Byeon Woo Seok

Who Is Byeon Woo-seok?

Byeon Woo-seok (변우석) is a South Korean actor and model who rose to international fame as Ryu Sun-jae in the hit time-slip romance drama Lovely Runner (2024). Before the world knew his name, he spent years quietly building his craft—walking runways, appearing in major fashion publications, and taking on supporting roles in some of Korea’s most popular dramas.

Known for his striking visuals, grounded presence, and steadily expanding emotional range, Byeon Woo-seok has emerged as one of South Korea’s most compelling contemporary actors.

Today, he stands at the peak of the Korean entertainment industry. VARO Entertainment represents him. Furthermore, he is now set to take on one of the most anticipated live-action projects in Korean entertainment history—Netflix’s Solo Leveling.

Early Life: Born in Bucheon, Raised for the Stage

Roots in Bucheon, South Korea

Byeon Woo-seok is a South Korean actor and model represented by VARO Entertainment. He was born in Bucheon, South Korea. Bucheon is a city in Gyeonggi Province, located just west of Seoul. It is a city known for its vibrant arts and entertainment culture.

Byeon was born on October 31, 1991. His family name is Byeon (변), and his given name is Woo-seok (우석). He is also commonly romanized as Byun Woo-suk or Byeon U-seok.

Education: Seoul Institute of the Arts

Byeon Woo-seok studied at the prestigious Seoul Institute of the Arts. This institution has produced many of South Korea’s most celebrated performers. His formal arts education gave him a strong academic foundation for the demanding world of Korean entertainment.

Military Service: Completed Before His Career Began

He completed his mandatory military service from 2011 to 2013 as an administrative officer in the 37th Division’s Public Relations Department.

This was a significant advantage in his career. Because he completed his service early, he never had to pause his career mid-rise. Therefore, as his popularity grew, there was no military interruption on the horizon.

Modeling Career: Runways, Magazines, and Fashion Weeks (2010–2016)

Starting: A Modeling Contract He Didn’t Expect

Byeon Woo-seok did not set out to be a model. He set out to be an actor.

He initially sought agency representation to pursue a career in acting but was instead offered a modeling contract. Embracing this opportunity, he began his modeling career in 2010. He participated in Seoul Fashion Week and contributed to publications such as Arena, Cosmopolitan, W, and Elle.

His 190 cm (6’2″) frame and striking features made him a natural fit for the fashion world. He accepted the opportunity. However, acting remained the dream.

Building His Fashion Profile (2010–2015)

Alongside his modeling career, he also appeared in music videos for several well-known artists, including IU and Park Jung-hyun, gradually building experience in front of the camera.

In 2015, Byeon’s modeling career saw him selected as a model for the Swedish fashion brand Elvine. He also walked the 2015 F/W Men’s Fashion Show, establishing himself as a notable presence in the fashion world.

By the time he transitioned to acting, he already had half a decade of camera experience under his belt. That training would prove invaluable.

Acting Career: A Decade of Steady, Purposeful Growth

Acting Debut: Dear My Friends and Moon Lovers (2016)

Woo-seok officially debuted as an actor in 2016 with a supporting role in the drama ‘Dear My Friends’. In the same year, he made memorable cameo appearances in the hit dramas ‘Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo’ and ‘Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo ‘.

These were not starring roles. But they were the right first steps. Each small appearance sharpened his instincts and expanded his network within the industry.

Building Momentum (2017–2019)

The years that followed saw Byeon Woo-seok steadily expanding his portfolio. He appeared in Welcome to Waikiki (2018), Search: WWW (2019) as Han Min-gyu, and the period romance Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency (2019) as Do Joon.

He also appeared on variety shows like You Quiz on the Block and Amazing Saturday in 2018, allowing audiences to see his warm and humorous off-screen personality. These appearances built genuine fan affinity.

Additionally, he had a role in the blockbuster action film Ashfall (2019), marking his first experience in major Korean cinema.

Record of Youth (2020): The First Taste of the Big Stage

He first garnered attention with his performance in the 2020 series Record of Youth, where he appeared alongside Park Bo-gum and Park So-dam. Though his role was relatively minor, it demonstrated his potential as a dramatic actor.

He played Won Hae-hyo—a wealthy young actor and model whose privileged path contrasted with his co-leads’ struggles. The role drew direct comparisons to his own modeling-to-acting journey. It felt personal. Audiences noticed.

