The Innocent Man Cast , featuring Song Joong-ki as Kang Ma-ru, Moon Chae-won as Han Jae-hee, and Lee Kwang-soo as Park Jae-hee. This intense K-drama explores love, betrayal, and revenge with powerful performances and a gripping storyline.
Table of Contents
Introduction

The Innocent Man (Nice Guy), a South Korean television series that aired in 2012, is a compelling drama that delves into themes of love, betrayal, and revenge. The series follows Kang Ma-ru (played by Song Joong-ki), a talented and kind-hearted man whose life takes a dark turn after being betrayed by the woman he loves, Han Jae-hee (played by Moon Chae-won). As Ma-ru seeks revenge, he becomes entangled in a complex web of deceit, power struggles, and emotional conflicts.
The drama explores the depth of human emotions, the pain of betrayal, and the moral dilemmas faced when seeking vengeance. With its intense storyline, emotional twists, and standout performances, The Innocent Man captivates audiences with its raw portrayal of love and the consequences of betrayal. The series also features strong performances from Lee Kwang-soo as Park Jae-hee, adding depth and intrigue to the narrative.
The Innocent Man Cast
Song Joong-ki as Kang Ma-ru
- Role: A kind-hearted and talented medical student whose life is shattered after being betrayed by the woman he loves. After being framed for a crime he didn’t commit, Ma-ru seeks revenge, transforming from an innocent man into someone driven by pain and justice.
- Character Traits: Intelligent, compassionate, and emotionally complex. His journey from innocence to vengeance showcases his internal struggle between love and moral integrity.
- Why He Stands Out: Song Joong-ki’s portrayal of Ma-ru is both heartbreaking and powerful, capturing the depth of a man torn between love and betrayal with remarkable nuance.
Moon Chae-won as Han Jae-hee
- Role: A beautiful and ambitious woman who betrays Ma-ru for personal gain, leading to devastating consequences. Despite her cold actions, Jae-hee is a deeply complex character with her own vulnerabilities and motives.
- Character Traits: Ambitious, manipulative, yet emotionally conflicted. She’s not a one-dimensional villain but a flawed individual struggling with her choices.
- Why She Stands Out: Moon Chae-won’s performance adds layers to Jae-hee, portraying her as both a heartless betrayer and a tragic figure shaped by her circumstances.
Lee Kwang-soo as Park Jae-hee
- Role: A charming and calculating man who plays a key role in the story’s central conflicts. He’s both an ally and an antagonist, adding tension to the romantic and revenge-driven plot.
- Character Traits: Manipulative, charismatic, and opportunistic. He’s skilled at hiding his true intentions behind a mask of charm.
- Why He Stands Out: Lee Kwang-soo’s ability to portray both light-hearted moments and dark, manipulative behavior makes his character memorable and essential to the story’s dynamics.
Lee Yoo-bi as Eun-gi
- Role: A bright and kind-hearted young woman who becomes emotionally entangled with Ma-ru. She represents hope and innocence amidst the darkness of betrayal and revenge.
- Character Traits: Optimistic, compassionate, and loyal. She contrasts sharply with the main characters’ darker motives, bringing warmth to the narrative.
- Why She Stands Out: Lee Yoo-bi’s portrayal of Eun-gi adds emotional depth and a refreshing sense of innocence, balancing the drama’s darker themes.
Park Si-yeon as Chae Eun-gi
- Role: A complex character connected to the main plot, involved in the web of lies and manipulations.
- Character Traits: Ambiguous, emotionally driven, and morally conflicted.
- Why She Stands Out: Park Si-yeon adds intrigue to the storyline with her layered performance, blurring the lines between right and wrong.
Supporting Cast
Kim Tae-hoon as Han Jae-hee’s Father
- Role: A powerful and influential figure who plays a significant role in the political and business dynamics surrounding the main characters.
- Why He Stands Out: His character adds tension and complexity, showcasing the influence of wealth and power in personal relationships.
Choi Il-hwa as Kang Ma-ru’s Mentor
- Role: A respected figure in Ma-ru’s life who provides guidance and support amidst his emotional turmoil.
