The Viral Sensation of Byeon Woo Seok's Flying Kiss: A Trend That Swept Korean Entertainment
When Byeon Woo Seok's character Ryu Sun Jae in the K-drama Lovely Runner delivered his iconic flying kiss in episode 3, it quickly became more than just a memorable scene—it ignited a viral trend across Korean entertainment. This whimsical gesture, delivered with an enthusiastic flair, resonated with fans and celebrities alike, sparking a widespread phenomenon that continues to captivate audiences.
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Key Highlights of Byeon Woo Seok’s Viral Flying Kiss
Iconic Moment: Byeon Woo Seok’s Ryu Sun Jae delivers a memorable flying kiss in Lovely Runner, creating a viral sensation. This playful gesture occurs when he gives exaggerated kisses to his crush, Im Sol, and later awkwardly directs some toward his friend, Baek In Hyuk.
Celebrity Reactions: The flying kiss trend rapidly caught on with Korean celebrities. K-pop idols such as NCT's Doyoung, Chenle, and Jisung, along with VIVIZ’s Umji, began recreating the flying kiss in performances and social media. Comedian Yoo Jae Suk also joined the trend during the 2024 Baeksang Arts Awards.
Fan Engagement: The gesture resonated beyond celebrities to fans of various groups, including DAY6 and RIIZE, who embraced and performed the flying kiss at fan meetings.
The Origins of the Trend
In Lovely Runner, Byeon Woo Seok's Ryu Sun Jae, a beloved K-pop idol, finds himself in a comedic and endearing moment when he gives a series of exaggerated flying kisses to his crush, Im Sol (played by Kim Hye Yoon), as she heads inside her house. The scene takes a humorous turn when his friend, Baek In Hyuk (N.Flying's Lee Seung Hyub), catches him in the act. Sun Jae, in a bid to lighten the situation, directs some of his kisses towards In Hyuk, resulting in a laugh-out-loud moment that perfectly showcases the show's charm.
A Trend Across Korean Celebrities
The infectious nature of this scene quickly caught the attention of Korean celebrities, who eagerly embraced and recreated the flying kiss trend. From K-pop idols to actors, the gesture became a playful and heartfelt way for stars to connect with their fans.
K-pop Idols Join the Fun:NCT members Doyoung, Chenle, and Jisung, as well as VIVIZ's Umji, took to social media and live performances to share their versions of Sun Jae’s flying kiss. Doyoung, while promoting his solo album *YOUTH*, brought the flying kiss to M Countdown, delighting both fans and MCs. Chenle followed suit, responding to fan requests with his own rendition.
Actors and Comedians: The trend wasn't confined to K-pop idols. Comedian Yoo Jae Suk made waves at the 2024 Baeksang Arts Awards by delivering a flying kiss on camera. The trend also reached other entertainment circles, with fans of DAY6 and RIIZE members adopting the gesture, further amplifying its reach.
Recreations by the Cast:Byeon Woo Seok himself reintroduced the flying kiss during his fan meeting event, SUMMER LETTER. Similarly, Kim Hye Yoon replicated the iconic moment during her Asia fan meeting, reinforcing the bond between the show and its audience.
Lovely Runner and Its Lasting Impact
Lovely Runner, based on the popular webtoon Tomorrow's Best, has won hearts with its blend of romance, humor, and poignant storytelling. The drama follows Ryu Sun Jae, a K-pop idol whose tragic fate is altered by his devoted fan, Im Sol, who travels back in time to prevent his death. The series explores themes of love, destiny, and resilience, making the flying kiss scene not just a memorable moment but a symbol of the show’s heartfelt connection with its viewers.
The viral success of Byeon Woo Seok’s flying kiss is a testament to the impact of Lovely Runner. It illustrates how a simple, humorous moment can transcend screens and become a widespread cultural phenomenon, embraced by fans and celebrities alike.
In celebrating this trend, we’re reminded of the power of entertainment to create shared experiences and joy, uniting people through memorable, endearing moments. Whether through a flying kiss or a heartfelt scene, Lovely Runner has left an indelible mark on the hearts of its audience, proving that even the smallest gestures can resonate widely.
