Young Lady and Gentleman Cast including Ji Hyun-woo and Lee Se-hee. Discover the characters, behind-the-scenes dynamics, and what makes this K-drama’s ensemble so captivating.
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Introduction

When Young Lady and Gentleman premiered, it quickly captured the hearts of viewers across South Korea and beyond with its blend of emotional storytelling, endearing characters, and classic K-drama charm. Airing on KBS2 from 2021 to 2022, this weekend family drama didn’t just enjoy high ratings—it became one of the most talked-about series during its run. But beyond its compelling plot and touching moments, the drama owes much of its success to its outstanding cast.
At the heart of the story is Ji Hyun-woo, who plays Lee Young-guk, a widowed chairman trying to balance fatherhood with the pressures of his corporate life. Opposite him is Lee Se-hee, in a breakout role as Park Dan-dan, a spirited and optimistic young woman who becomes a live-in tutor for his children. Their undeniable on-screen chemistry and nuanced performances drew praise from critics and audiences alike.
Surrounding the lead couple is a strong supporting cast, including seasoned actors and rising stars who added depth, humor, and emotion to the story. From family dynamics to romantic entanglements and personal growth, each character had a role in making the drama relatable and memorable.
In this article, we take a closer look at the talented cast of Young Lady and Gentleman—their characters, their performances, and how each contributed to making the drama a standout in recent K-drama history.
Young Lady and Gentleman Cast
Ji Hyun-woo delivers a mature and emotionally grounded performance as Lee Young-guk, a wealthy, widowed chairman of a large corporation. Still grieving the loss of his wife, Young-guk is a father of three who struggles to balance the demands of his job with the responsibilities of parenthood. His life begins to change when he hires Park Dan-dan as his children’s live-in tutor.
Ji Hyun-woo, a seasoned actor and former musician, is known for his versatility in both romantic and dramatic roles. Prior to this series, he rose to fame with performances in Queen In-hyun’s Man and Angry Mom. In Young Lady and Gentleman, he skillfully portrays a man learning to open his heart again, bringing both gravitas and vulnerability to the role.
Lee Se-hee as Park Dan-dan
Lee Se-hee shines as Park Dan-dan, a bright and resilient young woman who becomes a beacon of hope and change in the Young-guk household. Coming from a difficult background, Dan-dan is hardworking, optimistic, and unafraid to speak her mind. Her relationship with Young-guk evolves from professional to deeply personal, becoming the emotional core of the drama.
This role marked Lee Se-hee’s breakout performance, earning her widespread recognition and acclaim. Although she had appeared in supporting roles in earlier projects, Young Lady and Gentleman launched her into leading-lady status. Her natural chemistry with Ji Hyun-woo and ability to convey both strength and tenderness made Dan-dan a fan-favorite character.
Supporting Cast
Park Ha-na as Jo Sa-ra
Park Ha-na plays Jo Sa-ra, the head housekeeper of Lee Young-guk’s mansion. Elegant and composed on the outside, Sa-ra harbors deep feelings for Young-guk and becomes one of the central antagonists as she struggles with jealousy and ambition. Her character adds a layer of complexity and tension to the story, especially as Dan-dan and Young-guk grow closer.
Park Ha-na is no stranger to melodramas, having made a name for herself in series like Apgujeong Midnight Sun and Fatal Promise. Her portrayal of Sa-ra balanced vulnerability and scheming, making her a compelling character that viewers loved to hate.
Kang Eun-tak as Cha Gun
Cha Gun, portrayed by Kang Eun-tak, is Park Dan-dan’s loyal and supportive uncle. A warm-hearted man with a bit of a goofy streak, he provides comic relief while also showing deep care for Dan-dan’s well-being. His character is a key figure in Dan-dan’s life, and his interactions with other family members create some truly memorable moments.
Kang Eun-tak, known for his roles in family and daily dramas, brings heart and sincerity to Cha Gun. His performance adds charm to the series, grounding some of its more dramatic arcs with genuine emotion.