Moonshine (2021): Best New Actor Recognition

In 2021, Byeon played Lee Pyo—a rebellious crown prince—in KBS2’s Moonshine. This drama made Byeon Woo-seok win Best New Actor at the 2022 KBS Drama Awards.

This was his first major industry award. It confirmed what many had suspected. Byeon Woo-seok was not a flash in the pan. He was a genuine actor on the rise.

20th Century Girl (2022): Netflix Film Debut

Byeon gained wide recognition for his starring role in the television series Lovely Runner (2024) and made his film debut with the Netflix film 20th Century Girl (2022).

In 20th Century Girl, he played Poong Woon-ho—a key role in a romantic story set in the 1990s. The Netflix film reached a global audience and introduced him to international K-drama fans for the first time. The film holds a rating of 8.145 on major review platforms.

Strong Girl Nam-soon (2023) and Soulmate (2023)

In 2023, Byeon delivered two memorable performances. He played the charismatic villain Ryu Si-o in Strong Girl Nam-soon. He also appeared in the film Soulmate as Ham Jin-woo. Both roles showed his versatility. He could do romance. He could do menace. He could do it all.

The Breakthrough: Lovely Runner (2024)

The Role That Changed Everything

Byeon Woo Seok rose to explosive popularity through the hit 2024 TVN drama “Lovely Runner.” His youthful romance image and emotional charm quickly expanded his fandom and established him as one of the industry’s hottest rising stars.

In Lovely Runner, Byeon played Ryu Sun-jae—a beloved K-pop idol whose life is saved by a time-traveling fan. The series premiered in April 2024. It became a global phenomenon almost immediately.

A defining turning point in his career came with the time-slip romance Lovely Runner (2024). His portrayal of a charismatic and emotionally complex lead captivated viewers and catapulted him to mainstream stardom. He quickly earned the nickname “Nation’s Boyfriend.”

Award Wins for Lovely Runner

The awards came flooding in. At the APAN Star Awards 2024, Byeon Woo-seok won Best Couple (with Kim Hye-yoon) and the Hallyu Star Award for Lovely Runner. At the Asia Artist Awards 2024, he won the Asia Celebrity Award – Television, Best Couple Award, and Popularity Award – Actor. He also won the People’s Choice Award – Male at the Asia Contents Awards & Global OTT Awards 2024.

Furthermore, he won the Blue Dragon Ranking Awards Best Actor for Lovely Runner, the Fundex Awards Best Actor – TV Drama, the Korea Drama Awards Hot Star Award (Male), the MAMA Awards Favourite Global Trending Music, the Melon Music Awards Best OST, and the Seoul Global Movie Awards Popularity Award – Actor.

In 2025, he won the Most Popular Actor award at the Baeksang Arts Awards—one of South Korea’s most prestigious entertainment honors.

The “Summer Letter” Fan Tour (2024)

Following the drama’s success, Byeon Woo-seok embarked on his fan meeting tour across Asia. Apart from the Philippine leg, Byeon Woo-seok’s Asian tour affair “Summer Letter,” took place in other cities across the region. Fans across Asia packed venues to see him in person, a testament to the drama’s extraordinary reach.

Brand Endorsements: A Global Commercial Star

2024: The Year Every Brand Wanted Him

After Lovely Runner, the brand deals arrived at a remarkable pace.

In 2024 alone, he was named brand ambassador for Discovery Expedition Korea and global brand ambassador of LG Household & Health Care’s dermatological beauty brand Physiogel. In July, he was selected to promote Nonghyup Bank and as an ambassador for the beauty brand Clinique as well as the men’s cosmetic brand Dashu. In August, he was selected to endorse Paldo Bibim Men and Baskin-Robbins Korea and selected as brand ambassador of the LGe LG Household & Health Care brand Euthymol.

Additionally, his significant luxury brand partnerships in 2024 included becoming a brand ambassador for Giordano. He also partnered with Calvin Klein and Lotte Duty Free, among many others.

Charity: Giving Back Quietly

Reports confirmed that Byeon Woo Seok personally made a charitable donation and that his entertainment agency, VARO Entertainment, had no knowledge of it. VARO confirmed and noted that it was an initiative handled by the actor, and they had no involvement with it. “It is true that Byeon Woo Seok donated. It was done personally,” VARO’s response read.

This act of quiet generosity only deepened the public’s admiration for him.

