“I met the owner well”… Byeon Woo-seok → Kim Byeong-cheol, casting was difficult, but the result was the best [TEN People]

“I met the owner well.”

This is said about Byeon Woo-seok of ‘Seonup Twi’ and Kim Byeong-cheol of ‘Doctor Cha Jeong-sook’. This is a case where a character successfully finds its owner after casting difficulties. They perfectly played their roles in the work, led the drama to the success of 'Gojin Gamrae', and entered the prime of their careers in the entertainment industry.

It is known that it took about three years to produce the tvN drama 'Seonjae and Bounce' (hereinafter referred to as 'Seonup Bounce'), which first aired on the 8th of last month. This is why several male actors turned down offers to appear in the show because they thought it was just a story about a K-pop fan's unrequited love. After facing difficulties in casting, Byeon Woo-seok's appearance was decided, and drama production began in earnest.

The role of Ryu Seon-jae, played by Byun Woo-seok, is a character who spends his teenage years as a swimmer and then becomes a vocalist in a band. In keeping with the material of 'Time Slip', I had to portray a variety of age groups, from high school students wearing school uniforms to fresh-faced college students in their 20s, and even 34-year-olds. The industry pointed out that it was not only because the scenario was fragmentary, but also because it was not easy to obtain the visual conditions and artistic and physical capabilities necessary to play the role.

Byeon Woo-seok, who played the role of Ryu Seon-jae after a difficult casting, perfectly played the role of an athlete with his 189 cm tall physical appearance worthy of a former model. He then turned it into an opportunity to show off his excellent vocal skills, which were previously unknown, and expanded his fan base. Byeon Woo-seok, who debuted in the 2016 tvN drama 'Dear My Friends', renewed his 'life character' through 'Seonup Twi' 7 years after his work began.

‘Sunup Twi’ is currently boasting the greatest buzz. The 'Sunup Twi' OST 'Shower' sung by Byun Woo-seok ranked 27th as of 5 pm on the 8th. The viewership ratings for episode 10 of 'Sunup Twi', which aired on the 7th, soared to an average of 6.0% and a peak of 7.2% for households in the metropolitan area, and an average of 4.8% and a peak of 5.6% for households nationwide. As a result of the topicality analysis, it is by far the best. It is said that the immense popularity of this work is largely due to the firepower of Byun Woo-seok, who perfectly portrayed the character.

Like 'Seonup Twi', the JTBC drama 'Doctor Cha Jeong-sook', which ended in June last year, was also a huge hit after casting difficulties. Director Kim Dae-jin, who was in charge of directing, said at the production presentation, "Casting the role of Seo In-ho was difficult." The role of Seo In-ho in the play is a somewhat difficult character who has to show a charm that monopolizes the love of two women while also being comical while committing immoral acts. Kim Byeong-cheol took this burden and joined 'Doctor Cha Jeong-sook', which proudly achieved box office success.

He reached the peak of popularity with his unrivaled character and acting in 'SKY Castle', and succeeded in breaking his masterpiece after 4 years with 'Doctor Cha Jeong-sook'. Kim Byeong-cheol was greatly loved by viewers by expressing the role of a villain with both dignity and comedy in his own unique way, earning him the nickname 'a devilish man.' 'Doctor Cha Jeong-sook' reached its conclusion with a viewership rating of around 18% in its final episode.

There is talk among viewers that they cannot imagine Ryu Seon-jae other than Byun Woo-seok, or Seo In-ho other than Kim Byeong-cheol. Thanks to them, the charm of the work itself was doubled, and the casting worked as a ‘god’s move.’ Thanks to the actor's choice of 'life's work', he is bringing happiness not only to himself, but also to the drama production company and viewers.

Ten Asia Reporter Lee So-jeong forusojung@tenasia.co.kr