Actor Heo Nam Jun, who recently rose to prominence through SBS drama My Royal Nemesis, is once again capturing public attention as behind-the-scenes photos from his upcoming project Whale Star: The Gyeongseong Mermaid spread rapidly across social media.
On June 14, eyewitness accounts and photos of Heo Nam Jun filming Whale Star: The Gyeongseong Mermaid began circulating widely across SNS platforms and online communities. What immediately caught fans’ attention was the actor’s dramatic transformation trading in his signature short hairstyle for a bold long-haired look.
Currently starring as the male lead in SBS’s My Royal Nemesis, where he has earned praise as a rising “rom-com king,” Heo Nam Jun has officially confirmed his next project as tvN’s Whale Star: The Gyeongseong Mermaid. Based on the popular webtoon of the same name, the drama is currently in production and is expected to air in the first half of next year. Actors Moon Ga Young and Choi Woo Shik have been cast in leading roles, while Heo Nam Jun and Gong Seung Yeon are reportedly joining as key characters.
Whale Star: The Gyeongseong Mermaid is a romance drama set during Korea’s Japanese colonial era and takes inspiration from Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale The Little Mermaid. In the series, Heo Nam Jun is expected to portray a character who becomes the reason Su Ah, played by Moon Ga Young, loses her voice. His role reportedly corresponds to the “witch” figure in the original story. While fans of the original webtoon initially had mixed reactions to the casting news, many have expressed optimism regarding Heo Nam Jun’s resemblance to the character and his compatibility with the role.
Known for his short hair and intense charisma in previous projects, Heo Nam Jun has often showcased a strong and commanding image on screen. With Whale Star: The Gyeongseong Mermaid, however, the actor is expected to reveal a completely different side through his long-haired styling and more mysterious character, sparking growing anticipation even before the drama’s premiere.
A graduate of Sungkyunkwan University with a major in acting, Heo Nam Jun made his debut in the 2019 film Like The First. He later gained attention in ENA’s Your Honor in 2024 for his role as Kim Myung Min’s son. Last year, he further boosted his visibility through JTBC’s A Hundred Memories and an appearance in IU’s music video. Now, with My Royal Nemesis currently airing, Heo Nam Jun continues to establish himself as one of Korea’s most promising leading actors.
Sources: Daum
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