Byun Woo Seok Gushes About Stellar Chemistry With Kim Hye Yoon, Favorite Scenes In “Lovely Runner,” And More

Mar 22, 2024

Byun Woo Seok has shared insights into his upcoming tvN drama with Kim Hye Yoon, “Lovely Runner”!

Based on a popular web novel and penned by “True Beauty” writer Lee Si Eun, “Lovely Runner” is a new time-slip romance drama that asks the question: “What would you do if you had the opportunity to save your ultimate bias?” Kim Hye Yoon stars as Im Sol, a passionate fan devastated by the death of her favorite star Ryu Sun Jae (Byun Woo Seok), who goes back in time to save him.

Explaining his choice to star in “Lovely Runner,” Byun Woo Seok expressed, “I really wanted to try acting in a project that [radiates warmth] akin to sunlight like this drama.” He added, “I was particularly moved by the romance between Sun Jae and Sol, which transcends the barriers of time and space.”

Byun Woo Seok will portray dual roles in the drama: past-day 19-year-old promising swimmer Ryu Sun Jae and the present-day vocalist of the famous Korean band Eclipse, 34-year-old Ryu Sun Jae. Reflecting on his approach to portraying the two Sun Jaes, Byun Woo Seok shared, “For the past Sun Jae, I tried to convey his raw purity and passion, while for the present Sun Jae, I aimed to maintain his inherent kindness while also showcasing his refined demeanor. [Through playing these roles,] I’ve come to appreciate the multifaceted charm of Sun Jae’s character.”

Byun Woo Seok has firmly established himself as a youth icon, leaving a memorable mark from his roles in “Record of Youth” to films like “20th Century Girl” and “Soulmate.” Responding to comments that he particularly shines in youth-centric dramas, he humbly remarked, “I believe I’m still at the beginning stages where I still need to grow as an actor.” He added, “While portraying various characters, I feel like I’ve inadvertently left an [strong] impression on viewers through youth dramas. I will strive to present even more compelling characters in the future.”

Through the released teasers for “Lovely Runner,” Byun Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon’s romantic chemistry has also sparked considerable anticipation. Reflecting on his chemistry with Kim Hye Yoon, Byun Woo Seok expressed, “My chemistry with Kim Hye Yoon was so good that it’s indescribable.” He elaborated, “I have complete faith in Kim Hye Yoon, who has a lot of romantic comedy experience. Thanks to her, I was able to act comfortably [during filming]. I think this will translate well on screen too.”

Byun Woo Seok also emphasized, “Especially in scenes where Sun Jae is emotionally moved by Sol, my heart genuinely fluttered as well.”

Lastly, Byun Woo Seok selected the most memorable scenes from Episodes 1 and 2 and highlighted the distinctive charm of “Lovely Runner.” He remarked, “The scene where Sun Jae meets Sol for the first time on the bridge and shields her from the snow with an umbrella left a lasting impression. It marks the beginning of their relationship, and as the story unfolds, the symbolism of the umbrella and the bridge becomes apparent, so be sure not to miss it.”

Expanding on this, he remarked, “In the present day, the 34-year-old Sun Jae becomes Sol’s favorite, while when he’s 19 years old, Sol is Sun Jae’s favorite. They are intertwined by their destinies to mutually rescue each other, which makes this drama unique.” He concluded by saying, “The directors and writers have made the characters captivating, allowing viewers to see a new side of Byun Woo Seok. Please stay tuned.”