Navillera Cast starring Park In-hwan and Song Kang. Discover their roles, backgrounds, and the heartfelt story behind this emotional tale of ballet, dreams, and friendship across generations.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Navillera is a poignant K-drama that tells the story of Shim Deok-chul, a 70-year-old retired mailman who decides to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a ballerino, and Lee Chae-rok, a 23-year-old struggling ballet dancer. Their unlikely friendship forms the heart of this inspiring tale.
Park In-hwan portrays Shim Deok-chul, bringing depth and sincerity to the role of a man determined to chase his dreams despite his age. His performance resonates with viewers, showcasing the universal theme of never giving up on one’s aspirations.
Song Kang plays Lee Chae-rok, a young man facing his own challenges in the world of ballet. Song Kang’s dedication to the role was evident as he trained in ballet for several months to authentically depict a ballerino’s movements and emotions.
Supporting them are Na Moon-hee as Choi Hae-nam, Deok-chul’s supportive wife, and Hong Seung-hee as Shim Eun-ho, Deok-chul’s granddaughter, who add layers of familial love and complexity to the narrative.
Together, this ensemble cast delivers a compelling story of mentorship, resilience, and the timeless pursuit of dreams.
Navillera Cast
Park In-hwan as Shim Deok-chul
Character:
Shim Deok-chul is a 70-year-old retired postman who finally decides to follow his dream of learning ballet. Despite disapproval from his family and his age-related health concerns, his quiet determination and heartfelt passion drive the emotional core of the story.
About Park In-hwan:
Park In-hwan is a legendary South Korean actor with a career spanning over five decades in film, television, and theater. Known for his dignified presence and emotional depth, Navillera gave him one of his most moving roles to date. His portrayal of Deok-chul was widely praised for its grace, sincerity, and the rare focus it brought to older protagonists in Korean dramas.
Song Kang as Lee Chae-rok
Character:
Lee Chae-rok is a 23-year-old talented ballet dancer who is struggling emotionally and financially. Despite his natural ability, he has lost direction and motivation—until he meets Deok-chul, whose passion reignites his own. Their intergenerational friendship becomes the soul of the drama.
About Song Kang:
Song Kang is one of the most talked-about rising stars in the Korean drama scene. Known for roles in Love Alarm, Sweet Home, and Nevertheless, Navillera marked a major shift in his career. He trained in ballet for the role, impressing audiences with both physical performance and emotional range. His chemistry with Park In-hwan was a highlight of the series.
Na Moon-hee as Choi Hae-nam
Character:
Choi Hae-nam is Deok-chul’s wife, initially resistant to his decision to pursue ballet but ultimately supportive. Her character reflects the real-life concerns and emotional tension that arise when someone dares to step out of societal norms, even late in life.
About Na Moon-hee:
Another veteran actress, Na Moon-hee has appeared in countless acclaimed films and dramas such as Miss Granny and Dear My Friends. She brings warmth and realism to her role, grounding the story in the emotional nuances of long-term relationships and generational understanding.
Hong Seung-hee as Shim Eun-ho
Character:
Eun-ho is Deok-chul’s granddaughter who initially struggles with her own career goals but gradually becomes inspired by her grandfather’s dedication. She represents the younger generation’s confusion and eventual clarity in finding purpose.
About Hong Seung-hee:
A fresh face in the Korean drama industry, Hong Seung-hee gained attention with her roles in Move to Heaven and Kingmaker: The Change of Destiny. In Navillera, her performance as Eun-ho balances youthfulness with sincerity, complementing the drama’s themes of self-discovery.
Supporting Cast
Kim Tae-hoon as Ki Seung-joo
Character:
Ki Seung-joo is a professional ballet instructor and former star dancer who mentors both Chae-rok and Deok-chul. Though strict and demanding, he deeply cares for his students and plays a key role in guiding their growth.
About Kim Tae-hoon:
Kim Tae-hoon is a seasoned actor known for his performances in dramas like Secret Forest and One Spring Night. His calm yet authoritative presence made him perfect for the role of a tough but supportive mentor.
Yoon Ji-hye as Eun-soo (Ballet Director)
Character:
Eun-soo is the director of the ballet company where Chae-rok trains. She plays a minor yet important role in supporting the environment that helps Chae-rok develop professionally and emotionally.
