Kim Hye-yoon, the star of My Lovely Runner, recently appeared as a guest on the variety show Fresh Off The Sea 2, leading to a ratings peak of 5.4%. The episode, which aired on June 15, 2025, became a trending topic in South Korea due to her reunion with co-stars from past dramas. Fans praised her influence and chemistry with the cast, sparking calls for more variety show appearances.
The episode featured Kim Hye-yoon alongside Lee Jae-wook, her co-star from the 2019 drama Extraordinary You, and Yeom Jung-ah, who played her mother in Sky Castle (2018-19). Their interactions became a major highlight, with viewers enjoying their nostalgic conversations. A clip from the episode, uploaded to tvN Joy’s YouTube channel, surpassed 1 million views shortly after release.
Fresh Off The Sea 2 follows four cast members living in a coastal area, catching seafood and cooking meals. In this episode, Kim Hye-yoon joined them in octopus fishing using traditional methods. Her participation brought a fresh dynamic to the show, contributing to its highest ratings yet in the 20-40 age demographic.
Fans celebrated the episode’s success online, calling it the “Power of THE Kim Hye-yoon.” Many urged producers to cast her regularly in variety shows.
“the power that she holds,” a netizen stated.
“kimhyeyoon is that girl. She is superstar,” a user wrote.
Fans urged Fresh Off The Sea 2 producer to cast My Lovely Runner star in this show.
“My girl is so loved !!! More variety show appearances plzzz,” a user stated.
“This is a must for a cast to stay on the shoe.. PDNIM, hurry up and queue up, I say,” a fan reacted.
PDnims what are you waiting for? we want hyeyoon in more shows,” a netizen mentioned.
Netizens expressed their wish to see Kim Hye-yoon on more variety shows in the future.
PLEASE INVITE HYEYOON IN MORE VARIETY SHOWS LET HER BE A REGULAR IN A VARIETY SHOW #KimHyeYoon,” a user mentioned.
“Yeaaayy everyone loves hyeyoon and misses her on variety shows. Please go all out on HFT promotions on variety shows next year,” a fan wrote.
“”Mel, you are really loved by everyone I’m so happy to see it!! Let’s have another varshow in the future, many people miss seeing you, Mel, and even want to see you every day,” a netizen stated.
Some viewers even joked about how her Lovely Runner co-star Byeon Woo-seok might feel seeing her chemistry with Lee Jae-wook. The episode’s popularity has reignited interest in Kim Hye-yoon’s past and upcoming projects.
Kim Hye-yoon gained widespread fame through Lovely Runner, a 2024 time-travel romance where she played Im Sol, a fan trying to save her idol from a tragic fate. The drama was a hit, with its finale reaching 7.2% ratings in Seoul. Her performance earned her a nomination at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards.
Apart from acting, Kim Hye-yoon is set to star in the horror film Salmokji and the fantasy drama Human From Today, though the latter has been postponed to 2026. Fans are excited to see her in diverse roles while hoping for more variety show appearances.
Also Read: Kim Hye Yoon and Lee Jong Won Begin Filming New Horror Movie Salmokji with a Talented Cast
The success of Fresh Off The Sea 2 highlights Kim Hye-yoon’s ability to draw audiences beyond dramas. With her charm and versatility, she continues to be one of South Korea’s most beloved stars.
