BTS Universe Drama Series “Youth” Cast Announced

Youth, the forthcoming BTS Universe drama series, has finally announced the cast of actors who will play fictional versions of BTS members Kim Seokjin, Min Yoongi, Jung Hoseok, Kim Namjoon, Park Jimin, Kim Taehyung, and Jeon Jungkook in the adaptation airing in 2021, Soompi reported.

Based on the BU — a twisty fictional narrative that BTS began crafting with the “I Need U” music video in 2015 — Youth will tell the stories of seven young men navigating the transition to adulthood. The BU exists on an interesting storytelling plane, because it doesn’t tell the story of the music group BTS, nor does it tell any “real life” stories of the actual people that comprise the group. It’s entirely imaginary, and the characters just happen to have the same names as the BTS members.

The narrative itself can be a bit confusing because it involves multiple timelines, flashbacks, and fantastical time-turning. You can trace much of the story through various YouTube videos (all certified as “BU content” by Big Hit) and the Save Me webtoon. Fans have also created immensely helpful online guides (like this one) to unpack all the components.

The story begins with Seokjin and unspools around him as he meets six new friends, each with their own struggles. The BU characters face any number of trials and serious traumas, as the plot involves suicide, depression, substance abuse, domestic violence, and more. Ultimately, the seven come together to deal with their problems and give each other comfort and strength.

Youth is produced by Kim Jaehong (The Light in Your Eyes) and written by Kim Soojin (The Light in Your Eyes and Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo). Per Soompi, the production team on the series explained that the cast includes a mix of young experienced and rookie actors. “Youth will portray the reality of the seven boys in a real and refreshing way while also focusing on their underlying emotions. A deep understanding of the characters, acting skills, and chemistry between the actors with their roles were more important than anything else,” they said. “Please look forward to the synergy between the seven boys and the actors that will complete the BTS universe story.”

Below, meet the cast of BTS Universe drama series Youth.

23-year-old actor Seo Jihoon will take on the role of Kim Seokjin, the eldest of the seven friends. As Soompi notes, the character is struggling under the weight of his father’s expectations for his life, and has difficulty talking about feelings. But in the BU, Jin is also the key to helping the other six boys go back in time and fix their mistakes before they change the course of their lives.