Meet the Full Cast and Characters of ‘Between Steps’ (with Pictures)

The romance coming-of-age television series ‘Between Steps’ presents an engaging ensemble cast set against the backdrop of an academic robotics laboratory. Directed by Ahn Pan-seok and written by Min Hyo-jung, the narrative follows two young researchers who overcome career uncertainties and personal hardships while developing a meaningful connection.

Supported by experienced faculty members, dedicated lab peers, and loving families, the characters navigate both high-stakes engineering projects and emotional growth. Here is the complete guide to the confirmed cast and characters appearing in ‘Between Steps’.

Choo Young-woo

Choo Young-woo stars as Park Min-jae, a dedicated doctoral student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Seohan University. Before pursuing advanced robotics research, Min-jae was an accomplished competitive swimmer whose athletic career ended after losing his leg to illness. Within the university, he takes on significant responsibility by serving as both a research assistant and the laboratory manager for Professor Ahn Jae-hong. His journey centers on overcoming personal physical adversity while fostering a unique bond with his fellow researcher in the lab. Through this role, the actor portrays a resilient academic striving to build a future in cutting-edge technology.

Kim So-hyun

Kim So-hyun plays Lim Yu-jin, a focused master’s student studying robotics engineering at Seohan University. Yu-jin decided to transition into robotics research after enduring a period of uncertainty regarding her future professional direction. She works alongside Min-jae as a research student under the guidance of Professor Ahn Jae-hong. Throughout the narrative of ‘Between Steps’, Yu-jin navigates the demanding pressures of laboratory research while developing a deep romantic and professional connection. Her character represents the relatable ambition and perseverance of youth charting an unexpected career path.

Park Hyuk-kwon

Park Hyuk-kwon portrays Lim Yong-seok, who is the hardworking father of lead character Lim Yu-jin. In the series, Yong-seok earns his living as the dedicated owner and operator of Jeil Car Center. His automotive repair shop serves as a central hub for his family’s daily livelihood and interactions. The character showcases the grounded perspective of a parent supporting his daughter through her rigorous academic pursuits. His presence adds warmth and familial depth to the broader narrative of ‘Between Steps’.

Seo Jeong-yeon

Seo Jeong-yeon takes on the role of Seo Mi-young, the devoted mother of Lim Yu-jin. Mi-young manages the administrative and accounting responsibilities at her husband’s automotive repair business, Jeil Car Center. Her practical role within the family business ensures stability while she watches her children pursue their respective careers. She provides steady emotional support and family structure throughout the unfolding events of the drama. Her character brings an essential parental dynamic to the series as Yu-jin navigates university life.

Kim Min-seok

Kim Min-seok appears as Yoo-sung, the older brother of Lim Yu-jin by one year. Rather than pursuing higher academic degrees, Yoo-sung chooses to work directly as an automotive mechanic at his family’s repair center. His everyday work helps relieve the operational burden on his parents at Jeil Car Center. Within the household, he shares a close and realistic sibling relationship with Yu-jin as she conducts her master’s studies. His character represents a hardworking young professional dedicated to supporting his family’s trade.

Shim Hye-jin

Shim Hye-jin features as Hong Eun-joo, the caring mother of male lead Park Min-jae. Eun-joo has stood by her son through significant personal challenges, including his life-altering illness and the loss of his leg. Her presence highlights the emotional foundation that enables Min-jae to transition from athletics to a demanding doctoral program. Within the narrative of ‘Between Steps’, she exemplifies enduring maternal devotion during pivotal moments of her son’s adult life. Her interactions provide emotional grounding for the central storyline.

Lee Kyu-sung

Lee Kyu-sung portrays Eom Tae-ho, an intellectually gifted member of the robotics laboratory at Seohan University. Recognized among his peers as the primary brain of the research facility, Tae-ho plays a critical role in developing complex projects. His sharp analytical mind makes him an indispensable asset to Professor Ahn Jae-hong’s academic team. Within the lab setting, he interacts closely with fellow graduate researchers Min-jae and Yu-jin. His character adds intellectual rigor and collaborative spirit to the engineering storylines in ‘Between Steps’.

Lee Suk-hyeong

Lee Suk-hyeong plays Bae Chan-soo, an active member of the robotics research laboratory at Seohan University. Chan-soo works alongside fellow graduate students to execute technical experiments and maintain laboratory operations. His daily presence in the engineering department contributes to the vibrant, high-pressure environment of the academic setting. Throughout the series, he collaborates on collective engineering goals under the supervision of the department faculty. His character highlights the communal teamwork required to succeed in competitive academic research.

Kim Min

Kim Min appears as Choi Han-gyeol, who holds the distinction of being the youngest member of the Seohan University robotics laboratory. Despite his younger age compared to his colleagues, Han-gyeol actively participates in demanding departmental research tasks. His youthful energy and perspective bring a distinct dynamic to the core robotics team. Working in Professor Ahn Jae-hong’s lab allows him to learn valuable technical skills from senior researchers like Min-jae. His role reflects the challenges and enthusiasm of early-career academics entering specialized engineering fields.

Lee Chang-hoon

Lee Chang-hoon stars as Ahn Jae-hong, a respected professor of mechanical and robotics engineering at Seohan University. Professor Ahn oversees the specialized robotics research laboratory where both Min-jae and Yu-jin conduct their studies. As an academic mentor, he directs significant technological projects while guiding his graduate students toward professional success. His leadership sets the tone for the challenging yet innovative atmosphere within the university department. His character serves as a pivotal authority figure who shapes the trajectories of the young researchers.

Jang In-sub

Jang In-sub takes on the role of Lee Ji-hoon, a remarkably accomplished academic at Seohan University. Ji-hoon holds the prestigious title of being the youngest professor in the university’s Department of Mathematics. His profound mathematical expertise often intersects with the analytical requirements of the mechanical engineering faculty. Within the academic environment, he represents young faculty members achieving early career milestones. His character adds intellectual variety and professional depth to the higher education setting depicted in ‘Between Steps’.

Ryu Kyung-in

Ryu Kyung-in portrays Kang Mi-ran, an experienced professor in the Department of Clothing and Textiles at Seohan University. As a faculty member in an adjacent discipline, Professor Kang brings a distinct perspective to the university’s academic community. Her inclusion expands the collegiate scope of the drama beyond the core engineering laboratory. Throughout ‘Between Steps’, she interacts with fellow faculty members across various university functions and collaborations. Her character enriches the campus atmosphere with experienced faculty leadership.

Han Do-yi

Han Do-yi appears as Cha Seo-hyun, a capable professional working in the corporate sector. Seo-hyun serves as a manager within a specialized research and development team at a large corporation. Her corporate position contrasts with the university laboratory environment, showcasing the industrial application of advanced research. In ‘Between Steps’, her interactions highlight the bridges and tensions between academic innovation and corporate industry goals. Her character demonstrates the commercial stakes tied to technological development.

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