The Good Bad Mother cast led by Ra Mi-ran as the resilient single mother Jin Young-soon, Lee Do-hyun as her ambitious son Choi Kang-ho, and Ahn Eun-jin as Lee Mi-joo, Kang-ho’s childhood friend. Their compelling performances bring depth to this heartwarming tale of family and healing.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Good Bad Mother is a heartwarming South Korean drama that delves into the complex relationships between a mother and her son, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and healing. The drama is brought to life by a talented cast led by Ra Mi-ran, who plays Jin Young-soon, a mother who has done everything to protect and support her son, despite the hardships they face. Lee Do-hyun portrays Choi Kang-ho, her son, whose life takes unexpected turns after a tragic event, leading him to rediscover the true meaning of family. The cast also includes Ahn Eun-jin as Lee Mi-joo, a childhood friend who adds a touch of emotional depth and support to Kang-ho’s journey. Together, this powerful ensemble creates a moving narrative about the bonds that define us and the strength of love, no matter the circumstances.
The Good Bad Mother Cast
Ra Mi-ran as Jin Young-soon
Ra Mi-ran portrays Jin Young-soon, a resilient single mother who runs a pig farm and has dedicated her life to raising her son, Choi Kang-ho. Her portrayal of a mother who balances tough love with deep affection has been widely praised. Ra Mi-ran is renowned for her roles in Reply 1988 and The Himalayas .
Lee Do-hyun as Choi Kang-ho
Lee Do-hyun plays Choi Kang-ho, a prosecutor with a cold demeanor who, after an accident, loses his memory and reverts to his seven-year-old self. This role showcases his versatility, transitioning from a hardened adult to a childlike persona. Lee Do-hyun is acclaimed for his performances in Youth of May and 18 Again .
Ahn Eun-jin as Lee Mi-joo
Ahn Eun-jin portrays Lee Mi-joo, Kang-ho’s childhood friend and nail artist, who returns to her hometown and becomes a pivotal figure in his life. Her character adds emotional depth and warmth to the series. Ahn Eun-jin is also known for her roles in Hospital Playlist and My Dearest .
Supporting Cast
Choi Moo-sung as Song Woo-byeok
Choi Moo-sung portrays Song Woo-byeok, the CEO of Woobyeok Group. He is a former thug turned powerful businessman with a corrupt past, including orchestrating the death of Kang-ho’s father. His character serves as a significant antagonist in the series.
Jung Woong-in as Oh Tae-soo
Jung Woong-in plays Oh Tae-soo, a former prosecutor and current member of the National Assembly. He is also Kang-ho’s fiancée’s father, adding political intrigue to the narrative.
Kim Won-hae as Son Yong-rak
Kim Won-hae portrays Son Yong-rak, the head of the village where the story unfolds. His character adds a layer of local governance and community dynamics to the series.
Hong Bi-ra as Oh Ha-yeong
Hong Bi-ra plays Oh Ha-yeong, the only daughter of Oh Tae-soo and Kang-ho’s fiancée. Her character brings a personal connection to the political and familial tensions in the story.
Seo Yi-sook as Park Sung-ae
Seo Yi-sook portrays Park Sung-ae, Sam-sik’s mother, who runs a mill with her husband. Her character adds depth to the village’s social fabric.
Conclusion
The cast of The Good Bad Mother brings extraordinary emotional depth and authenticity to a heartfelt story about love, sacrifice, and second chances. Ra Mi-ran, Lee Do-hyun, and Ahn Eun-jin lead with unforgettable performances, supported by a rich ensemble that enhances every layer of the narrative. From powerful antagonists to the warmth of small-town life, each actor contributes meaningfully to the drama’s themes of healing and redemption. With such a dynamic and well-rounded cast, The Good Bad Mother resonates deeply with audiences, making it one of the most touching and talked-about Korean dramas of its time.
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FAQs
Who plays the lead role of the mother in The Good Bad Mother?
Ra Mi-ran plays Jin Young-soon, a strong-willed single mother who raises her son with strict but well-meaning discipline. She’s known for her versatile acting in dramas and films like Reply 1988 and Honest Candidate.
Who is the actor behind Choi Kang-ho?
Lee Do-hyun plays Choi Kang-ho, Jin Young-soon’s son, a cold-hearted prosecutor who regresses to a childlike state after an accident. Lee Do-hyun has gained fame through dramas like Youth of May, 18 Again, and Hotel Del Luna.
Who plays Lee Mi-joo, Kang-ho’s childhood friend?
Ahn Eun-jin portrays Lee Mi-joo, a kind-hearted nail artist and childhood friend of Kang-ho. She previously starred in hits like Hospital Playlist and My Dearest.
Are there any well-known veteran actors in the supporting cast?
Yes, Choi Moo-sung and Jung Woong-in both bring gravitas to the story. Choi Moo-sung plays the powerful antagonist Song Woo-byeok, while Jung Woong-in plays Oh Tae-soo, a politically influential figure.
Are the child actors in the series real twins?
No, the twins Seo-jin and Ye-jin are played by two different child actors: Ki So-yu and Park Da-on. Their chemistry and performances add warmth and innocence to the series.
Is this Lee Do-hyun’s last drama before military enlistment?
Yes, The Good Bad Mother was filmed shortly before Lee Do-hyun began his mandatory military service in 2023, making it a special project for his fans.
Does Ra Mi-ran sing the OST?
No, while Ra Mi-ran is multitalented, she did not perform any songs for the OST. However, the emotional tone of the drama is deeply supported by a beautifully composed soundtrack.
Where can I follow the cast on social media?
Lee Do-hyun: @ldh_leedohyun (Instagram)
Ra Mi-ran: Not very active on social media
Ahn Eun-jin: @eunjin___a (Instagram)
Fans can also find updates via Netflix Korea and JTBC Drama channels.