‘Lovely Runner’ Trivia: Did You Know? Many Actors Turned Down Offer to Play As Ryu Sun Jae

Not many know that the "Lovely Runner" production underwent a lot of changes, and some actors even declined to play as Ryu Sun Jae.

'Lovely Runner' Took 3 Years Before Production Happened

tvN's "Lovely Runner" occupies our hearts with its amazing storyline, as well as Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon's great portrayal of their characters.

But did you know? Before it reached success, the drama underwent multiple changes before it was produced.

According to reports, "Lovely Runner," which was adapted from the webtoon novel "Best of Tomorrow," was not initially a highly-anticipated work in the K-content market. It even took a full three years to be produced.

Actors Reportedly Declined to Play As Ryu Sun Jae in 'Lovely Runner'

Moreover, several actors reportedly turned down offers to appear in the series because they thought it was a story about a K-pop fan's unrequited love. Though they did not mention who these celebrities were, the production had a hard time choosing the male protagonist.

When difficulties were encountered in casting the male lead, Byeon Woo Seok decided to appear, and the drama production began to take off.

RELATED ARTICLE: 'Lovely Runner' Drama Better Than Webtoon? Here's Why Viewers Are Hooked on the Adaptation

Byeon Woo Seok even sang the drama's four OSTs to properly portray the role of Ryu Sun Jae.

Surprisingly, the song "Sudden Shower," which he sang as the vocalist of the fictional band Eclipse, entered the Top 100 Melon chart, a music platform that even famous K-singers find it difficult to enter.

Byeon Woo Seok Destined To Bring Ryu Sun Jae To Life

Due to the unexpected popularity that "Lovely Runner" is amassing today, Byeon Woo Seok, who took the challenge to play Ryu Sun Jae's character, is now enjoying heightened fame. 

Fans also expressed gratitude to the team behind the drama and Byeon Woo Seok, who decided to bring Ryu Sun Jae to life. Some said that the actor was fated to play Sun Jae.

Here are some of the comments from "Lovely Runner" fans.

• "Honestly, if the drama was simply about idol love, I think it would flop. But writer-nim was very skillful in changing the script, adding many situations, making the drama's plot much deeper. The character building was also done well and creatively, which made 'Lovely Runner' become a hit."
• "Those actors who declined the role must have not read the script. Sun Jae is the dream man all women want, characters like him are pure opportunities. The idol/fan setup is for the background but the real story is about a love that will defy all timelines. Thank you, Byeon Woo Seok."
• "'Lovely Runner' is not just about K-pop fans' unrequited love, it honestly runs so much deeper beyond that. I bet they regret turning down the script now, but I'm glad because we got to see the gem that is Byeon Woo Seok finally as a main drama lead!"
• "Being Sun Jae is not easy at all. He has to sing, swim, be funny, and on top of that you have to look convincing in three different timelines."
• "Everyone should thank Byeon Woo Seok for accepting 'Lovely Runner' because I really can't imagine any other actors playing Ryu Sun Jae. He is Sun Jae himself. He and Kim Hye Yoon deserve the popularity they are getting right now."

ALSO READ: Byeon Woo Seok's Red Carpet Appearance Turns Into Fan Meeting + Crowd Calls Him 'Sun Jae!'

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Shai San Miguel wrote this.