Two years after the global success of tvN’s “Lovely Runner”, actors Kim Hye-yoon and Byeon Woo-seok are experiencing sharply contrasting career trajectories.
While both were propelled into the spotlight by the 2024 hit drama, their post-show careers have developed in very different directions Kim Hye-yoon through continuous projects and Byeon Woo-seok through renewed scrutiny.
Kim Hye-yoon has solidified her reputation as one of Korea’s busiest actresses, actively working across drama, film, and variety.
She recently starred in SBS drama “No Tail to Tell,” playing a charismatic gumiho character, followed by the box office success of the horror film “Salmokji: Whispering Water.” The film crossed 1 million viewers in just 10 days, making it one of the fastest-rising Korean horror hits in recent years and earning her the unofficial title of “Horror Queen.”
Her growing popularity has extended to variety entertainment as well, where she appears in “Sister’s Farm Direct in Calafate,” gaining attention for her chemistry with Dex.
With upcoming projects including “Good Partner” Season 2 and the film “Land,” Kim continues to build momentum as a versatile, high-demand actress.
Meanwhile, Byeon Woo-seok returned to the small screen in MBC’s romance drama “Perfect Crown,” co-starring IU.
Despite strong pre-release hype, early episodes sparked mixed reactions, with some viewers criticizing his delivery and emotional expression as uneven.
Discussions have also extended to IU’s performance, creating broader debate around the drama’s acting tone and chemistry.
As a result, industry watchers are closely monitoring whether the series can maintain ratings and public interest.
Beyond the drama, Byeon Woo-seok will appear in Netflix variety program “Yoo Jae-suk Camp,” marking his first fixed entertainment show appearance.
He is also set to lead Netflix’s highly anticipated series “Solo Leveling,” based on the globally successful IP that spans webtoon, animation, and gaming adaptations.
He will portray Sung Jin-woo, an E-rank hunter who evolves into a central figure in humanity’s battle against monsters, signaling a major action-driven transformation in his acting career.
As Kim Hye-yoon continues her rapid rise across multiple genres and Byeon Woo-seok navigates acting criticism amid high expectations, both stars remain central figures in Korea’s evolving entertainment landscape.
Sources: Daum | OSEN