Running Mate

Running Mate (Korean: 러닝메이트) is a South Korean television series directed and written by Han Jin-Won. The series, which consists of eight episodes, premiered on the streaming platform TVING on June 19, 2025.

Plot

The story focuses on Noh Se-Hoon, a model high school student who seeks to change his public image. To achieve this, he decides to participate in a student council election as a running mate. As the campaign unfolds over the course of one month, Noh Se-Hoon finds himself increasingly at the center of the election's political dynamics.

Production

Running Mate marks the directorial debut of Han Jin-Won. Han is known for his previous work as a co-writer on the critically acclaimed film Parasite, which received the Palme d'Or at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival.

Running Mate promotional poster — Promotional poster for the series Running Mate.

Cast

The series features an ensemble cast portraying students and staff at Youngjin High School and other academic institutions. Key cast members include:

Yoon Hyun-Soo as Noh Se-Hoon
Lee Jung-Sic as Kwak Sang-Hyun
Choi Woo-Sung as Yang Won-Dae
Hong Hwa-Yeon as Yoon Jung-Hee
Lee Bong-Joon as Park Ji-Hun
Kim Ji-Woo as Ha Yoo-Kyeong

Yoon Hyun-Soo, who plays the lead character Noh Se-Hoon.