Oh Hyun-kyung as Wang Dae-ran
Wang Dae-ran, played by Oh Hyun-kyung, is Young-guk’s older sister-in-law—a stylish, slightly selfish, yet amusing character. She often brings levity to the show with her over-the-top reactions and lavish lifestyle. Despite her eccentricities, she occasionally shows surprising depth and warmth, particularly toward her niece and nephews.
Oh Hyun-kyung is a veteran actress with a long career in both comedic and dramatic roles. Her experience shines in this role, as she expertly balances flamboyance and family affection.
Lee Il-hwa as Park Soo-cheol
Park Soo-cheol, portrayed by Lee Il-hwa, is Dan-dan’s father—a well-meaning but often exasperating man who has struggled with money and parenting. Despite his flaws, he genuinely loves Dan-dan and tries to do right by her in his own clumsy way. Their relationship is both touching and frustrating, reflecting real-life familial tensions.
Lee Il-hwa is beloved in the K-drama world, especially for her iconic “mom” roles in the Reply series. She brings depth to what could have been a one-note character, giving Soo-cheol emotional authenticity.
Conclusion
The success of Young Lady and Gentleman lies not only in its heartwarming storyline and relatable themes but also in the strength and synergy of its cast. From the touching chemistry between Ji Hyun-woo and Lee Se-hee to the unforgettable performances of the supporting actors, each member of the ensemble brought something special to the screen. Their collective talent turned a simple family drama into a memorable journey of love, growth, and second chances.
Whether you were drawn in by the romantic tension, the familial bonds, or the delightful comedic moments, the cast ensured that every emotion felt authentic. For many viewers, the drama wasn’t just entertainment—it was an emotional experience, and much of that credit goes to the actors who brought the characters to life with such sincerity and depth.
As Young Lady and Gentleman continues to find new fans around the world through streaming platforms, the cast’s performances remain at the heart of its enduring appeal. It’s not just a story about a young lady and a gentleman—it’s about the people around them who made their journey all the more meaningful.
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FAQs
Who are the main actors in Young Lady and Gentleman?
The lead roles are played by Ji Hyun-woo (as Lee Young-guk) and Lee Se-hee (as Park Dan-dan). Their on-screen chemistry and emotional performances were widely praised.
Was Young Lady and Gentleman Lee Se-hee’s first lead role?
Yes! This drama marked Lee Se-hee’s breakout role as a lead actress. She had appeared in smaller roles before, but her portrayal of Park Dan-dan brought her into the spotlight and earned her several award nominations.
Is Ji Hyun-woo married in real life?
As of now, Ji Hyun-woo is not married. Though his chemistry with Lee Se-hee led to dating rumors during the drama’s airing, neither actor confirmed a relationship beyond their professional connection.
Who plays the children in Young Lady and Gentleman?
Young-guk’s children are played by young actors:
Lee Jae-ni as Lee Jae-ni (eldest daughter)
Lee Se-jong as Lee Se-chan (middle son)
Seo Woo-jin as Lee Se-jong (youngest son)
Seo Woo-jin in particular is a rising star, known for playing young roles in multiple popular K-dramas.
Who plays the villain or antagonist in the drama?
Park Ha-na plays Jo Sa-ra, who could be seen as the primary antagonist. Though not evil in a traditional sense, her jealousy and manipulative behavior create much of the conflict in the story.
Did the cast win any awards for their performances?
Yes! At the 2021 KBS Drama Awards, Young Lady and Gentleman won several awards including:
Grand Prize (Daesang) for Ji Hyun-woo
Best New Actress for Lee Se-hee
Their strong performances were recognized both critically and by fans.
Where can I follow the actors on social media?
Many of the cast members are active on Instagram. Here are a few you might want to follow:
Lee Se-hee: @se.22
Ji Hyun-woo: (He tends to keep a lower profile, but his agency sometimes posts updates.)
Seo Woo-jin: @seowoojin_official