The Sea Painted by the Moonlight

Long ago, the coastal nation of Nalanda was said to be home to mermaids dwelling in its surrounding waters. For Yeon-Ji, these ancient legends were never mere fairy tales. Ever since childhood, she has been captivated by dreams of mermaids, a fascination that ultimately drove her career path. Determined to prove that these mythical creatures once truly existed, she secures an internship at the prestigious Nalanda History Research Institute, eager to uncover the historical evidence hidden within its archives. Her pursuit of the past takes an unexpected turn when she meets Hae-Rang, her new team leader. Strikingly ethereal and possessing an otherworldly appearance reminiscent of the very mermaids Yeon-Ji has spent her life searching for, Hae-Rang immediately captures her attention. Desperate to make a strong impression on her enigmatic superior, Yeon-Ji pours all her effort into her work, hoping to earn Hae-Rang’s approval. However, no matter how hard she tries, Hae-Rang remains persistently cold and distant, leaving Yeon-Ji to navigate both her ambitious research and the frustrating emotional barriers between them.