OMGOGMGOGMGOMGOGMGOMGOGMGOGMOG I LOVED BRIDE OF THE WATER GOD.... but to change the setting? QQ idk when it was announced I was so excited and just waiting for good news because the set would just be amazing and all pretty.... could imagine the beautiful dresses... but it'll be modern now? QQ...... riprip. Nam wouldnt be my first choice or even on the list tbh. .. welp

I've been waiting for news about Bride of the Water god casting for such a looooong time.
They made changes with the setting of the story, so they'll probably be making other changes too. If they're thinking of making it into a lighter youth drama vibe, then Nam Joo Hyuk would be a sensible choice, I mean he has the looks and he's a rising star. But if they still wanted to go for the heavier and more dramatic storyline, then these actors would be probably better to play Ha Baek.
Lee Soo hyuk
Kim Woo bin
Jang Geun suk
Lee Jun ki
Joo Ji hoon
and if dreams do really come true, Kang Dong Won.
I'd always picture Ha Baek to be tall, lean and willowy. And of course, divinely beautiful. His character can be cruel and hard and as a god he is arrogant and haughty. But he is also very loving to Soah. He'll be making some difficult choices as the story progresses, so the actor needs to be able to have the ability to portray his struggles. Those 6 actors I believe have mastered the art of a being a chadonam. But they can also switch within a blink of an eye and turn on the charm and adorableness like no other. I believe Lee Soo Hyuk needs to be a lead now. He's got enough experience being a second lead and Gwi proves that he can deliver more aside than just being an eye candy. Kim Woo Bin needs no more verification. I just want to see him soon in my screen. I miss Jang Geun Suk too, and I want him to have a drama that can showcase his talents and acting range. Lee Jun Ki will no doubt be stellar in it, and he's really perfect as a Korean divinity. Joo Ji Hoon's Shin from Goong reminds me so much of Ha Baek. The manhwa Shin is basically Ha Baek in modern clothes so it's pretty interesting (although far fetched) to see him play Ha Baek. Kang Dong Won have always been Ha Baek in my mind ever since I started reading BotWg.
I haven't really thought that much of who's going to play Soah, I'll probably have to start now.

Him as Habaek? Water God Habaek? Sorry, I don't see it.

I disagree, I think he's a shockingly talented fella; maybe you've just typecast him in your head as suiting nothing but babies? I really liked him in Scarlet Heart (i thought most everything in SH was pretty good, the drama overall was terrible though~ it was like a bunch of amazing things quashed together to create a beautiful disaster, the memory of which fills one with inexplicable rage).

That all being said, I think this drama is a terrible idea (WHY MODERN? LETS JUST CHANGE THE LOTR MOVIES WHILE WE'RE AT IT!), are mui and habaek going to be the two other points of the triangle? Maybe the chinese should do it first, fantasy/not modern at all~ (they're pretty good with that stuff), than anything else would just be gravy.

I love the comic, so much. I'll be watching this unfold warily, if at all(I'd probably be less apprehensive if they'd said "loosely based off of"). Personally I'm more curious about who's playing Mui~ (if he's even going to exist..)

I know this manhwa so I'm really excited how they're going to pull this off.

I read some of the manhwa a long time ago, and visually Nam Joo Hyuk is not a bad match for Habeak. Habaek (visually) is tall, has a masculine body (he's ripped), and a slightly feminine/pretty boy face. He's angsty, ethereal, otherworldly, and sexy. Soah (visually) is beautiful, tall, and thin with long black hair and mesmerizing eyes. Part of the reason the original manhwa was so captivating is because of the visuals, so that's why it would be ideal to have actors to be visual matches for the characters (to emulate the aura of the manhwa, even though it's in a modern day setting) and be great actors. Here are my picks for Habaek and Soah:

Habaek: Lee Soo Hyuk (perfect visually and acting wise), Ji Chang Wook, Lee Jun Ki, Kim Woo Bin (Wildcard - fits body type, not the face but he does look otherworldly and I think he would be able to pull off intense/angsty/sexy - love him!!), Hyun Bin (not visual match but would be amazing), Seo In Guk (not the best visual match but he can act his pants off)

Soah: Jeon Ji Hyun (this is the level of ethereal beauty I imagined Soah to have, and wonderful actress, but Soah is supposed to be quite young I believe), Kim So Hyun (not the best visual match but not bad and acting wise would knock it out of the park), Lee Sung Kyung (visually ok), Ha Ji Won (not what I pictured visually but would be great, but again Soah is quite young so maybe not), Yoon Eun Hye (not visual match but awesome actress), Shin Mina (ok visual, good actress), Lee Da Hae (ok visual), Go Ara & Kang Sora (ok visual, good younger actresses)

I have not read this manhwa so i don't have the right to judge. But..I really want NJH to get a role that will give him a big break. So if he will accept this project. I will definitely support him.

