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

tvN

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?