Record of Youth Cast starring Park Bo-gum, Park So-dam, and Byun Woo-seok. Discover their roles, backgrounds, and behind-the-scenes stories.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Record of Youth (청춘기록) is a 2020 South Korean television drama that beautifully portrays the dreams, challenges, and emotional journeys of young people trying to find success in a highly competitive world. Set against the vibrant yet demanding backdrop of the fashion and entertainment industries, the series resonates deeply with anyone who has ever dared to chase a dream.
At the heart of Record of Youth lies a compelling ensemble cast, led by internationally acclaimed actor Park Bo-gum, rising star Park So-dam, and model-turned-actor Byun Woo-seok. These actors not only brought their characters to life with nuanced performances but also connected with audiences on a deeply emotional level, making the drama a standout hit both in South Korea and internationally.
Park Bo-gum plays Sa Hye-jun, a kind-hearted aspiring actor who faces repeated rejection but remains grounded and optimistic. Park So-dam portrays Ahn Jung-ha, a determined makeup artist who seeks independence and self-worth in a world that constantly tests her resolve. Byun Woo-seok’s character, Won Hae-hyo, adds complexity as Hye-jun’s best friend and fellow actor, navigating the privileges and pressures of coming from a wealthy family.
Record of Youth Cast
Park Bo-gum as Sa Hye-jun
Character:
Sa Hye-jun is a hardworking, kind-hearted aspiring model and actor from a humble background. Despite constant rejection and lack of support from the industry and even his father, he perseveres with quiet determination and integrity.
About Park Bo-gum:
Park Bo-gum is one of South Korea’s most beloved actors, known for his versatility, warmth, and strong emotional presence on screen. Before Record of Youth, he gained massive popularity through dramas like Reply 1988, Love in the Moonlight, and Encounter. Bo-gum is also admired for his real-life humility and charisma, making him a fan favorite across Asia.
Park So-dam as Ahn Jung-ha
Character:
Ahn Jung-ha is an independent, driven makeup artist who leaves her stable office job to follow her passion. Calm and composed on the outside, she battles anxiety, loneliness, and gender-based challenges in a highly competitive field. Her romance with Sa Hye-jun adds emotional depth to the story.
About Park So-dam:
Park So-dam rose to global fame with her role as the witty younger sister in the Oscar-winning film Parasite. Known for her expressive eyes and grounded performances, So-dam brings authenticity to every role she takes. Her portrayal of Jung-ha gave voice to many young women striving for self-reliance in modern society.
Byun Woo-seok as Won Hae-hyo
Character:
Won Hae-hyo is Sa Hye-jun’s best friend and fellow actor. Coming from a wealthy family, he has access to resources and connections, but longs to succeed on his own merit. His inner conflict and evolving friendship with Hye-jun add emotional layers to the show.
About Byun Woo-seok:
Originally a model, Byun Woo-seok transitioned into acting with roles in Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency and Moonshine. Record of Youth was a breakthrough moment for him, showcasing his emotional range and helping him build a solid fanbase. His portrayal of Hae-hyo brought sensitivity and nuance to a character that could have easily felt one-dimensional.
Supporting Cast
Ha Hee-ra as Han Ae-sook (Sa Hye-jun’s Mother)
Character:
Han Ae-sook is Hye-jun’s loving and supportive mother who stands by him unconditionally. She works as a housekeeper for a wealthy family but never lets go of her pride or faith in her son’s dreams.
About Ha Hee-ra:
A veteran actress, Ha Hee-ra is known for her graceful acting and powerful emotional delivery. She’s been a staple of Korean dramas for decades and brought both warmth and strength to the role of Hye-jun’s mother.
Park Soo-young (aka Park Sung-yeon) as Sa Min-gi (Hye-jun’s Grandfather)
Character:
Sa Min-gi is the quirky and lovable grandfather who decides to become a model in his 70s. His subplot brings humor and heart to the drama, symbolizing that dreams have no age limit.
About Park Soo-young:
A respected character actor, Park Soo-young’s performance as the wise yet comical grandfather won viewers over. His character often offered emotional relief and a different perspective on youth and ambition.
Shin Ae-ra as Kim Yi-young (Hae-hyo’s Mother)
Character:
A controlling and ambitious mother, Kim Yi-young uses her wealth and connections to push Hae-hyo’s career forward, often clashing with her son’s desire for independence.
About Shin Ae-ra:
A prominent actress and real-life wife of actor Cha In-pyo, Shin Ae-ra delivered a sharp and convincing portrayal of a powerful matriarch. Her character highlighted the role of privilege and parental pressure in youth success.
Lee Jae-won as Sa Kyung-jun (Hye-jun’s Older Brother)
Character:
Sa Kyung-jun is the more “responsible” older brother who works at a financial company and often criticizes Hye-jun’s career path. Their sibling rivalry reflects real-world familial tensions between traditional and non-traditional career choices.
About Lee Jae-won:
Known for his supporting roles in both TV and film, Lee Jae-won brought believability and groundedness to the role of an older sibling struggling with expectations and jealousy.
Conclusion
Record of Youth stands out not only for its relatable story and emotional depth but also for the outstanding performances of its cast. From the nuanced portrayal of youthful ambition by Park Bo-gum, Park So-dam, and Byun Woo-seok to the rich, emotionally resonant contributions from the supporting actors, every character brought authenticity and heart to the screen. The drama paints a realistic picture of the challenges faced by today’s youth—balancing dreams with reality, independence with family expectations, and success with integrity.
Whether you watched Record of Youth for its moving narrative or the charm of its leads, the cast’s performances undoubtedly left a lasting impression. Their chemistry, vulnerability, and growth on screen continue to resonate with audiences long after the final episode.
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FAQs
Who is the lead actor in Record of Youth?
The lead actor is Park Bo-gum, who plays Sa Hye-jun, an aspiring actor and model trying to make it big in the entertainment industry.
Who plays the female lead in Record of Youth?
Park So-dam plays Ahn Jung-ha, an independent makeup artist who supports herself and falls in love with Hye-jun.
Who is Byun Woo-seok, and what role does he play?
Byun Woo-seok plays Won Hae-hyo, Hye-jun’s best friend and fellow actor who struggles with being seen as privileged because of his wealthy background.
Is Park Bo-gum really a singer too?
Yes, Park Bo-gum is not only an actor but also a singer and pianist. He has released music, including the Japanese single “Bloomin’.”
Was Park So-dam in Parasite?
Yes! Park So-dam gained international fame for her role as Ki-jung (Jessica) in the Oscar-winning film Parasite (2019).
What was Byun Woo-seok’s career before acting?
Byun Woo-seok started his career as a fashion model before transitioning into acting. Record of Youth was one of his breakout TV roles.
Are the main cast members friends in real life?
While not officially confirmed, behind-the-scenes footage and interviews suggest that the lead actors shared a friendly and respectful bond during filming.
Is there a real-life relationship between any cast members?
No romantic relationships between cast members have been confirmed. Most have kept their personal lives private.
Who plays Sa Hye-jun’s mother in the drama?
Veteran actress Ha Hee-ra plays Han Ae-sook, Hye-jun’s supportive mother.
Is Record of Youth Park Bo-gum’s last drama before military enlistment?
Yes, Record of Youth was filmed just before Park Bo-gum began his mandatory military service in August 2020.