Memorist Cast ,Yoo Seung-ho, Lee Se-young, and Cho Seong-ha, explore their roles, performances, and the impact they made in this thrilling series.
Table of Contents
Introduction

Memorist is a captivating South Korean drama that blends elements of crime, mystery, and supernatural powers, offering a unique twist on the detective genre. Based on the popular webtoon of the same name, the series follows the story of Dong Baek, a detective with the extraordinary ability to read people’s memories, and his partnership with a brilliant criminal profiler, Han Sooyoung. Together, they unravel complex crimes while facing dark secrets from their own pasts.
What makes Memorist stand out isn’t just its intriguing plot but also its exceptionally talented cast. The actors bring their characters to life with intense performances, emotional depth, and chemistry that keeps viewers hooked from start to finish.
Memorist Cast
- Role: Dong Baek is a detective with the extraordinary ability to read people’s memories. This power makes him both a formidable investigator and a person haunted by the dark truths he uncovers. He partners with Han Sooyoung to solve complex crimes while grappling with his own emotional scars.
- Performance: Yoo Seung-ho delivers a powerful performance, showcasing a character who is emotionally complex, stoic yet vulnerable. His ability to portray both the calm, analytical detective and the tormented soul underneath adds depth to Dong Baek’s character.
- Role: Han Sooyoung is a brilliant criminal profiler who works alongside Dong Baek. She’s intelligent, resourceful, and has a sharp instinct for understanding criminal minds. Despite her cold exterior, she has a deeply compassionate side that drives her to seek justice.
- Performance: Lee Se-young shines in this role, effortlessly balancing toughness with emotional vulnerability. Her portrayal adds a dynamic contrast to Dong Baek, making their partnership both compelling and relatable.
- Role: Oh Jung-woo is a key antagonist in the series, whose dark and mysterious persona adds tension to the story. His actions drive the plot’s central conflict, as he’s entangled in crimes that challenge Dong Baek and Sooyoung’s abilities.
- Performance: Cho Seong-ha’s portrayal is chilling and magnetic. He brings an unsettling charm to his character, making him a memorable and complex villain.
- Role: Joo Hwan is a supporting detective who works closely with Dong Baek. His character provides both comic relief and emotional depth, showcasing the camaraderie and struggles within the police force.
- Performance: Park Chul-min adds warmth and authenticity to the series, highlighting the human side of law enforcement amidst the dark, crime-filled narrative.
Kim Jung-hyun as Lee Seung-jae
- Role: Lee Seung-jae is a detective with a complicated past, whose interactions with Dong Baek and Sooyoung add layers of tension and intrigue to the storyline.
- Performance: Kim Jung-hyun delivers a nuanced performance, portraying a character caught between duty, personal conflict, and moral dilemmas.
Supporting Cast
Kim Won-hae as Detective Kim Joon-hyuk
- Role: A fellow detective working alongside Dong Baek and his team. Detective Kim is loyal, sharp, and adds a layer of camaraderie and realism to the police dynamics.
- Performance: Kim Won-hae brings warmth and authenticity, portraying a seasoned detective with a strong sense of justice and an unwavering dedication to solving crimes.
Jo Han-chul as Chief Oh
- Role: The authoritative police chief who oversees the investigation team. His character is often caught between supporting his team and maintaining the department’s image.
- Performance: Jo Han-chul delivers a commanding performance, showcasing the pressure and moral conflicts faced by law enforcement leaders.
Kim Ki-cheon as Oh Jung-woo’s Father
- Role: A pivotal character connected to the antagonist Oh Jung-woo, adding depth to the story’s dark family dynamics.
- Performance: Kim Ki-cheon’s portrayal adds emotional gravity, highlighting the complex relationships and hidden secrets within the antagonist’s background.
Kim Min-jae as Rookie Detective
- Role: A young, enthusiastic detective who brings a fresh perspective to the team. His character reflects the idealism of new officers eager to make a difference.
- Performance: Kim Min-jae’s energetic and earnest portrayal adds a touch of hope and idealism amid the dark, intense atmosphere of the series.
Jang Young-nam as Han Sooyoung’s Mentor
- Role: A seasoned criminal profiler who influences Sooyoung’s approach to solving cases and understanding criminal psychology.
- Performance: Jang Young-nam brings a powerful presence, showcasing the wisdom and emotional struggles that come with experience in the field.
Conclusion
Memorist is more than just a crime drama—it’s a masterful blend of mystery, supernatural elements, and psychological depth that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. At the heart of this gripping series are its exceptionally talented cast, whose performances breathe life into the complex characters and intense storylines.
The main cast, led by Yoo Seung-ho, Lee Se-young, and Cho Seong-ha, delivers powerful portrayals filled with emotional nuance and dramatic tension. Their chemistry, coupled with their ability to embody morally complex characters, drives the narrative forward, making every twist and revelation impactful.
Meanwhile, the supporting cast adds essential layers to the story—whether it’s through the camaraderie of fellow detectives, the moral conflicts of authority figures, or the dark, hidden motives of key antagonists. Each actor contributes to a world that feels authentic, gritty, and emotionally charged.
Extracurricular Cast & Their Role (2020) Thriller Kdrama
FAQs
Who are the main actors in Memorist?
The main cast includes Yoo Seung-ho as Dong Baek, Lee Se-young as Han Sooyoung, and Cho Seong-ha as Oh Jung-woo. Their performances are central to the series’ gripping narrative.
What role does Yoo Seung-ho play in Memorist?
Yoo Seung-ho plays Dong Baek, a detective with the supernatural ability to read people’s memories. His character is emotionally complex, balancing the burden of his powers with his determination to solve crimes.
Is Lee Se-young’s character morally complex?
Yes, Han Sooyoung, portrayed by Lee Se-young, is a brilliant criminal profiler with a sharp mind and a strong moral compass. She’s dedicated to justice but also struggles with personal vulnerabilities.
Has Yoo Seung-ho acted in other popular dramas?
Yes, Yoo Seung-ho has starred in popular dramas like I Am Not a Robot, Ruler: Master of the Mask, and Remember: War of the Son, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
What makes Lee Se-young’s performance stand out?
Lee Se-young’s portrayal of Han Sooyoung is both fierce and emotionally resonant. She brings a perfect balance of intellect, strength, and vulnerability to the character.
Who plays the antagonist in Memorist?
Cho Seong-ha plays Oh Jung-woo, the main antagonist. His portrayal is chilling and charismatic, adding layers of complexity to the story’s central conflict.
Are there any notable supporting actors in Memorist?
Yes, supporting actors like Kim Won-hae (Detective Kim Joon-hyuk) and Jang Young-nam (Han Sooyoung’s mentor) add emotional depth and enhance the overall narrative.
Did the cast receive any awards for their performances?
While Memorist received critical acclaim as a series, Yoo Seung-ho and Lee Se-young’s performances were especially praised, earning recognition for their emotional depth and compelling portrayals.
How did the supporting cast contribute to the story?
The supporting cast adds realism, emotional support, and additional layers of tension. Their roles highlight the complexities of law enforcement, personal relationships, and moral dilemmas.
What are some behind-the-scenes facts about the cast?
The cast had strong on-screen chemistry, which translated into their off-screen interactions as well. They underwent character workshops to better understand their roles and the psychological depth of the series.