18 어게인
"You're young again. You're at an age full of dreams and hope. What's your dream now that you're young again?"
Cast: Lee Do-hyun, Kim Ha-neul, Yoon Sang-hyun, Roh Jeong-eui, Ryeoun
18 Again — Characters & Cast
Character Analysis
Hong Dae-young / Ko Woo-young
Yoon Sang-hyun (37-year-old Dae-young) / Lee Do-hyun (18-year-old Dae-young / Ko Woo-young)
Motivation
Begins with the desire to reclaim his lost youth and basketball career, which evolves into an urgent mission to heal his family and earn back his wife's heart.
Character Arc
Starts as a defeated, cynical middle-aged man blaming his past choices for his miserable present. Upon getting his 18-year-old body back, he initially plans to live for himself, but quickly reverts to 'dad mode' when he sees his children struggling. He transforms from a bitter, distant head of the household into an empathetic listener and supportive partner.
Jung Da-jung
Kim Ha-neul (Younger version: Han So-eun)
Motivation
To reclaim her independence, establish a stable career for her children, and find authentic happiness.
Character Arc
Begins as an exhausted mother who files for divorce after years of silent suffering and emotional distance. She bravely pursues her dream of being a broadcast anchor despite ageism and systemic bias. Throughout the series, she learns to release her stored resentment, recognize her husband’s quiet efforts, and allow herself to be vulnerable again.
Hong Shi-ah & Hong Shi-woo
Roh Jeong-eui (Shi-ah) & Ryeoun (Shi-woo)
Motivation
To protect themselves from the pain of their parents' divorce while pursuing their own hidden paths.
Character Arc
Shi-ah begins as an outwardly rebellious daughter secretly working part-time jobs to afford her own college tuition so as not to burden her parents. Shi-woo begins as a withdrawn, bullied boy hiding his passion for basketball. Through Woo-young's friendship and support, Shi-ah opens up about her dreams, and Shi-woo gains confidence, stands up to bullies, and excels on the basketball court.
Ye Ji-hoon
Wi Ha-joon
Motivation
To provide a safe family for his niece and earn Da-jung’s love.
Character Arc
A star professional baseball player who falls in love with Da-jung after admiring her courage and empathy during interviews. He harbors a secret grief: he is raising his deceased brother's daughter, Seo-yeon, alone. He serves as a mirror for Dae-young, driving Dae-young to step up, but ultimately respects Da-jung's lingering bond with her ex-husband.
Go Deok-jin
Kim Kang-hyun
Motivation
To support his best friend through an impossible fantasy situation while indulging his own eccentric hobbies.
Character Arc
A wealthy CEO of a gaming company obsessed with pop culture and superhero collectibles. He poses as Woo-young's father to help him enroll in school. He also pursues Shi-ah and Shi-woo's homeroom teacher, Ok Hye-in (Kim Yoo-ri), providing lighthearted romance while remaining Dae-young's steadfast anchor.
Cast
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