Byeon Woo-seok’s “Sonagi” Enters Billboard Global 200, Making History with “Lovely Runner”

Actor Byeon Woo-seok (33) has achieved a groundbreaking milestone with his song “Sonagi,” an OST for the drama “Lovely Runner.” The track has entered the Billboard Global 200 chart, ranking at 199th as of June 4th (local time). This marks the first time a Korean actor’s drama OST has made it onto this prestigious chart. The first Korean drama OST to enter the chart was BTS V’s “Christmas Tree” from the drama “Our Beloved Summer” in 2022.

In the drama, Byeon Woo-seok plays Ryu Seon-jae, a member of the rock band Eclipse, and frequently performs “Sonagi.” The drama’s popularity has brought attention to the lyrics, “You are a gift, sent from heaven.” tvN’s “Lovely Runner” concluded on May 28 with a 5.8% viewership rating, generating significant buzz both domestically and internationally. The drama topped weekly viewership charts in 133 countries on the global OTT platform Rakuten Viki, including the United States.

“Lovely Runner” Recognized by TIME Magazine

TIME magazine praised the drama on May 30, stating, “Although half of 2024 remains, ‘Lovely Runner’ is already the best work of the year,” and highlighting its “unexpected emotional impact.”

Byeon Woo-seok, who also wore a school uniform in the film “20th Century Girl” last year, noted the visual and emotional differences between his characters. He shared that his most memorable scene from the drama was listening to an MP3 player with Lim Sol (played by Kim Hye-yoon). “I had a similar experience in high school; once you become friends, you feel comfortable without knowing why,” he reflected.

Reflecting on His Performance

Byeon Woo-seok admitted that watching his performance on TV revealed areas for improvement, including pronunciation and emotional delivery. “I want to show better acting by addressing these shortcomings next time,” he said.

The finale of “Lovely Runner” left a lasting impression as Ryu Seon-jae, after a 15-year time slip, regained all memories of Lim Sol, leading to a tearful reunion. The story concluded with both characters no longer struggling to save each other, finding mutual salvation instead.

Popularity Abroad and Upcoming Fan Meeting

The drama’s popularity extended beyond Asia, with Byeon Woo-seok reading foreign fans’ comments through translation tools. An upcoming Asia fan meeting, “2024 ByeonWooSeok Asia Fan Meeting Tour SUMMER LETTER in Seoul,” has already attracted 70,000 fans.

“Many foreign fans commented, ‘I love you, Seon-jae.’ Adding more fan meeting schedules makes me happy,” he said. He also appreciated domestic viewers’ comments, especially one calling the drama a “Monday Blues cure.”

Reflecting on His Career Journey

Byeon Woo-seok shared insights into his 10-year career as a model and actor, including struggles with auditions and filming. He expressed gratitude towards Baek Dong-jin, a director at Baro Entertainment, who supported him through tough times. “Director Baek believed in my potential and encouraged me to keep going,” he said.

Reflecting on his growth, Byeon Woo-seok emphasized the importance of understanding scenes and collaborating with directors and senior actors to deliver relatable performances. While he once aspired to fantasy roles and villains, he now prioritizes roles and works that resonate with audiences.

Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations

In a poignant moment, Byeon Woo-seok recalled missing his grandmother’s final moments due to a temporary lapse in judgment during a difficult time in high school. He tearfully remembered her during the interview, highlighting their strong bond.

As he prepares to say goodbye to Ryu Seon-jae, Byeon Woo-seok hopes fans will continue to cherish the character as much as he does. “I will miss Seon-jae like a dear friend. I hope fans will remember him fondly as well,” he concluded.

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