South Korean heartthrob Byeon Woo Seok, who transitioned from the world of modelling to acting, has finally landed his first leading role after years of captivating audiences in supporting parts. At 32, he’s taking the K-Drama world by storm with his performance in the time travel romantic comedy Lovely Runner. Here’s a look at all 5 K-dramas and 2 movies featuring Byeon Woo Seok, giving you a roadmap to explore his diverse filmography:
Byeon Woo Seok captivates attention with fantasy romance Lovely Runner: 7 K-dramas and movies to fuel your fan fever amid his rising star status
1. LOVELY RUNNER (2024):
A hit already, which premiered in April 2024, Byeon Woo Seok sheds his supporting role image and takes center stage. This fantasy-romance tells the story of Im Sol (played by Kim Hye Yoon), a young woman heartbroken by the tragic fate of her childhood friend, Sun Jae (Byeon Woo Seok), who also happens to be a popular K-pop idol in the band Eclipse. Miraculously, Sol finds herself transported back in time to 2008, when Sun Jae is still a carefree 19-year-old. Determined to change his future and prevent his misfortune, Sol sets out on a mission to alter fate. However, as she spends time with Sun Jae in the past, their childhood friendship blossoms into a deeper connection.
Lovely Runner is a delightful blend of genres, weaving time travel elements with heartwarming friendship and the potential for a heart-fluttering romance. The series explores themes of destiny, second chances, and the power of love to rewrite one’s future. Currently airing on tvN in South Korea, Lovely Runner is also available for international audiences on streaming platforms like Viu.
This action-comedy tells the story of Kang Nam Soon (Lee Yoo Mi), a woman with superhuman strength who returns to South Korea to find her birth family. There, she reunites with her wealthy businesswoman mother (Kim Jung Eun) and strong-willed grandmother (Kim Hae Sook). Their lives become entangled in a drug case investigated by Detective Gang Hee Sik (Ong Seong Wu), where Byeon Woo Seok’s character likely fits into this investigation. Though in a negative role, Byeon went viral for his sharp features and performance. The series explores themes of family, identity, and using one’s strength for good, all with a healthy dose of humour and thrilling action sequences featuring Nam-soon’s incredible power. Strong Girl Nam Soon serves as a spin-off to the popular 2017 drama Strong Girl Bong-Soon, though the two stories are separate. The series is available on Netflix.
This K-drama delves into the ambitious world of Korean fashion, exploring the struggles and aspirations of young adults chasing their dreams. Byeon Woo Seok portrays a charming model named Won Hae Hyo. Despite his success, Hae Hyo faces immense pressure to live up to his wealthy family’s expectations. Byeon played the second lead role.
The drama follows a central trio: Park Bo-Gum as Sa Hye Jun, another aspiring actor struggling to break free from his background as a background actor, and Park So Dam as An Jeong Ha, a talented makeup artist determined to carve her own path. As they navigate the competitive world and grapple with self-doubt, their lives intertwine, fostering friendships and romances. Record of Youth is a coming-of-age story that celebrates passion, perseverance, and the importance of pursuing your dreams, regardless of circumstance. You can find this drama on Netflix.
Set during the strict alcohol prohibition of the Joseon Dynasty, Byeon Woo Seok dives into a world of danger and intrigue. He portrays a cunning young man named Lee Pyo, who becomes entangled in the lucrative black market for illegal alcohol.
This historical drama isn’t just about bootlegging; it’s a story of love and rebellion. Alongside Yoo Seung Ho, who plays a principled officer tasked with cracking down on alcohol sales, their paths collide with Kang Ro Seo (played by Girl’s Day’s Hyeri). Ro Seo, a strong-willed woman from a poor noble family, secretly brews alcohol to support her family. As loyalties are tested and forbidden love blossoms, Byeon Woo Seok’s Lee Pyo finds himself caught between duty and desire in this thrilling game of cat and mouse. Moonshine is available to stream on VIKI.
Byeon Woo Seok joins the cast of Joseon’s most successful matchmaking agency, the titular Flower Crew. This group boasts a 90% success rate, orchestrated by three charming matchmakers: Ma Hoon, the perceptive leader (Kim Min Jae); Young Soo, the fashion guru (Park Ji Hoon); and Do Joon, the information extraordinaire (Byeon Woo Seok).
Their perfectly planned world gets a royal twist when King Lee Soo (Seo Ji Hoon) seeks their help. Desperate to marry his childhood sweetheart, Gae Ddong (Gong Seung Yeon), a commoner, the king tasks the Flower Crew with transforming Gae Ddong into a noblewoman. Laughter and hijinks ensue as the crew navigates court politics, societal pressures, and blossoming feelings while crafting the perfect bride. This lighthearted drama, available on VIKI and Viu.
MOVIES:
1. 20th CENTURY GIRL (2022)
In the nostalgic year of 1999, 20th Century Girl takes viewers on a heartwarming journey of teenage friendship and first love. The story revolves around a young woman named Na Bo Ra (played by Kim Yoo Jung) who embarks on a mission of love espionage for her best friend. Her smitten friend Kim Yeon Do (Roh Yoon Seo) nurses a crush on a classmate Poong Woon Ho, played by Byeon Woo Seok and Na Bo Ra becomes his undercover observer, reporting back every detail. However, as she delves deeper into his life, a surprising twist unfolds. This coming-of-age tale explores the complexities of young love, loyalty, and the enduring power of friendship.
Released in October 2022, 20th Century Girl is a Netflix film, perfect for a nostalgic dose of teen romance and the retro charm of the late 90s.
The coming-of-age drama explores the complexities of friendship, love, and growing up. It’s a remake of a 2016 Chinese film with the same title. The story centers around two best friends, Mi So (played by Kim Da Mi) and Ha Eun (played by Jeon So Nee), who meet at the innocent age of 11. Their bond deepens over the next 14 years as they navigate the joys and challenges of adolescence. They share dreams, secrets, and a sense of unwavering loyalty. However, their connection faces a turning point when Ha Eun experiences her first love. As Ha-eun’s attention shifts towards her classmate Jin Woo (played by Byeon Woo Seok), a subtle crack forms in their seemingly unbreakable friendship. Mi So, a free spirit yearning for adventure, decides to leave their hometown and pursue a life in the city.
The film follows their diverging paths as they grapple with the complexities of love, loss, and the ever-evolving nature of their bond. Soulmate is a poignant exploration of how life choices and personal desires can impact the most cherished relationships.
ALSO READ: Lovely Runner Review: Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon starrer time-twisting romantic comedy off to a fresh start with
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