a prison, alone. But. . . but, if I reach my hand through the bars will you hold it?"
-Geon to Yeongyeong
- Geon : Geon is a character who was changed when he met Yeongyeong. He reminded me of a younger Uihyeon, someone at the point in his life when he discovered what he wanted to fight for. I loved to see how his father wanted what was best for him but at the same time showed compassion to his son. It was heart-warming to see at least one healthy relationship between a father and a son. Geon was such a determined young man who never overstepped boundaries and respected his peers. In the beginning his interest in Yeongyeong was what made him help the rebellion but I love how it also became something he became compassionate about. He carried on the legacy of those he met and he was honestly the character with the clearest conscience and unchanging morals.
"Every time you're in pain. No matter what loss you feel, or how lonely you are. I will dare to comfort you."
-Uihyeon to Su-a
- Haruko : Haruko was not a character I liked. she pursued Haesu, in love with the shadow of him, the person she had known but not who he was now. She was naïve, unable to understand the depth of what Haesu experienced. Still, Haruko was not a bad person. She truly did love Haesu, at least a version of him, and would love him even if such love would not be returned. She loved him even if he was Korean and she was Japanese. I loved that the author added Haruko to show that it is the system and the people at power who can be blamed, yet every individual who makes a decision. There were Japanese who helped the Koreans and showed kindness, and there were Koreans who turned against their own country. Everyone had a reason to do something and sometimes the decisions they were forced to make would help save the lives of those they loved.
_______________________________________
In conclusion, Whale Star was truly such a masterpiece that I fell in love with. I still feel sorrowful and burdened by this sadness I received after finishing this story yet I feel so rewarded to have experienced this journey as a reader.
_______________________________________
QUOTES:
"Yet everyone throws themselves forward as if their lives never mattered at all. As if their lives never mattered at all. They steel their terrifying, fierce gazes and let themselves fall. Why? Why? Why? Do they just not want to live any longer? I don't know. How can I proudly claim my own death like that? How can I make that man suffer as much as I did? Death is not the answer."
-Su-a
"I always wanted to know. Why didn't everyone just live? Why did they throw their lives away as if something like that didn't matter? They crumbled with such fire and venom in their eyes. And now do I understand why?"
-Su-a
"Just as you searched for Uihyeon this whole time, I also searched for you. I hoped you were alive. So live Su-a Heo."
-Haesu
"I can't let things end here, like this. No matter how many times it takes again and again I will hold my gun. That is the purpose of my life. A single shadow. That name was created so I could live solely in that manner. I need to make it back. I need to look into my comrades' situation. And then can I... can I meet the the two of you again?"
-Haesu
"Why do we have feelings that can never be?"
"I'm like a fish so my voice doesn't reach the people of the land."
*may contain spoilers because it is a review on the last volume/series
"If my breath was able to retain your life ... I hope you will love me with that life."
I am very rarely moved to tears by a film or book, and when such a thing happens, it only sparks one or two tears that never fall. So I was astounded to find myself shocked after finishing this and then sobbing my heart out. I cried heavily, sobbed, and went through half the tissues, all while probably keeping the neighbours up. After fifty or so minutes, I stopped, but I will always remember how powerfully this impacted me. In the morning, I felt the power this story had on me, drawing tears from my eyes again. This was the first thing ever, apart from my personal life, that triggered such a strong emotional response from me, that broke through my coping mechanisms and walls, that honestly broke me.
"My world, my water, the ocean that I breathed. Goodbye, ."
↝What's it about:Set during Japan's rule of Korea (Joseon), Handmaiden Su-a Heo's life is forever changed when she saves the life of freedom fighter Uihyeon. Then begins an epic tale of freedom, loyalty, pain, love, and hope. One in which several people are brought together and forced to make a decision. This The Little Mermaid retelling dissects where the characters true loyalties lie and the struggle of living every day when fighting for freedom. Uihyeon has grown up learning the language of his colonizers but searches for the remains of his country. Su-a was a maid for most of her life until she made her way to Whale Star in order to get revenge, only to learn of the greater secret that lies there. Haesu is desperate to save the people of Joseon, his people, but what will be the cost of the sacrifices he makes? Yeongyeong sacrificed everything for her fight for her country's freedom, but what if she s sacrificed her own humanity? Geon's love may cost him everything, pulling him out of his normal life into one filled with loss and heartache. A brilliant story that shows how much Joseon's freedom fighters sacrificed in order to free Korea, making it the country it is today.
