The entertainment industry often sees aspiring actors who work tirelessly, waiting for their breakthrough roles to achieve success. Byun Woo Seok, after transitioning from modeling to acting, endured eight long years before finally landing his defining role in Twinkling Watermelon.

This article explores how Byun’s career skyrocketed and captivated audiences worldwide, with insights from media experts dissecting his journey.

A Drama’s Unexpected Success

TVN’s Twinkling Watermelon achieved remarkable success despite lacking top-tier actors or production crews. The finale day saw its broadcasting platform surpass an industry leader, achieving a landmark in streaming history. Offline events mirrored its popularity, with fans scrambling for tickets to view the finale alongside cast members, resulting in website crashes and long queues at pop-up merchandise shops. Filming locations became pilgrimage sites for fans.

The series’ influence wasn’t limited to Korea. In Singapore, it dominated streaming platform Viu’s top rankings for seven consecutive weeks and gained traction in 133 countries on Rakuten Viki, where it topped viewership charts. Moreover, Byun’s song from the series, Raindrops, charted on Melon and even entered Billboard’s Top 200, reflecting the drama’s global impact.

Why the Drama Stood Out

Twinkling Watermelon tells a captivating tale of a passionate fan who travels 15 years into the past to save her idol, sparking an unexpected love story. Despite achieving a peak rating of only 5.76%, it demonstrated that online buzz matters more than traditional viewership ratings. Media expert Kang Kwi Young explained that Watermelon validated this shift, marking the internet’s power in shaping a drama’s success.

Local media expert Chen Baozhu attributed the drama’s popularity to its well-crafted storyline. Initially targeting younger audiences with its fan-culture theme, the drama gradually expanded its appeal through clever plot twists and comedic elements, gaining universal praise. By steering clear of overly intricate subplots, Watermelon became a refreshing and digestible watch amidst a lineup dominated by heavy revenge dramas.

Masterful Scriptwriting and Relatable Themes

Adapted from a web novel, the drama’s screenwriter cleverly broke conventions, using subtle narrative techniques to hook audiences. The story’s 2008 setting resonated strongly with viewers in their 30s, evoking nostalgia and enhancing emotional connection.

Anson Tan, Viu Singapore’s general manager, noted the appeal of time-travel dramas like Twinkling Watermelon. Such narratives allow audiences to reflect on the consequences of choices while offering an escapist reprieve from daily life.

Author Miao highlighted how the drama’s message—embracing life’s ups and downs—resonated deeply, offering healing and inspiration to viewers.

Byun Woo Seok’s Acting Breakthrough

Byun Woo Seok began his career as a model in 2010 and transitioned to acting in 2016. Though he appeared in numerous supporting roles, including Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo and Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo, none brought him significant recognition. His portrayal in Twinkling Watermelon finally propelled him into stardom, skyrocketing his social media following and leading to an influx of acting opportunities.

Chen described Byun as the “perfect fit” for his character, seamlessly transitioning between youthful innocence and mature sophistication. She noted his growth as an actor, crediting his chemistry with co-star Kim Hye Yoon for enhancing his performance.

The physical dynamic between Byun and Kim also contributed to the show’s appeal, aligning with traditional romantic ideals seen in popular manga-style narratives.

Strategic Management Behind the Scenes

Byun’s agency, Varo, played a pivotal role in maximizing his newfound fame. By swiftly organizing media appearances and fan events, they kept Byun in the spotlight, building on the drama’s success.

Hosting fan meetings during the show’s airing further deepened his connection with audiences, sustaining the excitement around his character. His team’s proactive approach outpaced other major productions, solidifying Byun’s position as a rising star.

Can Byun Sustain His Success?

Experts believe Byun’s humility and dedication will help him maintain his momentum. Chen stressed the importance of strategic project selection, emphasizing that quality acting roles are crucial for long-term success in an ever-changing industry.

Other Success Stories in Korean Entertainment

Byun is not alone in overcoming years of struggle to achieve success.

- Park Sung Hoon, after debuting in A Frozen Flower (2008), gained fame with The Glory, portraying a complex antagonist.

- Lim Ji Yeon, initially recognized for her film debut in Obsessed (2014), only rose to prominence after her villainous role in The Glory.

- Son Seok Koo, who shifted from aspiring basketball player to actor, became a sensation with Liberation Notes, thanks to his layered portrayal of a brooding yet charismatic character.

- Park Seoham, once a K-pop trainee, found his breakthrough with the BL drama Semantic Error after years of setbacks, showing how persistence can transform careers.