A little over a month after captivating hearts all over the world as K-pop star Ryu Sunjae in Lovely Runner, Byeon Woo-seok was welcomed to Manila by a roaring crowd of Filipinos at the airport.

Straight from Milan Fashion Week, the rising Korean actor was in the city to meet his Filipino fans for the first time as part of his SUMMER LETTER fan meeting series in Asia.

With a sold-out first fan meet at the New Frontier Theatre, PULP Live World arranged an exclusive press conference with the media for a chance to get to know Byeon Woo-seok beyond the screen.

Bringing warmth and sunshine to an otherwise dark and dreary day (it was raining outside), the K-drama star entered the room with a bright smile. He had an air of understated humility, quite unseemly for someone who stood 6 foot 3, taking his time to hand each member of the press a yellow rose, a token of gratitude bashfully given.

Eagerly answering each question with sincerity, Byron Woo-seok talks about loving the Lovely Runner script from the first time he read it, running a coffee shop someday, grappling with his rise to fame, and more.

Let's go! First question. After being in a romantic drama, what kind of roles do you want to do next?

Before I read the Lovely Runner script, I actually wanted to do all different kinds of roles. I have a lot of dreams. But when I read the Lovely Runner script, I fell in love with the character of Sunjae. I totally relate to the character, and I do love romantic comedies! I don't really have a particular role or genre that I want to do, but I'm looking forward to doing a project with a plot that I would immediately resonate with. Maybe there’s another romantic comedy project that will come 

What's the most exciting part of doing a fan meeting in different places?

Just the fact that I’m able to visit my fans in different places is already very exciting. But one of the most exciting things about it is that I get to see the culture of these different countries. It's something that awakens my mind.

Which dramatic scenes stood out to you as your favourite or most memorable as Sunjae?

There were many scenes that I really liked. These are the Top 3 that I can share, because we won't end today if I share them all. (laughs) But I can tell you all my favourite scenes. First is Episode 2, when Sunjae first confesses to Sol that he likes her. That's my favourite scene.

The second scene is when I was talking to my dad. I was giving him alcohol. The interaction between dad and son. That's also a favourite.

Another one in Episode 10, when I was telling Sol that it's okay if I die, as long as you like me or something like that, I don't know the exact line.

If you weren't acting, what do you imagine yourself doing?

Maybe [opening] a business. Something that involves entrepreneurship, like opening a coffee shop?

Do you like coffee?

I don’t drink coffee. (laughs) But I like to serve coffee. As you know, I’m good at that. 

You've been an actor for eight years now. You've reached new heights in your career, this year especially. And you've mentioned in several interviews how grateful you are for everyone's love towards you. How would you want people to see and remember actor Byeon Woo-seok?

I'm very grateful that you all remember me, appreciate me, and love me as Sunjae of Lovely Runner. I think as an actor, it's one of the greatest achievements that I like the character that I portray. So in the future, on my next projects, I would appreciate and love it if you would also fall in love with that new character that I will be acting as.

Speaking of characters and playing characters in acting, your chemistry with your co-stars is often highlighted. Can you share how you built such strong on-screen relationships?

There’s no secret to how I was able to have a good relationship with my co-actors and actresses. But one thing that made me have a good relationship with my co-stars is meeting good and considerate actors as well. Our shared love for the new drama or project, makes us connect together. I don’t have a particular approach aside from hard work and love for what we do.

How well are you adjusting to the newfound attention and popularity? What aspect of this journey has surprised you so far.?

I'm not still able to get around to the sudden popularity that I'm getting. I'm so happy to be here.

Everything itself, my day-to-day is actually a big surprise, a big amazement. Yesterday when I was at the airport, I saw a huge crowd. It was so amazing. Just me, being in front of you doing a press conference. This itself is also one of my dreams coming true. Until now, I'm still getting used to all of this. I'm not used to this sudden attention, it's all like a dream to me.

Out of all the dramas that you have appeared in, which one would you recommend to your new fans, other than Lovely Runner?

My work before this, Strong Girl Nam-Soon. As well as 20th Century Girl.

But everything that I've done so far is very precious on its own, so it's so hard to pick just one.

How do you feel about the incredible success of Lovely Runner? When did you realise that the series created such a huge impact even overseas (beyond Korea)?

I'm so grateful for the amazing love and support everyone has shown me. Like last night, at the airport, I was so surprised by the number of people who showed up to welcome me. Every time I visit different countries for my fan meetings, and I get to see all my fans, I'm still not used to the love that you're all showing me. I'm really happy that you're supporting me outside of Korea.

Did you ever imagine Lovely Runner to be this huge success even beyond Asia?

This was the first drama that cast me as the main lead actor. I did not expect this grand success, but I always hoped that, as much as I was enjoying filming and preparing for the show, people would like the wonderful project we’ve been working on.

All the crew that were working on it were having the same thoughts. We hoped the response of the audience would be the same. Right now, I’m very grateful it's happening.

Speaking of preparing for the show, for the shoot, I'm sure you also prepared so much for the fan meeting. So what was the thing that you were most excited about when preparing for the fan meeting?

Well, the biggest preparation I've been doing for the fan meet is not a particular thing that I've specifically prepared for. I wish that all the people who are coming just to see me, with their time, their money, and their effort just to make tomorrow happen, not just here in the Philippines, but in other places as well, I wish that they would go home with good memories and I hope they would appreciate it.

I hope that they appreciate the time that I'm spending together with my fans. I wish my fans are gonna have as much of a good time as I am.

 

 

 

 

 

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Last, but not least, do you have a message for your Filipino fans?

Thank you for your overwhelming love for me and Sunjae. Thank you for appreciating our project. Thank you so much for being here today with me. And thank you so much for your great support and love that I never imagined it happening. And also please watch out and be excited for my next project which be released in a few months. Thank you so much. It's raining outside, please do take care on your way home.

*Responses have been edited for brevity.