"You cannot see your shadow if you look up . . . but just because you cannot see it does not mean that it does not exist."
↝The Plot: I haven't ever read anything set in Korea during Japan's rule, and the thought of a The Little Mermaid retelling at this time made me curious to see what Na Yoonhee had to offer. The story progresses at its own pace, keeping a steady (rarely irregular) pacing. The story has a lot of heart, with a lot of darker undertones. The tone was consistently serious and emotional. Na Yoonhee does this retelling so seamlessly, blending two stories together but making the elements of The Little Mermaid relevant to this story. Whale Star: The Gyeongseong Mermaid is inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's tale while simultaneously creating a masterpiece that is the paragon of brilliant storytelling. The story progresses, tying together new and old plot points and introducing new characters while feeling wide in scope. I can't spoil much, but I must warn that this story did not try to shield readers from the pain these characters felt. There are several trigger warnings and a lot of heartbreak, heartache, and sorrow. In short, this isn't your feel-good read but one that takes your breath away while drawing you deeper into the history of Korea and the lives of the freedom fighters. The plot was excellent, as were the beautiful drawings that illustrated the parallels between Andersen's masterpiece and Na Yoonhee's brilliant creation. The story has time to breathe, allowing characters to have enough interaction to build momentum and complexity in relationships.
"This helplessness, rage, and guilt of having done nothing . . . I quickly learned that these feelings do not fade away. This is love. The kind of love that you try to ignore, but can't help but acknowledge. I love the people of this country. I love each blade of grass, and every handful of Earth in Joseon. I love the moon that I saw from a faraway country, because there must have been at least one moonbeam that shined onto this land. Then Lady Su-a how much do you think I can love you?"
-Uihyeon
↝The Characters:
- Su-a : AHHH my brilliant, brave, compassionate, strong, beautiful girl. 😭. In this story Su-a is metaphorically "The Gyeongseong Mermaid." I love how this manhwa mentions The Little Mermaid giving a nod to the writer. Su-a is suddenly thrust into a whole other side of struggling she had never known. Meeting Uihyeon was the turning point in her life, one in which she became part of another world, a world in which she saw more clearly how much the people of Joseon were suffering. Many lived better lives by turning to the Japanese and betraying their own people, selling their bodies, or working as servants. Su-a was a person with a clear conscience, someone who showed endless compassion, even to those undeserving of it. Her voice was the only way she knew to communicate, by stripping her of her voice it also marks a point in which Su-a loses something. Su-a cannot follow her master any longer left into the harsh world where she must fend for herself. When she goes to Whale Star Uihyeon teaches her how to read or write, giving her the opportunity to express herself. She is also introduced to a purpose: fight for Joseon's independence. I love that Su-a was a fighter, she didn't need some prince to constantly swoop in and save her. Su-a was brave at heart. Throughout the story she learned to fight for herself. After going through such trauma it makes sense why she didn't forgive those who did her harm to her instantly. What I respect the most is that Su-a showed compassion, something that can be so much harder than getting revenge. Still, Su-a still maintains a distance, she cared for others but didn't ever forget what certain people had done to her. Her character arc was so beautiful, so true to Su-a.
*My Interpretation on the Ending of Su-a's character arc*
Su-a is a girl who loved others, who put others before herself and in the end the greatest sacrifice she made is to love someone and to be loved, but it is also her greatest reward.
"Why is it that you make me feel this way? My devotion to Joseon is my greatest love, then what is this feeling? I cannot allow this to be love."
