Stacked with Legends: Netflix Unveils Cast for New K-drama ‘Notes from the Last Row’

Netflix is gearing up to spark buzz once again with a powerful new Korean original series. On May 29, the platform confirmed the production of Notes from the Last Row, a new drama led by renowned actor Choi Min-sik and rising star Choi Hyun-wook .

The cast lineup alone is enough to generate serious anticipation: alongside Choi, the series features Huh Joon-ho, Kim Yun-jin, and Jin Kyung.

A Story Rooted in Literature—and Deep Emotion

Notes from the Last Row is based on a Spanish stage play of the same name. It centers on Heo Moon-oh, a disillusioned middle-aged literature professor who once dreamed of becoming a writer. One day, he encounters a mysterious student sitting in the very back row of his classroom—and everything begins to change.

Lost in a life stripped of purpose and passion, Heo is unexpectedly pulled back into the world of writing through this intriguing young man.

Complex Characters, Heavy Layers

Choi Min-sik will portray Heo Moon-oh, a man with a sharp tongue and withdrawn demeanor who masks his past failures and lingering insecurities. His tense dynamic with his more successful college peer Kim Soo-hoon, his emotionally distant wife, and his strange student builds a layered psychological portrait.

Choi Hyun-wook plays Lee Kang, a science major with a rare literary talent. Though expressionless on the surface, his sharp observations and writing subtly challenge and awaken his professor. The private writing sessions between the two become a core axis of the story.

A Cast of Depth

Huh Joon-ho plays Kim Soo-hoon, the successful writer and college peer who once shared the same path as Heo, but took a drastically different route. Kim Yun-jin appears as Soo-hoon’s wife, Ahn Eun-joo, while Jin Kyung plays Jo Hyun-sook, Heo’s wife and a clinical psychologist, adding emotional texture to the narrative.

A Director Known for Subtlety

The series will be helmed by Kim Kyu-tae, acclaimed for emotionally nuanced hits like 'Our Blues', 'It’s Okay, That’s Love', and 'That Winter, the Wind Blows'. Known for his keen eye for emotional detail and lyrical storytelling, Kim’s involvement has only heightened expectations.

Netflix describes Notes from the Last Row as more than just a campus drama. It's a thoughtful exploration of literature, identity, mentorship, and fragile egos. With its heavy psychological themes and rich performances, the series is expected to resonate deeply with international audiences as well.

The release date has yet to be announced, but anticipation is already building. Following the global success of Korean originals like D.P., Hellbound, and Juvenile Justice, Notes from the Last Row might just be Netflix’s next big Korean breakout.

Get the latest on K-pop & K-drama here!