Byeon Woo-seok Shares Emotional Farewells and a Shy Handshake with IU at Baeksang

Held on May 5, 2025, at COEX D Hall in Gangnam, Seoul, the prestigious event 61st Baeksang Arts Awards brought together the brightest stars of Korean film and television. Hosted by Shin Dong-yup, Suzy, and Park Bo-gum, the night was as glamorous as it was emotional.

Byeon Woo-seok and Kim Hye-yoon, beloved for their unforgettable chemistry in Lovely Runner, were reunited on the red carpet and during the ceremony. Despite the drama having ended over a year ago, their popularity remains sky-high. The pair won the Popularity Award, triumphing over top-tier nominees thanks to overwhelming fan support. Sitting side-by-side, their playful and affectionate interaction lit up the venue.

“Even though it’s been a while since the show ended, the fans’ love hasn’t faded,” a fan tweeted, celebrating the duo’s heartfelt bond.

After the awards, Byeon Woo-seok was seen sharing handshakes and farewells with fellow actors and crew. One particularly memorable moment came as he approached IU, his next co-star in the upcoming MBC drama Wife of a 21st Century Prince. Their shy handshake and shared smile hinted at the chemistry fans can expect when the show premieres in 2026.

In the highly anticipated series, IU plays Sung Hee-joo, a chaebol heiress frustrated by her lack of noble status, while Byeon Woo-seok stars as Grand Prince Lee Wan, a powerless royal trapped by modern conventions. Their story centers on a contract marriage that blossoms into something deeper—a modern take on social class and love in a fictional constitutional monarchy.

With the back-to-back success of Lovely Runner and the buzz surrounding Wife of a 21st Century Prince, Byeon Woo-seok’s reputation as a romantic lead is stronger than ever. His sincere interactions with both Kim Hye-yoon and IU at Baeksang only added to his appeal, solidifying his place as one of Korea’s most cherished rising stars.