Because This Is My First Life — Characters & Cast

Minimizing social complexity, debt, and emotional liability; evolves into desiring genuine partnership with Ji-ho.

A 38-year-old software developer who closed off his heart twelve years prior after a traumatic breakup and filial alienation. He lives by strict schedules, recycling routines, and financial spreadsheets, aspiring only to pay off his mortgage and die peacefully in his apartment. Through Ji-ho's presence, his emotional walls crumble, forcing him to confront buried grief, articulate suppressed feelings, and dismantle the transactional armor protecting him.

Securing a physical home and creative integrity; evolves into seeking authentic love and personal sovereignty.

A 30-year-old graduate of Seoul National University who worked for years as an underpaid assistant television writer. Facing homelessness and career dissolution following workplace sexual assault, she agrees to a contract marriage purely for shelter. Over the course of the narrative, Ji-ho moves from passive accommodation to assertive self-determination, recognizing her intrinsic worth and redefining both her art and romantic commitment on her own terms.

Economic self-sufficiency and protecting her mother; evolves into pursuing professional independence and vulnerable romantic partnership.

An ambitious corporate employee who suppresses her emotions and endures sexual harassment at work to secure financial stability for herself and her disabled mother. She views romantic relationships as purely physical and transactional until Ma Sang-goo's unwavering respect and empathy give her the courage to quit corporate toxicity and establish her own entrepreneurial venture.

Business success and finding meaningful romance; evolves into becoming an unconditional, non-coercive partner to Soo-ji.

The CEO of the tech startup Dating Not Marriage, who projects a slick, confident exterior but is sensitive, tearful, and open-hearted. He falls deeply for Soo-ji and continuously checks his male privilege, learning to support her without imposing paternalistic heroics.