The 2022 Korean drama Little Women became an instant hit for its gripping story of three sisters thrust into a dangerous world of power and money. While the plot of mysterious funds and a powerful enemy captivates, it’s the stellar cast that truly brings this thriller to life. The series features celebrated actors from popular shows like Goblin and Squid Game, whose performances add depth to this modern reimagining of a classic tale.
The Three Sisters at the Heart of the Story
The emotional core of the drama rests with the three Oh sisters, portrayed by a talented trio of actresses.
Kim Go-eun plays Oh In-joo, the eldest sister. Having grown up in poverty, In-joo believes that money is essential to protecting her family. She is a somewhat naive character who gave up her own education to raise her younger sisters. Her life is turned upside down when her deceased friend, Hwa-young, leaves her a staggering 70 billion won, pulling her into a direct and dangerous conflict with one of Korea’s richest families. Kim Go-eun is widely celebrated for her role as Eun-tak in the beloved fantasy series Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (Goblin).
Nam Ji-hyun takes on the role of Oh In-kyung, the middle sister and a passionate news reporter. Unlike In-joo, In-kyung is courageous and refuses to be swayed by money, driven instead by a strong sense of justice. Her character struggles with alcoholism, which often puts her job at risk. Her investigation into a mysterious case from her past eventually intersects with her sister’s troubles, forcing her to confront a powerful conspiracy. Nam Ji-hyun is known for her roles in popular dramas like Suspicious Partner and 100 Days My Prince.
Park Ji-hu portrays Oh In-hye, the youngest of the three sisters. A gifted art student, In-hye attends a prestigious high school and sometimes feels overwhelmed by her older sisters’ intense devotion. Her own story becomes entangled with the wealthy family when she befriends their daughter, Hyo-rin, and begins painting portraits for them. Park Ji-hu is best recognized for her breakout role as Nam On-jo in the hit Netflix zombie series All of Us Are Dead.
Key Allies and Complex Characters
The sisters’ journey involves several key figures who aid them, alongside characters whose allegiances are unclear.
Wi Ha-joon plays the crucial role of Choi Do-il. Introduced as an acquaintance of Hwa-young who works for the opposing family, Do-il is a graduate of a prestigious university and a mysterious figure. For much of the series, his true motives are unclear, keeping viewers guessing whether he is an ally or a threat. He becomes deeply involved in In-joo’s life and proves to be a significant help in her struggle. Wi Ha-joon gained international fame for his role as the detective in the global phenomenon Squid Game.
Kang Hoon appears as Ha Jong-ho, a childhood friend of Oh In-kyung and a steadfast supporter. His character provides a reliable anchor for the middle sister as she pursues her dangerous investigation.
A pivotal character is Jin Hwa-young, played by Choo Ja-hyun. As In-joo’s secret friend, her actions from beyond the grave set the entire plot in motion when she leaves the massive fortune to In-joo.
The Powerful Antagonists
The Oh sisters face a formidable enemy in the form of the wealthy and influential Wonryong group.
Uhm Ji-won delivers a chilling performance as Won Sang-ah. On the surface, she is the elegant daughter of a general, the wife of a politician, and the director of an art museum. However, she is revealed to be the true mastermind behind much of the conflict, driven by a desire to lead the secretive Jeongran Society started by her father. Her relationship with the Oh sisters begins when her daughter becomes involved with In-hye.
Um Ki-joon plays Park Jae-sang, Sang-ah’s husband. He is a lawyer and a rookie politician who appears to be the main antagonist initially. While he is deeply involved in the dubious activities targeting the sisters, his wife often pulls the strings from behind the scenes.
Jeon Chae-eun rounds out this family as Park Hyo-rin, the daughter of Jae-sang and Sang-ah. She becomes In-hye’s best friend, creating a complex dynamic between the two families.
Behind the Scenes and Where to Watch
Little Women was directed by Kim Hee-won, who previously directed the popular series Vincenzo. The screenplay was written by Jeong Seo-kyung, known for writing the film The Handmaiden. The series consists of 12 episodes that originally aired on the cable channel tvN from September 3 to October 9, 2022.
The drama is available for streaming worldwide on Netflix, which also offers an English-dubbed version for international viewers. The series was filmed in both South Korea and Singapore.
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