The Bride of Habaek Cast Featuring Nam Joo-hyuk, Shin Se-kyung, Krystal Jung, Lim Ju-hwan, and Gong Myung, the series brings gods and humans together in a modern tale of love and destiny.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Bride of Habaek (2017), also known internationally as Bride of the Water God, is a South Korean television drama that blends fantasy, romance, and mythology in a captivating modern-day narrative. Based loosely on the popular manhwa of the same name, the series reimagines divine beings living among humans, weaving a tale of destiny, lost powers, and an unlikely romance between a god and a mortal.
At the heart of the story is Ha-baek, the aloof and charming Water God, who descends to Earth on a mission to reclaim sacred stones that will secure his throne in the Divine Realm. His journey is complicated by the loss of his powers and his fated encounter with Yoon So-ah, a skeptical and debt-ridden psychiatrist who is unwittingly tied to his destiny.
The series boasts a visually stunning and emotionally engaging portrayal of its characters, brought to life by a stellar ensemble cast. Leading the drama is Nam Joo-hyuk, whose portrayal of the divine Ha-baek balances arrogance with vulnerability. Opposite him, Shin Se-kyung delivers a grounded and heartfelt performance as Yoon So-ah, a woman struggling with personal demons and an unexpected divine romance. Supporting roles played by Lim Ju-hwan, Krystal Jung, and Gong Myung add depth, tension, and charisma to the storyline, representing gods with complex emotions and backstories of their own.
The Bride of Habaek Cast
Nam Joo-hyuk as Ha-baek
Nam Joo-hyuk takes on the role of Ha-baek, the powerful yet prideful Water God and the rightful heir to the throne of the Divine Realm. Though born of divine lineage, Ha-baek’s arrogance and inexperience with the human world become obstacles as he descends to Earth on a quest to retrieve sacred stones that are key to his ascension. However, upon arrival, he mysteriously loses his powers, forcing him to rely on the help of a mortal. Nam Joo-hyuk brings a mix of regality, humor, and vulnerability to the role, making Ha-baek both divine and endearingly human.
Shin Se-kyung as Yoon So-ah
Shin Se-kyung portrays Yoon So-ah, a pragmatic and emotionally distant psychiatrist who is burdened by a mountain of debt and a family curse tied to the Water God himself. Despite her disbelief in anything supernatural, she finds herself drawn into Ha-baek’s divine mission and becomes his destined servant on Earth. As the story unfolds, her own painful past surfaces, revealing layers of emotional trauma and resilience. Shin Se-kyung’s performance grounds the fantasy story with realism and heart.
Lim Ju-hwan as Shin Hoo-ye
Lim Ju-hwan plays Shin Hoo-ye, the CEO of a luxury resort and a demi-god with a mysterious past. Calm, kind, and charismatic on the surface, Hoo-ye hides deep inner conflict and power he struggles to control. He forms a complex emotional connection with So-ah and becomes both a romantic rival and a tragic figure in the unfolding drama. Lim Ju-hwan’s nuanced performance adds depth and tension to the plot, portraying Hoo-ye’s internal battle between light and darkness.
Krystal Jung as Mu-ra (Hye-ra)
Krystal Jung transforms into Mu-ra, the Goddess of Water, who has lived on Earth for centuries as a glamorous and successful actress under the name Hye-ra. She harbors unrequited love for Ha-baek and views So-ah as an unworthy intruder in the world of gods. Mu-ra is elegant, fierce, and possessive, often walking the line between divine nobility and human jealousy. Krystal brings a cold charm and commanding presence to the role, adding tension and flair to the divine dynamics.
Gong Myung as Bi-ryeom (Ahn-bin)
Gong Myung plays Bi-ryeom, the God of the Sky, a playful and mischievous deity with a more serious, tragic past than he lets on. Despite his carefree exterior, Bi-ryeom holds grudges and emotional wounds, especially tied to Hoo-ye and the divine realm’s dark secrets. He often clashes with Mu-ra and shows subtle affection toward her. Gong Myung balances lightheartedness and intensity, making Bi-ryeom a fan favorite among viewers.
