Youth of May Cast includes a talented group of actors who bring the characters to life in this historical K-drama set in 1980s South Korea. The lead roles feature Lee Do-hyun as Hwang Hee-tae, a compassionate and rebellious medical student, and Go Min-si as Kim Myung-hee, a determined nursing student.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Youth of May is a South Korean television drama that premiered in 2021, set against the backdrop of the 1980s Gwangju Uprising. The series follows the lives of two young individuals, Hwang Hee-tae (played by Lee Do-hyun) and Kim Myung-hee (played by Go Min-si), whose love story blossoms amidst the turbulent and heartbreaking events of that period. Hee-tae, a medical student with a rebellious streak, meets Myung-hee, a nursing student who dreams of a better future. As their paths cross, their love faces numerous challenges, with political unrest, personal sacrifices, and deep emotional turmoil. The drama explores themes of love, sacrifice, resistance, and the fight for justice, offering a poignant and compelling portrayal of youth caught in the turmoil of a nation’s struggle for democracy.
Youth Of May Cast
Lee Do-hyun as Hwang Hee-tae
Lee Do-hyun plays Hwang Hee-tae, a bright and rebellious medical student who is torn between his personal aspirations and the political turbulence surrounding him. Hee-tae is intelligent, compassionate, and fiercely independent, but he also has a troubled family background. Hee-tae’s character becomes central to the emotional core of the drama, as his romantic relationship with Kim Myung-hee unfolds against the backdrop of social and political unrest. Lee Do-hyun’s portrayal of Hee-tae earned praise for his nuanced performance, capturing the vulnerability and determination of the character.
Go Min-si as Kim Myung-hee
Go Min-si plays Kim Myung-hee, a nursing student with a strong sense of responsibility and a deep desire for a better life. She is hardworking, caring, and resilient, yet her life is deeply affected by the tragic events of the Gwangju Uprising. Her relationship with Hee-tae represents the beauty of love in the face of adversity, but it is also tested by the growing political chaos around them. Go Min-si’s performance brings depth to Myung-hee’s character, capturing her internal struggles, fears, and dreams.
Ahn Hyo-seop as Lee Soo-chan
Ahn Hyo-seop plays Lee Soo-chan, Hee-tae’s best friend and a fellow medical student. Soo-chan is a supporting yet essential character in the drama, providing emotional support and navigating his own journey through the political unrest. He also serves as a contrast to Hee-tae’s character, adding layers to the story’s depiction of friendship and sacrifice during a time of turmoil. Ahn Hyo-seop brings a mix of warmth and seriousness to Soo-chan’s character, which plays a pivotal role in the narrative.
Kim Gun-woo as Lee Hwang
Kim Gun-woo plays Lee Hwang, the older brother of Hee-tae and a figure who brings a sense of stability to the family. Lee Hwang’s own struggles with the political climate of the time give his character a more serious and reflective edge. He is caught between his duties to his family and his awareness of the injustice around him. His role in the drama adds a layer of complexity, especially in relation to Hee-tae and the choices they must both make.
Lee Ki-woo as Choi Jae-young
Lee Ki-woo plays Choi Jae-young, a more mysterious character who holds significant influence in the story. Jae-young’s relationship with the main characters helps to reveal the broader political landscape, and his motivations intertwine with the central narrative. His role brings another dimension to the tensions between personal and political choices during a volatile time.
Supporting Cast
Kim Young-ok as Oh Hye-sook
Kim Young-ok plays Oh Hye-sook, Hee-tae’s caring and supportive mother. She provides emotional warmth and stability for her family, though she too must face the harsh realities of the political unrest surrounding her. Her character brings a sense of maternal strength and unconditional love, offering a deep emotional connection to Hee-tae and adding to the drama’s themes of sacrifice and familial bonds.
Lee Sang-hee as Jang Ji-young
Lee Sang-hee portrays Jang Ji-young, Myung-hee’s mother, who, like Hye-sook, is an important figure in shaping Myung-hee’s perspective and decisions. Ji-young is a strong and loving mother who has to navigate her own complex emotions amid the political turmoil, all while caring for her daughter’s future. Her character adds to the narrative of the personal impact of the uprising on families and communities.
Jang Hye-jin as Lim Kyeong-sook
Jang Hye-jin plays Lim Kyeong-sook, a fellow nurse who works alongside Myung-hee. She is a supportive friend to Myung-hee and offers guidance and strength during difficult moments. Kyeong-sook’s character also represents the broader social climate, and her relationship with Myung-hee helps explore the theme of solidarity among women in a tumultuous time.
Joo Min-kyung as Kang Gyeong-ja
Joo Min-kyung portrays Kang Gyeong-ja, another nursing student who becomes an important part of Myung-hee’s circle. Gyeong-ja’s role in the series provides further emotional layers, especially as the characters face the growing political tension and personal sacrifices. Her friendships with Myung-hee and others offer insight into the sense of camaraderie that emerges under pressure.