They're changing it to modern day setting? How boring. The manhwa has such lovely costumes tho. This could have been gorgeous.

If it's like what most of the comments are suggesting, and they are casting like Lee Soo Hyuk, Kim Woo Bin, or Kang Ha Neul. I'd much rather they cast Lee Joon Gi, cause the man will nail it to a tee, and honestly, visually he doesn't look older than any of them and he has acted against both Lee Soo Hyuk and Kang Ha Neul. So if the casting was going for an actor in his late 20s or even slightly pushing it at early 30s, Lee Joon Gi is like my first choice.

However, since they're casting Nam Joo Hyuk, it's clear that they're clearly going for a younger cast and possibly a different vibe. My first choice for an actor in his age range (aka early 20s) would be Yoo Seung Ho, but we all know he's pretty much booked up, so I'll have to remain content at this for now. Anyway, the pd and writer has never really failed us in the past, so I'd like to trust that they know what they're doing and remain positive about it.

What about Jae Joong :D

I don't understand how he just got offered the role like in many other cases. Does the Kdrama entertainment industry work differently? Do people not have to audition for roles unlike Western TV or something? Actors just get offered roles?

Maybe Kang Dongwon would be great for this role, but i think that he'll never cast in drama again :(
I hope the Female Lead not someone from idol-turn-actress. The Manhwa is great and i don't wanna 'some idol' ruin its story :(

No. Boy can't act plain and simple. He's improved yes, but looking at where he started and where he still very much is; that's not saying much. Honestly if he were any other actor with his talent and inder a less powerful management...boy would be playing all the second or third lead brothers both on prime time and especially in daily dramas.

Unless he turns it down, the role is pretty much his. However I think Kang Ha Neul or Lee Min Ho (younger 90s LMH that is) "our Donggu" from 1 Night, 2 Days, and many others have the better talent and ability for the role. Then again it's most likely his, so best of luck to him and may this project help him to further his experiences and hopefully getting better and better in his "acting".

He is Baek Ah in Scarlet Heart.

Reversing the name, he is Ha Baek indeed.

Conclusion is, he is long foretold to become Habaek. Period.

With the other 5+ people on this one I totally want Lee Soo Hyuk.
I'm an avid LSH x Kim So Eun fanatic, and I would have loved to see them play out main couple roles again, but I know she won't be a pick for So Ah, I was hoping another project would come up for LSH to be a part of so I can ship them being casted together—but with or without Kim So eun- LEE SOO HYUK would be perfect.

As much as I adore Nam Joo-hyuk in Weightlighting Fairy, like everyone else, I wonder the suitability of him in this role. LJK would have been fantastic if they did not change the setting to modern times, which is unfortunate but the change probably mean a lower budget on props and costume.
Wonder if I will change my mind if both NJH and Lee Sung Kyung are cast as the leads in this drama.

I LOVE Bride of the Water God. It has some of the most beautiful artwork, I am disappointed that they won't be using the gorgeous costumes and scenery. Whoever they cast, please don't ruin it. It would be awesome if they would make an anime.

The only actor I can see play this role is Yoo Seungho. Hopefully TvN offer to someone else. This is one of my favorite Manhwan, I kinda don't them to ruin it

Lee Soo Hyuk and kim ji won only have the right visuals for the characters. ethereal sharp charecteristics they can act they are both young.i would like to be set in the fantasy world but lets see maybe the change is for good.

OMG! Its seems everyone want Lee Jun Ki as Habaek from Knetz to Intl fans.

I really enjoyed the manhwa which I read a few years ago. Recently I've just reread Bride of the Water God, missed some of the last chapters because it wasn't available in my language but I have read summaries on the rest up to the ending. It's not a very complex story, a bit cliche I would say and not all that unpredictable but it does have a very beautiful story, which I agree with other that would make an excellent Kdrama. I think the most compelling aspect of the manhwa would be the characters, you just can't help but love them. The manhwa has beautiful art and backgrounds which many reader agree that it's a waste to not use such for the drama. But production cost would be quite high if you look at the costumes for the characters alone.

