Reflecting on the 2nd week of April, the K-Drama landscape sparkled with series that intricately spun enchanting narratives and introduced memorable characters. These shows infused an additional layer of thrill into the new year, transforming the second week of April into a period brimming with endearing on-screen tales.

By the use of extensive data collection that involves analyzing netizen's reactions to various online platforms such as news websites, online communities, social media platforms, and videos, Good Data Corporation shows an insight into the Korean entertainment industry by providing a weekly ranking of the most talked about actors and dramas in Korea.

Wondering which K-Dramas and actors are trending in Korea at the moment? Read on to find out!

Hottest Korean Drama (On TV & OTT) For The 2nd Week of April

The most talked about drama was...

"Queen of Tears"

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The K-Drama "Queen of Tears" first aired on March 9th, and it has since found its way to the top of the most-talked-about ranking. Viewers are loving the awesome cast, those laugh-out-loud moments, and the super interesting plot of the series.

Here is the full ranking of the hottest Korean dramas for the 2nd week of April:

1. "Queen of Tears"

2. "Lovely Runner"

3. "Parasyte: The Grey"

4. "Wonderful World"

5. "Blood Free"

6. "The Escape of Seven: Resurrection"

7. "Beauty and Mr. Romantic"

8. "Nothing Uncovered"

9. "Chief Detective 1958" 

10. "Missing Crown Prince" 

Good Data

Hottest Korean Actor (On TV & OTT) For The 2nd Week of April

The most talked about Korean actor was...

Kim SooHyun - "Queen of Tears"

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Kim SooHyun has topped the ranking again. He has been relishing in praises from K-Drama lovers and fans thanks to his endearing on-screen performance. It's no wonder drama fans can't seem to get enough of his character.

Here is the full ranking of the hottest Korean actors for the 2nd week of April:

1. Kim SooHyun - "Queen of Tears"

2. Kim JiWon - "Queen of Tears"

3. Byeon WooSeok - "Lovely Runner"

4. Kim HyeYoon - "Lovely Runner"

5. Park SungHoon - "Queen of Tears"

6. ASTRO's Cha EunWoo - "Wonderful World"

7. Kim NamJoo - "Wonderful World"

8. Kwak DongYeon - "Queen of Tears"

9. Kim KapSoo - "Queen of Tears"

10. Han HyoJoo - "Blood Free" 

Good Data

It looks like "Queen of Tears" generated quite the buzz (again) in the second week of April. Other popular dramas included "Lovely Runner", "Parasyte: The Grey", and more.

Make sure to check out these shows and their talented cast members!

BRIIZE, there's someone competing with you for the #1 RIIZE fan spot, and it is none other than Byeon WooSeok!

Byeon WooSeok is easily one of the most popular and sought-after actors in the Korean entertainment industry right now. Currently appearing on the K-Drama "Lovely Runner", Byeon WooSeok has us swooning left and right over his gorgeous visuals, masculine charm, and endearing personality.

However, there's a side to him that many new fans may not know. The actor is a huge fan of the 5th generation K-Pop boy group RIIZE and a successful fan, too! How did this crossover happen, you ask?

RIIZE's Instagram / Byeon WooSeok's Instagram

Well, according to Byeon WooSeok himself, he had been keeping an eye out for the new SM boy group since it was announced. When RIIZE debuted with a song that matched his musical preferences perfectly, he became a fan of the group.

After entering the fandom, when Byeon WooSeok served as a special MC for the 2023 MAMA Awards, he openly declared his love for RIIZE, expressing his wish to meet them. Luckily enough, not only did Byeon WooSeok meet and take a picture with RIIZE that night, but he also took a picture with RIIZE's Anton, who is said to be his doppelganger!

Byeon WooSeok's Instagram

Recently again, when Byeon WooSeok appeared on MBC FM4U’s "Your 2PM Date With JaeJae", he shared that he had fallen in love with RIIZE at first sight, and he was thrilled that people thought he and RIIZE's Anton, his bias, looked alike.

When asked to send a message to RIIZE's Anton through the show, Byeon WooSeok was nervous but giddy as he promised to cheer him on when RIIZE makes a comeback. RIIZE's new song 'Impossible' is slated for release tomorrow, so we will definitely be looking out for Byeon WooSeok's reaction to the same.

With Byeon WooSeok being dubbed as the BRIIZE President, BRIIZE are supporting "Lovely Runner" wholeheartedly as well.