Oh Jung-se as Han Jae-gyu
Oh Jung-se plays Han Jae-gyu, a character whose role in the story introduces a more antagonistic figure. Jae-gyu’s actions represent the oppressive forces at play during the Gwangju Uprising, which brings tension and conflict to the central narrative. Oh Jung-se’s portrayal adds layers of complexity to the political aspect of the drama.
Kim Dong-young as Baek Doo-hwan
Kim Dong-young plays Baek Doo-hwan, a character who plays a significant role in the unfolding of the political events and further complicates the relationships of the lead characters. His actions bring additional stress to the protagonists, highlighting the consequences of the political system on ordinary lives.
Kim Hee-jung as Jung Sook-ja
Kim Hee-jung portrays Jung Sook-ja, a character who supports Myung-hee and Hee-tae in different moments throughout the drama. Sook-ja’s presence helps deepen the portrayal of community, helping the central characters through their personal and political challenges.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Youth of May is a poignant and emotionally charged drama that masterfully blends historical events with a deeply human love story. Set during the tumultuous Gwangju Uprising of 1980, the series explores the resilience of youth, the sacrifices made for love and justice, and the heart-wrenching costs of political oppression. With standout performances from the lead cast, including Lee Do-hyun and Go Min-si, and a strong supporting ensemble, the drama effectively captures the tensions of an era marked by unrest while delving into the personal struggles of its characters.
The series shines not only in its portrayal of romance but also in its exploration of the broader societal and historical context. It reminds viewers of the power of love and friendship amidst adversity, as well as the lasting impact of those who fight for justice in times of great turmoil. Youth of May resonates deeply with its audience, offering both a historical lesson and a heartfelt story of personal sacrifice, making it a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and compelling character-driven narratives.
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(FAQs)
Who plays the main character Hwang Hee-tae in Youth of May?
Lee Do-hyun plays the lead role of Hwang Hee-tae, a medical student caught between love and political unrest. His performance has been widely praised for capturing the character’s inner turmoil and compassion.
Who portrays Kim Myung-hee in the series?
The role of Kim Myung-hee, a nursing student and the love interest of Hee-tae, is played by Go Min-si. Her portrayal of a strong, yet vulnerable young woman facing personal and societal challenges has garnered attention for its depth and emotional range.
Is Lee Do-hyun’s character Hwang Hee-tae based on a real person?
No, Hwang Hee-tae is a fictional character created for the series. However, the show is set during the real-life Gwangju Uprising, and the political context of the drama reflects the actual events of 1980 in South Korea.
Who are the supporting characters in Youth of May?
The supporting cast includes key characters such as Lee Soo-chan (played by Ahn Hyo-seop), Hee-tae’s best friend; Lee Hwang (played by Kim Gun-woo), Hee-tae’s older brother; and Kim Young-ok as Hee-tae’s mother, Oh Hye-sook. These characters help drive the emotional arcs and contribute to the drama’s broader themes.
What other dramas has Lee Do-hyun starred in?
Lee Do-hyun has gained popularity for his roles in other dramas such as 18 Again (2020), where he plays a teenager in a 37-year-old’s body, and The Glory (2022), where he plays a pivotal role in a story of revenge and redemption.
Has Go Min-si acted in other notable dramas?
Yes, Go Min-si has appeared in other popular dramas like The Smile Has Left Your Eyes (2018), Love Alarm (2019), and Diva (2020). She is known for her versatility in portraying a wide range of characters, from romantic leads to complex, emotionally layered roles.
Are any of the characters in Youth of May based on real historical figures?
While the main characters are fictional, the backdrop of the story, the Gwangju Uprising, is based on real historical events. The show portrays the political climate and the experiences of ordinary people during the uprising, giving the drama a strong sense of historical authenticity.
Is Youth of May Lee Do-hyun’s first historical drama?
No, Lee Do-hyun has appeared in other period dramas, such as Hotel Del Luna (2019), where he played a supporting role in a fantasy setting. However, Youth of May is his first major role in a historical drama rooted in real-world political events.
Who plays the antagonist in Youth of May?
The antagonist role in the series is portrayed by Oh Jung-se as Han Jae-gyu, a character who symbolizes the oppressive forces at play during the Gwangju Uprising. His character introduces tension and conflict into the story as he represents the political system that causes suffering for the protagonists.
What is the age difference between Lee Do-hyun and Go Min-si?
Lee Do-hyun and Go Min-si have a six-year age difference, with Lee Do-hyun being older. Despite this, their on-screen chemistry as a couple in Youth of May has been well received by audiences.
Is Youth of May Go Min-si’s first leading role?
No, Go Min-si has had leading roles before Youth of May, notably in the series Love Alarm, where she played a key role in a love triangle in a tech-driven world. However, Youth of May is one of her most significant performances, earning her widespread acclaim.