'Lovely Runner' Protagonist Song Geon-hee 'Has Grown Courageous from Acting'

▲ Actor Song Geon-hee, a lead cast of tvN's romantic teen series "Lovely Runner", poses for photos before his interview with Yonhap News Agency at the news outlet's Seoul headquarters on May 27, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, May 27 (Yonhap) -- "I still can't believe it. Honestly, I thought it would take a bit longer to get noticed. (laughs)"

With his rugged 'wolf cut' hairstyle, black piercings, and tight skinny jeans, actor Song Geon-hee has captivated viewers with his charming portrayal of a character seemingly plucked from an old internet novel in the tvN drama 'Lovely Runner'. 

He shared his surprise at the show's success in an interview on the 24th at the Yonhap News building in Susong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Song Geon-hee (27) expressed his amazement, saying, "Everyone involved in the project had high hopes for it, but the reality of its success is surreal." In 'Lovely Runner', Song plays Kim Tae-sung, a popular 'ulzzang' (a term for a good-looking person) from the early 2000s, a time when mini-homepage visitor counts were a measure of one's popularity.

"I got the role through an audition," he explained. "Tae-sung is one of those 'cool kids', and the director thought my image fit the character well." Song added, "I really wanted to try my hand at playing a smooth, confident character, and I was confident I could do it. I studied countless photos of 'ulzzang' and internet shopping mall models from that era to build my character."

▲ This still photo of tvN's romantic teen series "Lovely Runner", starring Song Geon-hee and Kim Hye-yoon, is provided by the broadcaster on May 27, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Since childhood, Song had a penchant for such roles, despite not having the opportunity to play them previously. "I've always liked playing smooth, confident characters. Even though I never got the chance before, I consistently practiced, hoping to one day take on such a role."

Kim Tae-sung, who had never been passionate about anything or anyone, starts to take notice of his peer, Lim Sol (played by Kim Hye-yoon). Despite finding her constant scolding about the evils of smoking and fighting amusing, Tae-sung enjoys spending time with her because she's different from other girls. He even finds himself smiling at her scolding remarks.

"Tae-sung appears free-spirited and relaxed, but he's actually quite sensitive," Song explained. "He has a painful family background and suffers from a lack of affection, which led him to act out for attention." He pointed out that Tae-sung, who enjoys socializing, has never genuinely liked anyone before, so he initially doesn't recognize his feelings for Sol.

▲ This still photo of tvN's romantic teen series "Lovely Runner", starring Song Geon-hee and Kim Hye-yoon, is provided by the broadcaster on May 27, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

As Tae-sung spends more time with Sol, he begins to understand his feelings. Song reflected on a significant line from the show, "The line 'Did I like you?' might seem like a bluff, but Tae-sung was genuinely happy to realize he liked someone."

"From then on, Tae-sung always wished for Sol's happiness. I believe Tae-sung is someone who makes Sol feel she can change things. You'll see what role he plays between Sol and Seonjae if you watch until the end."

Since his debut in the 2017 web drama 'Flat', Song Geon-hee has built a diverse portfolio with roles in dramas like 'SKY Castle', 'Love Alarm', 'Mystic Pop-up Bar', and 'Missing: The Other Side'. He recounted, "Since 2017, I've taken on at least one project every year. I've always sought roles different from my previous ones, wanting to gain varied experiences. This led me to challenge myself in dramas, theater, and musicals."

Song, who has aspired to be an actor since high school, shared, "I never considered any other path, just acting." 

▲ A poster of tvN's new rom-com series "Lovely Runner," provided by the broadcaster on April 3, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

He reflected on his personality shift during his school years, saying, "I was originally very outgoing, always a class leader or vice-leader, but after middle school, I became quite withdrawn. In high school, I got on stage for a play, and it was amazing to see myself, who couldn't speak up, talking to an audience. I think I always wanted to express myself but lacked the courage. Acting gave me that courage."

Currently considering his next project, Song stated, "I'm growing with each role. With every new character, I feel like I become a smaller person." 

He added, "Acting makes me feel like the human Song Geon-hee is growing. My perspective on the world is broadening. That's the biggest advantage of acting for me, and most importantly, it's fun. (laughs)"

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