Uncontrollably Fond Cast , Kim Woo-bin as a top actor-singer facing a terminal illness and Bae Suzy as a documentary producer with a troubled past. Supported by Lim Ju-hwan and Im Joo-eun, the ensemble delivers a heart-wrenching story of love, regret, and second chances.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Uncontrollably Fond (2016) is a South Korean melodrama that intricately weaves together themes of love, loss, fate, and redemption, delivering a heartbreaking yet beautiful narrative that resonates deeply with viewers. Directed by Park Hyun-suk and written by Lee Kyung-hee—well-known for crafting emotionally charged dramas—the series stars Kim Woo-bin as Shin Joon-young, a wildly popular actor and singer, and Bae Suzy as No Eul, a documentary producer with a complicated past.
The drama opens with a glimpse into their youth, where Shin Joon-young and No Eul first meet as high school students. Their budding connection is abruptly severed by unforeseen circumstances and a tragic misunderstanding, only for them to meet again as adults under vastly different and emotionally complex conditions. Joon-young, now living with a terminal illness, agrees to film a documentary with No Eul, who is unaware of his condition at first. Their reunion sets the stage for a deeply emotional journey of unresolved feelings, painful truths, and the desperate desire to rewrite a past they can never undo.
What sets Uncontrollably Fond apart is its raw portrayal of imperfect characters caught in a web of consequences stemming from both personal decisions and societal pressures. The drama delves into themes such as class disparity, corruption, revenge, and the search for meaning in the face of death. Bolstered by an evocative soundtrack, stunning cinematography, and heartfelt performances—particularly Kim Woo-bin’s poignant portrayal of a man confronting his mortality—the series leaves a lasting emotional impact.
Though met with mixed critical reception upon its release due to its slow-burn pacing and heavy themes, Uncontrollably Fond has since gained appreciation for its mature storytelling and the emotional depth of its characters. It remains a memorable work within the genre of romantic melodramas and a standout project in the careers of both lead actors.
Uncontrollably Fond Cast
Kim Woo-bin as Shin Joon-young
Kim Woo-bin delivers a powerful and emotionally nuanced performance as Shin Joon-young, a top Hallyu star who hides a painful secret—he is terminally ill. Once a promising law student pressured by his ambitious mother to become a prosecutor, Joon-young makes a drastic life change after a heartbreaking event in his youth. He becomes a famous singer-actor, though emotionally detached and cynical, using his fame to mask the emptiness within. Kim Woo-bin captures the vulnerability and complexity of Joon-young with remarkable depth, portraying a character who is arrogant on the outside but emotionally fragile and haunted by regrets. This role was particularly notable as it was his last drama before taking a hiatus for health reasons, adding a layer of real-life poignancy to his performance.
Bae Suzy as No Eul
Bae Suzy stars as No Eul, a documentary producer who has endured a hard life. After her father dies in a hit-and-run accident that was never brought to justice, No Eul grows up struggling to make ends meet for herself and her younger brother. She is strong-willed, resourceful, and at times morally conflicted, as survival forces her to compromise her ideals. When she’s assigned to film a documentary on Joon-young, whom she once knew—and loved—in high school, unresolved emotions resurface. Suzy brings a quiet strength and emotional resonance to the role, showcasing her growth as an actress in a character that navigates both vulnerability and resilience.
Supporting Cast
Im Joo-hwan as Choi Ji-tae / Lee Hyun-woo
Im Joo-hwan plays Choi Ji-tae, a calm, intelligent, and idealistic man who lives a double life. As the son of a powerful and corrupt politician (who is also linked to No Eul’s father’s hit-and-run case), Ji-tae distances himself from his family by working under a different name—Lee Hyun-woo. He quietly supports No Eul, hiding his identity and his unrequited love for her. Ji-tae is a moral counterpoint to the corruption surrounding him, yet he’s also trapped in his own emotional turmoil. Im Joo-hwan delivers a restrained and poignant performance, portraying a man torn between loyalty, love, and guilt.
Lim Ju-eun as Yoon Jung-eun
Lim Ju-eun portrays Yoon Jung-eun, the daughter of a wealthy family with ties to the tragic accident that shaped No Eul’s life. While she appears outwardly poised and elegant, her character represents privilege, entitlement, and the darker side of power. Her involvement in the hit-and-run incident, and the lengths to which others go to protect her, is central to the story’s themes of injustice and moral compromise. Lim Ju-eun brings an icy complexity to the role, portraying a character who is both aloof and hauntingly dangerous.
