Gorae Byul - The Gyeongseong Mermaid

Gorae Byul: The Gyeongseong Mermaid, created by Na Yoonhee, began its serialization on Naver Webtoon in 2018. The narrative is set during the 1926 colonial period in Gyeongseong, modern-day Seoul, and serves as a poignant reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid. By weaving historical trauma, political resistance, and the struggle for independence under Japanese colonial rule into the structure of a fairy tale, the author crafted a story that examines the ethical dilemmas faced by those living under occupation.

Na Yoonhee is widely recognized for her meticulous research into the period, which is reflected in the webtoon's detailed period-accurate clothing, architecture, and sociocultural depictions. The work was received with significant critical acclaim, particularly for its somber tone and complex character development. It is often cited as a standout title in the webtoon medium for its ability to balance the aesthetics of a romance drama with the sobering realities of Korea’s fight for liberation.