Byeon Woo Seok Fits All The Qualities The “Lovely Runner” Director Was Looking For

tvN’s Lovely Runner actor Byeon Woo Seok has become a hot topic in the K-Drama world for his visuals, talent, and personality.

He has garnered worldwide popularity with this role and is preparing for his Asia fan meeting tour.

During the drama press conference, the director revealed how he was cast for the role.

선재업고튀어 류선재역 변우석 캐스팅 비화

선재는 비주얼적으로 수영선수의 피지컬과
톱스타의 아우라, 노래까지 잘 해야하니
해야될 게 너무 많은 역할이었고
연기도 연기지만 비주얼이 1순위였는데

부국제에서 20세기 소녀 변우석의 청춘을 보고
10대, 30대 연기가 가능한 배우라고 생각해 캐스팅 pic.twitter.com/JGXzV57jYK

— 댸 (@soulpinenuttalk) May 15, 2024

The role of Ryu Sunjae had to have the visuals, the physique of a swimmer, and the aura of a top star and they had to sing well too. It’s a role that requires a lot of work, and although acting is important too, visuals were number one. I saw him at the BIFF (Busan International Film Festival) for his role in ’20th Century Girl’ and saw his youth, and decided to cast him because I felt he could act in their teens and 30s.

Let’s see if he checks off all the qualities the director was looking for!

Physique of a swimmer, visuals

1️⃣ 수영선수의 피지컬 pic.twitter.com/jQiy3aWgPG

— 댸 (@soulpinenuttalk) May 15, 2024

Aura of a top star with singing talent

2️⃣ 톱스타의 아우라, 노래 실력 pic.twitter.com/JWvM4kcTWV

— 댸 (@soulpinenuttalk) May 15, 2024

Ability to act in their teens

3️⃣ 10대 연기 가능자 pic.twitter.com/wEP6Vb72Hw

— 댸 (@soulpinenuttalk) May 15, 2024

Ability to act in their 30s

4️⃣ 30대 연기 가능자 pic.twitter.com/hMDqmeaQ8n

— 댸 (@soulpinenuttalk) May 15, 2024

Also, according to reports, it took three years for the show to start production. They dealt with many actors rejecting and turning down the role and finally confirmed Byeon Woo Seok for the male lead.

But in hindsight, netizens felt that Byeon had met his career-defining role as Ryu Sunjae and were glad that other actors turned down the offers.

Netizens thanked the director for casting Byeon Woo Seok, as they felt he was perfect for the role.

• “True taste.”
• “I think my heart fluttered because it was Byeon Woo Seok acting as Sunjae.”
• “It’s surprising that he can do it all, visuals, singing, swimming. How can he do that. I can’t even imagine Sunjae that isn’t Byeon Woo Seok.”
• “He played the teenager role really well.”
• “Whoever played that role could have rose to fame, but not anyone would be able to fit that role well.”
• “The director has true taste!”
• “Seriously such good taste.”
• “He really did a great job casting him.”
• “Thank you director…”

Byeon Woo Seok first debuted as a model in 2014 before making his acting debut in 2016. He was first cast in a lead role in the K-Drama Record of Youth in 2020. He continued to play various roles and won the Best New Actor award in 2022.