The new JTBC drama Still Shining is bringing a classic story of first love back to the small screen. With its premiere set for March 6, 2026, the series follows a couple who meet as teenagers, part ways, and find each other again ten years later. The show features a mix of rising stars and experienced actors who bring depth to this emotional romance. Here is a complete look at the cast and the characters they play.
Park Jin-young is Yeon Tae-seo, The Realistic Subway Engineer
Park Jin-young takes on the role of Yeon Tae-seo, a man who builds a quiet, stable life for himself . He works as a subway engineer in Seoul. His daily routine is simple and fixed. He focuses on living safely in the present rather than dreaming about a big future .
But his calm exterior hides deeper feelings. When he was nineteen, he met Mo Eun-ah. She was his first love. An unexpected incident forced them apart, and he has carried that memory with him ever since . The drama shows his life before and after their reunion. At nineteen, he is full of energy, riding a bicycle with a bright face. At thirty, he stands in his subway uniform, looking mature and serious .
Park Jin-young is a member of the K-pop group GOT7. He has also built a strong acting career with roles in dramas like The Devil Judge and Yumi’s Cells. For this role, he had to show a character who changes from a passionate teen to a reserved adult .
Kim Min-ju is Mo Eun-ah, The Passionate Hotelier
Kim Min-ju stars as Mo Eun-ah, the female lead and Yeon Tae-seo’s first love . She is bright, warm, and puts others before herself. This caring nature follows her into her career. She starts as a hotelier and later becomes the manager of a traditional Korean guesthouse in Seoul .
When Mo Eun-ah was nineteen, she felt lost and had no clear direction. Then she met Yeon Tae-seo. He became like a guiding light for her . Because of him, she started to picture her future clearlyโwhere she would live, what job she would do, and who she would be with. Their reunion as adults stirs up all these old feelings again.
This drama marks Kim Min-ju’s first leading role in a television series . She is known as a former member of the project group IZ*ONE. She previously appeared in the drama *Undercover High School* . Her character shows two sides: the excited nineteen-year-old who flutters just by looking at her phone, and the calm, composed woman in her thirties who has learned to hold back her emotions .
Shin Jae-ha is Bae Seong-chan, The Quiet Supporter
Shin Jae-ha plays Bae Seong-chan, a senior hotelier . He is the one who guided Mo Eun-ah when she first started her path in the hotel industry. He stays by her side with quiet, steady affection .
His character brings a gentle tension to the story. While Mo Eun-ah is focused on her past with Yeon Tae-seo, Bae Seong-chan is there in the present, quietly hoping for her. Shin Jae-ha is known for his roles in Hospital Playlist and She Would Never Know.
Park Se-hyun is Im Ah-sol, The Friend With Hidden Feelings
Park Se-hyun joins the cast as Im Ah-sol, a tax accountant . She has held a secret love for Yeon Tae-seo for a very long time . Her character represents the other side of unrequited love.
While Yeon Tae-seo is busy thinking about Mo Eun-ah, Im Ah-sol is right there, holding feelings that he may not even notice. Park Se-hyun has appeared in dramas like Work Later, Drink Now and The Golden Spoon.
Supporting Cast Adds Depth to the Story
The drama also features several supporting actors who will fill out the world of Still Shining. Kim Ji-hyun, known from UDT, joins the cast in a role described as free-spirited, showing a different side of her acting . Lee Chang-hoon is confirmed to play a math teacher named Jung-soo, adding another layer to the story .
These supporting roles help build the everyday lives of the main characters, making their world feel more real and relatable.
The Creative Team Behind the Drama
Still Shining brings together a strong production team. The director is Kim Yoon-jin, who previously directed the beloved romance Our Beloved Summer . His style often captures the small, quiet moments between people, which fits this story perfectly.
The script is written by Lee Sook-yeon, known for the drama A Piece of Your Mind . Her writing tends to be thoughtful and emotional. Together, this team aims to tell a story about how people change over time and whether first love can survive those changes.
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Release Date and Where to Watch
Still Shining is scheduled to premiere on March 6, 2026 . It will air on JTBC every Friday at 8:50 PM (KST). The network will air two episodes back-to-back each week .
The drama is set to run for a total of ten episodes . For global audiences, Netflix has acquired the rights to stream the series. It will be available on the platform in multiple regions, including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, India, and worldwide with subtitles . Viewers can expect the episodes to be added shortly after the Korean broadcast.
The main trailer, released in late February, shows the emotional journey of the two leads. It opens with a nostalgic scene on a bridge in Seoul and flashes back to their bright school days before showing their tense but tender reunion as adults .
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For readers who enjoy stories about first love, second chances, and the passage of time, Still Shining offers a fresh take on these classic themes with a talented cast ready to bring the characters to life. Stay with VvipTimes for more updates on the latest Korean dramas and exclusive entertainment news.
