In early April, the drama Lovely Runner, featuring Byeon Woo Seok, started airing. In this latest tvN series, the actor stars alongside Kim Hye Yoon as Ryu Sun Jae. He portrays a character who encounters a tragic event but gains a chance to survive through time travel.
While viewers may still remember Byeon Woo Seok as the antagonist Ryu Si Oh from the drama Strong Girl Nam Soon, his portrayal in this new role might linger in fans’ memories. So, what sets apart Byeon Woo Seok’s characters in these two dramas? Let’s delve into the distinctions below, okay!
1. Occupations:
In Lovely Runner, Ryu Sun Jae is depicted as both a swimmer and an artist. On the contrary, Ryu Si Oh in Strong Girl Nam Soon disguises himself as a businessman but is, in reality, a drug dealer working for the Russian mafia.
still cut drama Strong Girl Nam Soon (doc. JTBC/Strong Girl Nam Soon)2. Age Representation:
While Ryu Si Oh mirrors Byeon Woo Seok’s age, Ryu Sun Jae encompasses a dual portrayal, depicting both a high school student and an adult in Lovely Runner.
still cut drama Lovely Runner (doc. tvN/Lovely Runner)3. Family Background:
Unlike Ryu Sun Jae, who enjoys a nurturing upbringing with a loving father figure, Ryu Si Oh faces abandonment by his father, leading to a life as an orphan in Russia.
still cut drama Strong Girl Nam Soon (doc. JTBC/Strong Girl Nam Soon)4. Romantic Dynamics:
Ryu Si Oh’s love remains unrequited as he falls for his enemy, whereas Ryu Sun Jae experiences reciprocated affection from his admirers in Lovely Runner.
still cut drama Lovely Runner (doc. tvN/Lovely Runner)5. Social Circles:
In Lovely Runner, Ryu Sun Jae thrives with numerous friends during his school days, while Ryu Si Oh endures separation from his childhood best friend in Strong Girl Nam Soon.
still cut drama Strong Girl Nam Soon (doc. JTBC/Strong Girl Nam Soon)6. Legal Status:
Unlike Ryu Si Oh, labeled a wanted criminal, Ryu Sun Jae, once a national swimming athlete, is considered an asset to the state in Lovely Runner.
still cut drama Lovely Runner7. Fate:
Ryu Sun Jae is granted a second chance at life, in contrast to Ryu Si Oh, whose life concludes tragically as he evades capture by the police in Strong Girl Nam Soon.
still cut drama Strong Girl Nam Soon (doc. JTBC/Strong Girl Nam Soon)The disparities in Byeon Woo Seok’s portrayals in Lovely Runner and Strong Girl Nam Soon are evident. Despite both characters experiencing challenges, Ryu Sun Jae’s journey offers a brighter outlook compared to Ryu Si Oh’s grim fate. Let’s hope Ryu Sun Jae’s story takes a different turn from Ryu Si Oh’s, okay!