With Korea’s presidential election behind us, a different kind of vote is on the horizon—this time in high school. TVING’s latest youth drama, I am A Running Mate, reimagines the heated world of elections through the eyes of teenagers, blending youthful dreams with a touch of political fantasy.
On June 12, the cast and crew gathered at the Stanford Hotel in Seoul for the drama’s production presentation. Attendees included director Han Jin-won and rising stars Yoon Hyun Soo, Lee Jung Sik, Choi Woo Sung, Hong Hwa Yeon, Lee Bong Jun, and Kim Ji Woo.
I am A Running Mate is a high-spirited teen political drama following Noh Se-hoon (Yoon Hyun-soo), a student trying to shake off public embarrassment by campaigning for vice president of the student body. Through backroom deals, surprising alliances, and moments of sincere friendship, the drama captures the passion and vulnerability of youth navigating ambition and identity.
Director Han described the series as “sweaty and emotional,” highlighting that it’s not just about conflict, but also full of nostalgic, 90s-style teen drama energy. “It’s a story of six boys and girls who run in the election, and I wanted it to feel uplifting,” he explained. Written over a decade ago as a personal letter to his youth, the story has finally come to life—just in time to follow real-world political buzz.
Inspired by classics like Misaeng and Our Twisted Hero, Han sought to merge themes of power and friendship into a contemporary setting. “I thought it’d be even more thrilling if those dynamics played out in an election,” he said.
This marks Han’s directorial debut, five years after co-writing Parasite. “I felt the weight of that success, but I came into this project determined to do what I could with honesty and heart,” he reflected.
The cast features a lineup of promising rookies playing rival candidates in a mock political battlefield.
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Yoon Hyun-soo stars as the underestimated underdog with a redemption arc.
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Lee Jung-sik plays the polished, mysterious front-runner.
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Choi Woo-sung embodies the passionate choir president who leads with heart.
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Hong Hwa-yeon shines as the confident academic ace.
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Lee Bong-jun takes on the role of the school’s golden boy.
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Kim Ji-woo rounds out the cast as the school’s visual star and vice-presidential hopeful.
“I was drawn to the idea of politics through a teenage lens,” said Yoon Hyun-soo. “It’s refreshing and relatable in a way that adult politics often isn’t. I hope viewers who feel jaded by real-world politics find something hopeful here.”
The actors also highlighted how deeply they connected with their roles—focusing on subtle emotions, layered friendships, and the chaos of growing up. “It reminded me of my school days,” said Hong Hwa-yeon. “The characters feel real, even when they’re not always likable.”
I am A Running Mate continues TVING’s streak of imaginative school dramas (After School War Activities, Pyramid Game, Study Group)—but this time with a political twist. That it arrives hot on the heels of Korea’s presidential race is no coincidence. “It felt like the perfect timing,” Han said. “Students are more politically curious than we think. I hope they see both the fantasy and the reality of what politics could be.”
He added that although the story stretches reality, its heart remains grounded. “We filmed without heavy makeup, kept things natural. The goal was to bring energy that feels genuine, even if the premise leans idealistic.”
I am A Running Mate premieres June 19 on TVING, promising a coming-of-age tale where student elections are more than popularity contests—they’re platforms for courage, growth, and maybe even a bit of change.
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