Though I like Nam Joo Hyuk, I really don't want him for the character Haebak. As much as his physical appearance fits the description, I don't think he's up for such an emotional role yet. Haebak is a god, he's beautiful, tall, strong, mysterious, a bit cold yet kind, and loving. He's also young but not that young, so early or mid 20s, but he has lived for a long time since he immortal. He is a character that has a lot of depth. Though NJH has improved in his acting, I don't think he is ready to pull off that complex of a character yet. He also doesn't give off the vibe and image of Haebak.

Many people have given their thoughts on other actors who would suit the role better. My list of plausible actors include: Lee Junki, Yoo Seung Ho, Lee Dong Wook, Park Bo Gum, Kim Soo Hyun, Kang Ha Neul, Park Hae Jin, Kim Woo Bin, Ji Chang Wook, Yoon Shi Yoon and Lee Won Geun.
I know this a pretty long list but I think most of these actors can pull off the role of Haebak pretty nicely based on acting ability and their physical appearances fit fine, of course, some better than others but they are all good for the role.

But the choice of the leading lady who will play Soah is also extremely important. The chemistry between the two lead characters could make or break it. So they need to find an actress who fits the the role of Soah and pairs off well with whoever plays Haebak. I might be a bit biased but I really think Kim Ji Won fits the role perfectly. I'd love to see her act as Soah.

I'm a fan of the manhwa so I really hope they don't ruin the drama adaption of it since I have been waiting ever since news of them making it came out. And please no idol-actor for the lead roles.

Looks like drama with whatever cast will be hit, considering just "casting news" made more than 400 comments.

He confirmed? NO PLEASE! i like him as Model Not an actor.

Amazing! This post attracted more than 400 comments.

I hope if Nam Joo Hyuk is confirmed, he can prove all his naysayers wrong. As someone who is enjoying him in Weightlifting Fairy, I wish him all the best.

But if he turns this down, I hope that the role will go to a younger actor or someone who hasn't exactly scored a lead role yet. I think the industry needs new blood and fresh faces. I definitely do appreciate the likes of Gong Yoo, Lee Min Ho and Song Joong Ki but there's something exciting about discovering new talent. Just like how Park Bo Gum took the lead and slayed in Moonlight.

How about Kim Jae Joong? He just recently got back from the military. He's got this ethereal and manga/manhwa look in him. Ooohoh But maybe not the height of Habaek. Ooops!

In the first place, TVN will not offer the role to NJH if he doesn't have potential to do it. I think TVN will not take a risk if they know that NJH cannot do it.

If it is because he's from YG, I think what's still more important is how the actors act because the success of a drama is not based on their agencies, it still based on how they portray their given characters.

Its already given that NJH is still a newbie but why not we give him a chance to grow as an actor? (If he will accept the offer) Lets just not say he cannot portray the role well because of how he acts in WFKBJ (boy next door). Remember, he is also an ACTOR like LJK, LMH, LDW, GY etc.

Can I just say NJH is so popular right now that this post netted 450 comments! Hahaha! I'm a super fan of WLFKBJ, but more of LSK than NJH. Their chemistry in the drama was really excellent, I don't even know if it was really outstanding acting skills, good directing or they really have something going on in real life. (Here's hoping they are dating! Hahaha! )

If I am to attribute their chemistry to good acting skills, I would have to agree with what someone wrote here that LSK carried most of the weight for the drama since it''s a female- centric drama.

If NJH takes the role, I'm sure ratings will be high for the first few episodes because everyone wants to see him in another drama/or because this is one of the highly anticipated dramas for 2017. We'll just have to see if he has what it takes to sustain the viewers interest. But I'm rooting for him to succeed because I've seen how much he has improved from his previous roles. Hoping he will be paired with a good female lead who can really help him bring out the emotions required for each scene.

Given the choice, I'd like to see Park Hyung Sik & Lee Sung Kyung (I'm a big fan of hers after KBJ =>)get the lead roles. I saw their Trolls trailer & they seem to work really well. LSK just has to grow her hair out & dye it black again. =)

Yes, NJH can't be a perfect actor for this role because he is not yet experienced enough. But can we at least give him a try. We will never know if he will surprise us.

I believe that NJH will do it. I don't care about the critique that he looks better on light roles. I'm always here no matter what roles you have. I'M ALWAYS HERE TO SUPPORT. LETS GO NJH! SURPRISE US! PROVE THEM WRONG! :) #fighting

What about Park Hae Jin