The One and Only Cast features talented actors, including Ahn Eun-jin as the terminally ill protagonist, a woman searching for meaning in her final days. Alongside her are notable performances by Kim Kyung-nam, Jeon Hye-jin, and Lee Kyung-young, bringing depth to this emotionally charged drama about love, secrets, and redemption.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The One and Only is a South Korean drama that delves into the emotional and complex lives of three women who are diagnosed with terminal illnesses. The series follows their journey as they form an unlikely friendship while facing the realities of their shortened lives. Throughout their struggle to find meaning and peace, they encounter love, betrayal, and dangerous secrets. With powerful performances from its cast, including Ahn Eun-jin, Kim Kyung-nam, and Jeon Hye-jin, the drama explores themes of redemption, friendship, and the pursuit of happiness, offering a raw and heartfelt narrative.
The One And Only Cast
Ahn Eun-jin (as Pyo In-sook)
Ahn Eun-jin’s portrayal of Pyo In-sook is one of her most standout performances. In-sook is a woman facing the harsh reality of her terminal illness. She works as a funeral home employee and has a quiet but strong personality. Ahn Eun-jin brings a raw vulnerability to In-sook, who, despite her circumstances, is determined to experience love and fulfillment in the time she has left. The depth of Ahn Eun-jin’s performance allows the audience to truly empathize with her character’s emotional journey, making her both relatable and deeply moving.
Kim Kyung-nam (as Do Jin-woo)
Kim Kyung-nam plays Do Jin-woo, a man with a mysterious past who finds himself entangled in In-sook’s life. As a character with his own emotional scars, Jin-woo forms a complex relationship with In-sook, providing a grounding presence in her life while also struggling with his own personal dilemmas. Kim Kyung-nam portrays his character with subtlety, making Jin-woo’s internal conflict and growing affection for In-sook central to the series’ emotional core. His chemistry with Ahn Eun-jin adds an extra layer of poignancy to the drama.
Jeon Hye-jin (as Jo Yeon-kyung)
Jeon Hye-jin’s character, Jo Yeon-kyung, is one of In-sook’s closest friends, a woman grappling with her terminal diagnosis while also trying to find peace in her remaining days. Yeon-kyung is a strong-willed character who, despite the physical limitations of her illness, displays remarkable courage and resilience. Jeon Hye-jin brings a balance of warmth and strength to her portrayal, making Yeon-kyung both empathetic and inspiring as she faces her fate alongside her friends. Her relationship with In-sook adds a layer of friendship that is central to the show’s themes of connection and solidarity.
Lee Kyung-young (as Choi Hye-joo)
Lee Kyung-young plays Choi Hye-joo, a mysterious and morally complex character who plays a key role in the story. Hye-joo is the one who connects the main characters and is involved in the darker, more dangerous aspects of the plot. Lee Kyung-young’s performance is commanding, giving his character a sense of intrigue and power. His ability to portray a character with hidden motives and complex intentions makes him a captivating figure in the drama.
Kim Soo-jin (as Han So-ji)
While not as widely known as the other leads, Kim Soo-jin’s portrayal of Han So-ji, a character who also grapples with her own terminal diagnosis, adds an important dimension to the story. Her interactions with the other characters provide further emotional weight and help to underline the themes of mortality and the search for meaning in life.
Supporting Cast
1. Ahn Ji-hye (as Jang Mi-joo)
Ahn Ji-hye plays Jang Mi-joo, one of the supporting characters who plays an important role in the relationships between the main characters. Mi-joo’s involvement in the story provides additional emotional and narrative layers, and her presence highlights the dynamics of friendship, love, and challenges that the central characters face.
2. Kim Joo-ryoung (as Kim Young-ok)
Kim Joo-ryoung plays Kim Young-ok, a character who also becomes part of the main women’s circle. She brings a strong, protective maternal energy to the show, offering emotional support to the women, particularly during their most vulnerable moments. Kim Joo-ryoung’s grounded and heartfelt performance is a key component of the series’ emotional core.
3. Lee Hwa-ryong (as Hwang Seon-woo)
Lee Hwa-ryong plays Hwang Seon-woo, another supporting character whose connection to the main storyline involves offering important assistance to the women. His role is crucial in moving the plot forward, as he becomes involved with the characters in moments of crisis and provides a sense of comfort or direction.
