SHINee member Key recently opened up about his deep admiration for actor Byeon Woo-seok, sharing warm words of support for his journey from modeling to becoming a K-drama star. The heartfelt moment, which felt like cheering for a close friend, has sparked excitement among fans of both stars.
Key’s Praise on Pinggyego
On the May 3, 2025, episode of the YouTube show Pinggyego, hosted by Yoo Jae-suk, Key spoke fondly of Byeon Woo-seok. The conversation began when Yoo Jae-suk playfully teased Girls’ Generation’s Yuri about her feelings, prompting Key to chime in.
“It’s nice to always live with love in your heart. Isn’t liking a celebrity that kind of feeling? I think it’s the same kind of feeling as how everyone is into Byeon Woo-seok these days.”
Yoo Jae-suk agreed, noting Byeon Woo-seok’s soaring popularity.
Key added that he and Byeon Woo-seok are the same age, both born in 1991, and that he’s been aware of the actor since his modeling days.
“A lot of people around me even have him as their phone wallpaper. We’re the same age.”
“I’m not close with him, but I have a lot of model friends, so I knew him from conversations with them. I am so happy he’s doing so well right now.”
Key’s genuine excitement for Byeon Woo-seok’s success touched fans, who praised the SHINee star for his supportive nature.
Byeon Woo-seok’s Journey to Stardom
Byeon Woo-seok, now 33, began his career as a model in 2010, walking runways for Seoul Fashion Week and international shows like the 2015 F/W Men’s Fashion Show. Signed with YG KPlus, he worked alongside models like Nam Joo-hyuk and Jang Ki-yong. His striking looks and dedication earned him praise, with industry insiders noting his kindness and professionalism.
A former colleague shared on Instagram in July 2024:
“He worked so hard on his poses and was incredibly kind, which left a lasting impression. Top models become top actors.”
Byeon Woo-seok transitioned to acting in 2016 with a minor role in Dear My Friends. He faced challenges, including over 100 audition rejections, but persisted with roles in dramas like Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo, Record of Youth, and Moonshine. His breakthrough came in 2024 with Lovely Runner, where he played Ryu Sun-jae, a devoted idol in a time-slip romance alongside Kim Hye-yoon. The drama’s success made him a global heartthrob.
Fans on AsianWiki expressed their love:
“Byeon Woo-seok, I like you in the drama Lovely Runner. Your acting managed to captivate me. Very good, you are the boyfriend that all the girls in the world really want.”
“Wooseok has been popping out here and there on various dramas that we watched but we never actually realize his gem until Lovely Runner.”
Key’s Connection to the Modeling World
Key, born Kim Ki-bum in 1991, is no stranger to the fashion industry. As a member of SHINee, he’s designed concert outfits and collaborated with designers like Ko Tae-yong. His awareness of Byeon Woo-seok likely stems from his own ties to the modeling scene, where the actor’s name was well-known among peers.
Key shared that while he and Byeon Woo-seok aren’t close, he’s followed his career through mutual connections.
“He’s someone whose name is widely known among models.”
This connection added a personal touch to Key’s admiration, making his words feel like support for a familiar face achieving success.
Byeon Woo-seok’s Recent Achievements
Byeon Woo-seok’s fame has skyrocketed since Lovely Runner. He sang for the drama’s soundtrack, with a song charting on the Billboard Global 200. His roles in films like 20th Century Girl and Soulmate also earned nominations at the Baeksang Arts Awards and Grand Bell Awards.
In 2024, he embarked on his first Asia fan meeting tour, visiting cities like Taipei, Bangkok, and Seoul. His appearance at the Prada Spring/Summer 2025 menswear show in Milan led to his appointment as a Prada brand ambassador in November 2024. Cartier also named him an ambassador, joining stars like Jisoo and Jackson Wang.
Byeon Woo-seok reflected on his modeling days in a 2024 Harper’s Bazaar Korea interview, admitting he felt self-conscious about his lean frame.
“There was a comment saying ‘It looks like Joo Woo-jae didn’t eat because he didn’t want to, but someone must have starved me.’ It still makes me laugh.”
His transformation, both physically and professionally, has impressed fans, with netizens commenting:
“Wow, it’s really amazing how he managed his proportions and bulked up. He used to be a skinny model.”
Fan Reactions to Key’s Comments
Fans of SHINee and Byeon Woo-seok flooded social media with excitement after Key’s remarks. Posts on X captured the buzz:
“Key SHINee mentioned Byeon Woo Seok 🫠 It’s so sweet how he’s cheering for him!”
“Key added that they’re both the same age and that he knew Wooseok’s name since Wooseok’s modelling days. They’re not close but Key is glad to see Wooseok.”
The interaction highlighted the camaraderie within the entertainment industry, with fans appreciating Key’s kind words for a peer.
Byeon Woo-seok’s Current Projects
As of May 2025, Byeon Woo-seok continues to build on his success. He won multiple awards at the 2024 Asia Artist Awards, where he also shared his admiration for Kim Soo-hyun, hinting at a budding friendship. Reports suggest he’s signed on for a new drama in 2025, though details remain under wraps.
His recent Milan trip for Prada drew attention, with fans praising his chic style on Instagram. Despite a minor controversy involving his security team at Incheon International Airport, Byeon Woo-seok’s reputation remains strong, with fans eagerly awaiting his next move.
CREDITS: Naver