About Yoon Ji-hye:
Yoon Ji-hye has appeared in various supporting roles in dramas and films, often portraying strong and composed female characters.
Jung Hae-kyun as Shim Sung-san (Deok-chul’s Eldest Son)
Character:
Shim Sung-san is Deok-chul’s eldest son and a doctor. He strongly opposes his father’s ballet aspirations, believing it’s inappropriate and even dangerous at his age. His character represents societal pressure and the fear of change.
About Jung Hae-kyun:
Jung Hae-kyun is known for his intense and often antagonistic roles in both dramas and films, including The Villainess and The Outlaws. His portrayal of a stern, traditional son added believable conflict to the family dynamic.
Shin Eun-jung as Deok-chul’s Daughter-in-law (Sung-san’s Wife)
Character:
She is more understanding of Deok-chul’s dreams than her husband and provides emotional balance in family discussions. Her gentle support contrasts her husband’s opposition.
About Shin Eun-jung:
A familiar face in the drama world, Shin Eun-jung is known for her elegance and emotional expressiveness. Her role in Navillera was subtle but meaningful.
Conclusion
The cast of Navillera brought extraordinary heart and humanity to a story that resonates far beyond the screen. Led by veteran actor Park In-hwan and rising star Song Kang, the drama beautifully bridges generations, showing how dreams can be pursued at any age—and how mentorship and friendship can blossom in the most unexpected ways.
Each actor, from the deeply experienced Na Moon-hee and Jung Hae-kyun to newer talents like Hong Seung-hee, contributed to a world that felt authentic, emotional, and inspiring. The supporting cast grounded the drama in family, realism, and conflict, while the central duo carried its emotional weight with sensitivity and grace.
In the end, Navillera isn’t just a drama about ballet—it’s a story about living fully, loving deeply, and dancing through life with purpose. And it’s the cast’s remarkable performances that make those lessons unforgettable.
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FAQs
Who plays Shim Deok-chul in Navillera?
Park In-hwan plays Shim Deok-chul, a 70-year-old retired mailman who decides to pursue his dream of learning ballet. His performance is widely praised for its sincerity and emotional depth.
Is Park In-hwan a professional ballet dancer?
No, Park In-hwan is not a ballet dancer. He is a veteran South Korean actor with over 50 years of experience in film and television. However, he underwent basic ballet training for the role to bring authenticity to his performance.
Who is Song Kang and what role does he play?
Song Kang plays Lee Chae-rok, a young, talented ballet dancer struggling with personal and financial difficulties. His character forms a close, mentor-student bond with Deok-chul that is central to the story.
Did Song Kang learn ballet for Navillera?
Yes, Song Kang trained in ballet for about six months before filming Navillera. He took classes to realistically portray a professional dancer, and his effort was well-received by both critics and viewers.
What other dramas is Song Kang known for?
Song Kang is also known for Love Alarm, Sweet Home, Nevertheless, and Forecasting Love and Weather. He has quickly become one of the most recognized young actors in Korean dramas.
Who plays Deok-chul’s wife in the drama?
Na Moon-hee plays Choi Hae-nam, Deok-chul’s supportive and realistic wife. She brings emotional weight and warmth to the family scenes in the series.
Is Hong Seung-hee a newcomer?
Yes, Hong Seung-hee, who plays Shim Eun-ho, is a relatively new face in K-dramas. She has appeared in Move to Heaven and a few other supporting roles, gaining attention for her natural acting style.
Are Park In-hwan and Song Kang close off-screen?
While not much is publicly known about their personal relationship, behind-the-scenes footage and interviews show mutual respect and warmth between the two. Their chemistry on-screen reflects a genuine bond that developed during filming.
Is Navillera based on a true story?
Navillera is based on a webtoon of the same name by Hun and illustrated by Ji-min. While not based on real events, the story is grounded in real emotions and struggles, which the cast effectively brings to life.
What makes the casting of Navillera special?
The casting of Navillera stands out for its emotional authenticity and age diversity. It successfully pairs a veteran actor (Park In-hwan) with a rising star (Song Kang), and their performances bridge generations in a way that’s rarely seen in K-dramas.