Thanks to his role in Lovely Runner (2024), Byeon Woo Seok is now a widely recognized name in the Korean entertainment industry. This drama, while primarily a fantasy romance, also delves into the coming of age theme, making it a unique and touching story.
The coming of age genre often highlights the struggles and growth of young characters as they pursue their dreams, navigate friendships, and experience first love. Byeon Woo Seok has starred in several projects that beautifully capture these themes. Here are four must-watch dramas and films featuring Byeon Woo Seok.
Record of Youth
Record of Youth (2020) follows the journey of three young individuals: Sa Hye Jun (Park Bo Gum), Won Hae Yo (Byeon Woo Seok), and Ahn Jeong Ha (Park So Dam), as they chase their dreams. Hye Jun and Hae Yo, both models, aspire to become actors, while Jeong Ha dreams of establishing her own makeup business.
The trio faces numerous challenges, from career setbacks to family issues and romantic entanglements. Their youthful crises become pivotal moments that shape their futures, offering a realistic portrayal of the ups and downs of pursuing one’s dreams.
Personally, I found Record of Youth to be a heartfelt exploration of ambition and friendship. The characters’ resilience and determination are inspiring, making it a relatable watch for anyone navigating the uncertainties of young adulthood.
20th Century Girls
20th Century Girls (2022) is a Netflix original film where Byeon Woo Seok stars as Poong Woon Ho, a high school senior who falls for Na Bo Ra (Kim Yoo Jung). This film beautifully captures the essence of first love and teenage romance set in the nostalgic 20th century.
Woon Ho, passionate about broadcasting, often uses a handycam to document precious moments. His dream of becoming a director and his sweet romance with Bo Ra make for a touching and nostalgic story. The film’s setting and storyline evoke a sense of longing for simpler times, making it a delightful watch.
I especially loved how 20th Century Girls blends nostalgia with a poignant love story, creating a film that’s both heartwarming and memorable.
Soulmates
In Soulmates (2023), adapted from the Chinese film Hello, My Soulmate, Byeon Woo Seok plays Ham Jin Woo. The film explores the deep friendship between Ahn Mi So (Kim Da Mi) and Ko Ha Eun (Jeon Seo Nee), starting from their teenage years. When Ha Eun meets her first love, Jin Woo, their friendship faces new challenges.
The film delves into the complexities of friendship and love, highlighting the emotional journey of the characters as they grow up. The love triangle and the evolving dynamics between the friends make for an engaging and emotional narrative.
Soulmates is a beautiful portrayal of friendship and self-discovery, making it a must-watch for fans of coming-of-age stories. The film’s exploration of the characters’ inner worlds is both touching and thought-provoking.
Lovely Runner
In Lovely Runner, Byeon Woo Seok plays Ryu Sun Jae, alongside Kim Hye Yoon. This drama, set across three periods (2008, 2009, and 2023), nostalgically captures the early 2000s with its authentic depiction of trends and events, including the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Sun Jae’s journey, from aspiring Olympian to dealing with the fallout of a career-ending injury, is deeply moving. His story of resilience and first love with Im Sol (Kim Hye Yoon) adds a layer of emotional depth to the narrative. Despite its fantasy elements, Lovely Runner offers valuable life lessons and heartfelt moments.
I found Lovely Runner to be a nostalgic and emotionally rich drama that beautifully captures the essence of youthful dreams and first love. It’s a perfect blend of fantasy and realism, making it a standout in the coming-of-age genre.
These dramas and films not only showcase Byeon Woo Seok’s versatile acting skills but also offer profound insights into the journey of growing up. Have you watched any of these projects? Share your thoughts and favorite moments from Byeon Woo Seok’s coming-of-age stories!