-Uihyeon
- Uihyeon : Uihyeon was one of the most conflicted characters in the cast. Who he was and who he used to be are almost two separate people. Once he lived a life shielded from many struggles learning to speak Japanese and indulging in beautiful music. Then his life changed and he could never look back at his life, at his fathers work, at the people he knew the same way. No longer finding joy in his old passions he joined the rebels. Joining them would conflict against his fathers power, against his families legacy, against what they stood for. As he gets embroiled deeper, it only goes to show that sacrifices are made on both sides. He plays the part of a dutiful son getting the love he once wanted from his father but doesn't need anymore. He plays the part of a social activist fighting, fighting, fighting, but losing so much as well. Uihyeon was kind-hearted but the deeper he got into this internal war and external battle between the people, His character was so powerful, and one resonated with me.
-Haesu
- Haesu : "The worst pain a man can suffer: to have insight into much and power over nothing." -Herodotus
This quote reminded me a lot of Haesu. Tracing his mentality back to his past, he was incapable of doing anything in a moment when it mattered the most, and this is why he feels the strong need to be in control, to eliminate all risks. Haesu is a man who hurt so deeply but used this pain to keep him going. It is easy to say that he rarely let himself come to turn with these emotions, that they have caged him in a escapable, relentless, sorrow. He is willing to do anything to get things done, to attain freedom for his people. Haesu was not a perfect person. He was a complex character one who did the wrong things for the right reason and the right actions for the wrong reason. His deep loyalty to those he truly cared for was admirable. It showed glimpses of humanity in him. But at the same time what defines humanity for Haesu? Is what he does humane if he had the right intention? I don't believe anything excuses his actions, but the author helps the reader to understand them. Haesu was one of my favorite characters, someone who I genuinely cared for.
"I'm scared. It's so cold. I'm scared. Because this country will never be trampled upon by anyone ever again. Fear only exists in this moment. Give me strength."
-Yeongyeong
- Yeongyeong : Yeongyeong was one of the most pivotal characters in the story. She was a woman who held her composure. How she felt internally and showed it externally were completely different ways of expressing herself. Yeongyeong was a person who was daring, relentless, who fought so hard for so long. Yeongyeong practically sacrificed everything, distancing herself from those she cared for. There was always such a melancholy tone to her every word and scene. I love getting to see each character through different perspectives. To see that everyone has their own antagonist. There was such a interesting dissection on how the Japan's rule of Joseon (Korea) was almost like the antagonist but at the same time for the freedom fighters their fight for the freedom and the sacrifices they made were a sacrifice as well. Sometimes to fight is the hardest thing to do when you could lose everything. The author is so talented at setting a scene is such cinematic ways capturing the nuances of the emotions. Yeongyeong was a excellent character whose finishing character arc was done in such a powerful and bittersweet way.
"I always wondered how you were constantly calm and cool-headed. But the more I get to know you . . . the crueler, colder, and more terrifying you are. But now I know the reason why. It's not that you cannot be comforted by anyone it's that you refuse to be comforted. I wonder if you decided to live like a criminal from the moment your country was stolen from you. I wonder if you are still living in a prison, alone. But. . . but, if I reach my hand through the bars will you hold it?"
-Geon to Yeongyeong
- Geon : Geon is a character who was changed when he met Yeongyeong. He reminded me of a younger Uihyeon, someone at the point in his life when he discovered what he wanted to fight for. I loved to see how his father wanted what was best for him but at the same time showed compassion to his son. It was heart-warming to see at least one healthy relationship between a father and a son. Geon was such a determined young man who never overstepped boundaries and respected his peers. In the beginning his interest in Yeongyeong was what made him help the rebellion but I love how it also became something he became compassionate about. He carried on the legacy of those he met and he was honestly the character with the clearest conscience and unchanging morals.
"Every time you're in pain. No matter what loss you feel, or how lonely you are. I will dare to comfort you."
-Uihyeon to Su-a
- Haruko : Haruko was not a character I liked. she pursued Haesu, in love with the shadow of him, the person she had known but not who he was now. She was naïve, unable to understand the depth of what Haesu experienced. Still, Haruko was not a bad person. She truly did love Haesu, at least a version of him, and would love him even if such love would not be returned. She loved him even if he was Korean and she was Japanese. I loved that the author added Haruko to show that it is the system and the people at power who can be blamed, yet every individual who makes a decision. There were Japanese who helped the Koreans and showed kindness, and there were Koreans who turned against their own country. Everyone had a reason to do something and sometimes the decisions they were forced to make would help save the lives of those they loved.
