Thirty Nine Cast featuring Son Ye-jin, Jeon Mi-do, and Kim Ji-hyun. Explore their characters, performances, and behind-the-scenes insights of this heartfelt story about friendship, love, and life at 39.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Thirty-Nine is a heartwarming and emotionally charged South Korean drama that explores the complexities of friendship, love, and the inevitable challenges of turning 40. The series follows three lifelong friends—played by Son Ye-jin, Jeon Mi-do, and Kim Ji-hyun—who navigate their personal and professional lives while grappling with the bittersweet reality of growing older.
At the core of Thirty-Nine is its stellar cast, whose performances resonate with audiences on a deeply emotional level. Son Ye-jin, known for her iconic roles in Crash Landing on You and The Negotiation, plays the central character, Cha Mi-jo, a dermatologist with a fulfilling career and a complicated love life. Jeon Mi-do, famous for her breakout role in Hospital Playlist, portrays the talented and selfless Jung Chan-young, while Kim Ji-hyun, a versatile actress recognized for her work in Live and The Lady in Dignity, takes on the role of the optimistic and spirited Jang Joo-hee.
Together, these actresses breathe life into their characters, delivering performances that are both moving and relatable. In this article, we will dive deeper into the cast of Thirty-Nine, exploring their roles, backgrounds, and the chemistry that makes this drama so unforgettable.
Thirty Nine Cast
Son Ye-jin as Cha Mi-jo
Character:
Cha Mi-jo is a successful dermatologist who leads a seemingly perfect life. At 39, she has a thriving career, a close-knit circle of friends, and is on the verge of a serious relationship. However, beneath her composed exterior, Mi-jo is grappling with unresolved personal issues and the fear of growing older. Her character’s journey in Thirty-Nine explores themes of self-discovery, love, and confronting the impermanence of life.
About Son Ye-jin:
Son Ye-jin is one of South Korea’s most beloved and respected actresses. Known for her roles in blockbuster hits like Crash Landing on You (2019-2020) and The Negotiation (2018), she has built a career on her ability to portray deeply emotional characters with warmth and sincerity. Her performance in Thirty-Nine adds another layer to her already impressive repertoire, showcasing her ability to balance both dramatic depth and vulnerability.
Jeon Mi-do as Jung Chan-young
Character:
Jung Chan-young is a talented and passionate actress who has been pursuing her career for years. She is the most free-spirited of the trio and often puts others’ needs before her own. Chan-young’s emotional journey in the drama is marked by her love for acting and the realization that life is fragile and fleeting. Her close friendship with Mi-jo and Joo-hee plays a crucial role in her character’s growth throughout the series.
About Jeon Mi-do:
Jeon Mi-do is an acclaimed actress who rose to fame with her role in the wildly popular Hospital Playlist (2020), where she portrayed the compassionate and talented Dr. Ahn Jeong-won. Her success in both television and theater has made her a versatile and highly respected figure in the Korean entertainment industry. In Thirty-Nine, Jeon Mi-do brings an incredible depth of emotion to her portrayal of Chan-young, earning praise for her sensitive performance.
Kim Ji-hyun as Jang Joo-hee
Character:
Jang Joo-hee is the most optimistic and warm-hearted member of the trio. She works as a cosmetic counter manager and often acts as the emotional anchor for her friends. Despite her outward cheerfulness, Joo-hee struggles with her own personal insecurities and unrequited love. Her journey in Thirty-Nine is one of growth and self-empowerment as she learns to confront her own desires and emotional challenges.
About Kim Ji-hyun:
Kim Ji-hyun has long been recognized for her versatility as an actress, taking on roles in a wide range of genres from drama to thriller. She gained widespread attention for her performances in Live (2018) and The Lady in Dignity (2017), where she showcased her impressive range and ability to portray complex, multi-dimensional characters. In Thirty-Nine, her portrayal of Jang Joo-hee’s heartwarming yet deeply human character won her much acclaim for her authenticity and depth.
Lee Moo-saeng as Kim Seon-woo
Character:
Kim Seon-woo is a character that plays a significant role in Cha Mi-jo’s emotional journey. He is a thoughtful and gentle man who finds himself drawn to Mi-jo. Seon-woo’s quiet yet steadfast support for her provides a sense of stability in her life as she navigates the emotional complexities of the story. Their evolving relationship adds a rich layer of romantic tension and warmth to the drama.
About Lee Moo-saeng:
Lee Moo-saeng is an actor who has gained recognition for his impressive work in supporting roles across both film and television. Known for his versatility and nuanced performances, Lee Moo-saeng’s role in Thirty-Nine has allowed him to showcase his ability to bring depth to his characters, and his chemistry with Son Ye-jin adds emotional weight to the storyline.
Supporting Cast
Ahn Nae-sang as Cha Mi-jo’s Father
Character:
Cha Mi-jo’s father plays a quiet yet pivotal role in her life. As a father who has always been supportive but emotionally reserved, his relationship with Mi-jo reflects the complexities of family bonds and the unspoken understanding between them. His presence in the drama adds a layer of warmth and reflection on family dynamics.
About Ahn Nae-sang:
Ahn Nae-sang is a veteran actor with decades of experience in both film and television. He is widely respected for his ability to portray nuanced, dignified characters. His role in Thirty-Nine showcases his quiet strength and adds depth to the familial themes of the drama.
