Why ‘The Legend of the Blue Sea’ Is the Must-Watch K-Drama Series on Hulu

If you’re hunting for the perfect K-Drama series on Hulu, look no further than The Legend of the Blue Sea.

This 2016 sensation adapts an age-old Korean fairy tale—about a mermaid who falls for a human—and modernizes it with a two-part storyline that hops from Joseon-era intrigue to present-day capers.

With a superstar pairing, a fresh fantasy twist, and just the right dash of humor, it remains an underrated gem awaiting discovery in Hulu’s growing K-drama library.

1. A Dual Narrative That Brings History and Modernity Together

The Legend of the Blue Sea unfolds in two timelines:

Joseon Dynasty: Nobleman Kim Dam-ryeong (Lee Min-ho) rescues mermaid Se-hwa (Jun Ji-hyun) from a magical trap.
Present Day: Con artist Heo Joon-jae, Dam-ryeong’s reincarnation, and tech consultant Shim Cheong, Se-hwa reborn, cross paths in modern Seoul.

This structure lets the series explore classic K-drama themes—star-crossed love, fate, and sacrifice—while keeping viewers hooked with comedic “fish-out-of-water” antics when our mermaid adapts to life on land.

2. Mermaid Meets Man: A Tale as Old as Time

At the heart of The Legend of the Blue Sea is the eternal romance:

“When first I saw your face under the moonlight, I knew I would follow you across any ocean.”

In the past, Dam-ryeong risks everything to protect Se-hwa from royal treachery. In the present, Joon-jae’s dreams of Se-hwa propel him to dig up clues—a time capsule—that unearths their doomed history. “You and I are bound by fate…and perhaps by a love that even death cannot sever,” the show hints, blending tragedy and hope.

3. Jun Ji-hyun & Lee Min-ho: Chemistry That Transcends Eras

The series thrives on its leads’ magnetic rapport. As Se-hwa, Jun Ji-hyun balances ethereal grace with uproarious fish-out-of-water charm. Lee Min-ho, meanwhile, flexes his signature charisma:

Why ‘The Legend of the Blue Sea’ Is the Must-Watch K-Drama Series on Hulu

“Even as a con artist, my heart races when I see you,” he quips in the modern timeline, demonstrating that his chemistry with Jun crackles across centuries.

Their performances anchor the show’s tonal shifts, ensuring that both heartbreaking sacrifices and lighthearted hijinks land with equal impact.

4. Fantasy Romance with a Twist

While mermaid lore and reincarnation might sound familiar, The Legend of the Blue Sea stands out for its blend of genres:

Period Drama: Intrigue and swordplay in Joseon’s royal court.
Romantic Comedy: Modern-day misadventures—wading through sewers, handling smartphones.
Mystery/Thriller: Uncovering the shadowy forces that hunt Se-hwa across both eras.

By interweaving these elements, the show avoids feeling like a mere retread of Splash or The Little Mermaid. Instead, it forges a unique narrative that appeals to K-drama veterans and newcomers alike.

5. Why First-Time K-Drama Viewers Will Love It

If you’ve never dived into a Korean drama, The Legend of the Blue Sea offers:

High-Stakes Romance: Star-crossed love that spans lifetimes.
Fish-Out-of-Water Humor: Mermaid antics that double as social satire.
Supernatural Allure: Magic meets high-tech gadgets in seamless fusion.
Cultural Flavor: A peek into Joseon etiquette and modern Seoul’s hustle.

Whether you’re drawn to epic love stories or lighthearted comedy, this K-Drama series on Hulu delivers on all fronts.

6. Underrated Yet Accessible on Hulu

Premiering just as K-dramas began conquering global streaming, The Legend of the Blue Sea flew under many international radars. “With its seamless blending of genres, it’s easy to see why the show has become such a hit with both local and international audiences,” notes one fan review. Thanks to Hulu’s robust K-drama catalog, catching up is as simple as adding it to your queue.

7. How to Stream It Now

Search “The Legend of the Blue Sea” under Hulu’s “K-Drama” category.
Add to Watchlist so you don’t miss updates on subtitles and dubbed options.
Set the Mood: Grab snacks—seafood (or vegan alternatives!) might be thematically fun.