_______________________________________
In conclusion, Whale Star was truly such a masterpiece that I fell in love with. I still feel sorrowful and burdened by this sadness I received after finishing this story yet I feel so rewarded to have experienced this journey as a reader.
_______________________________________
QUOTES:
"Yet everyone throws themselves forward as if their lives never mattered at all. As if their lives never mattered at all. They steel their terrifying, fierce gazes and let themselves fall. Why? Why? Why? Do they just not want to live any longer? I don't know. How can I proudly claim my own death like that? How can I make that man suffer as much as I did? Death is not the answer."
-Su-a
"I always wanted to know. Why didn't everyone just live? Why did they throw their lives away as if something like that didn't matter? They crumbled with such fire and venom in their eyes. And now do I understand why?"
-Su-a
"Just as you searched for Uihyeon this whole time, I also searched for you. I hoped you were alive. So live Su-a Heo."
-Haesu
"I can't let things end here, like this. No matter how many times it takes again and again I will hold my gun. That is the purpose of my life. A single shadow. That name was created so I could live solely in that manner. I need to make it back. I need to look into my comrades' situation. And then can I... can I meet the the two of you again?"
-Haesu
"Why do we have feelings that can never be?"
"I'm like a fish so my voice doesn't reach the people of the land."
May 13, 2022
The length of this series kept me more attached to the characters than I could've imagined. They're such beautiful, well-written characters. I want to sob right with them. The writing is so impressively emotional yet direct & funny at times and the visuals are beyond breathtaking.
The premise (The Little Mermaid + Independence of Joseon) is a parallel I could not have imagined but it worked so well as the author weaved together magic and created a piece of art that I will cherish to have experienced over the last few months.
I'm a sad pile of tears at the end of this manhwa. If I could give this all the stars in the world, I would. Gut wrenching, stake at your heart, bury me alive kind of story. Pls send help
The premise (The Little Mermaid + Independence of Joseon) is a parallel I could not have imagined but it worked so well as the author weaved together magic and created a piece of art that I will cherish to have experienced over the last few months.
I'm a sad pile of tears at the end of this manhwa. If I could give this all the stars in the world, I would. Gut wrenching, stake at your heart, bury me alive kind of story. Pls send help
July 27, 2024
"هل يجب أن نموت ليحيا الوطن ؟ ألا يمكن أن نحيا ويحيا معنا الوطن؟"
Heartbreaking story including some true events about Japanese colonialism.
Heartbreaking story including some true events about Japanese colonialism.
June 3, 2025
this series was incredible - boy oh boy did i not expect how hard it would be and how much i would cry
Retelling of the little mermaid in the historical setting of Joseon (Korea) in the early 20th century, following a rebel group fighting for Joseon’s independence from Japan
Retelling of the little mermaid in the historical setting of Joseon (Korea) in the early 20th century, following a rebel group fighting for Joseon’s independence from Japan
April 8, 2026
i want this in print, it's so good!!😭
January 15, 2023
This is the most beautiful, heartbreaking, powerful and moving story ever. The quality of the images, the script, the rhythm, everything was absolutely flawless and made reading this piece of art an inmersive, captivating and sometimes almost overwhelming experience. The autor managed to capture the rawness and sorrow of it's reality without losing the beauty and wonder and that, in my opinion, is what makes the difference between great and extraordinary. And this is as extraordinary as it gets. Recommended to everyone who loves history, art or humanity, although they are, in fact, the very same thing.
January 14, 2024
This review covers chapter 88 - 105 (end) of the webtoon.
My god. What a beautiful and poignant story. It has been quite some time since I have felt this way. I am utterly heartbroken at the ending of this story. Although I knew that we wouldn't be getting a happy ending, I still had my hopes up.
Su-a, Uihyeon, Haesu and the other side characters have so much depth but the 3 main characters especially are so compelling. Their dreams, fears and motivations intertwined and by the end of it all, no one could avoid not being hurt. I loved the relationship between the 3 of them - while Su-a might seem to be the link between them at first, it's in fact Uihyeon. Uihyeon who has so much love for both Haesu and Su-a, but above all, his love for his country, Joseon is what drives him forward day after day. It is so unfortunate that Uihyeon is the only one left behind and truly, this story is a tragedy in every sense. But it's also a love story - love for the country, love for the people of their country.
