Byeon Woo-seok Rises as a Global Star with 'Lovely Runner'... Joins the Ranks of "Asia Prince"

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Actor Byeon Woo-seok has rapidly emerged as a global star through the tvN drama 'Lovely Runner'.

Captivating not only domestic audiences but also winning the hearts of international fans, he has now firmly established himself as the "Asia Prince," garnering attention from foreign media.

Byeon Woo-seok's true peak began with 'Lovely Runner'.

The drama, which first aired on April 8, 2024, tells the story of Ryu Seon-jae (played by Byeon Woo-seok), a famous artist who gave up on life, and his devoted fan Lim Sol (played by Kim Hye-yoon), who despaired after his death. The two meet again in 2008 through a time-slip, leading to a romance filled with salvation.

'Lovely Runner' received immense love for its youthful love story and nostalgic elements from the late 2000s.

Byeon Woo-seok's portrayal of the quintessential first love and his ability to connect with audiences across different age groups were key factors in the drama's success. His impeccable performance and striking visuals captivated viewers' hearts.

The popularity of 'Lovely Runner' did not wane even after the drama concluded.

Notably, the OST 'Sudden Shower' sung by Byeon Woo-seok made an unprecedented impact by charting on international music platforms.
On June 4, 2024 (local time), Billboard's latest chart (dated June 8) revealed that 'Sudden Shower' ranked 199th on the 'Billboard Global 200' chart.

This marked a rare occurrence where an OST sung by an actor entered a major Billboard chart, further proving Byeon Woo-seok's popularity and influence.

International media also took notice of this phenomenon.
The prominent American news magazine Time praised 'Lovely Runner,' stating, "It delivered the best K-drama finale of the year so far." This acknowledgment highlighted both Byeon Woo-seok's acting skills and the drama's international acclaim.

Following the conclusion of 'Lovely Runner,' Byeon Woo-seok's schedule became even busier.

With his skyrocketing popularity both domestically and internationally, he embarked on an overseas fan meeting tour.
Starting in Taipei, Taiwan on June 8, 2024, he held fan meetings titled 'SUMMER LETTER' in Bangkok, Thailand on June 15, Manila, Philippines on June 22, Jakarta, Indonesia on June 28, and Singapore on June 30, all of which were met with overwhelming success.

In particular, his arrival in Taiwan drew massive crowds of fans, turning the airport into a sea of people, which even caught the attention of local news outlets.
The frenzy continued in other Asian countries, where his popularity remained equally intense.

Byeon Woo-seok didn't neglect his domestic fans either.
On July 6 and 7, he held a fan meeting at Jangchung Gymnasium in Seoul, creating special memories with his Korean fans.

His global activities shone beyond the entertainment industry and into the fashion world.

In June 2024, Byeon Woo-seok attended the Prada 2025 Spring/Summer Men's Fashion Show in Milan, Italy, as a Prada ambassador.

He stood shoulder to shoulder with global celebrities such as Netflix's 'Enola Holmes' star Louis Partridge and 'White Collar' actor Matt Bomer, showcasing his status as a global star.

Notably, Matt Bomer commented on Byeon Woo-seok's Instagram post, saying, "Great meeting you," further underscoring his growing international recognition.

Through 'Lovely Runner,' Byeon Woo-seok not only entered his prime but also solidified his presence as a Hallyu actor.

His acting skills, visuals, and approachable charm have transcended borders, capturing the hearts of fans worldwide. As he earns the title of "Asia Prince," the global spotlight is on Byeon Woo-seok's future endeavors.

Byeon Woo-seok's success story is yet another testament to the global influence of the Korean entertainment industry. His achievements show that the personal brand power of Korean actors is gaining worldwide recognition, following in the footsteps of K-dramas and K-pop. As fans eagerly anticipate his next projects and activities, Byeon Woo-seok's future holds even greater promise.