Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon, stars of the popular K-drama Lovely Runner, won hearts again at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards on May 5, 2025. The duo secured the PRIZM Popularity Award, voted by fans worldwide. A sweet backstage moment between them went viral, thrilling fans. Their natural chemistry reminded everyone why they loved the drama. Social media buzzed with excitement over their bond.
Lovely Runner became a global hit in 2024, praised for its time-travel romance and the duoโs strong connection. Byeon Woo Seok played Ryu Sun Jae, a beloved idol, while Kim Hye Yoon portrayed Im Sol, a fan who travels back in time to save him. The show earned five Baeksang nominations, including Best Drama. Its success led to streaming deals with Netflix and Viki. The awards night celebrated their impact.
Backstage, Byeon Woo Seok flashed a warm smile at Kim Hye Yoon, who responded with a shy laugh. Fans called it a โromance drama momentโ on social media. Many shared clips, with one user saying,
During the ceremony, Byeon Woo Seok spoke humbly about his win. He thanked fans for their endless support. Kim Hye Yoon also shared her gratitude, saying,
โThis award feels very heavyโperhaps because it carries the weight of the love Iโve received from fans.โ
Her words touched many, highlighting her bond with viewers. Their speeches stayed professional, but their off-stage ease stole the show.
The Baeksang Awards, held at COEX in Seoul, honored excellence in TV, film, and theater. Hosted by Shin Dong Yup, Suzy, and Park Bo Gum, the event was broadcast live on JTBC and streamed on Prism and Naver TV. Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon outshone competitors like IU and Park Bo Gum in the popularity vote. Byeon Woo Seok earned 2.4 million votes, while Kim Hye Yoon led with 7.8 million, setting Baeksang records.
Fans compared their chemistry to Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin, who won Popularity Awards in 2020 for Crash Landing on You. Some even speculated about a real-life romance, though neither actor addressed the rumors. Their bond, whether platonic or not, kept fans talking. One X user posted,
โMANIFESTING A WOOHYE REUNION FOR BAEKSANG. SO HAPPY FOR MY LOVERUN BABIES.โ
Another wrote,
โCONGRATULATION KIM HYEYOON AND BYEON WOOSEOK FOR WINNING BAEKSANG POPULAR AWARD.โ
The duoโs history added to the excitement. They reunited earlier in 2025 for Lovely Runnerโs first anniversary on April 8. Cast members, including Song Geon Hee and Seo Hye Won, shared behind-the-scenes photos online. Byeon Woo Seok posted a studio image, hinting at recording the dramaโs OST. Fans celebrated the showโs lasting impact, calling it their โforever drama.โ
Their Baeksang moment wasnโt the first to spark buzz. In 2024, camera directors noted their โsuspiciously good chemistryโ on set. Comedian Haha and host Yoo Jae Suk praised them on Korean variety shows, calling them a โlegendary pairing.โ Fans have long hoped for another project together. The awards night fueled those dreams.
Byeon Woo Seok also made headlines for recreating a childhood photo shown during the ceremony. His playful pose drew laughs and charmed the audience. Other stars, like Kim Tae Ri and Lee Byung Hun, joined the fun activity, adding to the nightโs lighthearted vibe. The event balanced glamour with heartfelt moments, and Byeon Woo Seok shone in both.
Kim Hye Yoon faced tough competition for Best Actress, with nominees like IU and Kim Tae Ri. Though she didnโt win, her nomination was a big achievement. Byeon Woo Seok was also nominated for Best Actor, facing stars like Park Bo Gum and Han Suk Kyu. Their popularity awards proved their strong fanbase. The duoโs success came despite voting controversies, with some fans alleging rigged votes.
The night wasnโt just about awards. Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoonโs ease with each other reminded fans of their dramaโs magic. They didnโt need grand gestures to shine; a simple glance was enough. Fans flooded X with posts, one saying,
โ#BaeksangArtsAwards2025 popularity award voting ended with Byeon Wooseok leading with a 1,987,208 gap Kim Hyeyoon leading with a 950,724 gap CONGRATULATIONS MY LOVELY RUNNER LEADS.โ
Their moment echoed their 2024 Asia Artist Awards appearance, where they won multiple trophies. Byeon Woo Seok took home six, and Kim Hye Yoon earned four. Theyโre set to reunite again at the Asia Star Entertainer Awards on May 29, 2025, with Kim Hye Yoon hosting and Byeon Woo Seok presenting the Grand Prize.
Lovely Runnerโs legacy continues to grow. The dramaโs mix of romance, humor, and heart touched millions. Its Baeksang nominations and the duoโs awards cemented its place in K-drama history. Fans hope for more collaborations, but for now, they cherish every shared moment. Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoonโs spark remains undeniable, keeping their story alive.
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