The Legend of the Blue Sea

A mermaid from Joseon times is swept into modern-day Seoul and has to make sense of a world she never imagined. She encounters a smooth-talking con artist whose schemes and past connections may link him to someone important from her earlier life. As she adapts to modern customs and technology, the pair form an uneasy, often tender relationship that mixes lighthearted moments with a persistent mystery about identity and memory. Each episode often peels back pieces of their histories while new complications arise from the mermaid's needs and the swindles that threaten to pull the con artist back into danger. No major twists or endings are revealed here.

Released in 2016, the series was directed by Jin Hyuk and created by Park Ji-eun and Kang Sook. It stars Gianna Jun as the mermaid and Lee Min-ho as the swindler, supported by Shin Hye-sun and others, and was widely promoted.

The show received recognition at South Korean television award ceremonies, earning praise for its lead performances and production design. Specific wins and nominations varied, but critics and audiences alike highlighted the chemistry between the leads and the series' technical polish, especially its cinematography and costume work.

Thanks to its star pairing and the blend of fantasy and romantic comedy, the series became a frequent topic among international K-drama fans. Iconic scenes, the mermaid motif, and the leads' pairing helped it spark global fan art, social media discussion, and renewed interest in modern retellings of folklore.

On viewer sites the series averages about 7.4 out of 10, reflecting generally favorable but mixed reviews. Commentators pointed to strong visual design, a playful tone, and central themes of identity, memory, and fate, while noting occasional shifts in pacing and tonal balance between comedy and drama, and viewers praised the chemistry.