Recently, as interest in Byeon Woo Seok has exploded, his representative work Lovely Runner has also climbed back up the charts. With his new projects and variety show appearances gaining attention, public interest has naturally extended to his past hit dramas. Judging by the current momentum, a single actor’s popularity has effectively revived a completed series.
The actual rankings reflect this unusual trend. According to TVING’s weekly content rankings from April 6 to 12, the MBC variety show Hangout with Yoo featuring Byeon Woo Seok ranked No. 4 overall and No. 3 in the variety category. More strikingly, Lovely Runner re-entered the charts at No. 5 in the drama category. Considering that it is no longer airing, its return to the top ranks is being seen as highly unusual.
The trigger is clear. Byeon Woo Seok appeared on Hangout with Yoo on April 11, marking a rare variety show outing. His unexpectedly clumsy 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 boosting his popularity. As a result, the spotlight has expanded beyond his current activities to revive interest in his past works.
Originally, Lovely Runner was already considered a unique success. When it aired in 2024, it started with a 3.1% rating, dipped slightly in episode 2, but gradually gained traction through word-of-mouth, eventually reaching a peak of 5.8% by its finale. While the numbers alone may not suggest a massive blockbuster, the drama’s impact went far beyond ratings. Its online buzz, fandom growth, and the rise in the actors’ recognition made it a hit that couldn’t be measured by statistics alone.
The reasons behind its success were also clear. Combining a school setting, celebrity narrative, and time-slip romance was not 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 draws. 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—where both leads save each other—became the core element that set it apart. Rather than a simple first-love romance, it evolved into a story about two people holding onto each other’s lives, creating a deeper emotional connection with viewers.
The 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, balanced freshness with heartfelt longing. Themes like fandom, first love, loss, and redemption were carefully layered, drawing viewers into the story. The use of iconic 2000s songs like Epik High and Younha’s “Umbrella” and Brown Eyes’ “Little By Little” also resonated strongly with younger audiences. Rather than relying on flashy concepts, the drama built lasting impact through emotional storytelling.
Its resurgence now is hardly a 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 are naturally revisiting his earlier works.
What’s happening now goes beyond simple nostalgia. It’s a rare phenomenon where an actor’s current popularity spreads across 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.
That’s precisely why Lovely Runner is drawing attention again. Truly legendary dramas never really end—they may seem paused for a while, but eventually find their way back to the spotlight.
Sources: Wikitree
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