No one has a happy ending. They're either dead or they've lost people they love. It makes my heart ache so much and it doesn't help how the art and storyboards are so beautiful. It just makes the story more heartwrenching.
I mentioned before in my review of Vol 5 that I loved the time Su-a and Haesu spent together on that mountain. Through that shared experience, they formed a fragile bond and when Haesu sacrificed himself in order to save Su-a and Uihyeon, it was clear that he had developed feelings for her - so complicated and tangled that until the end, he couldn't really say what he felt. I don't think the author showed us how Su-a felt about his death, unlike Uihyeon who broke down, but I hope she had found it in herself to forgive Haesu at the end.
Geon's character development is one of the strongest throughout the story (apart from the main characters') and in a way, he was able to act as an outside POV on what happened after Su-a managed to assassinate Uihyeon's father, and killing herself in the process. I hope that wherever Uihyeon is, that he is doing well because there's no way he wouldn't have gotten fucked up after going through all that. But seriously, this author has done an incredible job at developing their characters and it shows how much they loved these characters, and I admire how the author was able to navigate such nuanced relationships between the characters. They were just people who were doing their best considering the circumstances, and they continued to do their best.
My god. What a beautiful and poignant story. It has been quite some time since I have felt this way. I am utterly heartbroken at the ending of this story. Although I knew that we wouldn't be getting a happy ending, I still had my hopes up.
Su-a, Uihyeon, Haesu and the other side characters have so much depth but the 3 main characters especially are so compelling. Their dreams, fears and motivations intertwined and by the end of it all, no one could avoid not being hurt. I loved the relationship between the 3 of them - while Su-a might seem to be the link between them at first, it's in fact Uihyeon. Uihyeon who has so much love for both Haesu and Su-a, but above all, his love for his country, Joseon is what drives him forward day after day. It is so unfortunate that Uihyeon is the only one left behind and truly, this story is a tragedy in every sense. But it's also a love story - love for the country, love for the people of their country.
No one has a happy ending. They're either dead or they've lost people they love. It makes my heart ache so much and it doesn't help how the art and storyboards are so beautiful. It just makes the story more heartwrenching.
I mentioned before in my review of Vol 5 that I loved the time Su-a and Haesu spent together on that mountain. Through that shared experience, they formed a fragile bond and when Haesu sacrificed himself in order to save Su-a and Uihyeon, it was clear that he had developed feelings for her - so complicated and tangled that until the end, he couldn't really say what he felt. I don't think the author showed us how Su-a felt about his death, unlike Uihyeon who broke down, but I hope she had found it in herself to forgive Haesu at the end.
Geon's character development is one of the strongest throughout the story (apart from the main characters') and in a way, he was able to act as an outside POV on what happened after Su-a managed to assassinate Uihyeon's father, and killing herself in the process. I hope that wherever Uihyeon is, that he is doing well because there's no way he wouldn't have gotten fucked up after going through all that. But seriously, this author has done an incredible job at developing their characters and it shows how much they loved these characters, and I admire how the author was able to navigate such nuanced relationships between the characters. They were just people who were doing their best considering the circumstances, and they continued to do their best.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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.
September 4, 2022
finished today 09/04/2022 🥲
"If my breath was able to retain your life... I hope you will love me with that life."
This manhwa deserves more attention. The art, the story, the pacing and the characters!! I don't even remember how many times I've cried so much over this. 🥲 my heart has been broken so many times I think that reading this just permanently made it clear I'll never be able to recover from it 🥲
I loved the characters so much I feel like something breaks in me whenever I see them struggle or fight for their country. Their loyalty and love (esp Uihyeon's!) for Joseon goes beyond any kind of love we know and it's just so beautiful and painful at the same time.
I wish more people would read this gem, every chapter just connects to the last in a way that you'd want to keep on reading (despite not wanting it to end and having some of ur fav characters not die) 🥲 sigh.
"If my breath was able to retain your life... I hope you will love me with that life."
