Why Her Cast featuring Seo Hyun-jin as the ambitious lawyer Oh Soo-jae, Hwang In-yeop as the passionate Gong Chan, and a stellar supporting cast that brings intensity and emotion to this gripping South Korean legal drama.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Why Her is a compelling South Korean legal drama that follows the story of Oh Soo-jae, a brilliant but ambitious lawyer played by Seo Hyun-jin, who rises to the top of her career but faces a moral dilemma that tests her values. When she is forced to take on a case that challenges her beliefs, she encounters Gong Chan, portrayed by Hwang In-yeop, a passionate law student who becomes her unlikely ally. With a talented cast, including a strong supporting ensemble, Why Her? blends legal suspense, emotional depth, and romance, exploring themes of justice, ambition, and personal redemption. The series has captivated audiences with its powerful performances and thought-provoking storylines, making it a standout drama in 2021.
Why Her Cast
Seo Hyun-jin as Oh Soo-jae
Seo Hyun-jin takes center stage as Oh Soo-jae, a brilliant and ambitious lawyer at the top of her career who faces a moral dilemma that challenges her entire worldview. Oh Soo-jae is portrayed as tough, sharp, and fiercely determined, yet she’s also burdened by the consequences of her choices. As she grapples with her personal and professional life, her vulnerability becomes more apparent, especially when she forms a connection with Gong Chan. Seo Hyun-jin’s powerful performance brings both strength and fragility to her character, making Oh Soo-jae a complex, multidimensional figure. Known for her roles in Another Oh Hae-young and The Beauty Inside, Seo Hyun-jin continues to prove her range in this emotionally charged role.
Hwang In-yeop as Gong Chan
Hwang In-yeop plays Gong Chan, a passionate law student with a strong sense of justice. Despite his humble background, Gong Chan is deeply committed to making a difference in the world and often finds himself at odds with the system. Gong Chan is one of the few characters who can challenge Oh Soo-jae’s moral compass, and his sincerity and unwavering values create a compelling contrast to Soo-jae’s more calculated approach. Hwang In-yeop, who gained fame for his roles in True Beauty and 18 Again, brings a refreshing innocence, sincerity, and emotional depth to Gong Chan. His chemistry with Seo Hyun-jin adds a significant layer of heart to the series, especially as the characters’ relationship deepens and evolves.
Heo Joon-ho as Choi Tae-kook
Heo Joon-ho portrays Choi Tae-kook, a powerful and morally ambiguous figure with deep ties to the corporate world. As a businessman with questionable ethics, Choi Tae-kook serves as a key antagonist in the series. His character’s actions directly challenge the central characters, especially Oh Soo-jae, forcing them to confront their own ethical boundaries. Heo Joon-ho’s chilling portrayal of a manipulative and cold-hearted character adds layers of tension and suspense to the drama. He is known for his roles in Vincenzo and The Devil Judge, where he often plays strong, commanding figures, and Why Her? is no different in showcasing his ability to captivate audiences with his commanding presence.
Kim Joo-ryoung as Jung Yeo-jin
Kim Joo-ryoung plays Jung Yeo-jin, a trusted and capable colleague of Oh Soo-jae. As a senior lawyer, Jung Yeo-jin has seen it all, and her pragmatic, often straightforward approach to law contrasts with the idealistic views of Gong Chan and the more morally ambiguous position of Oh Soo-jae. Her character becomes a valuable ally to Soo-jae, providing advice and a grounded perspective on the cases they handle. Kim Joo-ryoung’s performance adds a layer of wisdom and experience, making Jung Yeo-jin an essential part of the series’ emotional core.
Bae Hae-sun as Im Baek-chi
Bae Hae-sun portrays Im Baek-chi, a senior lawyer at the firm who holds a significant position within the company. Im Baek-chi is a woman of experience and authority, offering guidance to younger lawyers, including Oh Soo-jae. Bae Hae-sun’s nuanced performance brings complexity to Im Baek-chi’s role, balancing both the character’s professional duty and personal convictions. Her ability to convey strength and empathy helps create a realistic portrayal of the pressures and challenges faced by women in high-stakes professions.
