Actress Baek Jiwon is set to return to the small screen with a bold transformation, taking on the role of an entertainment agency CEO in SBS’s upcoming Friday–Saturday drama Brave New World.
On January 2, her agency Ikkle Entertainment confirmed Baek Jiwon’s appearance in Brave New World (directed by Han Taeseop, written by Kang Hyunjoo), scheduled to air later this year. In the series, she portrays Hong Buseon, the head of an entertainment company and a key figure connected to the female lead.
A Love Hate Romance With Sharp Contrast
Brave New World is a romantic comedy built on intense tension and contrast. The drama follows the turbulent relationship between Shin Seori (played by Lim Jiyeon), a legendary villainess from the Joseon era, and Cha Segye (played by Heo Namjun), a morally corrupt chaebol from modern day Korea.
Blending fantasy-like character settings with modern satire, the series explores love, power, and conflict through a fast-paced “love hate chemistry” narrative. The clash between eras, values, and personalities is expected to drive both humor and emotional depth.
Baek Jiwon’s Role Adds Weight and Texture
In this dynamic story, Baek Jiwon’s character Hong Buseon serves as Shin Seori’s agency representative. With sharp instincts and commanding authority, the character is expected to amplify the drama’s tension while injecting wit and unpredictability into the plot.
Baek Jiwon is known for her ability to elevate supporting roles into scene stealing performances. Her strong acting foundation is expected to add credibility and texture to the drama, particularly through her on screen chemistry with Lim Jiyeon, which has already drawn attention from viewers.
A Proven Scene Stealer Across Genres
Baek Jiwon has built a reputation as a versatile actress through projects such as SBS’s The Fiery Priest series, tvN’s Parole Examiner Lee Hanshin, KBS2’s Kick Kick Kick Kick, Netflix’s When Life Gives You Tangerines, and SBS’s Would You Marry Me?. Her performances have consistently earned praise for their precision and emotional impact.
Editor’s Insight
What makes this subject appealing is that Baek Ji-won’s casting adds a layer of stability and tonal control to a drama that already has a high-concept premise: Brave New World is built around the clash between Lim Ji-yeon’s Joseon-era villainess-possessed heroine and Heo Nam-jun’s ruthless chaebol heir, and the series has been positioned by SBS as a 2026 Friday–Saturday rom-com with a fantasy edge. In that kind of show, a seasoned supporting actor matters because someone has to ground the chaos, sharpen the pace, and keep the world believable, and Baek Ji-won has the kind of presence that can do exactly that.