"Can't imagine Sunjae other than him"- Fans thank Lovely Runner's director for casting Byeon Woo-seok in his career-defining role

On May 16, 2024, Byeon Woo-seok made headlines as the tvN variety show You Quiz on the Block aired its preview on YouTube. The Lovely Runner actor was seen as the latest guest on the episode of the popular variety show.

In the episode, Byeon Woo-seok revealed how he caught the director's eye and landed the lead role of Ryu Sun-jae in the ongoing rom-com drama. Previously, during a press interview on May 15, the director Yoon Jong-ho asserted that playing Ryu Sun-jae in Lovely Runner required a unique set of skills, including the appearance and build of a swimmer, the persona of a movie star, and vocal prowess.

Byeon Woo-seok mentioned on the latest You Quiz on the Block show that the directors kept auditioning for three years to find the perfect fit for Sun-jae. Meanwhile, the Soulmate actor revealed having auditioned elsewhere during that time, and failing over 100 auditions.

Byeon Woo-seok added he somehow got a chance to audition for Lovely Runner, and the casting members immediately liked him.

Ever since the K-drama aired on April 8, 2024, on tvN network and Viki, fans have been raving about the 32-year-old actor's looks and acting skills. Meanwhile, admirers flooded social media, asserting that the role of Ryu Sun-jae was "meant to be" Byoen Woo-seok's.

"Only byeon woo seok was meant to be ryu sun jae," an X user wrote.

"Thanks to all actors who declined the role of sunjae. woo seok got the opportunity to read the script, casted, and nailed the role," an X user wrote.

"Ryu sunjae was born for byeon woo seek," an X user wrote.

Several other fans posted their opinions on the topic and expressed their happiness by thanking the stars that other actors passed up on the role of Ryu Sun-jae so that Byeon Woo-seok could get it.

"The role is literally fit for him not for others actors," an X user wrote.

"No actor in the industry can play that loveboy Sunjae better than Byeon Wooseok. And moreover his chemistry with Hyeyoon is top tier. He really deserves all those hype and loves," an X user wrote.

"If it's meant to be it will be," an X user wrote.

"Glad that male actors declined the role of sunjae because if not? we wouldn't see how byeon woo seok nail the role. A big loss for those actors, since sunjae will have this huge impact. but byeon woo seok gave life to sunjae," an X user wrote.

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Lovely Runner director talks about Byeon Woo Seok

Byeon Woo Seok is currently preparing for an Asia fan meeting tour after his role in Lovely Runner catapulted him to international acclaim.

Meanwhile, at the press conference for the drama, the director revealed details on Byeon Woo-seok's casting. Director Yoon Jong-ho stated that he had watched 20th Century Girl before deciding on finalizing the actor.

He further added that acting skills are important but good looks matter the most in the entertainment industry and he believed Byeon Woo-seok would do justice to the role of Ryu Sun-jae.

"Seonjae visually resembles the physical appearance of a swimmer. You have to have the aura of a top star and sing well. It was a role with too much to do. Acting is important, but visuals are number one. Watching the youth of 20th century girl Byeon Woo-seok...I casted them because I thought they were actors who could act in their teens or 30s." (as quoted by @soulpinenuttalk and auto-translated by X)

Lovely Runner director reveals the reason behind Byeon Woo-seok's casting. (Image via X/@soulpinenuttalk)

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Earlier, the show's production took three years to commence since several other South Korean actors turned down the role. Reportedly, they believed it would be a conventional tale of a fan falling in love with her favorite K-pop idol.

Ultimately, the production got underway when the Strong Girl Nam-soon actor auditioned for the part and was selected as the male lead.