Byeon Woo Seok recently appeared on the talk show Hyell’s Club, hosted by Hyeri from Girl’s Day. The two have a history together, having co-starred in the drama Moonshine (2021). Their camaraderie was evident as they enjoyed ramen and drinks while discussing Byeon Woo Seok’s latest drama, Lovely Runner (2024).
In the show, Byeon Woo Seok revealed some interesting facts about himself, including his inability to swim, which he had to overcome for his role in Lovely Runner. This article dives into the details of his preparation for the role and some fun tidbits about his personal preferences.
Byeon Woo Seok’s Journey to Becoming Ryu Sun Jae
Byeon Woo Seok at Hyell’s Club (YouTube.com/ 혜리)
Byeon Woo Seok shared his enthusiasm for the script of Lovely Runner from the very beginning. He felt a deep connection to the character of Ryu Sun Jae, a high school swimming athlete who had to give up his dream due to an injury. Despite his initial lack of swimming skills, Byeon Woo Seok was determined to bring the character to life.
“I don’t think I can miss this. When I read the script, the scenes played out very clearly in my imagination. I knew I would be very happy in that universe,” Byeon Woo Seok explained. His determination led him to constantly follow up with the director at his agency, Varo Entertainment, ensuring he landed the role. “Every day, I called the director to ask about updates. I think this is the first time I’ve been so deeply invested in a script.”
Learning to Swim: A Three-Month Challenge
Byeon Woo Seok at Hyell’s Club (YouTube.com/ 혜리)
Playing a swimming athlete was no easy task for Byeon Woo Seok, who admitted he couldn’t swim well before filming started. To convincingly portray Ryu Sun Jae, he dedicated three months to intensive swimming practice.
“I was having a really hard time even before filming started. I did a lot of script reading with the writer and director. And I also learned to swim,” Byeon Woo Seok said. Despite the challenges, he persisted, practicing every day during his free time. His dedication paid off, allowing him to authentically depict a character passionate about swimming.
A Peek into Byeon Woo Seok’s Favorite Soundtrack
Byeon Woo Seok at Hyell’s Club (YouTube.com/ 혜리)
In addition to his acting, Byeon Woo Seok got to showcase his singing talents in Lovely Runner. He sang several songs for the drama’s soundtrack, including “Sudden Shower,” “Run Run,” “You & I,” “I’ll Be There,” and “No Fate.” When asked about his favorite, he chose “Sudden Shower” for its emotional depth, despite enjoying the upbeat nature of “Run Run.”
“I practiced a lot of singing and recording. The director was great at editing the recordings,” Byeon Woo Seok explained. “I really like recording because it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I want to sing in dramas if I can.”
The Beloved ‘Monday Cure’ Nickname
Byeon Woo Seok at Hyell’s Club (YouTube.com/ 혜리)
After the release of Lovely Runner, fans bestowed various nicknames upon Byeon Woo Seok. Among these, he prefers the nickname ‘Monday Cure’. The drama airs every Monday and Tuesday, making the start of the week a highly anticipated time for his fans.
“I really like the nickname, Monday Cure. It feels really good to help people heal and feel better,” Byeon Woo Seok said. This nickname reflects his impact on fans who look forward to his appearances to brighten their Mondays.
Watermelon and Meat: Byeon Woo Seok’s Favorite Foods
Byeon Woo Seok at Hyell’s Club (YouTube.com/ 혜리)
During the Hyell’s Club episode, Byeon Woo Seok revealed his favorite foods. He loves watermelon but isn’t particularly fond of melon, mainly because he’s too lazy to peel it. When it comes to meals, he enjoys various types of meat and shared his favorite menu items during a TMI (Too Much Information) session.
“I ordered steak rice and added four shrimps,” Byeon Woo Seok said, showing his love for hearty meals.
In summary, Byeon Woo Seok’s journey to play Ryu Sun Jae in Lovely Runner is a testament to his dedication and passion for acting. From learning to swim to singing for the soundtrack, he has poured his heart into this role, making it a performance to look forward to.