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The Struggles Behind the Success: Byun Woo Seok’s Emotional Story

Emily Kim Views  

Actor Byun Woo Seok shed tears as he recalled his impoverished childhood and his late grandmother.

On May 22, a popular TV show in South Korea, You Quiz on the Block, featured actor Byun Woo Seok, who is currently enjoying a festive day due to the recent success of his show Lovely Runner.

During the day, Byun shared the story of how he made his debut as a model and his difficult financial situation at home.

Byun said, “I was influenced by my sister. At first, my parents were against me becoming a model. But the company I joined held a contest. They said if I won, they would support me. Fortunately enough, I won the contest, and they started supporting me from then on.”

However, he added, “Although they said they would support me, they actually couldn’t afford to. I told my parents I would pay them back. I will succeed and do it. They supported me because they knew it’s what their son wanted.”

Byun continued, “They had a lot of debt, and there were times when we had to live separately due to financial issues at home. Despite that, they supported and pushed me. I think it wasn’t easy for them. I also made cash by doing big projects as a model and I later paid off my parents’ debt. I still remember their expressions at that moment. It was my first time seeing such expressions on my parents’ faces.”

Byun also revealed that his goal is to succeed and buy a house. He chose a comfortable house among the types.

The reason for this was his beloved grandmother’s passing. Byun said, “Our house was a bit small. There was a laundry mat on the first floor, and the house on the second floor had a very steep and narrow staircase. I lived with my grandmother, and it was very uncomfortable for her to climb those stairs. In winter, snow would pile up there. That’s why I wanted to live in a comfortable house rather than a good one.”

He continued, “I shared a room and slept with my grandmother. Sometimes I feel sorry that I don’t think of her when I’m busy but suddenly remember her once or twice. I want to think of her daily, but I feel guilty. However, I have a lot of memories with my grandmother.”

While bringing up memories with his grandmother, Byun shared a story that touched the viewers’ hearts. “There was only one TV, and when my grandmother watched the Nationwide Singing Contest, I would argue with her, saying, ‘Grandma, I want to watch something else.'”

He also remembered the moment of his grandmother’s passing. He said, “One day, my grandmother got sick, and her condition kept getting worse because of her old age. My parents called me saying, You should come to the hospital. I was a high school senior and was exhausted from studying for college entrance exams. When I got to the hospital, I saw my grandmother and told my family I would take a short nap in the car and come back up. I got a call when I got on the elevator and reached the first floor. They said my grandmother had passed away.”

Byun said, “I regret the moment when I chose a bit of comfort over being with her, even though I could have spent more time with her. I think that was the moment I regret the most.” He shed tears of regret.

He added, “I still think my grandmother is by my side. I am really lucky, no matter what I do. I think my grandmother is always cheering for me from above. That’s what I believe.”

Byun, “She used to call me a puppy. She would normally say, ‘Our puppy is strong.’ I think she would have said that. if she saw me now. She loved eating, so we would have eaten together.”

Emily Kim
emilykim@insightmsn.com

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