Since starting his acting career in 2016, Byeon Woo Seok has gained recognition for his tragic roles. Often, his characters meet untimely deaths, earning him the nickname “sweet potato actor” among Korean drama fans. This unique moniker comes from the way sweet potatoes are buried in the ground, symbolizing graves. In a recent press conference, Byeon Woo Seok clarified that he never intentionally chooses roles that end in death. Let’s dive into his story and thoughts on his career choices.
Byeon Woo Seok (Instagram.com/Byeonwooseok)
Byeon Woo Seok’s Unintentional Tragic Roles
Despite his reputation for playing characters with tragic endings, Byeon Woo Seok revealed that it wasn’t a deliberate choice. During the press conference held on June 28, 2024, he explained that he only learned about his character’s fate midway through filming.
“If in the drama 20th Century Girls, I knew my character would die from the start. But in Strong Woman Nam Soon, I found out about my character’s death while we were already filming,” said Byeon Woo Seok.
This revelation highlights that the actor’s fate in these dramas was not premeditated. It seems his roles’ tragic ends were more of a coincidence than a conscious decision on his part.
A Desire for Relatable Characters
Byeon Woo Seok (Instagram.com/Byeonwooseok)
Byeon Woo Seok also expressed his desire to play characters he can relate to, regardless of the genre. Known for his iconic role as Ryu Sun Jae in Lovely Runner, he shared his evolving preferences.
“I used to want to try fantasy, but after playing Sun Jae, I felt a change. I felt I could really relate to the character. In the future, the most important thing for me is that the character is relatable,” he stated.
This desire for connection with his roles indicates a thoughtful approach to his career, focusing on authenticity and emotional resonance rather than genre constraints.
A Love for Romantic Comedies
Byeon Woo Seok (Instagram.com/Byeonwooseok)
In addition to his tragic roles, Byeon Woo Seok has a soft spot for romantic comedies. He admitted that he enjoys the genre and often recommends it to his fans.
“I love rom-coms. Many romantic comedy Korean dramas are interesting and good. I think everyone should watch them,” Byeon Woo Seok shared enthusiastically.
His recent fan meeting, titled “Summer Letter,” held in Indonesia on June 28, 2024, showcased his charm and love for engaging with his audience. Fans are eagerly awaiting his next project, hoping to see him in more light-hearted and relatable roles.
My Take on Byeon Woo Seok’s Journey
Byeon Woo Seok’s journey as an actor is fascinating. His roles’ frequent tragic ends have inadvertently shaped his career and public perception. However, his commitment to finding relatable characters and his love for romantic comedies add layers to his persona. It’s refreshing to see an actor who values connection and authenticity over genre constraints. As a fan, I hope to see Byeon Woo Seok continue to explore diverse roles, bringing his unique charm and depth to the screen. Whether in tragic dramas or heartwarming comedies, his performances are always a delight to watch.
In conclusion, Byeon Woo Seok’s story as the “sweet potato actor” is more nuanced than it appears. His unintentional tragic roles, desire for relatable characters, and love for romantic comedies paint a picture of an actor committed to his craft. Fans can look forward to more compelling performances from him in the future.
