Actor Byeon Woo Seok has opened up about how his relationship with senior actor Kim Soo Hyun deepened after their touching moment at the AAA 2024.

2024 has undoubtedly been the year of Byeon Woo Seok. With his starring role in the popular tvN drama Lovely Runner, Byeon Woo Seok captured the hearts of viewers, creating an explosive trend that swept across the home screens.

At the 9th Asia Artist Awards (AAA 2024) in Bangkok, Thailand, Byeon Woo Seok ended the year on an incredible high, taking home a total of 6 prestigious awards!

He won the grand prize, Actor of the Year, as well as the AAA Popularity Award, AAA Asian Celebrity Award, Best Artist Award, Best Couple Award, and Best OST Award—talk about a clean sweep!

Now starting 2025 with plenty of momentum, Byeon Woo Seok met with Star News on January 22 in their Jongno, Seoul office to talk about his growing bond with his senior, Kim Soo Hyun.

The two actors made headlines at the AAA 2024 ceremony when they shared an unexpectedly cute moment together, whispering and laughing as they exchanged words backstage.

Byeon Woo Seok couldn’t hide his admiration for Kim Soo Hyun, revealing, “Kim Soo Hyun has always been a senior I’ve looked up to. I’ve always thought, 'I want to be like him.' Meeting him at AAA 2024 was a dream come true."

He added, "Even though it was brief, having a chance to talk to him made me realize just how amazing he is. I already admired him, but now, I admire him even more”.

When asked what makes Kim Soo Hyun so charming, Byeon Woo Seok replied, “His acting is powerful, especially with his eyes. He has great depth in his performances, and he’s incredibly handsome. I’m a fan of beautiful things, and Kim Soo Hyun definitely fits that description.”

Byeon Woo Seok also shared a behind-the-scenes moment from AAA 2024, revealing that he worked out alongside Kim Soo Hyun and fellow actor Ahn Bo Hyun.

“It wasn’t planned,” Byeon Woo Seok said, “but when I went to the gym in the morning, Kim Soo Hyun was already there working out. It shows just how seriously these top stars take care of themselves.”

After AAA 2024, Kim Soo Hyun publicly shared his feelings about their relationship, telling a fan, “Now, we’ve become two people who like each other”. Byeon Woo Seok responded warmly, saying, “When I talked to him, I could feel our energies connecting. I think we’ll get closer in the future.”

The special bond between Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Soo Hyun is one fans will be watching closely as it continues to develop.

The AAA, hosted by Star News, has been a major highlight for global fans since its launch in 2016 as Korea’s first integrated awards ceremony for both actors and singers.

Each year, it captivates audiences with star-studded performances and new, exciting stages, solidifying its place as the world’s top awards ceremony.

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Director Kim Hyung Joo of The Match has finally shared his thoughts on Yoo Ah In’s involvement in a drug scandal, calling it a major disappointment, especially considering the actor’s role as the lead in the film.

On March 19th, the director attended a press screening and briefing for The Match at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul. Alongside Kim, actors Lee Byung Hun, Ko Chang Seok, Hyun Bong Sik, Moon Jung Hee, and Jo Woo Jin were present to discuss the film.

The Match revolves around the legendary Go player Cho Hun Hyun (played by Lee Byung Hun), who, after a loss to his disciple, decides to challenge the top players again, driven by his competitive spirit. The movie is directed by Kim Hyung Joo.

Lee Byung Hun plays the iconic Go champion Cho Hun Hyun, while Yoo Ah In portrays his disciple, Lee Chang Ho.

During the event, Kim recalled the casting process, saying, "When we were casting, Lee Byung Hun was cast first. Just having him felt like we had the world, and then, getting Yoo Ah In as a bonus made me even happier."

Although filming wrapped up in 2021, Yoo Ah In's drug scandal led to the indefinite postponement of the film’s release. Now, nearly four years later, The Match is finally set to hit theaters on March 26th.

Reflecting on Yoo Ah In's scandal, Director Kim openly shared his frustration, calling it "irresponsible and disappointing" for the actor to make such a mistake as the lead.

He added, “Before being an actor, he made a mistake as a member of society and was punished, so I don’t think there’s much more to say.” Kim smiled bitterly as he spoke.

Describing the challenges he faced due to the scandal, Kim compared the experience to being trapped in "a hellish tunnel."

He said, "There was nothing I could do inside, so it was overwhelming. But now that we have the light of release, it feels like I can breathe. I’m deeply moved."

The director also shared that because Yoo Ah In was the lead actor, the film had to be released as it was, without editing. This has led some people to feel uneasy about watching the film, given the actor’s scandal.

When asked about this, Director Kim said, "Choosing and judging is up to the audience, so I can't force anything. But I hope they watch the movie as it is. I unintentionally got hurt before the release, so I hope people watch the movie warmly, as if applying ointment to a wound."

The Match will officially be released on March 26th.

Source: [1]