Explore the “Because This Is My First Life Cast,” featuring Lee Min-ki, Jung So-min, and a talented ensemble delivering heartfelt performances.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Because This Is My First Life is a beloved South Korean romantic comedy-drama that captivated viewers with its realistic storytelling and heartfelt performances. At the heart of its success is a talented cast led by Lee Min-ki and Jung So-min, whose on-screen chemistry brought depth and charm to their unconventional love story. Alongside them, a strong supporting ensemble—including Esom, Park Byung-eun, Kim Ga-eun, and Kim Min-seok—adds layers of humor, emotion, and relatability. Each actor masterfully portrays characters navigating love, career, and societal expectations, making the drama a memorable experience for audiences worldwide.
Because This is My First Life Cast
Lee Min-ki as Nam Se-hee
Lee Min-ki plays Nam Se-hee, a socially awkward, logical, and introverted IT professional who owns a house but struggles with financial burdens. Se-hee is a man of routines and rules, and he enters into a contract marriage for practical reasons.
Jung So-min as Yoon Ji-ho
Jung So-min portrays Yoon Ji-ho, an aspiring screenwriter who is intelligent, idealistic, and emotionally grounded. Forced to leave her home due to family obligations, Ji-ho agrees to a contract marriage with Se-hee. Jung So-min brings warmth and sincerity to the role, making Ji-ho a deeply relatable character who evolves through personal and romantic struggles.
Supporting Cast
Esom as Woo Soo-ji
Esom plays Woo Soo-ji, Yoon Ji-ho’s close friend and a strong, ambitious woman working at a large corporation. Despite facing gender discrimination at work, she remains determined to succeed on her own terms. Esom’s portrayal of Soo-ji is bold and empowering, giving voice to the everyday challenges faced by modern working women.
Park Byung-eun as Ma Sang-goo
Park Byung-eun takes on the role of Ma Sang-goo, Nam Se-hee’s cheerful and outgoing best friend, as well as the CEO of the company where Se-hee works. His easygoing nature and romantic interest in Soo-ji create a compelling subplot. Park brings humor and emotional depth to his character, making Sang-goo a fan favorite.
Kim Ga-eun as Yang Ho-rang
Kim Ga-eun plays Yang Ho-rang, another of Ji-ho’s best friends. Ho-rang is a cheerful and romantic woman working as a waitress and dreaming of a traditional marriage. Her long-term relationship with Won-seok brings up themes of timing, compromise, and societal pressure. Kim Ga-eun delivers a heartfelt performance that balances optimism with vulnerability.
Kim Min-seok as Sim Won-seok
Kim Min-seok portrays Sim Won-seok, Ho-rang’s longtime boyfriend and an entrepreneur trying to make it big with his own app. His struggles with failure and masculinity in a fast-paced world reflect real generational challenges. Kim Min-seok’s portrayal brings sincerity and relatability to the character.
Conclusion
From the quiet, introspective chemistry between Lee Min-ki and Jung So-min to the rich, well-developed stories of the supporting characters, each actor brings authenticity and heart to their role. The ensemble captures the complexities of love, career, and personal growth in modern-day Korea, making the series relatable and deeply moving. Whether you’re watching it for the first time or revisiting it, the performances ensure the story remains timeless and impactful.
Tempted Cast & Their Role 2018 Romantic Kdrama
FAQs
What other dramas or movies has Lee Min-ki appeared in?
Lee Min-ki is known for his work in The Lies Within, My Liberation Notes, Shut Up Flower Boy Band, and films like Spellbound and Very Ordinary Couple.
Who plays Woo Soo-ji, and what is her character like?
Esom plays Woo Soo-ji, Ji-ho’s independent and career-driven friend. She portrays a strong female character dealing with sexism in the corporate world.
Is the chemistry between the cast genuine off-screen too?
While not much behind-the-scenes footage is widely available, interviews and press conferences showed the cast had strong camaraderie and mutual respect, which contributed to the show’s natural performances.
Did any of the cast win awards for their roles?
While the drama itself was praised for its writing and acting, specific cast members like Lee Min-ki and Jung So-min received critical acclaim, though there were no major awards from the big ceremonies for this drama.
Is this Lee Min-ki’s first romantic comedy role?
No, but Because This Is My First Life marked his return to television after completing military service and was praised for showing a more mature, subtle side of his acting in the rom-com genre.
Did Jung So-min and Lee Min-ki know each other before filming?
There’s no public record of them working together before this drama, but they developed strong on-screen chemistry during production, which fans and critics widely praised.
Who plays the quirky best friend, Ma Sang-goo?
Ma Sang-goo is played by Park Byung-eun, known for his comedic timing and charm. His character brings humor and warmth as Nam Se-hee’s lively best friend and business partner.
Are any cast members also active in film?
Yes. Several, including Lee Min-ki, Esom, and Park Byung-eun, have active film careers. Esom, in particular, has been recognized for her roles in indie and commercial films alike.
Do any of the cast members sing or perform outside of acting?
While not widely known for music, Kim Min-seok initially appeared on Superstar K3 and has musical talents. Some members have appeared in music videos or variety shows.
Was the cast involved in any real-life dating rumors?
There were no major dating rumors or confirmed relationships among the cast members during or after the show’s run. Most of them maintained a professional rapport in public.
Is there a behind-the-scenes or making-of special featuring the cast?
Yes, there are behind-the-scenes clips and interviews available online, mostly released through tvN’s official channels and YouTube. These show the cast’s fun interactions and filming process.
What made the casting of this drama stand out?
The casting was praised for its realistic and grounded ensemble, with characters that felt authentic and well-matched to the actors. The diversity in personalities among the friends added depth and relatability to the story.