6 Dramas with Different Casts in Season 1 and Season 2, but the Characters Remain the Same

Kapanlagi.com - Changing actors in Korean dramas is not uncommon, especially when a story continues into the next season. There are characters that remain, but the faces portraying them change. The reasons vary, ranging from controversies, personal issues, to the needs of the storyline.

Interestingly, these changes do not always make a drama lose its appeal. Some new actors can bring a different flavor without eliminating the characters that the audience already knows. Among the following six dramas, there are changes that occurred due to scandals, differences in time periods, and story developments that indeed require new faces.

1. Taxi Driver

Taxi Driver (c) mydramalist.com

Lee Na Eun → Pyo Ye Jin as Go Eun

Taxi Driver became one of the examples of a surprising cast change. Lee Na Eun was initially trusted to portray Go Eun, a member of the Rainbow Taxi team who is an expert in technology.

However, before the drama aired, she was replaced by Pyo Ye Jin after a controversy arose regarding allegations of bullying. In fact, about 60 percent of the scenes that had involved Lee Na Eun had to be reshot.

2. Hellbound

Hellbound (c) mydramalist.com

Yoo Ah In → Kim Sung Cheol as Jung Jin Su

The cast change in Hellbound occurred when Yoo Ah In did not return as Jung Jin Su in Season 2. The character of the leader of New Truth was then played by Kim Sung Cheol.

This change was related to the legal issues facing Yoo Ah In. Interestingly, director Yeon Sang Ho admitted to being worried that the audience might feel strange, but chose Kim Sung Cheol because he was considered to have a resemblance to the character from the webtoon.

3. Alchemy of Souls

Alchemy of Souls (c) mydramalist.com

Jung So Min → Go Youn Jung as Naksu/Mu Deok

Alchemy of Souls has a rather unique cast change as it directly relates to the storyline. In the first part, Jung So Min plays Mu Deok, who becomes the vessel for Naksu's soul.

Entering Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow, Go Youn Jung takes on the role of the main female lead. This change is then explained through the plot about Jin Bu Yeon's body becoming the vessel for Naksu's soul.

4. Age of Youth

Age of Youth (c) mydramalist.com

Park Hye Soo → Ji Woo as Yoo Eun Jae

Age of Youth, also known as Hello, My Twenties!, replaced the actor for Yoo Eun Jae in its second season. Park Hye Soo, who played the character in Season 1, could not return due to scheduling conflicts.

Her role was then taken over by Ji Woo. Interestingly, the character Eun Jae remains part of the story, while other female cast members like Han Ye Ri, Han Seung Yeon, and Park Eun Bin return.

5. Arthdal Chronicles

Arthdal Chronicles (Image by mydramalist)

Song Joong Ki & Kim Ji Won → Lee Joon Gi & Shin Se Kyung

Arthdal Chronicles is one of the most striking examples because both main actors underwent a change. Song Joong Ki, who played Eun Seom, was replaced by Lee Joon Gi, while Kim Ji Won as Tan Ya was replaced by Shin Se Kyung.

Season 2 is set around eight years after the first season, so both new actors portray the adult versions of the characters.

6. Moving

Moving. (credit: mydramalist)

Lee Jung Ha → Won Gyu Bin as Kim Bong Seok

Moving is the latest example on this list. Lee Jung Ha, who played Kim Bong Seok in Season 1, did not return for the second season due to military service.

His role was then taken over by young actor Won Gyu Bin. Disney+ announced the Season 2 cast in May 2026, confirming that Won Gyu Bin would play Bong Seok.

7. Questions About Dramas with Different Casts in Season 1 and Season 2

Why can the cast of a Korean drama be replaced in Season 2?

Cast changes can occur for various reasons, such as controversies or legal issues, scheduling conflicts, military service, or story needs. In some cases, new actors continue to portray the same characters as in the previous season.

Which dramas have changed their cast from Season 1 to Season 2?

Some of them include Taxi Driver, Hellbound, Alchemy of Souls, Age of Youth, Arthdal Chronicles, and Moving. Each has different reasons behind their cast changes.

Does changing the cast affect the story of the drama?

Not always. If the character remains the same, new actors need to adjust their acting style to still feel like the same character. However, in some dramas, cast changes become part of the story's development and timeline.

Which drama has the most changes in its main cast?

Arthdal Chronicles stands out as one of the most notable examples because two main actors were replaced. Song Joong Ki and Kim Ji Won were replaced by Lee Joon Gi and Shin Se Kyung to portray the same characters in the next season's story.

(kpl/ini)