Now, in addition to looking alike, we have noticed that Byeon WooSeok & RIIZE's Anton have a few other things in common. Check them out below!

1. Boyfriend Fashion

RIIZE's Instagram / Byeon WooSeok's Instagram

Both RIIZE's Anton and Byeon WooSeok are known for rocking the boyfriend look. From baggy fits and beanies to tailored suits - both men have a similar sense of fashion and styling. There's just something about being tall and handsome with broad shoulders that you want to lean on that makes this style look even better on them and we just can't get enough.

2. Swimming

RIIZE on X / tvN

Byeon WooSeok plays Ryu SunJae in "Lovely Runner", who is a swimmer turned idol. In case you didn't know, RIIZE's Anton used to be a competitive swimmer and even dreamed of becoming a professional swimmer! Byeon WooSeok is also a great swimmer, and he mentioned that he practiced a lot for "Lovely Runner", which shows in how flawless his swimming scenes are. No wonder both Byeon WooSeok and RIIZE's Anton have a swimmer's physique.

3. Stage Presence As Idols

play! / tvN

Like we mentioned, Byeon WooSeok's character Ryu SunJae is a K-Pop idol, and in the very first episode, we see clips of him performing at a concert. The actor looked relaxed yet excited and had an effortless air about him. You know who else has a similar vibe? RIIZE's Anton, of course. As a matter of fact, we wouldn't be surprised if Byeon WooSeok looked to Anton for some idol inspiration.

4. RIIZE's Anton & Byeon WooSeok's Personalities

RIIZE's Instagram / Byeon WooSeok's Instagram

RIIZE's Anton has a playful and soft personality. He can be shy at times but is also sassy. He attracts love and attention even when he's sitting still. He is soft-spoken, kind, and speaks with intention. The same goes for Byeon WooSeok. Byeon WooSeok is adorably shy and humble, but he can also be mischievous with his co-stars when they get close. He loves to smile and radiates warmth like sunshine. Byeon WooSeok is also very careful and considerate with his words.

5. Prettiest When They Smile

Byeon WooSeok and Anton have a captivating, mysterious, and charismatic image when they have a serious face on. However, when they smile, like Bruno Mars said, "the whole world stops and stares for a while". Both Anton and Byeon WooSeok have the most gorgeous smiles and they truly look the most beautiful when they're smiling. We hope they'll both always have many reasons to smile.

Are you a fan of RIIZE's Anton and Byeon WooSeok? Tell us on X!

2024 has already been an amazing year for K-Dramas across the board from nerve-wracking thrillers to swoon-worthy romantic comedies. And yet another series has arrived, showing immense promise right out the gate. Web novel based "Lovely Runner" already has millions smiling all day long, producing the most joy-inducing scenes imaginable.

The drama is led by Byeon WooSeok and Kim HyeYoon, with N.Flying's Lee SeungHyub and Song GeonHee. It follows the story of Ryu SeonJae, a dearly beloved celebrity who has mesmerized since his debut. He meets Im Sol, his dedicated supporter who was comforted and healed through SeonJae's music. After something tragic happens to Ryu SeonJae, Im Sol finds herself thrust back 15 years in the past where she meets SeonJae's 19-year-old self as a fellow schoolmate. She makes every effort to alter the future and ultimately avoid such a tragic event.

It has real-life issues, impeccable chemistry, and a talented cast who make us excitedly anticipate every new episode. This is especially true for Byeon WooSeok who has constantly proven himself throughout his entire career. With only two episodes, he's more than portrayed his acting prowess, able to proudly stand under the spotlight.

With how "Lovely Runner" is going so far, the actor is sure to become one the most searched names through the drama.

Quick Return To The Screen & Acting Versatility

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With all things considered, it hasn't been too long since Byeon WooSeok has graced our screens. His performance in "Strong Girl NamSoon" left quite the impression, namely due to the fact that he played the series' despicable villain. With incredible visuals and a reputation of being such a heartthrob, it was certainly difficult to have any contempt for his character.

JTBC / tvN

However, the actor immersed audiences everywhere, becoming the biggest red flag imaginable. Now, around four months later, he's returned with "Lovely Runner", looking to change into a welcoming green flag. Participating in multiple projects so close to one another provides just the right amount of hype needed to keep him in the spotlight and have netizens continue talking about the actor. This also serves as a way for Byeon WooSeok to continue showcasing his versatility as an actor. From providing a strong case of second lead syndrome to being a scheming, no-good villain, all roles are open for the actor. Seeing such contrasting performances shows that he's dedicated to improving his craft to immerse audiences fully into his drama.

