Byeon Woo-seok's Remarkable Journey:
From 100 Failed Auditions to Becoming the Nation's First Love with 'Lovely Runner'

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Actor Byeon Woo-seok (32) has risen to the status of "the nation's first love" through the hit drama 'Lovely Runner', solidifying his position as a new icon in the Korean entertainment industry.

His success story carries a deeper significance than simply being a trending figure. Overcoming eight years of anonymity, Byeon Woo-seok's journey to stardom is a source of inspiration for many.

Byeon Woo-seok began his acting career in 2016.

Having debuted as a model in 2010 and gracing the runways, he decided to pursue his passion for acting, embarking on a new path.

However, the road was anything but smooth.
He faced over 100 failed auditions, last-minute rejections after final castings, and the cold skepticism of others telling him, "You will never become an actor." These numerous setbacks could have easily deterred him.

Reflecting on this challenging period, Byeon Woo-seok shared, "It was a continuous series of traumas.

heard a lot of harsh words and criticism, and my self-esteem hit rock bottom. I even developed camera shyness, questioning whether this was the right path for me and began doubting myself." One particularly painful experience was being confirmed for a role, only to be suddenly told he was being dropped from the project.

Despite these obstacles, Byeon Woo-seok refused to give up.

He diligently honed his acting skills, which eventually led to various roles.
From his debut in 'Dear My Friends' to roles in 'Search: WWW', 'Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency', 'Record of Youth', '20th Century Girl', 'Soulmate', and 'Strong Girl Nam-soon', he broadened his acting range by taking on diverse genres and characters.

Byeon Woo-seok's true potential shone through in 'Lovely Runner'.

The production of this drama was delayed for three years as several male actors turned down the role.
But Byeon Woo-seok saw it differently.
"I knew I couldn’t miss this one. I wanted to take it on no matter what. It was the first time I had read a script and felt so deeply connected," he recalled.
His intuition was spot on, and 'Lovely Runner' became his breakthrough project.

The success of 'Lovely Runner' earned Byeon Woo-seok the new title of 'Rom-Com Genius'.

Furthermore, he became recognized as a 'hexagonal actor'— excelling in all areas including acting, appearance, physique, singing, and character.
His soaring popularity was also evident in the advertising industry. Just three months after the drama ended, he filmed over ten commercials, sparking what is now known as the 'Byeon Woo-seok Syndrome'.

The impact of Byeon Woo-seok's advertisements is evident in sales figures.

A bibim ramyeon brand, for instance, saw its sales surpass one million units within five days of launching a new product with Byeon Woo-seok as the model.
Additionally, his SNS advertising content consistently receives over ten times the average number of 'likes', demonstrating his incredible marketing power.

Byeon Woo-seok's success story goes beyond just the growth of an actor; it serves as an excellent example of the importance of perseverance and passion.
Despite enduring more than 100 failed auditions, he never gave up on his dream. His journey provides hope and courage to many who face similar challenges.

As fans eagerly anticipate what roles and characters Byeon Woo-seok will take on next, there is growing excitement about how much further his acting spectrum will expand.
His rise from the 'nation’s first love' to becoming a leading actor in Korea is drawing widespread attention.

Byeon Woo-seok's story will undoubtedly inspire all those in the Korean entertainment industry who are pursuing their dreams.
His success is not just a stroke of luck, but the result of relentless effort and passion, sending a message of hope to many aspiring entertainers.