Supporting Cast
Park Kyu-sun as Nam Soo-ri
Nam Soo-ri is Ha-baek’s loyal human servant, who has served the Water God’s lineage for generations. Kind, humble, and comically awkward, Soo-ri is deeply devoted to Ha-baek and often acts as the bridge between the divine and human worlds. He provides comic relief throughout the drama, while also offering heartfelt support to both Ha-baek and So-ah. Park Kyu-sun brings warmth and sincerity to the role, making Soo-ri a lovable and grounding presence in the fantastical storyline.
Choi Woo-ri as Jo Yeon-mi
Jo Yeon-mi is So-ah’s friend and co-worker, who works at her psychiatric clinic. She is cheerful, curious, and serves as a confidante during So-ah’s confusing experiences with Ha-baek and the divine realm. Although unaware of the supernatural elements around her, Yeon-mi’s down-to-earth nature and friendly banter add charm and relatability to the human side of the story.
Bae Noo-ri as Shin Ja-ya
Shin Ja-ya is the granddaughter of Chairman Shin Dong-man, and a minor antagonist in the human world. Ambitious and entitled, she aims to claim her position within the family’s corporate empire and looks down on So-ah due to her lower social status. Her character adds tension and conflict to So-ah’s already difficult life, especially in the professional realm.
Song Won-geun as Secretary Min
Secretary Min is Shin Hoo-ye’s right-hand man, who helps manage the resort and keeps Hoo-ye’s secrets hidden. He’s calm, efficient, and always composed, but also loyal and perceptive. Though a supporting character, Secretary Min subtly reflects the growing unease around Hoo-ye’s powers and emotional turmoil.
Conclusion
The Bride of Habaek brings together a richly layered story of gods, fate, and human emotion — made all the more compelling by its talented and diverse cast. From the commanding presence of Nam Joo-hyuk as the Water God to the emotional depth delivered by Shin Se-kyung, each actor breathes life into their character, making the drama feel immersive and unforgettable.
The supporting cast adds warmth, humor, and tension, grounding the fantastical elements in relatable human experience. Whether playing celestial beings with complex histories or everyday mortals caught in divine affairs, every performance contributes to the show’s unique charm and emotional resonance.
With its blend of myth and modernity, strong performances, and character-driven storytelling, The Bride of Habaek remains a standout in the fantasy-romance genre — a testament to the strength of its ensemble cast and the world they created together.
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FAQs
Who plays the lead role of Ha-baek in The Bride of Habaek?
Nam Joo-hyuk plays Ha-baek, the Water God. This role showcased his growth as an actor and helped establish him as a leading figure in fantasy-romance dramas.
What other dramas has Nam Joo-hyuk appeared in?
Nam Joo-hyuk is known for his roles in Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo, Start-Up, Twenty-Five Twenty-One, and School 2015. He is praised for his emotional range and on-screen charisma.
Who is the actress behind Yoon So-ah?
Shin Se-kyung portrays Yoon So-ah. She is a seasoned actress with roles in historical dramas like Six Flying Dragons and Deep Rooted Tree, as well as modern series like Run On and Arthdal Chronicles 2.
Is Krystal Jung a K-pop idol?
Yes, Krystal Jung is a member of the girl group f(x). In addition to her music career, she has built a strong acting portfolio with roles in dramas such as Heirs, Prison Playbook, and Police University.
Who plays Shin Hoo-ye, and what is his role in the story?
Lim Ju-hwan plays Shin Hoo-ye, a demi-god and CEO with a tragic past. His character adds romantic and emotional complexity to the plot. Lim Ju-hwan is known for his performances in dramas like Oh My Ghost, Tamra, the Island, and The Spies Who Loved Me.
What is Gong Myung known for besides The Bride of Habaek?
Gong Myung has appeared in several popular dramas and films, including Lovers of the Red Sky, Be Melodramatic, and Extreme Job. He is also known for his natural, easygoing charm on variety shows.
Are there any cameos or special appearances in the drama?
While the main cast carries most of the storyline, there are a few minor supporting roles and flashback appearances that enhance the divine mythology. However, there were no major high-profile cameos in the series.
Did any of the cast members win awards for their performances?
While The Bride of Habaek received mixed reviews, the cast was praised for their visuals and chemistry. Nam Joo-hyuk and Krystal in particular gained attention for their charismatic portrayals. Some cast members have won awards for their roles in other dramas.