Jin Kyung as Shin Young-ok (Joon-young’s mother)
Jin Kyung plays Joon-young’s mother, a proud and principled woman who works as a small-time restaurant owner. She is fiercely independent and has high hopes for her son, wanting him to become a prosecutor like his estranged father. Her relationship with Joon-young is strained due to his decision to pursue a career in entertainment and their contrasting values. Jin Kyung’s performance is raw and emotionally layered, making her one of the most relatable and heartbreaking figures in the series.
Lee Seo-won as No Jik (No Eul’s younger brother)
Lee Seo-won plays No Jik, No Eul’s kind-hearted but prideful younger brother. Despite their difficult circumstances, he excels academically and strives to maintain his moral compass. He is fiercely protective of his sister, often at odds with her decisions. His budding relationship with Ji-tae’s younger sister adds a subtle subplot of young love and class conflict. Lee Seo-won brings sincerity and warmth to the role, representing the innocence and quiet strength in the midst of the adult world’s chaos.
Conclusion
Uncontrollably Fond is more than just a romantic melodrama—it is a meditation on the fragile intersections of love, time, and consequence. Through its emotionally layered narrative, the drama explores how past decisions ripple into the present, often in irreversible ways. It portrays love not as a fairytale, but as something complex and sometimes painfully timed—arriving too late, or leaving too soon.
What gives the drama its emotional weight is the way it deals with impermanence. Shin Joon-young’s terminal illness is not just a plot device, but a lens through which we understand the urgency of living truthfully, of expressing love before it’s too late, and of finding peace amidst heartbreak. His journey from prideful celebrity to vulnerable man seeking closure is mirrored by No Eul’s own struggle to reconcile her traumatic past with the life she’s forced to endure.
The series doesn’t offer easy resolutions or picture-perfect endings. Instead, it embraces emotional honesty and the reality that not all wounds can be healed. The relationship between Joon-young and No Eul is filled with tension, miscommunication, and unspoken pain—but also with sincerity and depth that make their love story unforgettable.
Supported by a stellar cast, a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, and somber, poetic cinematography, Uncontrollably Fond manages to turn sorrow into something poignant and reflective. It reminds us that life is often unfair, that love can be both a comfort and a burden, and that even in sadness, there is beauty.
In the end, Uncontrollably Fond stays true to its title—it is a story that holds on to you, long after the final credits roll, with a bittersweet fondness for everything lost, everything remembered, and everything that might have been.
Heavenly Ever After Cast & Their Role (Romantic fantasy Series)
FAQs
Who is Kim Woo-bin, and what role does he play in Uncontrollably Fond?
Kim Woo-bin is a South Korean actor and model known for his charismatic screen presence and emotional depth. In Uncontrollably Fond, he plays Shin Joon-young, a famous actor-singer who is secretly battling a terminal illness. His character is complex—conflicted, emotionally distant, yet deeply vulnerable.
Was Uncontrollably Fond Kim Woo-bin’s last drama before his hiatus?
Yes. After Uncontrollably Fond aired in 2016, Kim Woo-bin was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer in 2017. He took a long break from acting to undergo treatment. Fans were deeply moved by his performance, especially in light of his real-life battle with illness. He returned to the screen several years later, fully recovered.
Who is Bae Suzy, and what role does she play?
Bae Suzy, also known mononymously as Suzy, is a South Korean actress and singer, and a former member of the K-pop group Miss A. In the drama, she plays No Eul, a struggling documentary producer with a painful past and a tough, survival-driven personality. Her emotional growth throughout the series is central to the story.
Did Kim Woo-bin and Bae Suzy have good on-screen chemistry?
Yes, their on-screen chemistry was praised for its emotional intensity and authenticity. Though subtle and restrained at times, their dynamic felt raw and real—matching the bittersweet, tragic tone of the drama. Many fans were especially moved by their scenes in the later episodes.
Were Kim Woo-bin and Bae Suzy friends before filming?
While they were not close friends before filming, both actors spoke respectfully of each other in interviews and praised each other’s professionalism. They developed a good working relationship during production, which helped create a believable and emotionally charged performance.
Has Kim Woo-bin worked with Suzy or the production team again after Uncontrollably Fond?
As of now, Kim Woo-bin and Suzy have not worked together again on another drama or film, though fans often express interest in seeing them reunite. Both have continued to take on new projects individually.
What was the reception of their performances?
Both Kim Woo-bin and Suzy received praise for tackling such emotionally heavy roles. While Suzy was still growing as an actress at the time, many viewers and critics noted her maturity in this role. Kim Woo-bin was especially lauded for his raw portrayal of a man confronting his mortality.