Lee Kyu-hyung as Jin Young-woo
Lee Kyu-hyung plays Jin Young-woo, a fellow lawyer at the firm who becomes a key player in the evolving legal battles. As a character who initially seems to align with the more traditional aspects of the legal profession, Jin Young-woo’s development throughout the series adds nuance to the narrative. His interactions with Oh Soo-jae and Gong Chan reveal hidden depths, showing that even those who seem to conform to the system may have their own ethical struggles. Lee Kyu-hyung’s portrayal is rich with subtlety, offering a balanced performance that complements the other, more extreme characters in the series.
Jang Gwang as Park So-gyu
Jang Gwang portrays Park So-gyu, a senior lawyer with years of experience who serves as a mentor to the younger characters. While his role is not as central as some others, Park So-gyu’s character provides valuable moral support and wisdom, helping guide the main characters through their dilemmas. Jang Gwang’s performance brings authority and a sense of realism to the legal drama, offering stability in a world filled with chaos and moral uncertainty.
Supporting Cast
Heo Jeong-do as Kim Dong-gu
Heo Jeong-do plays Kim Dong-gu, a junior law firm employee who helps Oh Soo-jae and Gong Chan in their legal battles. His character provides valuable support to the main characters, especially with his resourcefulness and unwavering loyalty. Kim Dong-gu’s presence adds a layer of comedic relief and warmth to the tense atmosphere of the show, and Heo Jeong-do brings charm and relatability to the role.
Im Ji-yeon as Choi Yeo-jin
Im Ji-yeon portrays Choi Yeo-jin, a former colleague of Oh Soo-jae who plays a pivotal role in the legal cases that unfold throughout the series. Choi Yeo-jin’s character adds a sense of intrigue and tension, particularly as she grapples with her own professional choices. Im Ji-yeon brings a strong, compelling presence to the series, effectively balancing emotion and strength in her portrayal.
Jo Young-joo as Seo Ji-young
Jo Young-joo plays Seo Ji-young, a fellow law student who shares a complicated relationship with Gong Chan. As a character, Seo Ji-young’s emotional journey and personal struggles give insight into the challenges young people face when trying to succeed in an unforgiving world. Jo Young-joo’s performance adds another emotional layer to the show, allowing the audience to connect with the struggles of those trying to navigate the legal field while maintaining their integrity.
Yoon Ji-hye as Song Min-ji
Yoon Ji-hye portrays Song Min-ji, a character who works in the same law firm as Oh Soo-jae. Min-ji’s role revolves around offering emotional support and being a witness to the unfolding cases. Her presence within the firm serves as a grounding force for some of the characters, particularly in moments of crisis. Yoon Ji-hye’s portrayal adds an important layer of realism to the legal setting, reflecting the dynamics of real-world office relationships.
Kim Jung-woon as Hwang Soo-yeon
Kim Jung-woon plays Hwang Soo-yeon, a senior lawyer who provides guidance to younger characters. She brings a sense of balance to the story by helping shape the development of the legal battles and providing advice to Soo-jae. Her character adds wisdom and a sense of mentorship to the show, helping to anchor the more impulsive actions of some of the younger protagonists.
Jung Ji-so as Kim Min-seo
Jung Ji-so portrays Kim Min-seo, a legal assistant who plays a crucial role in helping the main characters gather information and work through their cases. Kim Min-seo’s role is instrumental in providing the logistical support needed for legal challenges, and her character’s determination and insight make her a valuable member of the team. Jung Ji-so brings a quiet but strong presence to her role, adding another layer of complexity to the supporting cast.