This manhwa deserves more attention. The art, the story, the pacing and the characters!! I don't even remember how many times I've cried so much over this. 🥲 my heart has been broken so many times I think that reading this just permanently made it clear I'll never be able to recover from it 🥲
I loved the characters so much I feel like something breaks in me whenever I see them struggle or fight for their country. Their loyalty and love (esp Uihyeon's!) for Joseon goes beyond any kind of love we know and it's just so beautiful and painful at the same time.
I wish more people would read this gem, every chapter just connects to the last in a way that you'd want to keep on reading (despite not wanting it to end and having some of ur fav characters not die) 🥲 sigh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2025
Ao mesmo tempo em que é uma história belíssima, é muito trágica; talvez isso a faça ser bela. A autora fez um excelente trabalho com a escrita de cada personagem, que pareceram reais para mim, e descreveu perfeitamente os efeitos da dominação japonesa na sociedade coreana da época.
Ela mostrou que nenhum personagem pode ser definido com apenas um adjetivo; ou definido em apenas bom ou ruim, todos foram vítimas da violência e apenas desejavam libertar seu país.
É trágico saber que uma história como essa foi baseada em eventos reais (não os personagens, obviamente, mas falando da sociedade coreana da época). Espero que esta história possa ser mais reconhecida, pois não só cita os fatos históricos com excelência, como cria conexões com a história da pequena sereia, que deixa a história ainda mais especial.
Ela mostrou que nenhum personagem pode ser definido com apenas um adjetivo; ou definido em apenas bom ou ruim, todos foram vítimas da violência e apenas desejavam libertar seu país.
É trágico saber que uma história como essa foi baseada em eventos reais (não os personagens, obviamente, mas falando da sociedade coreana da época). Espero que esta história possa ser mais reconhecida, pois não só cita os fatos históricos com excelência, como cria conexões com a história da pequena sereia, que deixa a história ainda mais especial.
July 31, 2025
There is little media marketed in the west that really captures the tragedy of Korea’s history beyond the cursory. I appreciated the way this story approached the subject. Violence is not glorified, but it is not condemned. Its consequences are felt deeply.
This is such a smart adaptation of The Little Mermaid. Sua exists in a society and time where Korean people are unheard. Women are unheard. The lower class is unheard. The disabled are unheard. And yet, her voice is taken because what she could say is of consequence. No one targets something that is meaningless. To me, she represents the Korean people who felt unheard through words, whose language and culture was taken, whose autonomy was in limbo between foreign interests for so much of its history.
This is such a smart adaptation of The Little Mermaid. Sua exists in a society and time where Korean people are unheard. Women are unheard. The lower class is unheard. The disabled are unheard. And yet, her voice is taken because what she could say is of consequence. No one targets something that is meaningless. To me, she represents the Korean people who felt unheard through words, whose language and culture was taken, whose autonomy was in limbo between foreign interests for so much of its history.
December 3, 2025
This was one of the best things I have ever read and not just in the manwha/manga/comic category. The story and the characters were very well thought out and very complex. The heroes you were routing for, were committing horrible acts and you would still understand them. Almost all of the characters were rather gray when it comes to their morality. In this final volume, we see the story coming to a conclusion in a truly heartbreaking way. Yeongyeong determination to her cause till the very end, Haesu's and Uihyeon's endless love for their country and Suah's braveness are all life-lessons in their own (and they are not the only ones). The story and the emotions it embodies is so raw - it truly touches the reader's soul. It's one of those stories I don't think I will ever forget.
October 7, 2022
A 1000 stars if I could!! The most devastating and heartachingly beautiful story you will ever read in Manhwa format. The fact that it is a Little Mermaid (Andersen) retelling should tell you enough.
The art is so beautiful, the story is so brilliantly written, her characters feel so unique and real and their relationships and motivations keep you reading on even when you think your little heart cannot take it any longer. Na Yoonhee did an amazing job with this. The hardships of freedom fighters during the Japanese occupation of Korea is so aptly portrayed.
I highly recommend reading this. The official English translation is on Webtoon. I hope it is released as physical volumes soon!