Ryu Hwa-young as So-jung
Character:
So-jung is a colleague of Cha Mi-jo and plays a significant role in the workplace dynamics of the story. Her presence provides a contrast to Mi-jo’s personality and offers insight into the more professional side of the characters’ lives, particularly Mi-jo’s career as a dermatologist.
About Ryu Hwa-young:
Ryu Hwa-young is a former member of the K-pop group T-ara, who transitioned into acting with notable roles in My Father is Strange and The Lotus Flower Fairy. In Thirty-Nine, she portrays So-jung with a mix of charm and professionalism, adding to the overall balance of the drama’s ensemble cast.
Jang Joo-hyun as Im Ji-yeon (Jang Joo-hee’s Best Friend)
Character:
Im Ji-yeon is a pivotal supporting character, acting as Jang Joo-hee’s best friend who brings some light-hearted moments to the drama. As Joo-hee’s confidante, she provides emotional support, and her character adds an interesting dynamic to the story, offering an outsider’s perspective on the trio’s deep friendship.
About Jang Joo-hyun:
Jang Joo-hyun is an emerging actress who has made her mark in a number of supporting roles in recent years. Known for her natural chemistry with other actors, she brings depth and relatability to her character in Thirty-Nine.
Choi Min-chul as Jang Joo-hee’s Father
Character:
Jang Joo-hee’s father is portrayed as a traditional and somewhat old-fashioned figure. His relationship with his daughter adds complexity to Joo-hee’s emotional journey, particularly as she navigates the challenges of balancing her personal desires with her family’s expectations.
About Choi Min-chul:
Choi Min-chul is an actor known for his roles in both dramas and films. With his experience and strong screen presence, he brings a grounded, authentic portrayal of the family dynamics that shape Joo-hee’s character.
Conclusion
Thirty-Nine is a deeply emotional and thought-provoking drama that explores the delicate balance between friendship, love, and the challenges of life at the cusp of turning 40. The brilliant cast—led by Son Ye-jin, Jeon Mi-do, and Kim Ji-hyun—brings the characters to life with heartwarming authenticity and emotional depth. Through their compelling portrayals, the actors masterfully depict the joys and struggles that come with aging, the complexities of relationships, and the unbreakable bond of friendship.
The supporting cast further elevates the drama, adding richness and nuance to the narrative. Whether it’s the lovable yet introspective characters or the more pragmatic figures, each actor’s performance adds layers to the story, making Thirty-Nine a standout K-drama that resonates deeply with viewers. With its stellar ensemble cast, Thirty-Nine offers a beautiful and relatable reflection on life’s impermanence and the importance of cherishing every moment.
As the drama concludes, it leaves viewers with a sense of fulfillment—having followed the characters’ growth and emotional journeys, and a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue love, dreams, and meaningful connections.
Record of Youth Cast & Their Role (2020) Kdrama
FAQs
Who plays Cha Mi-jo in Thirty-Nine?
Son Ye-jin plays Cha Mi-jo, a dermatologist and one of the three main characters. Her character struggles with the complexities of her personal life while navigating the challenges of turning 39.
Is Son Ye-jin married?
Yes, Son Ye-jin is married to actor Hyun Bin, her co-star in the hit drama Crash Landing on You. The couple announced their marriage in early 2022.
Who portrays Jung Chan-young in Thirty-Nine?
Jeon Mi-do portrays Jung Chan-young, an actress who faces her own personal and professional challenges. She is one of the close-knit friends in the story, providing emotional support to her friends while also navigating her own struggles.
Is Jeon Mi-do famous for other roles?
Yes! Jeon Mi-do became widely popular for her role as Ahn Jeong-won in the hit series Hospital Playlist. Her performance in that drama earned her significant recognition and love from audiences.
Who plays Jang Joo-hee in Thirty-Nine?
Kim Ji-hyun plays Jang Joo-hee, the most optimistic of the trio of friends. Joo-hee is a manager at a cosmetics counter and a key emotional support for her friends, facing her own emotional and romantic challenges.
Is Kim Ji-hyun involved in other popular K-dramas?
Yes, Kim Ji-hyun is known for her roles in Live (2018), where she portrayed a police officer, and The Lady in Dignity (2017), where she played a key role in the drama’s power dynamics.
What other projects has Son Ye-jin worked on?
Son Ye-jin has had a prolific career with notable roles in Crash Landing on You, The Negotiation (2018), Something in the Rain (2018), and The Classic (2003), among others. She is known for her versatility and ability to portray both romantic and dramatic roles.
How does the chemistry between the main cast members feel in Thirty-Nine?
The chemistry between Son Ye-jin, Jeon Mi-do, and Kim Ji-hyun is one of the highlights of the drama. Their performances as close-knit friends feel incredibly authentic, and their bond on-screen is both heartwarming and emotionally powerful.
Are the main cast members friends in real life?
While it’s not officially confirmed whether Son Ye-jin, Jeon Mi-do, and Kim Ji-hyun are close friends off-screen, they have expressed admiration and respect for each other in interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage shows a strong camaraderie.
Does Jeon Mi-do sing?
Yes! Jeon Mi-do is known for her powerful singing voice, especially from her role in Hospital Playlist, where her character is a member of a band. Her musical talents are also featured in Thirty-Nine, adding another layer to her versatile acting skills.