Byeon Woo-seok’s visit to the Philippines last weekend was indeed a “dream come true” for him.
On June 21, the Korean star graced the members of the press ahead of his sold-out fan meeting in Manila, “Summer Letter,” at the New Frontier Theater.
Eight years in the making, Byeon Woo-seok is finally enjoying the limelight. Most K-drama fans have known Byeon for quite some time, having seen him in well-known projects like “Strong Girl Kim Nam Soon” and “20th Century Girl,” but it was his role in “Lovely Runner” that truly showcased his charm.
“Lovely Runner” is a “time slip” rom-com drama that aired in April this year, featuring Byeon alongside Korean actress Kim Hye-yoon. In a short span of time, the drama and its cast have garnered immense love from fans worldwide.
In a heartfelt gesture, possibly a first in history, Byeon handed each member of the press a yellow rose accompanied by a note saying, “Thank you for loving Sunjae” (his character in “Lovely Runner”), showing his sincere gratitude for the attention and success he has been experiencing.
Before answering the questions, he entertained and delighted the press by using Filipino phrases such as “Kumusta [How are you?],” “Salamat [Thank you],” “Uwi ka na, hindi na ako galit [Please go home, I’m no longer angry], and “Padayon” [Carry on].
Byeon Woo-seok then expressed his gratitude towards “Lovely Runner,” the drama that catapulted him to success, considering it his “greatest achievement” in his nearly decade-long career.
“I’m very grateful that you all remember me, appreciate me, and have shown me your love as Sunjae. As an actor, it’s one of the greatest achievements that people like the character I portrayed,” he shared through the help of an interpreter.
When asked about his favorite scenes from the drama, he highlighted three: his first-ever confession to the female lead, his heartfelt conversation with his dad about his unspoken feelings, and his declaration to his leading lady that he would gladly die for her, which garnered an “aww” from the press members.
Byeon admittedly fell in love with his recent character. Despite his desire to explore other genres, he revealed that he would gladly take on another rom-com role. “Before I received the ‘Lovely Runner’ script, I actually wanted to do different kinds of roles. I have a lot of dreams. But I fell in love with Sunjae. I can totally relate,” he shared.
The 32-year-old became known for his good chemistry with his co-stars. But when asked about this, he humbly credited his co-stars. “I can perform well because I meet good actresses. Our love for what we do makes us connect. I don’t have a personal approach; it’s just our hard work.”
Up to this day, the actor revealed that he is still on cloud nine and expressed that he is not yet accustomed to the global support he has been receiving. Having international fans waiting for him at the airport and holding a fan meeting outside Korea were all dreams come true for him.
“The fact that I’m also doing this press conference in front of you is also a dream come true,” he stated.
He also revealed a fun fact about himself: Did you know that if he weren’t an actor, he would open his own coffee shop and personally serve customers, despite not being a coffee drinker? (Now you know!)
Of course, Byeon Woo-seok did not miss an opportunity to express deep gratitude for the warm reception from Filipino fans. “Thank you so much for your overwhelming love for Sunjae. Thank you for appreciating our project,” the actor stated.
Given that this is his first fan meeting, he shared that he tried his best to prepare for the fans, hoping they would go home with good memories. “I hope my fans will have as good a time as I am.”
Byeon Woo-seok is set to continue his “Summer Letter” Asia fan meeting tour, which will conclude in Seoul, South Korea on July 7.
The event was made possible by PULP Live World.