The theme of the journey of self-discovery and empowerment is intimately linked with the interplay of destiny and free will. The story begins with Mina’s self-sacrificial decision to take the place of Shim Cheong as the Sea God’s bride. This critical moment, driven by her love for her brother Joon and his beloved Shim Cheong, deviates from the expected course of fate and marks the start of Mina’s transformative journey. As Mina puts it, she is now “the maker of [her] own destiny” (7).

Mina’s courageous act of stepping into the unknown, which is symbolized by her plunge into the sea, sets her on a path that requires her to navigate the psychological and social complexities of the Spirit Realm, a world filled with mythical beings and intricate societal rules. Her experiences here gradually peel away the layers of her identity, revealing strengths and vulnerabilities that she never knew she possessed. As Mina grapples with the intricacies of this new world, she becomes a catalyst for change, not just within herself but also in the realm she has entered. Her journey illustrates the potentially transformative power of self-discovery, highlighting the fact that understanding one’s true self is intrinsically linked to realizing one’s potential to effect change.