The Bride of Habaek is a 2017 South Korean fantasy romance television series based on the manhwa Bride of the Water God by Yoon Mi-Kyung. Aired on TVN from July 3 to August 22, 2017, the series stars Nam Joo-hyuk as Ha-baek, the god of water, and Shin Se-kyung as Yoon So-ah, a neuropsychiatrist bound by her family’s ancient duty to serve him.
Ha-baek descends to Earth to retrieve sacred stones necessary for his ascension to the throne of the Divine Realm. He enlists So-ah’s help, unaware that she is destined to be his bride. The series explores themes of love, destiny, and the clash between divine responsibilities and human emotions.
Release Date and Broadcast Information
The Bride of Habaek premiered on July 3, 2017, and aired its final episode on August 22, 2017. It was broadcast on the South Korean cable network TVN and ran for 16 episodes, with each episode lasting around 70 minutes. The show aired on Mondays and Tuesdays at 10:55 PM KST, offering viewers a mix of fantasy, romance, and drama each week.
Main Cast and Characters
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Nam Joo-hyuk plays Ha-Baek, the Water God from the Divine Realm. Ha-baek descends to Earth on a mission to find sacred stones that will enable him to claim his throne. He’s strong, charismatic, and somewhat aloof, struggling with his responsibilities as a god.
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Shin Se-kyung stars as Yoon So-ah, a neuropsychiatrist who comes from a family with a long history of serving the gods. Initially, she is skeptical of Ha-baek’s divine nature, but she is drawn into his quest due to her family’s ties to him.
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Lim Ju-hwan portrays Shin Hu-ye, a demi-god and CEO of a resort. Hu-ye becomes So-ah’s rival but also a potential romantic interest as the series progresses.
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Krystal Jung plays Mu-ra, the Water Goddess and a close companion of Ha-baek. She has strong feelings for him, which complicates her relationship with So-ah.
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Gong Myung plays Bi-room, the Wind God, whose mischievous nature adds humor and unpredictability to the story. His interactions with Mu-ra and So-ah form an interesting subplot.
Plot and Storyline
The Bride of Habaek follows HHa-Baek, the Water God, who descends to Earth on a mission to find sacred stones that will help him claim the throne in the Divine Realm. He enlists the help of Yoon So-ah, a human neuropsychiatrist whose family has served the gods for generations. Despite her initial disbelief, So-ah is reluctantly drawn into helping him with his quest.
As they navigate the challenges of the mortal world, they encounter rival gods, power struggles, and hidden secrets about their past lives. So-ah’s growing feelings for HHa-Baek become complicated as she begins to question her duty to the gods and her desires.
The storyline blends fantasy with modern-day settings, exploring themes of love, destiny, and the struggle between divine duty and personal happiness. Ha-Baek and So-ah’s relationship faces numerous hurdles as they try to balance their worlds, and the arrival of new characters, such as Shin Hu-ye and Mu-ra, further complicates their journey.
Themes and Genre
The Bride of Habaek is primarily a fantasy drama with strong elements of romance and comedy. It tackles several key themes:
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Destiny and Free Will: The series explores the tension between the characters’ duties to the gods and their desires, raising questions about fate and choice.
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Love Across Realms: At its core, the show is about love that transcends the boundaries between the divine and the mortal world. Ha-Baek and So-ah must navigate the difficulties of their passion while balancing their respective responsibilities.
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Divine vs. Mortal Realms: The relationship between gods and humans is central to the plot. The gods must live and interact with humans despite their superior status, which causes tension and conflict.
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Sacrifice and Duty: The characters must constantly weigh their love and personal lives against the expectations placed on them by divine forces and family legacies.
Production Quality and Direction
The Bride of Habaek was directed by Kim Byung-soo and written by Jung Yoon-jung. The production quality is notable for its visually captivating depiction of the divine realms, particularly the scenes involving the gods’ supernatural powers and their interactions with the human world.
The show combines beautiful cinematography with modern and fantasy elements, creating an engaging atmosphere that balances the otherworldly with the mundane. The costume design reflects the divine nature of the characters, helping to visually distinguish the gods from the humans.
While the supernatural aspects are brought to life with solid visual effects, the emotional depth of the characters and their relationships is also emphasized. The drama maintains a strong focus on personal growth and romance.
Reception and Impact
Upon its release, The Bride of Habaek generated a lot of attention due to its intriguing premise and star-studded cast. However, it received mixed reviews. While some viewers appreciated the unique blend of fantasy and romance, others criticized the pacing and character development, especially in the later episodes.
Despite the mixed reception, the drama still gained a dedicated following, with fans praising the chemistry between the leads, particularly the pairing of Nam Joo-hyuk and Shin Se-kyung. The show also drew attention for its portrayal of gods and the exploration of mythology in a modern setting, though some felt that the series did not fully live up to its potential in terms of world-building.
Where to Watch
The Bride of Habaek is available to stream on various platforms that carry Korean dramas. Availability may vary based on your region, but it can typically be found on services that specialize in international and Asian content. If you’re interested in watching the drama, be sure to check your local streaming platforms for availability.
Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Bride of Habaek released?
The series aired from July 3 to August 22, 2017.
Where can I watch it?
The drama can be streamed on platforms like Viki.
Who are the prominent cast members?
Nam Joo-hyuk and Shin Se-kyung lead the cast.
What is the genre of the series?
It is a fantasy romance drama.
How many episodes are there?
The series consists of 16 episodes.
Is it based on a webtoon?
Yes, it’s adapted from the manhwa Bride of the Water God.
What is the central plot?
Ha-baek, a water god, descends to Earth to retrieve sacred stones with So-ah’s help.
Was the series well-received?
It received mixed reviews, with some praising the performances and visual effects.
Is there a sequel?
No, there is no official sequel to the series.
What makes this drama unique?
Its blend of fantasy elements with romantic storytelling sets it apart.
Conclusion
The Bride of Habaek offers a captivating mix of fantasy and romance, bringing to life a world where gods walk among humans. The chemistry between the leads and the intriguing storyline keeps viewers engaged throughout. While it may not have achieved the same level of acclaim as some other K-dramas, it remains a notable entry in the genre. For fans of supernatural romance, this series provides an enjoyable escape into a world of divine intrigue and heartfelt emotions.