Welcome to Waikiki Cast , featuring Kim Jung-hyun, Lee Yi-kyung, Son Seung-won, and more, as they navigate hilarious misadventures in a struggling guesthouse.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Welcome to Waikiki is a beloved South Korean comedy-drama that quickly gained popularity for its laugh-out-loud moments, heartwarming friendships, and relatable struggles. Centered around three young men trying to keep their failing guesthouse afloat, the show blends absurd humor with sincere storytelling. A huge part of its charm comes from the energetic and talented cast, whose chemistry and comedic timing bring the quirky characters to life. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the main cast members of Welcome to Waikiki, exploring their roles in the series and their contributions to its success.
Welcome to Waikiki Cast
Kim Jung-hyun as Kang Dong-gu
Dong-gu is a hot-tempered but soft-hearted aspiring film director who dreams of making it big in the industry. Despite his ambition, his career is stuck, and he ends up managing the Waikiki guesthouse. Kim Jung-hyun delivers a performance filled with physical comedy and emotional depth, capturing the character’s frustrations and dreams with authenticity.
Lee Yi-kyung as Lee Joon-ki
Joon-ki is a quirky and over-the-top actor who will take on any role—no matter how ridiculous—to make a name for himself. His wild antics and hilarious facial expressions provide much of the series’ comic relief. Lee Yi-kyung’s comedic genius made Joon-ki a fan favorite, and his improvisational flair added spontaneity to many scenes.
Son Seung-won as Bong Doo-sik
Doo-sik is the most rational and calm of the trio, working as a freelance writer with hopes of becoming a respected screenwriter. Though more low-key than his roommates, he often finds himself caught in their ridiculous schemes. Son Seung-won brings a subtle charm to the role, grounding the group with his realistic reactions.
Jung In-sun as Han Yoon-ah
Yoon-ah is a single mother who ends up living at the guesthouse with her baby after a series of unfortunate events. She’s kind, responsible, and surprisingly tough. Jung In-sun plays her with warmth and strength, offering a strong female presence among the chaos.
Go Won-hee as Kang Seo-jin
Seo-jin is Dong-gu’s younger sister and an aspiring journalist. She’s tomboyish, outspoken, and constantly at odds with her own awkwardness. Go Won-hee’s comedic timing and bold energy make Seo-jin one of the standout characters.
Lee Joo-woo as Min Soo-ah
Soo-ah is Dong-gu’s ex-girlfriend and a struggling model who continues to live in the guesthouse. Though she often clashes with others, her vulnerability makes her more than just a comedic side character. Lee Joo-woo brings nuance and relatability to the role.
Supporting Cast
Seo Hye-won as Kim Hye-ri
A quirky and dramatic friend of Min Soo-ah, Hye-ri makes occasional appearances that often result in unexpected chaos. Her eccentric personality adds to the show’s unpredictable humor.
Park Sung-woong (cameo)
The veteran actor makes a memorable cameo as a gangster-type character in a hilarious fantasy sequence. His brief appearance showcases the show’s use of parody and surprise celebrity cameos.
Kim Seul-gi (cameo as Joon-ki’s ex)
Known for her comedic roles, Kim Seul-gi appears as one of Joon-ki’s oddball ex-girlfriends in a flashback scene. Her performance adds to the show’s theme of awkward love lives and failed relationships.
Hwang Bo-ra as Ms. Yang
A casting director who frequently interacts with Joon-ki, often placing him in humiliating acting roles. Hwang Bo-ra’s deadpan humor and exaggerated reactions play perfectly off Lee Yi-kyung’s antics.
Conclusion
The success of Welcome to Waikiki owes much to its incredible ensemble cast, whose chemistry and comedic timing brought each character vividly to life. From the hilarious escapades of the three male leads to the heartfelt performances of the female characters and the memorable appearances of supporting actors and cameos, the cast turned a quirky sitcom into a beloved fan favorite. Whether you’re watching for the laughs, the relatable struggles, or the unique personalities, the cast’s performances ensure that Welcome to Waikiki remains a standout in Korean comedy-dramas. Their dynamic portrayals continue to resonate with viewers, making the series as enjoyable on rewatch as it was the first time.
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FAQs
Who are the main actors in Welcome to Waikiki Season 1?
The main cast includes:
Kim Jung-hyun as Kang Dong-gu
Lee Yi-kyung as Lee Joon-ki
Son Seung-won as Bong Doo-sik
Jung In-sun as Han Yoon-ah
Go Won-hee as Kang Seo-jin
Lee Joo-woo as Min Soo-ah
Are the main actors comedians in real life?
While not all are stand-up comedians, most of the cast members are known for their strong comedic acting skills. Lee Yi-kyung, in particular, gained popularity for his excellent comedic timing and improvisation.
Did any cast members return for Welcome to Waikiki Season 2?
Only Lee Yi-kyung (Joon-ki) returned as a main cast member in Season 2.
What are some other popular dramas featuring the main cast?
Kim Jung-hyun: Crash Landing on You, School 2017
Lee Yi-kyung: Royal Secret Agent, Partners for Justice
Son Seung-won: Age of Youth, Hello, My Twenties!
Go Won-hee: Perfume, Your House Helper
Lee Joo-woo: The Ghost Detective, Hello, Twenties!
Were there any controversies involving the cast?
Yes, Son Seung-won was involved in a DUI incident in late 2018, which led to legal consequences and affected his acting career. He was later replaced in other projects and did not return for Season 2.
Are any of the cast members dating each other in real life?
There were no confirmed romantic relationships between the main cast members during or after the show’s filming. However, fans often praised their natural chemistry.