The art is so beautiful, the story is so brilliantly written, her characters feel so unique and real and their relationships and motivations keep you reading on even when you think your little heart cannot take it any longer. Na Yoonhee did an amazing job with this. The hardships of freedom fighters during the Japanese occupation of Korea is so aptly portrayed.
I highly recommend reading this. The official English translation is on Webtoon. I hope it is released as physical volumes soon!
June 6, 2023
“If my breath was able to retain your life, I hope you will love me with that life.”
words can never suffice the amount of emotions i felt as i read this masterpiece of a webtoon because a single glance of any of the characters in any form of social media will eventually make me feel so down—yes it is that tragic—yet it was the most beautiful war-driven, true to life story (events) i have read yet; war stories will always have the most depressing yet most beautifully-written stories for me, and i will have a soft spot for these every single time i encounter one ):
[this was worth my time despite losing so much of my sanity for this HAHA]
i will never recover from this ever
words can never suffice the amount of emotions i felt as i read this masterpiece of a webtoon because a single glance of any of the characters in any form of social media will eventually make me feel so down—yes it is that tragic—yet it was the most beautiful war-driven, true to life story (events) i have read yet; war stories will always have the most depressing yet most beautifully-written stories for me, and i will have a soft spot for these every single time i encounter one ):
[this was worth my time despite losing so much of my sanity for this HAHA]
i will never recover from this ever
July 18, 2024
i’m not one for writing reviews but this is hands down the best manhwa i have read. I started reading this on webtoon around 5am and i finished at 3pm (i haven’t slept) this manhwa had me so hooked. i couldn’t stop pressing next. The story telling is phenomenal, character development is so amazing, art style is pleasing to the eye, everything about this manhwa is a 10/10. I have no complaints whatsoever.
I can already see myself randomly thinking about this manhwa and feeling depressed about it. When i realised i finished it i felt so empty and annoyed at myself for binging.
I will forever glaze this manhwa because it deserves it.
I can already see myself randomly thinking about this manhwa and feeling depressed about it. When i realised i finished it i felt so empty and annoyed at myself for binging.
I will forever glaze this manhwa because it deserves it.
February 6, 2023
This piece is incredible. People should read it. The story is so good and it has a lovely art style. I love how it gave us an overview of all characters not only the main character. I didn't like any particular character, but I liked all of them together. The story has so many emotions that succeeded in reaching my heart. I couldn’t guess anything as I usually do.
I do highly recommend it, but it’s a heartbreaking story.
I still have 30 episodes to finish it so I don’t know the end. I hope it is a happy ending.
I do highly recommend it, but it’s a heartbreaking story.
I still have 30 episodes to finish it so I don’t know the end. I hope it is a happy ending.
March 10, 2023
I can’t believe I already finished this…
From the beginning until the very end, it was an amazing story with beautiful art and irreplaceable characters.
I don’t know how the author was able to make me hate a character and then love that same character episodes later. This webtoon/manhwa contains so many well-written characters with different flaws and issues that you cannot help but sympathise with and love. This is definitely one of the best stories I have ever read.
p.s I MISS HAESU AND SUAAA💔💔💔
From the beginning until the very end, it was an amazing story with beautiful art and irreplaceable characters.
I don’t know how the author was able to make me hate a character and then love that same character episodes later. This webtoon/manhwa contains so many well-written characters with different flaws and issues that you cannot help but sympathise with and love. This is definitely one of the best stories I have ever read.
p.s I MISS HAESU AND SUAAA💔💔💔
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2023
Well, it's 5 a.m and I can't stop crying.
It's was a masterpiece! A piece of art that should be read at least once in your life .
Thos era of Korean history can shatter my heart into pieces everytime I know a new story of it . And the author has done a great job with every line of it .
The art? I AM SPEECHLESS! it's was like no-thing I have ever read before, unique and cinematic!
I can't say how much this story crave a mark on my heart. It's worth of every second.
It's was a masterpiece! A piece of art that should be read at least once in your life .
Thos era of Korean history can shatter my heart into pieces everytime I know a new story of it . And the author has done a great job with every line of it .
The art? I AM SPEECHLESS! it's was like no-thing I have ever read before, unique and cinematic!
