Navigating the romantic trials of Noh Ae-jung in the hit JTBC series Was It Love? requires looking closely at the ensemble cast that brought this 2020 romantic comedy to life. When the show aired on JTBC, it captured global attention through its unique multi-suitor premise, pairing a resilient single mother with four vastly different men from her past.
Understanding why this 16-episode series resonated with viewers means examining the main actors, their character dynamics, and the supporting performances that shaped the narrative. Here's a complete guide to the actors who defined the series.
Song Ji-hyo as Noh Ae-jung
As the heart of the series, Song Ji-hyo stars as Noh Ae-jung, a film producer and single mother who has spent fourteen years putting her romantic life on hold to raise her daughter. Ae-jung's fierce determination and grit form the backbone of the story, as she suddenly finds herself caught in an unexpected pentagonal romance.
Song Ji-hyo, widely recognized for her long-standing role on the variety show Running Man, brings a grounded vulnerability to Ae-jung. Instead of portraying a passive heroine waiting to be rescued, she depicts a professional fighting to save her career while navigating sudden romantic attention from four distinct suitors. Her performance balances comedic frustration with genuine emotional depth, making her character's journey of self-discovery believable.
Son Ho-jun as Oh Dae-oh
Playing the role of Oh Dae-oh, Son Ho-jun portrays a bestselling novelist and Hollywood screenwriter who shares a complicated history with Ae-jung. Dae-oh is introduced as a charismatic yet prickly figure whose past connection to the protagonist resurfaces when he becomes involved in adapting his book into a film.
Son Ho-jun captures Dae-oh's internal conflict—torn between old resentment and lingering affection. His chemistry with Song Ji-hyo anchors the central romantic tension of the series. Dae-oh's transformation from a guarded artist into someone willing to support Ae-jung's ambitions provides some of the show's most compelling narrative beats.
Song Jong-ho as Ryu Jin
Song Jong-ho takes on the role of Ryu Jin, an A-list actor often referred to on screen as the "Nation's Male Friend." Having shared university days with Ae-jung, Ryu Jin has harbored quiet feelings for her for over a decade. Now standing at the peak of his career, he decides to risk his professional reputation to step back into her life.
Song Jong-ho portrays Ryu Jin with a refined, melancholic charm. The character's polite demeanor masks a deep-seated regret over missed opportunities from his youth. His storyline explores the pressures of celebrity life and the courage required to pursue a long-suppressed personal truth.
Kim Min-jun as Koo Pa-do
As Koo Pa-do, Kim Min-jun plays a former gangster who successfully transitioned into a powerful financial CEO, earning the moniker of the "Robin Hood of the private loan industry." Pa-do crosses paths with Ae-jung through business, while also dealing with his responsibilities as an adoptive father to his late brother's son, Dong-chan.
Kim Min-jun brings a brooding intensity to the ensemble. Beneath Pa-do's intimidating exterior lies a protective and loyal nature. His interactions with Ae-jung and his devotion to young Dong-chan offer a poignant subplot about redemption and second chances at family life.
Koo Ja-sung as Oh Yeon-woo
Koo Ja-sung stars as Oh Yeon-woo, a popular physical education instructor whose warm smile and attentive nature make him a campus favorite. Having known Ae-jung since their younger days when she worked part-time at his mother's comic book shop, Yeon-woo remains fiercely devoted to her.
Koo Ja-sung infuses the character with youthful optimism and straightforward charm. Unlike the more complicated or guarded suitors, Yeon-woo's transparent affection introduces a refreshing dynamic to the narrative, reminding Ae-jung of a simpler time in her life.
Kim Da-som as Joo Ah-rin
Rounding out the primary romantic grid, Kim Da-som (formerly of the K-pop group Sistar) plays Joo Ah-rin, a top-tier actress who commands the screen. Ah-rin holds a secret crush on Dae-oh, adding another layer of professional and personal rivalry to the production crew's daily struggles.
Kim Da-som portrays Ah-rin with a mix of celebrity confidence and underlying vulnerability. Her character breaks away from standard villain archetypes, evolving into a nuanced figure who must confront her own unrequited feelings.
Supporting Cast and Behind-the-Scenes Chemistry
The success of Was It Love? relied heavily on its robust supporting cast. Kim Mi-kyung delivered a memorable performance as Choi Hyang-ja, Ae-jung's outspoken and supportive mother, while young actress Uhm Chae-young played Noh Ha-nee, Ae-jung's sharp-witted daughter on a quest to discover her true father. Furthermore, young actor Yoon Sung-woo captured hearts as Koo Dong-chan, bridging the gap between Pa-do's guarded world and normal school life.
Behind the scenes, cast interviews and promotional events revealed a close-knit working environment. Director Kim Do-hyun encouraged improvisational beats among the actors, allowing natural comedic timing to shine through during the chaotic studio scenes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I stream Was It Love?
The entire 16-episode series is available for streaming worldwide on Netflix.
Is Was It Love based on a webtoon?
Unlike many popular K-dramas, Was It Love? is an original screenplay written by Lee Sung-jin and directed by Kim Do-hyun, rather than an adaptation of a preexisting webtoon.
Who is Noh Ha-nee's biological father?
Without spoiling the final resolution, the mystery of Noh Ha-nee's biological father drives the primary narrative arc. The show spends its 16 episodes methodically exploring how each of the four main male leads connects to Ae-jung's past before revealing the final answer in the series finale.
