연합뉴스
| yna@yna.co.kr 2024-05-31 09:20:16
SEOUL, May 31 (Yonhap) -- Actor Byeon Woo-seok (33) sat down for an interview at a cafe in Gangnam, Seoul on the 29th. The entrance was crowded with dozens of fans hoping to catch a glimpse of him. The unexpected turnout for an actor’s private schedule is rare, even for top stars.
Reflecting on the scene, Byeon said, "I was surprised to see so many people. It feels surreal and I can't believe it's happening." Byeon Woo-seok has captured hearts as the male lead, Ryu Seon-jae, in tvN's drama "Run Away with Seon-jae," portraying a man unable to forget his first love from his school days. His heartfelt performance has made him a rising youth star.
Tickets for Byeon's fan meeting saw nearly 700,000 people in the queue, and his Taiwanese fanbase even showcased promotional videos in New York's Times Square. When asked about the overwhelming public attention, Byeon responded, "It feels more like a gift from the heavens rather than something I've achieved."
He added, "I’ve always given my best at every moment, and it's these moments that have led to this happiness as Seon-jae. While I've lived my life diligently, the love I'm receiving now feels largely due to luck."
Recalling his school days, Byeon shared, "I once scored 100 in math, and my parents were incredibly happy. That joy made me want to do well again."
In "Run Away with Seon-jae," which features a time-travel plot, Byeon portrays a diverse range of emotions, from the fresh charm of a 19-year-old high school swimmer to the loneliness of a 33-year-old top star. Byeon reflected, "When I first got the script, I thought, 'Did they really give me this script?' because the descriptions and dialogues were so beautiful."
He explained his approach to the character, "I've always wanted to play a character who dedicates everything for someone else, and Seon-jae was that character. Portraying Ryu Seon-jae from his late teens to his 30s involved careful differentiation. The 19-year-old Seon-jae experiences love for the first time and is awkward in expressing his feelings. As a college student, I aimed to show a more mature understanding of Sol, and at 34, I wanted to maintain his feelings for Sol while adding the nuances of a top star’s persona."
Byeon also expressed gratitude towards his co-star Kim Hye-yoon, who played Im Sol. "I'm really thankful to Hye-yoon. Her energy as Sol allowed me to naturally immerse myself as Seon-jae."
Debuting as a model in 2010, Byeon transitioned to acting with roles in dramas like "Dear My Friends," "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo," "Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo," and "Search: WWW." Reflecting on his journey, Byeon shared, "I've faced countless rejections and even got cut after script readings. There were many moments of doubt, but I persisted with the belief that I should see it through. Those tough times motivated me to work harder."
Byeon achieved his goal of singing OSTs for dramas he starred in. When asked if he’s satisfied, he replied, "I'm quite ambitious. I really want to be recognized as a great actor. It feels like this is just the beginning, and I have a long way to go."
Since "Run Away with Seon-jae," the number of scripts arriving at his agency has increased significantly. Byeon plans to take his time selecting his next project. "The current interest and love I’m receiving are incredible and motivate me to improve. I'm contemplating how to overcome my shortcomings."
He concluded, "I'm always pushing myself. During the filming of 'Run Away with Seon-jae,' I saw areas for improvement in my emotional expression, voice projection, and pronunciation. I aim to address these and continue striving to do my best in future roles."
[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]