I can't say how much this story crave a mark on my heart. It's worth of every second.
August 3, 2023
okay what if i cry and piss and throw up what then?
i found out that these korean graphic novels were on goodreads so here i am to write a review.
at which cost did i have to read these emotionally damaging books for?
i just dont know. the build up was good, characters are great and all... but the ending was just so... abrupt? discouraging? unfortunate? depressing? emotionally distressing?
like come on... at least let the main characters stay alive or smth
૮(꒦ິཅ꒦ິ)ა૮(꒦ິཅ꒦ິ)ა
i found out that these korean graphic novels were on goodreads so here i am to write a review.
at which cost did i have to read these emotionally damaging books for?
i just dont know. the build up was good, characters are great and all... but the ending was just so... abrupt? discouraging? unfortunate? depressing? emotionally distressing?
like come on... at least let the main characters stay alive or smth
૮(꒦ິཅ꒦ິ)ა૮(꒦ິཅ꒦ິ)ა
December 18, 2023
Absolutely brilliant re-telling of the little mermaid and absolutely brutal 😭😭 still crying while writing this cause what the fuck 😭😭 the prose, the characters, THE ART, the dialogue, the monologue, every single scene and how it was framed, how satisfying concepts were tied together at the end. Stunning character development, so tragically human and so tragically loveable. Lovable. Some stories you don't forget easily, this is one of em.
January 31, 2026
A story about love, lost, the fight for freedom, and great sacrifice under brutal Japanese occupation. This was such an incredible story I’m just so happy I read it. It definitely taught me a lot about the fight against Japanese occupation and the incidents that occurred in the story were real and lead me to do more research.
I went Into this story semi blind. I saw it in a tiktok slide and decided to pick it up. And omg how tiktok has grossly misrepresented the story😭 this is so so much more deep and impactful than just another romance.
10/10✨ will be picking up authors other stories💕
I went Into this story semi blind. I saw it in a tiktok slide and decided to pick it up. And omg how tiktok has grossly misrepresented the story😭 this is so so much more deep and impactful than just another romance.
10/10✨ will be picking up authors other stories💕
October 20, 2022
ngl my heart broke after finishing this and the ending was so bittersweet. the plot was so well-thought out, the historical background was explained super well, the illustration was absolutely beautiful, and the characters' personalities were so thoughtfully expressed throughout the whole story. it was truly an emotional rollercoaster reading this manhwa
January 12, 2025
Toute la série est absolument magnifique. Le dessin à la ligne claire et au teintes délicates est sublime et contraste avec la dureté de la vie des coréens à l’époque.
Le récit est très nuancé et montre toutes sortes de réponses émotionnelles et comportementales à l’occupation et à l’oppression. Na Yoon-hee a un talent rare pour montrer que rien n’est vraiment tout noir ou tout blanc.
Le récit est très nuancé et montre toutes sortes de réponses émotionnelles et comportementales à l’occupation et à l’oppression. Na Yoon-hee a un talent rare pour montrer que rien n’est vraiment tout noir ou tout blanc.
May 5, 2022
*SCREAMS IN AGONY* ... this is truly painful :(.
One of the most emotionally damaging manhwas I've ever read...the plot! the UNIQUE characters with horrifying backstories ....they way they all fought to protect their land .....and most Importantly su-a's sacrifice....I'M TRULY IN LOVE 🌹🥲.
One of the most emotionally damaging manhwas I've ever read...the plot! the UNIQUE characters with horrifying backstories ....they way they all fought to protect their land .....and most Importantly su-a's sacrifice....I'M TRULY IN LOVE 🌹🥲.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2022
I read the whole story on webtoons, this review will include previous chapters. The art is beautiful and the use of the little mermaid as an allegory for the war between Korea and Japan was fascinating.
This story definitely piqued my interest about this time in history.
This story definitely piqued my interest about this time in history.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2023
No…. This ending 😭😭 I knew what was the possibilities yet I wasn’t prepared for it! My precious Su-a and Uihyeon! It was such a well written Manhwa. It had everything- historical bit, drama, unrequited love.. I just wish romance was a bit more too. But wow 🥹 so many sacrifices.
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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews