'The Witch': Cast & Filming Locations

Channel A’s latest drama “The Witch” (마녀) is set to captivate audiences with its intriguing blend of mystery and romance. Based on the popular webtoon by Kang Full, this 10-episode series premieres on February 15, 2025, airing every Saturday and Sunday at 21:15 KST.

Plot of “The Witch”

The story revolves around Park Mi-jeong, a woman branded as a “witch” due to the misfortunes befalling men who fall in love with her. Lee Dong-jin, her former high school classmate, is determined to unravel the mysterious “law of death” surrounding her and rescue her from this curse.

Cast of “THe Witch”

Park Jin-young (GOT7) as Lee Dong-jin

Park Jin-young, known for his work in GOT7 and previous acting roles, takes on the lead as Lee Dong-jin, a brilliant data miner. Dong-jin is determined to unravel the mystery surrounding Mi-jeong, using his analytical skills to disprove the “witch” rumors.

Roh Jeong-eui as Park Mi-jeong

Rising star Roh Jeong-eui portrays Park Mi-jeong, the enigmatic woman at the center of the story. Labeled a “witch” due to mysterious events surrounding her, Mi-jeong isolates herself from society.

Im Jae-hyuk as Kim Jung-hyeok

Im Jae-hyuk plays Kim Jung-hyeok, a major crimes detective. His character adds an investigative element to the story, potentially intersecting with Dong-jin’s personal quest.

Jang Hee-ryung as Heo Eun-sil

While details about Jang Hee-ryung’s character Heo Eun-sil are limited, her role is expected to be significant in Mi-jeong’s life.

Jang Hye-jin as Oh Mi-sook

Veteran actress Jang Hye-jin takes on the role of Oh Mi-sook, Dong-jin’s mother. Her presence adds depth to Dong-jin’s background and may influence his actions.

Ahn Nae-sang as Park Byeong-jae

Respected actor Ahn Nae-sang portrays Park Byeong-jae, Mi-jeong’s father. His character is crucial in understanding Mi-jeong’s past and the origins of her “curse”.

This diverse cast brings a wealth of experience and talent to “The Witch,” promising compelling performances that will bring the adaptation of Kang Full’s webtoon to life on screen.

Characters of “The Witch”

Lee Dong-jin (30, Data Miner)

Dong-jin is determined to prove that Mi-jeong is not a witch. His fascination with her began in high school, where he observed her from afar, unable to approach due to the rumors. Now, as a skilled data analyst, he’s committed to disproving the “law of death” through statistical analysis, even at great personal risk.

Park Mi-jeong (30, Translator)

Isolated by rumors and tragic events, Mi-jeong has retreated from society. Despite her efforts to keep others at a distance, she secretly longs for connection and understanding.

Episode Preview

The first episode will delve into Dong-jin’s unrequited high school crush on Mi-jeong, offering viewers a glimpse into their past and setting the stage for their fateful reunion a decade later.

Production Details

Director: Kim Tae-gyun
Screenwriter: Jo Yoo-jin
Original Work: “Manyeo” (마녀) by Kang Full
Episodes: 10
Broadcast: Channel A (Saturdays and Sundays at 21:15 KST)
Streaming: TVING and Netflix (South Korea), U-Next (Japan), Viu and Viki (selected regions)

“The Witch” (마녀) is based on a popular webtoon by Kang Full, a renowned South Korean manhwa artist known for his compelling storytelling and unique art style. Kang Full, whose real name is Kang Do-young, has created several successful webtoons that have been adapted into various media formats.

The original webtoon “Manyeo” (마녀) explores themes of mystery, romance, and supernatural elements. It follows the story of a woman labeled as a “witch” due to the misfortunes that befall men who fall in love with her. The webtoon delves into the concept of a “curse” and its impact on the protagonist’s life and relationships.

The Original Webtoon of ‘The Witch'”

Key differences between the webtoon and the drama adaptation:

Plot compression: The webtoon likely had more time to develop its story, characters, and settings over many episodes. The drama adaptation has condensed this narrative into a 10-episode format, focusing on the most essential elements of the plot.
Character development: Some characters may have been merged or removed in the drama adaptation to streamline the story. This is a common practice when adapting webtoons to fit the television format.
Visual interpretation: While the drama aims to capture the essence of Kang Full’s artwork, it inevitably presents a different visual experience. Some scenes in the drama may directly reference iconic panels from the webtoon, but others will be unique to the television medium.
Expanded storylines: The drama may have added new subplots or expanded on minor elements from the webtoon to create a more comprehensive narrative suitable for television.
Tone and pacing: The drama adaptation likely adjusts the pacing to fit the television format, potentially altering the tone of certain scenes or story arcs to maintain viewer engagement throughout the series.
Contemporary updates: The drama may have updated certain elements of the story to reflect current times, as the original webtoon may have been created several years ago.

While both the webtoon and drama share the core concept of a woman branded as a “witch” and the mysterious events surrounding her, the television adaptation of “The Witch” offers a fresh interpretation of Kang Full’s original work, tailored for a broader audience and the demands of the K-drama format.

Filming Locations of ‘The Witch’

Let’s take a closer look at some of the key spots where this spellbinding series was brought to life:

Dogyae-ri, Dogye-eup, Samcheok, Gangwon Province

The quaint town of Dogyae-ri serves as a backdrop for several scenes in “The Witch.” This charming area in Gangwon Province offers a perfect blend of rural beauty and small-town atmosphere, providing an ideal setting for the drama’s mysterious events to unfold.

Dogye Coal Mine, Samcheok

The Dogye Coal Mine in Samcheok adds an element of industrial intrigue to the drama. This location likely plays a significant role in the story, perhaps tied to the characters’ backgrounds or the unfolding mystery. The stark contrast between the mine’s industrial setting and the surrounding natural beauty of Gangwon Province creates a visually compelling backdrop.

Miseong Apartments and Pungnap-dong area, Songpa-gu, Seoul

The urban scenes of “The Witch” were filmed in the bustling Songpa district of Seoul. The Miseong Apartments and surrounding Pungnap-dong area provide a modern, city backdrop, showcasing the contrast between urban life and the more rural settings of other filming locations.

Olympic Bridge

The iconic Olympic Bridge, spanning the Han River, makes an appearance in the drama. This landmark not only adds to the visual appeal of the series but also symbolizes connections and transitions in the characters’ journeys.

Cheonho Bridge

Another of Seoul’s impressive bridges, the Cheonho Bridge, features in “The Witch.” Like the Olympic Bridge, it offers stunning views of the Han River and the city skyline, providing a picturesque setting for key scenes in the drama.

These diverse locations, from the rural charm of Gangwon Province to the urban landscapes of Seoul, contribute to the rich visual tapestry of “The Witch.” They not only enhance the storytelling but also showcase the beauty of various regions in South Korea, making the drama a visual treat for viewers and potential travelers alike.

Jeonju Jungang Girls’ High School

Jeonju Jungang Girls’ High School is a private high school located in Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea. It was established on March 2, 1982, and has a rich history spanning over four decades.