Park Bo-young as Lee Kyung-joo
Park Bo-young plays Lee Kyung-joo, an important character within the law firm’s hierarchy. She is pivotal to the progression of certain legal cases and serves as a liaison between the senior members and the younger lawyers. Lee Kyung-joo’s character offers another perspective on the internal workings of the firm, providing a fresh viewpoint on Soo-jae’s journey.
Ahn Hyo-seop as Song Joon
Ahn Hyo-seop portrays Song Joon, a law student who forms a close relationship with Gong Chan. Song Joon’s character brings an air of optimism and ambition to the narrative, contrasting Gong Chan’s sense of justice and deep moral convictions. Ahn Hyo-seop’s portrayal is heartfelt, and his character’s interactions with the main leads contribute to the emotional growth of the series.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Why Her? stands out as a gripping South Korean legal drama that masterfully blends suspense, emotional depth, and thought-provoking themes of justice, ambition, and personal morality. The main cast, led by Seo Hyun-jin as the ambitious lawyer Oh Soo-jae and Hwang In-yeop as the passionate law student Gong Chan, delivers stellar performances that captivate viewers from start to finish. Their chemistry and contrasting characters provide the emotional core of the series, making their journey both compelling and heartfelt.
The supporting cast also plays a vital role, with each actor bringing their own depth and complexity to the narrative. Characters like Heo Joon-ho as the powerful Choi Tae-kook and Kim Joo-ryoung as Jung Yeo-jin add layers of tension, conflict, and intrigue, enriching the show’s exploration of the legal world and personal dilemmas. The supporting characters help to highlight the different facets of the central moral struggles, contributing significantly to the show’s dynamic and multi-layered storytelling.
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FAQs
Who plays the lead role of Oh Soo-jae in Why Her??
Seo Hyun-jin plays the lead role of Oh Soo-jae, a brilliant but morally conflicted lawyer. Her performance has garnered praise for portraying the character’s internal struggles and strong personality.
Is Why Her? Hwang In-yeop’s first leading role?
No, Hwang In-yeop is known for his roles in True Beauty and 18 Again, but Why Her? marks his first role as a lead in a legal drama, where he plays the passionate law student Gong Chan.
What is the character of Choi Tae-kook like, and who plays him?
Choi Tae-kook is a powerful and morally ambiguous businessman portrayed by Heo Joon-ho. His character serves as a significant antagonist in the story, challenging the protagonist’s beliefs and values.
Who plays the character of Gong Chan?
Hwang In-yeop plays Gong Chan, a passionate and idealistic law student who forms a strong emotional and intellectual bond with Oh Soo-jae. His character brings warmth, justice, and moral clarity to the series.
Does the cast of Why Her? include any other notable actors?
Yes, the supporting cast includes talented actors like Kim Joo-ryoung as Jung Yeo-jin, Bae Hae-sun as Im Baek-chi, and Lee Kyu-hyung as Jin Young-woo, each of whom adds depth and complexity to the storyline.
Is Why Her? Seo Hyun-jin’s first legal drama?
No, Seo Hyun-jin has appeared in multiple genres, but Why Her? marks her first time starring in a legal drama. Her portrayal of Oh Soo-jae’s transformation has been highly praised.
What other famous roles has Hwang In-yeop played?
Hwang In-yeop is widely known for his role as Han Seo-jun in True Beauty and Go Jin in 18 Again, where he won hearts for his charismatic and versatile performances.
Who plays the mentor role in Why Her??
Bae Hae-sun plays Im Baek-chi, a senior lawyer who mentors the younger characters. Her wisdom and experience offer guidance to the protagonist, providing emotional and professional support.
Are there any younger or lesser-known actors in the cast?
Yes, actors like Jo Young-joo (Seo Ji-young) and Yoon Ji-hye (Song Min-ji) bring fresh talent and add important subplots, making the cast diverse and dynamic.
Will we see any of the main cast in future projects?
Yes, both Seo Hyun-jin and Hwang In-yeop are expected to continue their acting careers in both film and television. Fans are excited to see where their careers take them next after Why Her?, with both actors being highly sought after in the industry.