| Native Title | 푸른 바다의 전설 |
| Also Know as | Remember the Blue Sea, Pooreun Badaui Junsul, Pureun Badaeui Jeonseol |
| Director | Jin Hyeok |
| Writer | Park Ji Eun |
| Distributor | SBS |
| Air Time | Wednesday & Thursday 22:00-23:10 |
| Content Rating | 15+ - Teens 15 or older |
| Runtime | 20 + special episode |
| Genre | Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Supernatural, Romance |
| Language | Korean |
| Country | South Korea |
| Release Date | 2016-11-16 |
| End Date | 2017-01-25 |
“The Legend of the Blue Sea” (Korean: 푸른 바다의 전설) is a 2016–2017 South Korean fantasy romance drama starring Jun Ji-hyun and Lee Min-ho. Written by Park Ji-eun – celebrated for “My Love from the Star” and later “Crash Landing on You” – and directed by Jin Hyuk, the series aired on SBS from November 16, 2016, to January 25, 2017, for 20 episodes plus a special.
The drama blends romance, fantasy, and humor with Korean folklore, weaving together a historical tale and a modern love story.
The series alternates between the Joseon era and the present day:
As their lives intertwine across time, old memories resurface, revealing how destiny binds their love beyond centuries.
Inspired by a Joseon-era legend about mermaids.
Explores reincarnation and eternal love.
Balances lighthearted moments with poignant sacrifice and fate.
Includes underwater cinematography, European backdrops, and lavish Joseon settings.
The drama achieved high viewership ratings in Korea and dominated international streaming charts, especially in China and Southeast Asia. Critics praised the chemistry of Jun Ji-hyun and Lee Min-ho, the production value, and the blend of fantasy with romance. While some noted mid-series pacing issues, it remained one of the most commercially successful K-dramas of its time.
Jun Ji-hyun earned the Grand Prize (Daesang) at the 2016 SBS Drama Awards for her performance, highlighting her status as a leading star in Korean television.
Based on an entry in the Joseon-era collection “Eou Yadam”, which recorded the capture of a mermaid by fishermen.
This drama was Lee Min-ho’s last project before military enlistment, and marked Jun Ji-hyun’s return after her massive hit “My Love from the Star”.
Jun Ji-hyun performed many underwater scenes herself, aided by custom mermaid tails and advanced CGI.
OST highlights include:
Multiple wins at the 2016 SBS Drama Awards, including the Daesang for Jun Ji-hyun.
Cemented its status as a Hallyu hit, boosting tourism in filming locations abroad.
“The Legend of the Blue Sea” remains a standout fantasy-romance drama, remembered for its breathtaking visuals, strong performances, and the captivating pairing of Jun Ji-hyun and Lee Min-ho. By fusing folklore with modern storytelling, it continues to hold a special place among global K-drama fans.
The series is available for streaming on Hulu, which offers the full season (20 episodes plus special) as part of its subscription catalog.
You can also watch it on Rakuten Viki, including both paid and subsidized ad-supported viewing options. The platform provides subtitles in a wide variety of languages.
The drama is listed on Netflix, though availability might vary by region. If you're in a region where Netflix carries it, you can stream all episodes there
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