Perfect Crown (2026): Reuniting With IU

A Dream Pairing on Screen

One of Korea’s most closely watched titles of the year features a can’t-miss pairing: Byeon Woo-seok, fresh off “Lovely Runner,” and Lee Ji-eun (IU), the singer-turned-actor behind Korean drama hits like “When Life Gives You Tangerines” and “Hotel Del Luna.”

Set in an alternate version of contemporary Korea ruled by a constitutional monarchy, “Perfect Crown” centers on a cross-class romance shaped by rigid social hierarchy.

Byeon plays Grand Prince Lee Ahn. The project marks his first return to the small screen since his breakout global success with Lovely Runner.

A Reunion a Decade in the Making

“Perfect Crown” also reunites the two actors a decade after “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo,” where Byeon made a brief, near-cameo appearance as Lee’s unfaithful, debt-ridden former lover.

Addressing the pressure of following Lovely Runner, Byeon said, “Rather than feeling burdened, I just hope people will continue to show even more love.”

The Controversy and Apology

Although the drama maintained rising ratings thanks to its strong buzz and the powerful fandoms of both IU and Byeon Woo Seok, the actor was unable to completely shake off the “acting controversy” label. In May 2026, both IU and Byeon Woo-seok publicly apologized following a production controversy. The director also apologized shortly after.

Despite the criticism, the drama held a 7.8 rating on major review platforms and demonstrated that his star power remained firmly intact.

Solo Leveling (Netflix — TBA): His Greatest Challenge Yet

Cast as the Ultimate Hero

South Korean actor Byeon Woo-seok will star in a Netflix series adaptation of the popular webtoon and web novel series Solo Leveling. Byeon will play Sung Jin-woo, a struggling hunter who fights monsters to protect humanity.

According to Korea JoongAng Daily, Solo Leveling was first published on KakaoPage and has been read over 14.3 billion times worldwide. The franchise expanded into an anime series, which won nine accolades, including Anime of the Year at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards.

For Byeon Woo Seok, the project represents both an opportunity to expand his acting spectrum and potentially the harshest test of his career. If Byeon Woo Seok successfully portrays Sung Jin Woo, “Solo Leveling” could become the perfect opportunity for him to finally shed the acting controversy surrounding his name.

Personal Life: Private, Principled, and Grounded

Relationship Status

Byeon Woo-seok is single, with no confirmed relationships or children. In 2024, rumours linked him to model Jeo Ji-su after similar Instagram posts, but VARO Entertainment denied the dating claims, stating they were university friends travelling with separate groups.

A Pet Parent and a Private Person

Byeon Woo Seok is a fur-dad. He is known to keep his personal life largely out of the public eye. He has spoken about developing a fear of cameras early in his acting career due to constant criticism. However, he persisted. Moreover, that persistence is now at the core of his public image.

In a 2024 interview on You Quiz on the Block, he reflected, “I used to model so I loved being on camera, but as I was constantly facing criticism as an actor, I developed a fear of being on camera.”

Complete Filmography at a Glance

Television Dramas

Year	Title	Character	Notes
2016	Dear My Friends	—	Acting debut
2016	Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo	—	Cameo
2016	Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo	—	Cameo
2018	Welcome to Waikiki	Yoon Seo-won	—
2019	Search: WWW	Han Min-gyu	—
2019	Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency	Do Joon	—
2020	Record of Youth	Won Hae-hyo	—
2021	Moonshine (When Flowers Bloom, I Think of the Moon)	Lee Pyo	Best New Actor, KBS Drama Awards 2022
2023	Strong Girl Nam-soon	Ryu Si-o	—
2024	Lovely Runner	Ryu Sun-jae	Global breakthrough; multiple awards
2024	No Gain No Love	Woo-seok	Cameo
2026	Perfect Crown	Prince Lee Ahn	Starring opposite IU
TBA	Solo Leveling	Sung Jin-woo	Netflix live-action adaptation

Films

Year	Title	Character	Notes
2019	Ashfall	Bodyguard	—
2022	20th Century Girl	Poong Woon-ho	Netflix debut
2023	Soulmate	Ham Jin-woo	—
2025	The Christmas Song	Father Vincentio	—

Variety Shows

Year	Title	Notes
2018	You Quiz on the Block	Guest
2018	Amazing Saturday	Guest
2023	Hong Seok-cheon’s Jewelry Box	Guest
2024	Hyeri’s Club	Guest
2026	Jae-seok’s B&B Rules!	Main cast