Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo - Characters & Cast

Initially, her motivation is simple: to be a great weightlifter like her father. This is complicated by her desire to be seen as a 'woman' by her first crush, leading her to temporarily lose her way. Ultimately, her motivation evolves into a more profound drive: to pursue her dream for herself, on her own terms, and to prove that she can be both a champion weightlifter and a woman who is loved and happy.

Kim Bok-joo begins as a single-minded, slightly insecure weightlifter who hides her vulnerability under a tough exterior. Her world expands when she experiences her first crush, leading her to question her identity and whether her passion for weightlifting is compatible with love and femininity. This triggers a significant emotional crisis and a slump in her career. Through the support of Joon-hyung and her family, she learns to accept and love herself completely. She evolves from a girl ashamed of her identity to a confident woman who understands that her strength is her beauty, culminating in her winning a gold medal without sacrificing her heart.

His initial motivation is to overcome his trauma and succeed as a swimmer. As the series progresses, a primary motivation becomes Bok-joo's happiness. He goes to great lengths to cheer her up and protect her, finding his own healing and purpose in the process. His love for her helps him resolve his family issues and regain his focus on his own athletic dreams.

Joon-hyung starts as a playful, mischievous swimmer who enjoys teasing Bok-joo. However, his cheerful demeanor hides a deep-seated trauma related to his mother's abandonment, which manifests as panic attacks during competitions. His relationship with Bok-joo is transformative. As he falls for her, he moves from a teasing friend to an incredibly supportive and empathetic boyfriend. He helps her through her identity crisis while she, in turn, provides him with the emotional stability he needs to confront his past. He matures from a boy running from his pain to a young man who faces his trauma and can support the person he loves unconditionally.

Jae-yi is motivated by a genuine desire to help people, stemming from a career-ending injury that made him switch from being an athlete to a doctor. He is kind to everyone, which is why Bok-joo mistakes his professional kindness for romantic interest. His primary motivation is to be a caring doctor and a good older brother figure to Joon-hyung.

Jung Jae-yi is a kind, gentle, and somewhat oblivious obesity doctor who is Joon-hyung's older brother/cousin. He serves as the catalyst for Bok-joo's journey of self-discovery as the object of her first unrequited love. His character arc is subtle; he starts as an idealized figure and slowly becomes more human. He learns to be more direct in his own life, particularly regarding his relationships, and ultimately plays a supportive role in Bok-joo and Joon-hyung's relationship, treating Bok-joo like a cherished younger sister.

Shi-ho is motivated by a desperate need to succeed and regain her former glory as a top gymnast. This is amplified by pressure from her family and her lingering feelings for Joon-hyung. Her actions are born from insecurity and fear of failure. Her motivation eventually shifts toward self-preservation and finding peace outside the intense world of competitive gymnastics.

Song Shi-ho is a top-class rhythmic gymnast, Bok-joo's roommate, and Joon-hyung's ex-girlfriend. She begins as a classic antagonist, driven by jealousy and the immense pressure of her sport. Her arc is one of the most dramatic, as she spirals due to stress, leading to an eating disorder and a dependency on sleeping pills. Initially, she tries to sabotage Bok-joo's life. However, after hitting rock bottom and being helped by Bok-joo, she begins a path to recovery. She lets go of her obsession with Joon-hyung, reconciles with Bok-joo, and makes the difficult decision to retire from gymnastics, choosing her health and happiness over glory.