Choi Dae-Hyun (played by Ji Chang-wook) is a protagonist in Backstreet Rookie.
Protagonist and manager of his family's convenience store. Initially exhausted and struggling financially, he reluctantly hires delinquent high schooler Saet-byul. He navigates a complicated romance with affluent girlfriend Yeon-joo, eventually realizing his true feelings for Saet-byul. He supports her education, faces corporate pressures, and ultimately resigns from a corporate advisor position to return to the store and be with Saet-byul. Jung Saet-Byul (played by Kim Yoo-jung) is a protagonist in Backstreet Rookie.
A tough high school girl who initially kisses Dae-hyun for candy. She becomes his part-timer to get close to him, later promoted to store manager. Despite her delinquent reputation, she is loyal and brave, saving Yeon-joo from robbers and confronting bullies to clear her and her sister's names. She pursues her GED, leaves temporarily due to family pressure, but returns to reunite with Dae-hyun. Jo Seung-Jun (played by Do Sang-woo) appears in Backstreet Rookie.
Yeon-joo's family friend and corporate co-worker who harbors unrequited feelings for her. He manipulates Dae-hyun into taking the blame for a corporate mistake. His actions indirectly strain Dae-hyun and Yeon-joo's relationship and contribute to Dae-hyun's decision to leave the corporate world. Yoo Yeon-Joo (played by Han Seon-hwa) appears in Backstreet Rookie.
Dae-hyun's affluent girlfriend whose relationship is strained by class differences and insecurity over Saet-byul. She initially demands Saet-byul's departure but later feels guilty upon discovering Seung-joon's betrayal. She attempts to elevate Dae-hyun's career and reconcile, but ultimately accepts his rejection and resigns to start fresh abroad. Jung Eun-Byu (played by Ahn Sol-bin) appears in Backstreet Rookie.
Saet-byul's younger sister who dreams of becoming a pop star. She temporarily abandons Saet-byul to join a talent agency, later debuting in Fancy Girls. She faces blackmail and scandal from delinquents, forcing her to leave the group temporarily before returning once the truth is cleared by Saet-byul and Dae-hyun. So Jung Hwa [Police officer] (played by Yoon Seul) appears in Backstreet Rookie.
Hwang Geum-Bi (played by Seo Ye-hwa) appears in Backstreet Rookie.
Han Dal-Sik (played by Um Mun-suk) appears in Backstreet Rookie.
Backstreet Rookie (2020) — Character Map & Story Timeline
Backstreet Rookie (2020) interactive character relationship network and AI-powered story timeline. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters across the narrative arc.
AI Narrative Summary
A single-season arc tracking romantic entanglements, housing struggles, and personal growth within a convenience store ecosystem.
Character Network — 10 Characters
Choi Dae-Hyun (Ji Chang-wook) — protagonist Protagonist and manager of his family's convenience store. Initially exhausted and struggling financially, he reluctantl...
Jung Saet-Byul (Kim Yoo-jung) — protagonist A tough high school girl who initially kisses Dae-hyun for candy. She becomes his part-timer to get close to him, later...
Jo Seung-Jun (Do Sang-woo) Yeon-joo's family friend and corporate co-worker who harbors unrequited feelings for her. He manipulates Dae-hyun into t...
Yoo Yeon-Joo (Han Seon-hwa) Dae-hyun's affluent girlfriend whose relationship is strained by class differences and insecurity over Saet-byul. She in...
Jung Eun-Byu (Ahn Sol-bin) Saet-byul's younger sister who dreams of becoming a pop star. She temporarily abandons Saet-byul to join a talent agency...