While he plays the same person in "Lovely Runner", the lives of teenage Ryu SeonJae and adult Ryu SeongJae are completely different. Watching him portray these different experiences so well just speaks to his capability as an actor. Byeon WooSeok's strength not only lies in his individual performance, but with the incredible synergy he has with the rest of his castmates. He makes you enthusiastically cheer for Ryu SeonJae in the hopes that he'll receive a happy ending.

Byeon WooSeok's Global Reach

Google Trends

After making the switch from model to actor, Byeon WooSeok slowly built up his repertoire, participating in a variety of different works that include "Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency", "Record Of Youth", "Moonshine", and "Strong Girl NamSoon", as well as cameos in "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo" and "Search: WWW". You also cannot forget his role in "20th Century Girl" as he starred alongside Kim YouJung. He was an absolute heartthrob, effectively stealing the hearts of viewers across the globe.

He's had a strong showing throughout his career, making it possible for the entire world to become acquainted with the actor. He's built up a strong fanbase, reaching well outside his home country of South Korea.

While he might not be the biggest name in the industry, K-Drama fans were naturally attracted to his various charms and innate acting talent. He became a scene stealer, showcasing immense growth until he was able to land a leading role. Looking at his recent global reach, according to Google trends, Byeon WooSeok received incredible attention for his role as the villain of "Strong Girl NamSoon". During that time, global interest peaked towards the end of the drama, continuing to pop up through search engines even after the show's conclusion. The actor saw a spike in global interest upon the release of "Lovely Runner". His increase in popularity can also be seen through his Instagram followers.

Kpopmap

Just last year in November 2023, Byeon WooSeok reached the 3 million follower mark on Instagram. This is in direct correlation to his featuring in "Strong Girl NamSoon" as it aired from October 7th until November 26th. His next social media milestone was recorded in December, just a month later, at 4 million. And just recently, he was able to reach the 5 million follower mark, currently sitting at 5.2 million followers as of April 15th, 2024 at 1:00 PM KST.

Byeon WooSeok's Instagram Screenshot

To give context, Byeon WooSeok was a little over 4.8 million followers when the first episode of "Lovely Runner" aired, making it an increase of 0.4 million social media reach. At his current follower count, Byeon WooSeok is among the likes of Choi HyunWook and Kim WooBin, who are at 5.3 million and 5.1 million followers respectively.

These numbers portray the sheer amount of people who want to keep up with the latest updates from Byeon WooSeok himself. Since "Lovely Runner" has just started, his social media presence is sure to increase, in particular his Instagram followers have the potential to reach 6 million in a little under two weeks. Once he reaches this next milestone, that would put the actor among other actors like Woo DoHwan, Ji Soo, Lomon, Lee JaeWook, Hwang MinHyun, Lee JoonGi, and RoWoon who are also within the 6 million follower bracket.

Promising Ratings Start And Hot Response From Netizens

Nielsen Korea

His talent aside, "Lovely Runner" shows immense promise, as ratings-wise, it is off to a great start. The drama has earned 3.176% from the first episode, and as it builds upon such firm foundations, it will surely grow larger in the near future. In addition, Kim HyeYoon's portrayal of bright and bubbly Im Sol, along with her chemistry with Byeon WooSeok will certainly be a large factor in the drama's success.

In just two episodes, his acting has been recognized by netizens worldwide, receiving support from communities across X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and K-Drama Discords alike.

idols should be thankful that byeon wooseok chose to be an actor. #ByeonWooSeok #LovelyRunner pic.twitter.com/YPmFH2FhpQ

— . (@silly_love__) April 9, 2024

thanks to byeon wooseok for taking this role, ryu sunjae is such a breath of fresh air & he is deserve to be loved <3#LovelyRunner #LovelyRunnerEp3 pic.twitter.com/8JQ3p7f2hO

— ً (@wooseokfiles) April 15, 2024

Due to the strong impact of his previous roles, audiences are openly rooting for Byeon WooSeok's success.

He's trended in the past across search engines and social media websites, and there are obvious reasons why. From his dramas' success to his polished skills, Byeon WooSeok shows no flaws from head to toe. With the success of "Lovely Runner" so far, the actor is sure to become one of the most talked about celebrities in the K-Drama industry.

Are you currently watching "Lovely Runner"? What do you think of Byeon WooSeok's performance so far?