You’ve seen the TikTok edits. The sharp glares, the designer uniforms, and that "Welcome to Hell" locker note that basically launched a thousand fan theories. Honestly, the Bitch X Rich cast is the only reason some of us survived the wait between high-stakes K-drama seasons. But if you think this show is just about pretty people being mean to each other in expensive hallways, you're missing the real story.
It's about the grit.
The casting for this show wasn't just about finding idols; it was about finding actors who could play "unlikable" so well that you ended up rooting for them anyway. Most people see Baek Je-na and think "classic villain," but the way the cast handles these roles is way more nuanced than your average high school drama.
The Power Players: Lee Eun-saem and Yeri
Let's talk about the core duo. You have Lee Eun-saem playing Kim Hye-in. She isn't your typical "poor girl" protagonist who cries in every episode. Hye-in is scrappy. She's a bit of a liar. She’s opportunistic. Lee Eun-saem, whom many of us first saw as the foul-mouthed, hilarious Mi-jin in All of Us Are Dead, brings that same "don't mess with me" energy here. She makes you feel the desperation of someone who has nothing to lose.
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Then there’s Yeri (Kim Ye-rim) from Red Velvet.
Playing Baek Je-na was a massive pivot for her. In the K-pop world, Yeri is known for being bubbly and sweet, but in the Bitch X Rich cast, she is pure ice. Je-na is the "Queen of Diamond 6," and her performance is all about the eyes. She doesn't have to scream to be terrifying. One look at a "beggar" student and you know exactly where the hierarchy stands.
Why the Season 2 Cast Shakeup Actually Worked
Season 2 changed the game. By the time the second season wrapped in August 2025, the dynamic had shifted from simple bullying to a full-on psychological war.
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- Kim Min-kyu as Cha Jin-wook: He joined the cast as the charismatic transfer student. He’s that third-generation chaebol who actually has a brain. His arrival basically lit a fuse under Je-na’s throne.
- Won Kyu-bin as Lee Sa-rang: This was his acting debut, and he played the "hopeless romantic" role. But don't let that fool you. His character was willing to burn the whole school down for Hye-in.
- Lee Jong-hyuk as Seo Do-eon: The "Knight in Shining Armor" who isn't actually that perfect. His grief over Kim Hae-in (played by Jang Sung-yoon) is what drove the emotional weight of the later episodes.
The Supporting Cast Nobody Talks About
While everyone focuses on the leads, the supporting Bitch X Rich cast members are the ones who actually keep the mystery moving. Park Si-woo plays Min Yul-hee, and honestly, her character is a masterclass in being a "frenemy." You never quite know if she’s going to help Je-na or stab her in the back.
And then there's the mystery of Lee So-mang.
Yoo Jung-hoo played So-mang in Season 1, and he was the fan favorite "mastermind." But when he didn't return for Season 2—reportedly due to filming My Girlfriend’s The Man—the show had to pivot. This is where Lee Sa-rang came in, playing So-mang’s brother. Some fans felt this was a bit of a "tacky" replacement, but Won Kyu-bin’s performance eventually won people over by the finale. It was a risky move, but that’s the kind of chaos this show thrives on.
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The Realism of the Roles
The show doesn't shy away from the ugly side of status. Director Lim Dae-woong (who also did Night Has Come) pushed the cast to focus on "growing pains" rather than just "high school drama."
When you watch the scenes between Hye-in and Do-eon in the final episodes, you can see the exhaustion. They aren't just characters; they feel like real teenagers drowning in a system that wants them to fail. That’s the "E-E-A-T" factor here—the expertise of the directors and the dedication of the actors to stay true to the dark, cynical tone of the source material.
What’s Next for the Bitch X Rich Crew?
Now that the series is officially marked as "Completed" as of early 2026, the cast is moving on to massive projects.
- Lee Eun-saem is rumored to be eyeing a major thriller film.
- Yeri is balancing Red Velvet's 2026 comeback with more "dark" acting roles.
- Kim Min-kyu has solidified himself as a leading man to watch in the coming years.
If you’re looking for a takeaway, it’s this: don't just watch for the plot. Watch for the way these actors transition from being "idols" or "rookies" into genuine powerhouses. The Bitch X Rich cast succeeded because they weren't afraid to be disliked. They embraced the "bitch" and the "rich" aspects of their characters, making the power struggle feel painfully real.
To get the full experience, go back and watch the Season 1 finale right before starting Season 2. Pay close attention to the background characters in the Diamond 6 lounge—many of the "silent" cast members end up being the keys to the murders in the final episodes. You can find the full series currently streaming on Viki and Wavve.