4. Son Kwang-woo (as Lee Gyeong-sook)
Son Kwang-woo’s character, Lee Gyeong-sook, adds depth to the drama with his interactions and involvement with the central women. He is another important supporting character who helps bring out the emotional and dramatic elements of the show, particularly in relation to In-sook’s and Yeon-kyung’s lives.
5. Choi Min-ho (as Choi Min-seok)
Although he has a lesser role, Choi Min-ho’s character, Choi Min-seok, also becomes a part of the overarching plot. His character’s relationships with the main cast members enrich the storyline with twists that challenge the protagonists’ motivations and decisions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The One and Only is a deeply emotional and captivating drama that explores the fragile nature of life through the journey of three women facing terminal illnesses. With its strong lead performances by Ahn Eun-jin, Kim Kyung-nam, and Jeon Hye-jin, the series masterfully delves into themes of love, friendship, redemption, and the pursuit of peace in the final moments of life. The talented supporting cast further enriches the story, adding complexity and depth to the narrative.
What makes The One and Only stand out is its ability to tackle difficult and raw topics with sensitivity and authenticity, allowing viewers to connect emotionally with the characters. It is a story about finding meaning in the most challenging circumstances, showing that even in the face of inevitable endings, there is beauty, hope, and strength to be found in human connection.
When The Camellia Blooms Cast & Their Role (2019) Romantic Drama
(FAQs)
Who plays the lead role in The One and Only?
Ahn Eun-jin plays the lead role of Pyo In-sook, a terminally ill woman searching for meaning in her final days. Ahn Eun-jin’s performance is widely praised for its emotional depth and vulnerability.
Who is Kim Kyung-nam’s character in The One and Only?
Kim Kyung-nam portrays Do Jin-woo, a man with a mysterious past who forms a complex and emotional bond with Pyo In-sook. His character adds a layer of tenderness and intrigue to the story.
What is Jeon Hye-jin’s role in The One and Only?
Jeon Hye-jin plays Jo Yeon-kyung, one of In-sook’s terminally ill friends. Yeon-kyung provides a strong emotional anchor in the show, embodying themes of friendship, resilience, and the search for peace in the face of death.
Who plays the villain or antagonist in The One and Only?
Lee Kyung-young plays Choi Hye-joo, a morally complex character who is involved in some of the darker elements of the drama. His character plays a crucial role in the unfolding of the plot and adds a sense of mystery and tension.
Is Ahn Eun-jin well-known for other roles?
Yes! Ahn Eun-jin has appeared in several popular dramas, including Hospital Playlist, where she gained recognition for her role as a quirky yet loveable character. Her versatile acting range has made her a favorite among viewers.
What other projects have Kim Kyung-nam and Jeon Hye-jin been involved in?
Kim Kyung-nam is known for his roles in dramas like My Lovely Kim Sam-soon and The Killer’s Shopping List, where his performances also showcased his ability to bring depth and complexity to various characters.
Jeon Hye-jin has been a part of several well-received dramas, including The Lady in Dignity and Voice. Her performances in both comedic and dramatic roles have made her a respected actress in the industry.
Does The One and Only feature any other notable cast members?
Yes, the supporting cast also includes talented actors like Kim Joo-ryoung, Lee Hwa-ryong, and Son Kwang-woo, who add additional layers to the drama through their pivotal roles in the narrative.
Where can I watch The One and Only?
The One and Only is available on streaming platforms such as Viki and other platforms that offer Korean dramas with English subtitles.
How does the cast contribute to the overall success of The One and Only?
The chemistry among the lead and supporting cast members is essential to the success of the series. Their performances bring a sense of realism and relatability to the characters, making the show emotionally engaging. Each actor, from the leads to the supporting roles, contributes to the overall impact of the drama, making it a memorable and powerful experience for viewers.
Is The One and Only Ahn Eun-jin’s first lead role?
No, Ahn Eun-jin has played prominent roles in various dramas prior to The One and Only, but this series is one of her standout lead roles, showcasing her range as an actress in a deeply emotional and dramatic context.