Brain Works cast led by Jung Yong-hwa as a sharp neuroscientist and Cha Tae-hyun as a warmhearted detective. Joined by Kwak Sun-young, Ye Ji-won, and a strong supporting lineup, the cast brings this crime-comedy drama to life with quirky characters, unique “brain types,” and engaging chemistry.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Brain Works is a 2023 South Korean crime-comedy drama that cleverly blends neuroscience with detective work, creating a fresh and entertaining take on the genre. At the heart of the series is a unique partnership between two polar-opposite characters—a sharp-tongued neuroscientist and a warm-hearted detective—played by Jung Yong-hwa and Cha Tae-hyun. Alongside them is a talented ensemble cast that brings quirky brain types and eccentric personalities to life. With each character defined by their cognitive traits, the cast of Brain Works not only drives the story forward but also adds humor, depth, and plenty of surprises.
Brain Works Cast
Shin Ha-ru is a neuroscientist renowned for his “extraordinary brain,” characterized by exceptional intelligence and a touch of narcissism. Portrayed by Jung Yong-hwa, Ha-ru approaches life with logic and reason, often overlooking emotional nuances. Jung Yong-hwa, known for his roles in Sell Your Haunted House and The Package, found the character’s complexity both challenging and intriguing.
Geum Myung-se is a detective blessed with an “altruistic brain,” marked by unwavering kindness and a selfless dedication to justice. Cha Tae-hyun brings depth to Myung-se, balancing his professional duties with personal challenges, including his relationship with his ex-wife. Cha Tae-hyun was drawn to the role’s comedic elements and the opportunity to collaborate with Jung Yong-hwa.
Kwak Sun-young as Seol So-jung
Seol So-jung serves as a forensic hypnosis investigator, possessing an “anxious brain” that makes her timid yet meticulous in her work. Kwak Sun-young portrays So-jung’s journey of overcoming personal insecurities while contributing significantly to criminal investigations. She was eager to join the project, captivated by its unique blend of brain science and humor.
Kim Mo-ran, Geum Myung-se’s ex-wife, is characterized by a “sexual brain,” leading to a character filled with complexity and depth. Ye Ji-won brings a nuanced performance, highlighting Mo-ran’s multifaceted personality and her impact on the narrative. She was drawn to the script’s originality and the opportunity to explore such a distinctive character.
Supporting Cast
People Around Shin Ha-ru:
- Jung Dong-hwan as Hwang Dong-woo: A murderer and death row inmate with a “psychopath brain,” Hwang Dong-woo adds a dark and complex element to the storyline.
- Kim Soo-jin as Shin Ji-hyung: A neurosurgeon at Korea University Hospital possessing a “middle-aged brain,” Shin Ji-hyung’s character brings medical expertise and depth to the narrative.
- Lim Chul-hyung as Park Chi-guk: As the head of the Brain Hub Center, Park Chi-guk’s “political brain” influences the institutional dynamics, adding layers of complexity to the plot.
People Around Geum Myung-se:
- Woo Hyun as Kim Gil-joong: Chief of the neuroscience team at Seobu Police Station, Kim Gil-joong’s “menopausal brain” introduces humor and relatability to the team.
Extended Cast:
- Kim Kang-il as Kang Seong-ha: A murderer whose actions intertwine with the main characters, adding suspense and intrigue to the plot.
- Park Sang-hoon as Kim Jae-won: His character’s involvement brings additional layers to the unfolding mystery and drama.
- Han Ji-wan as Han Yeon-hee: Han Yeon-hee’s role contributes to the emotional depth and complexity of the storyline.
- Lee Won-jung as Kim Joon-young: His character adds to the intricate web of relationships and events in the series.
- Oh Yoon-hong: A character whose actions influence the direction of the narrative, adding to the series’ unpredictability.
Conclusion
Brain Works sets itself apart in the crime drama landscape with a brilliant fusion of neuroscience, mystery, and quirky humor. Led by standout performances from Jung Yong-hwa, Cha Tae-hyun, and Kwak Sun-young, the cast breathes life into a world where every character’s unique brain type adds depth and unpredictability to the plot. The supporting cast further elevates the story with memorable personalities and emotionally driven subplots. Whether you’re a fan of psychological twists, buddy-cop dynamics, or just love a good character-driven drama, Brain Works offers a clever and entertaining ride through the inner workings of both the brain—and the heart.
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FAQs
Who are the lead actors in Brain Works?
The drama stars Jung Yong-hwa as neuroscientist Shin Ha-ru, and Cha Tae-hyun as detective Geum Myung-se. They play polar opposites who team up to solve crimes using brain science.
What is Jung Yong-hwa known for?
Jung Yong-hwa, the lead vocalist of CNBLUE, is also an accomplished actor. He’s known for roles in dramas like Heartstrings, The Package, and Sell Your Haunted House. In Brain Works, he showcases a more sharp-witted and logical character.
Has Cha Tae-hyun played detective roles before?
Yes, Cha Tae-hyun is no stranger to comedic and heartfelt roles. He starred in Police University and is widely loved for his performances in My Sassy Girl and Scandal Makers. His portrayal of Geum Myung-se brings both humor and sincerity.
Who plays Seol So-jung, the hypnosis expert?
Kwak Sun-young plays Seol So-jung, a forensic hypnosis investigator with an “anxious brain.” She’s also appeared in Hospital Playlist, VIP, and Inspector Koo.
What role does Ye Ji-won play in the series?
Ye Ji-won plays Kim Mo-ran, the ex-wife of Geum Myung-se, known for her “sexual brain” and eccentric personality. Her role adds comic relief and personal drama.
Are there any notable supporting actors?
Yes! The supporting cast includes:
Jung Dong-hwan as a death row inmate with a “psychopath brain”
Kim Soo-jin as a neurosurgeon
Woo Hyun as the police neuroscience team chief
Kim Ah-song as Myung-se’s daughter
Is the chemistry between the leads well-received?
Yes, the unexpected chemistry between Jung Yong-hwa and Cha Tae-hyun has been praised for its humor and heart, balancing the drama’s science-heavy theme with light-hearted moments.
What makes the cast stand out in this drama?
Each actor portrays characters based on different “brain types,” offering a refreshing and often hilarious dynamic. The cast’s ability to balance serious crime-solving with quirky interactions sets Brain Works apart.