Recently, with the explosion of interest in Byeon Woo Seok, his representative work, Lovely Runner, has also risen up the charts. With his new projects and appearances on variety shows gaining attention, public interest has naturally extended to his hit dramas of the past. Judging by the current momentum, the popularity of a single actor has actually revived a complete series.
Current rankings reflect this unusual trend. According to TVING’s weekly content rankings from April 6 to 12, MBC’s variety show Hangout with Yoo starring Byeon Woo Seok ranked fourth overall and third in the variety category. Even more surprisingly, Lovely Runner re-entered the charts at No. 5 in the drama category. Considering it is no longer on air, its return to the top of the charts is seen as very unusual.
The trigger is clear. Byeon Woo Seok appeared on Hangout with Yoo on April 11, marking a rare variety show. His unexpectedly goofy charm and natural wit quickly captured viewers’ attention. At the same time, his new drama Perfect Crown has already generated strong buzz even before its premiere, further increasing its popularity. As a result, the spotlight has extended beyond his current activities to revive interest in his past works.
Originally, Lovely Runner was already considered a one-off success. When it aired in 2024, it started with a 3.1% rating, dropped slightly in episode 2, but gradually gained traction through word of mouth, finally peaking at 5.8% in the finale. While the numbers alone might not suggest a huge success, the drama’s impact went far beyond ratings. Its online buzz, growth of fandom, and increased actor recognition made it a success that couldn’t be measured by statistics alone.
The reasons for its success were also clear. Combining a high school setting, a celebrity narrative, and a time-fleeting romance wasn’t necessarily a guaranteed formula for success. At the time, Kim Hye Yoon, Byeon Woo Seok, and Song Geon Hee were promising but not yet proven box office hits. What ultimately made the difference was the story.
Based on a web novel, the drama took bold creative liberties in its adaptation. In particular, the “mutual salvation” narrative – in which both protagonists save each other – has become the central element that sets it apart. Rather than a simple romance of first love, it has evolved into a story about two people who hold each other close, creating a deeper emotional connection with viewers.
Emotional depth was another key factor. The relationship between Im Sol, played by Kim Hye Yoon, and Ryu Sun Jae, played by Byeon Woo Seok, balances freshness and sincere desire. Themes such as fandom, first love, loss and redemption were carefully layered, drawing viewers into the story. The use of iconic 2000s songs such as “Umbrella” by Epik High and Younha and “Little By Little” by Brown Eyes also resonated strongly with younger audiences. Rather than relying on flashy concepts, the drama created a lasting impact through emotional storytelling.
Its rebirth today is certainly no coincidence. Byeon Woo Seok’s new drama Perfect Crown has already shown strong momentum, with ratings rising sharply after its premiere, from 7.8% in episode 1 to 9.5% in episode 2, peaking at 11.1%. As the new series continues to gain traction, viewers naturally revisit his previous works.
What’s happening now goes beyond simple nostalgia. It is a rare phenomenon where an actor’s current popularity spreads through variety shows, upcoming projects, and ultimately leads to the revival of a completed drama. While many shows end and fade away, very few return to the charts years later.
This is exactly why Lovely Runner attracts attention again. Truly legendary dramas never end: they may seem to be on hiatus for a while, but eventually they return to the spotlight.
Sources: Wikitree
