Ep 1. Mermaid from the Stream

In the lively and whimsical world of "Surplus Princess," we find the enchanting mermaid-turned-human named Ha Ni embarking on a thrilling adventure in the very first episode entitled "Mermaid from the Stream." This light-hearted and comedic Korean drama follows Ha Ni's search for true love, accompanied by a delightful blend of fantasy, friendship, and romance.

The episode commences by introducing us to the underwater realm where Ha Ni resides as a mermaid. She may be a beautiful mythical creature, but her life is far from perfect. Bored and dissatisfied with the mundane existence of her undersea home, Ha Ni finds solace in a secret obsession: watching online videos of a handsome chef named Kwon Shi Kyung. She is instantly captivated by his culinary skills and irresistibly charming persona. Little does she know, destiny has something wonderfully unexpected in store for her.

Driven by her yearning for a better life and the chance to meet Shi Kyung, Ha Ni makes a bold decision to leave behind her aquatic world and explore the human realm. Mysteriously, she finds herself transformed into a human being with ethereal beauty. However, there's a catch—she has only 100 days to find love, or she will turn back into a mermaid and be condemned to eternal solitude.

As Ha Ni commences her new life as a human, she faces numerous challenges in adapting to the human world. The bustling city becomes both a source of wonder and confusion for her. Along the way, she encounters a group of fellow "surplus" individuals—those who have been reincarnated as humans through an extraordinary twist of fate. Together, they form an unlikely band of friends as they navigate through the complexities of human existence.

Haunted by a relentless curiosity, Ha Ni eventually stumbles upon a job as a waitress at a restaurant named "The Mermaid from the Stream." Coincidentally, it is the very place where her beloved Shi Kyung works as a chef. Filled with nervous anticipation, Ha Ni gets closer to fulfilling her dream of meeting him, unaware of the many comedic mishaps and romantic entanglements that await her.

In the meantime, she becomes acquainted with her fellow surplus roommates. There is Hye Young, a former pop idol struggling with her declining popularity; Hyun Myung, a webtoon editor stuck in a loveless relationship; and Ji Yong, an aspiring actor whose path to success is paved with hilarious auditions and often ridiculous circumstances. Through their shared experiences and mutual support, they forge bonds of friendship that transcend their individual backgrounds.

As Ha Ni's interactions with Shi Kyung intensify, she begins to question the authenticity of her feelings. Is it simply an infatuation borne out of her mermaid obsession, or could it potentially be true love? Alongside her personal quest, the episode also explores the stories and struggles of her fellow surplus roommates, painting a vivid mosaic of life's highs and lows.

"Mermaid from the Stream" sets the stage for a whimsical and heartwarming tale where the everyday complexities of being human are juxtaposed with the enchanting world of supernatural beings. Surplus Princess offers a refreshing and endearing take on the classic love story, filled with laughter, unexpected encounters, and a touch of magic. Join Ha Ni on her captivating journey of self-discovery and romance as she dives into a world where love, both human and mythical, knows no boundaries.