- Why He Stands Out: Choi Il-hwa’s performance adds warmth and wisdom, providing a moral compass for Ma-ru’s darker journey.
Kim Ji-young as Jae-hee’s Mother
- Role: A woman who represents the traditional values and expectations that influence Jae-hee’s decisions and actions.
- Why She Stands Out: Kim Ji-young’s portrayal highlights the generational and societal pressures that shape her daughter’s character.
Jung In-gi as Ma-ru’s Uncle
- Role: A supportive figure in Ma-ru’s life, offering emotional and practical support during his struggles.
- Why He Stands Out: His character adds depth to Ma-ru’s backstory, showing the importance of family ties in the face of betrayal.
Seo Eun-ah as Min Joo-hee
- Role: A secondary character involved in the intricate web of relationships, contributing to the plot’s emotional and dramatic tension.
- Why She Stands Out: Seo Eun-ah’s performance adds to the series’ emotional landscape, highlighting the ripple effects of betrayal and revenge.
Kim Joon-bum as Park Jae-hee’s Associate
- Role: A key figure in the business and manipulative schemes that drive the story’s conflicts.
- Why He Stands Out: His role emphasizes the theme of moral corruption and the consequences of ambition at any cost.
Yoon Bok-in as Ma-ru’s Aunt
- Role: A character who adds emotional depth and familial warmth, contrasting with the darker elements of the story.
- Why She Stands Out: Yoon Bok-in’s portrayal provides a sense of stability and emotional support amidst the chaos.
Conclusion
The Innocent Man (Nice Guy) is a gripping K-drama that masterfully explores the complexities of love, betrayal, and revenge. The powerful performances of the main cast—Song Joong-ki, Moon Chae-won, and Lee Kwang-soo—bring depth and intensity to their roles, making the characters’ emotional journeys both compelling and unforgettable.
The supporting cast adds critical layers to the story, enriching the narrative with intricate relationships, moral dilemmas, and emotional conflicts. Together, they create a dramatic masterpiece that delves into the darkest corners of human emotions, where love can be both a source of strength and a catalyst for destruction.
The World Of The Married Cast & Their Role (2020)
FAQs
Who plays Kang Ma-ru in The Innocent Man?
Song Joong-ki plays Kang Ma-ru, the protagonist whose life is turned upside down by betrayal and heartbreak.
What other dramas has Song Joong-ki starred in?
Song Joong-ki is known for his roles in Descendants of the Sun, Arthdal Chronicles, and Vincenzo, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Who is Moon Chae-won’s character in the drama?
Moon Chae-won portrays Han Jae-hee, the woman who betrays Ma-ru for personal gain, leading to a complex and emotional conflict.
Has Lee Kwang-soo received any awards for his role?
es, Lee Kwang-soo has received recognition for his performances in various dramas, including The Innocent Man, where he showcased his ability to play both charming and manipulative characters.
What makes Song Joong-ki’s performance stand out?
Song Joong-ki’s portrayal of Kang Ma-ru is praised for its emotional depth and complexity. He masterfully conveys the transformation from an innocent, loving man to someone driven by pain and revenge.
Is Moon Chae-won known for other dramas?
Yes, Moon Chae-won has starred in popular dramas like The Princess’ Man, Good Doctor, and The Innocent Man, earning acclaim for her versatile acting skills.
How did Lee Kwang-soo prepare for his role as Park Jae-hee?
Lee Kwang-soo immersed himself in understanding the character’s manipulative nature, focusing on the emotional complexities and duality of charm and deceit.
What makes The Innocent Man’s cast dynamic?
The chemistry between the cast members, especially Song Joong-ki, Moon Chae-won, and Lee Kwang-soo, creates an intense and believable emotional landscape that drives the drama’s success.
Are there any notable supporting actors?
Yes, supporting actors like Kim Tae-hoon, Choi Il-hwa, and Kim Ji-young add depth to the story, enhancing the drama’s emotional and thematic complexity.
What makes The Innocent Man a standout K-drama?
The combination of strong performances from its cast, a gripping storyline, and the exploration of profound emotional themes make The Innocent Man a must-watch drama.