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Ryeoun
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Go Yoon-hwan (Korean: 고윤환; born August 26, 1998),[1] better known by his stage name Ryeoun (려운), is a South Korean actor. He is best known for his roles in 18 Again (2020), The World of My 17 (2020), Adult Trainee (2021), Twinkling Watermelon (2023), and Weak Hero Class 2 (2025). In 2023, he had his first and second television lead roles in The Secret Romantic Guesthouse and Twinkling Watermelon.
Key Information
Filmography
[edit]Television series
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | You Are Too Much | Lee Kyung-soo | [2] |
| Temperature of Love | Youngest Cook | ||
| 2019 | Doctor Prisoner | Han Bit | [3] |
| 2020 | 365: Repeat the Year | Nam Sun-woo | [4] |
| 18 Again | