Backstreet Rookie

Jung Saet-Byul (Kim You-Jung) is the elder daughter to taekwondo master Jung Chul-Min (Ryu Seung-Soo) and elder sister to Jung Eun-Byul (Ahn Sol-Bin). While training one day, Choi Dae-Hyun (Ji Chang-Wook) saves Saet-Byul from a falling sandbag and she fell in love with him. Three years before primary events, Master Jung died from a car accident and the girls became orphans (mom died earlier). Struggling to find a home, Saet-Byul decided to quit school to support Eun-Byul’s education. Saet-Byul earned the reputation of a delinquent as she often defended herself from bullies and protected her girlfriends, Hwang Geum-Bi (Seo Ye-Hwa) and Cha Eun-Zo (Yoon Soo). One day, Dae-Hyun encounters Saet-Byul; he doesn’t recognize her. She tries to convince Dae-Hyun to help her buy cigarettes, but she was rewarded with candy and a lecture instead. Thankful for his caring, she jumped to him for a memorable kiss and never saw each other again.

Two years earlier, Dae-Hyun was a GS25 (convenience store) Corporate employee with the PR team. His girlfriend and manager, Yoo Yeon-Joo (Han Sun-Hwa), got in trouble at work. She was in charge of a voice phishing investigation but it caused friction with the police; she was going to get suspended. Dae-Hyun secretly took the fall for her and opened his own GS25 Store at Sinseong-dong to make ends meet; it was during that time Saet-Byul would find Dae-Hyun again and longs to be with him.

Dae-Hyun has been suffering due to his convenience store not making enough money and his family unreliable to help him. After getting burned out from the store, he relented to hiring a part-timer for the late night shift. Saet-Byul saw the ad and she applied for the job to get close to him. Dae-Hyun remembered Saet-Byul as a delinquent and was prepared to reject her but relented after she brought in more customers. Not fully accepting her, he made it clear she’s on probation until she proved her worth.

In between trying to make his business successful, Dae-Hyun wanted to advance his relationship with Yeon-Joo; there has been interference due to mistrust and insecurity. Yeon-Joo comes from an affluent family while Dae-Hyun is just a store manager; she’s not prepared to introduce him to her family. Jo Seung-Joon (Do Sang-Woo) is a family friend to Yeon-Joo and co-worker at the company. He always desired Yeon-Joo, but she resisted his advances for Dae-Hyun. The stability of their relationship will be tested after Yeon-Joo meets Saet-Byul.

Yeon-Joo has heard gossip of Dae-Hyun hiring a beautiful part-timer, but wasn’t concerned until they met. While out on a date with Dae-Hyun, Yeon-Joo offended some delinquents and they intended to rob her until Saet-Byul defeated them. After seeing her beauty and Saet-Byul's affectionate gaze at Dae-Hyun, Yeon-Joo saw Saet-Byul as a threat and wanted her fired. However, Saet-Byul’s girlfriends defended her actions as saving Yeon-Joo. Dae-Hyun realized Saet-Byul is not a troublemaker; he convinced Yeon-Joo to let the matter go. However, Yeon-Joo’s insecurities and misunderstandings between the two only intensified because of their closeness. Yeon-Joo privately spoke to Saet-Byul, asking her to leave to save their relationship. Saet-Byul complied and told Dae-Hyun she’s leaving for better financial opportunities.

In the most inconvenient time, Saet-Byul and Eun-Byul became homeless due to a real estate scam. It was also around this time that Eun-Byul had the chance to become a pop star. Desperate to realize her dreams, she took all of Saet-Byul’s money to pay for a fake parent to weasel her way into the talent agency, leaving Saet-Byul penniless. She bumped into Dae-Hyun’s mom and she invited Saet-Byul to stay with them. When Saet-Byul realized there was something happening between Yeon-Joo and Seung-Joon, she warned Yeon-Joo she’ll compete for Dae-Hyun if she doesn’t realize his value. Yeon-Joo wanted to repair things with Dae-Hyun, but it went south after learning Saet-Byul is staying in Dae-Hyun’s home. With Yeon-Joo’s mom shaming Dae-Hyun’s family for their poverty and lack of trust in their relationship, Yeon-Joo breaks up with Dae-Hyun.

Saet-Byul felt she had inconvenienced the Choi family enough and moved out, but she had trouble finding a stable job and a place to stay. Her friends could only give her temporary shelter due to detractors seeing her as a problem; Dae-Hyun’s mom convinced her to stay with them for the time being. Dae-Hyun rehired Saet-Byul and promoted her as store manager. With Yeon-Joo no longer in the picture, Saet-Byul enjoyed the opportunity to get closer with Dae-Hyun. As they both worked to make the store profitable again, Dae-Hyun started to have feelings for Saet-Byul. Seeing how she never completed her high school education, Dae-Hyun helps Saet-Byul in her GED studies. Just as things were warming up between the two, Yeon-Joo comes back into their lives.

Yeon-Joo discovers the reason why Dae-Hyun left GS Corporate was because Seung-Joon encouraged him to take the fall. She felt guilty and wanted to make things up for Dae-Hyun, but he made it clear he’s already moved on and doesn’t want to be involved with her. Determined to elevate Dae-Hyun’s position, she made arrangements for Dae-Hyun to meet Chairman Jo. The plan worked and the chairman wants to make Dae-Hyun corporate advisor. Yeon-Joo informed Dae-Hyun about the good news, but he didn’t want to get involved with such matters ever again.

In between, Eun-Byul has made her debut into the Fancy Girls group, but her career is under threat. The same delinquents that tried to rob Yeon-Joo took compromising photos of Eun-Byul; they demanded money or risk the photos destroying her career. The delinquent trio intended to visit Saet-Byul at the store for money, but they got scared when they saw the police talking to her. Believing the law is looking for them, they decided to release all their footage to destroy Saet-Byul and Eun-Byul. News of the Jung Sisters caught fire through social media. The reporter that was investigating this matter got frustrated as someone released the news ahead of her; she piggybacked on the news and confirmed it.

Their reputations are now tarnished; Eun-Byul was forced to leave Fancy Girls and the locals feared Saet-Byul. Dae-Hyun believed in Saet-Byul and advised facing the problem with honesty will fix everything. Inspired by Dae-Hyun’s words, Saet-Byul found the delinquents on their turf. She defeated the red haired bully and took her cell phone. Saet-Byul gave the reporter the phone and asked to clear the names of the people involved in the scandal. Saet-Byul would meet up with Eun-Byul after she left Fancy Girls in shame. Despite the wild accusations, Dae-Hyun’s mom offered them shelter. The reporter eventually published the truth, correcting all misunderstandings and Eun-Byul returned to the group. Aware of the job offer at corporate, Saet-Byul encouraged Dae-Hyun to take the job and accepted the new position. However, he collapsed due to exhaustion; HQ sent employees to help him manage the store while he’s away, but the new staff didn't get along with Saet-Byul as Yeon-Joo wanted to get rid of her.

Dae-Hyun made his feelings clear he wants to be with Saet-Byul but she wants to answer him once she gets the results of her GED. However, they couldn’t help treat each other as boyfriend and girlfriend. Yeon-Joo can sense the romantic development between the two and starts forming better relations with Dae-Hyun’s mom as a counter. Dae-Hyun’s mom pressured him to see Yeon-Joo as a chance for them to get back together; he only accepted Yeon-Joo’s apology and left things platonic. Disappointed that he would squander such a chance, Saet-Byul felt guilty that mother and son would fight over the matter. Saet-Byul would talk to Dae-Hyun’s mom, she fears for Dae-Hyun’s future and wants her son to have a better life. Although Dae-Hyun told Saet-Byul to not take matters to heart, she quietly left the Choi Family with a farewell letter; she hopes Dae-Hyun will have a better future with Yeon-Joo.

Devastated over Saet-Byul’s departure, Dae-Hyun was desperate to find her. With his friend's help, Dae-Hyun found Saet-Byul working at a farm. Rather than pressure her back, Dae-Hyun said he’ll wait for her return. Dae-Hyun would break the news to his parents Saet-Byul left. Baffled at first, Dae-Hyun’s mom realized her words pushed her away. Dae-Hyun would have a private dinner with Yeon-Joo, he intends to resign and return to the store. He also made it clear he won’t take Yeon-Joo back; this prompted her to resign from GS25 and take a job in the US for a fresh start. Saet-Byul returned to Sinseong-dong and learned she passed her GED exam and Dae-Hyun’s resignation. Arching back to the first day at the store, Dae-Hyun is hiring and Saet-Byul came back to apply. Saet-Byul would later answer his question (from his confession earlier) with a “yes” to being together. The story ends with Dae-Hyun's friend declaring to make their story into a webcomic called Backstreet Rookie and the two finally kiss.

• Ji Chang-wook as Choi Dae-hyun[7][8]

A 29-year-old convenience store manager with a tall and hunky appearance that makes every woman turn around. He is a little bit clumsy and weird despite his cold appearance. He is kind and sympathizes with others and gets too immersed in someone else's situation.[9] His customers mostly are school fangirls who left him once Yeon-joo accidentally called him once.

• Kim Yoo-jung as Jung Saet-byul[10][8]

The owner of four-dimensional character yet refreshing beauty. Even though she has amazing athletic ability and great fighting skills, she is a 22-year-old young woman who loves flowers, loves friends, and enjoys retro-sensational songs and fashion.[9]

• Han Sun-hwa as Yoo Yeon-joo

Dae-hyun's girlfriend and former boss, also a convenience store headquarter's Public Relations team leader. A 31-year-old career woman with intelligence, beauty and abilities. She is the daughter of the second largest shareholder of the convenience store head office, but has been admitted with skill and has been promoted with clear results.[11]

• Do Sang-woo as Jo Seung-joon

The son of the convenience store's owner and currently a convenience store's head office director. He has been properly educated since childhood. He is the next leader of the company.[9]

• Kim Sun-young as Gong Boon-hee

58 years old, Dae-hyun's mother.

• Lee Byung-joon as Choi Yong-pil

58 years old, Dae-hyun's father, and previously 4 Heavenly Kings band's singer.

• Eum Moon-suk as Han Dal-shik

29 years old, Dae-hyun's close friend, a webtoon writer.

• Kim Ji-hyun as Choi Dae-soon

38 years old, Dae-hyun's older sister.

• Ahn Sol-bin as Jung Eun-byul[12]

19 years old, Saet-byul's little sister. A beautiful high school girl who harbors the dream of becoming an artist.

• Kim Min-kyu as Kang Ji-wook[13]

22-year-old actor and rising star. Saet-byul's elementary school friend. He became an instant celebrity when he single-handedly stopped a robbery in a convenience store while working as a part-timer. Thanks to his handsome appearance, he is a next-generation national star who captures the hearts of many with politeness and sincerity.

• Seo Ye-hwa as Hwang Geum-bi

22 years old, Saet-byul's close friend.

• Yoon Soo as Cha Eun-jo

22 years old, Saet-byul's close friend.

• Neulbo as Neulbo

A stuffed sloth doll that Dae-hyun's ex-girlfriend gave it back to him, and Saet-byul took it after she saw Dae-hyun throwing it.

• Woo Hyun as Kwon Eui-choo

58 years old, the former guitarist of the band 4 Heavenly Kings, and owns a restaurant in Busan.

• Lee Yoon-hee as Cha Ki-bok

58 years old, the former keyboardist of the band 4 Heavenly Kings.

• Bae Gi-bum as Go Kwang-tae

58 years old, the former drummer of the band 4 Heavenly Kings.

• Kyeon Mi-ri as Kim Hye-ja

60 years old, Yeon-joo's mother.

• Gil Yong-woo as Yoo Myung-gi

60 years old, Yeon-joo's father, a university professor.

• Heo Jae-ho as Department Head Bae
• Ji Chan as Kang Sung-tae
• Shin Yoon-jung as Kim Jung-ha
• Lee Ju-ha as Oh Hyun-ji

• Park Jin-joo as a high school student

A gang leader who unsuccessfully tries to recruit Saet-byul into her group.

• Jung Eun-ji as Jung-eun

Dae-hyun's ex-girlfriend.

• Ko Kyu-pil as Oh Yo-han

A YouTuber, and he broadcasts from the convenience store he works at.

• Lee Yu-bi as a customer
• Lee Jun-young as a customer

A minor who tries to buy cigarettes.

• Jung Joon-ho as himself

A customer.

• Ryu Seung-soo as Jung Chul-min

Saet-byul and Eun-byul's father.

• Kim Se-yong as a chicken shop employee
• Ahn Chang-hwan as a convenience store part-time work interviewee
• Tak Jae-hoon as adult webtoon PD
• Kim Hyung-mook as Dae-soon's husband
• Park Chul-min as a tarot reader
• Yeom Hae-in as a Mega Hit trainee

Trainee of the same debut group as Eun-byul.

• Jung Ae-yeon as Hwang Eun-ha

Entertainment reporter.

• Lee Yeon-kyung as Hong Jang-mi

Yong-pil's first love and Boon-hee's friend.

• Jang Ga-hyun as Mega Hit management team leader
• Yoohyeon and Jung Yoo-jun as arcade customers
• Im Ha-ryong as Han Dal-pyung

Dal-shik's father.

• Park Sang-myun

High school dean (Ep.2, 4).

The show has faced heavy criticism for sexually suggestive scenes as well as characters drawing objectionable scenes. The show has also been accused of plagiarism.[17]

The Korea Communications Standards Commission issued a warning to the show for airing provocative and inappropriate scenes. The KCSC noted that “in the process of producing an R-rated webtoon into a TV series with a rating of 15 years old and older, the drama production team has shown that it lacks consideration in portraying different genders and produced contents that can cause viewers discomfort and aversion”. The KCSC has received over 7,000 complaints about inappropriate scenes in the show.[18]

• In this table, the blue numbers represent the lowest ratings and the red numbers represent the highest ratings.
• N/A denotes that the rating is not known.
• NR denotes that the drama did not rank in the top 20 daily programs on that date.