Explore the Mirror of the Witch Cast, a mystical historical K-drama starring Kim Sae-ron and Yoon Shi-yoon. Discover the talented actors behind this dark fantasy tale set in the Joseon dynasty, blending magic, fate, and forbidden love.
Table of Contents
Introduction

Mirror of the Witch is a 2016 South Korean historical fantasy drama that weaves together magic, destiny, and forbidden love. Set in the Joseon dynasty, the story follows a cursed princess born under dark sorcery and a royal physician who risks everything to save her.Led by Kim Sae-ron and Yoon Shi-yoon, the cast delivers emotionally compelling performances that bring this enchanting tale to life.
Mirror of the Witch Cast
Kim Sae-ron as Princess Seo-ri / Yeon-hee
Kim Sae-ron takes on the role of Yeon-hee, a princess cursed at birth and hidden away due to black magic. As she grows up, she searches for a way to break the curse and reclaim her rightful identity.This role highlighted her transition from child actress (The Man From Nowhere) to a powerful lead in a historical fantasy drama.
Yoon Shi-yoon as Heo Jun
Yoon Shi-yoon plays Heo Jun, a compassionate and brilliant royal physician who becomes Yeon-hee’s protector and partner in her journey. Based on the real-life historical figure Heo Jun, his character blends intelligence, empathy, and bravery. Yoon Shi-yoon, known for his roles in Baker King Kim Tak Goo and Hit the Top, brings warmth and heroic charm to this pivotal role, anchoring the drama’s emotional core.
Supporting Cast
Yeom Jung-ah as Queen Sim
Queen Sim is Yeon-hee’s mother, who desperately seeks a child and turns to black magic, unknowingly cursing her daughter. Yeom Jung-ah delivers a powerful and tragic performance, portraying a mother torn between love and regret.
Kwak Si-yang as Poong-yeon
Poong-yeon is Yeon-hee’s childhood friend who grows into a skilled and noble swordsman. Deeply loyal and secretly in love with her, he becomes conflicted when her curse brings danger to the kingdom. Kwak Si-yang brings intensity and inner conflict to the role.
Lee Sung-jae as Choi Hyun-seo
Choi Hyun-seo is a wise and kind shaman who becomes a father figure to Yeon-hee. He tries to protect her from the curse’s growing power. Lee Sung-jae’s portrayal is calm and commanding, giving the drama a spiritual grounding.
Yum Ji-yin as Hong-joo
A dark and powerful sorceress, Hong-joo is the main antagonist responsible for much of the chaos surrounding Yeon-hee’s curse. Yum Ji-yin’s chilling performance brings menace and mystique, making Hong-joo a formidable villain.
Jang Hee-jin as Queen Dowager
As a politically cunning figure in the palace, the Queen Dowager adds to the tension and power struggles that threaten Yeon-hee. Jang Hee-jin delivers poise and sharp intellect in her performance.
Conclusion
Mirror of the Witch is a captivating blend of fantasy, folklore, and historical drama, made unforgettable by its richly layered characters and powerful performances. Kim Sae-ron and Yoon Shi-yoon lead the series with emotional intensity, supported by a talented ensemble that deepens the story’s mystery and magic. The supporting cast adds nuance, from heart-wrenching familial bonds to chilling villainy, elevating the show’s dramatic impact. With its haunting atmosphere and compelling storytelling, Mirror of the Witch stands out as a unique and mesmerizing entry in the world of Korean historical dramas.
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FAQs
How old was Kim Sae-ron during the filming of the drama?
Kim Sae-ron was around 15–16 years old when filming Mirror of the Witch, impressing viewers with her mature and emotionally complex performance.
Who portrays Heo Jun in the series?
Yoon Shi-yoon stars as Heo Jun, a compassionate royal physician and the male lead who helps Yeon-hee in her quest to lift the curse.
Who plays Poong-yeon, Yeon-hee’s childhood friend?
Kwak Si-yang portrays Poong-yeon, a nobleman torn between love and duty as he faces the curse threatening Yeon-hee and the kingdom.
Who is the actress behind Queen Sim?
Yeom Jung-ah plays Queen Sim, Yeon-hee’s mother, whose desperate wish for a child leads her to make a dangerous deal with dark magic.
Is Mirror of the Witch the first sageuk (historical drama) for any of the lead cast?
Yes, for both Kim Sae-ron and Yoon Shi-yoon, Mirror of the Witch marked one of their first major ventures into the historical fantasy genre, earning them recognition for their strong performances.
Who plays the wise shaman Choi Hyun-seo?
Lee Sung-jae portrays Choi Hyun-seo, a powerful and kind-hearted shaman who becomes Yeon-hee’s protector and mentor.
Did Kim Sae-ron and Yoon Shi-yoon have good on-screen chemistry?
Yes, despite their age difference, their chemistry was praised for its emotional depth and the tenderness in their evolving relationship.
Is Yum Ji-yin known for playing villainous roles?
Yum Ji-yin is a versatile actress, but her performance as the dark shaman Hong-joo is one of her most memorable villain roles, earning her critical acclaim.
Are any of the supporting cast members K-pop idols?
No main or supporting cast members in Mirror of the Witch were active K-pop idols at the time, though several have crossover appeal in Korean entertainment through dramas and variety shows.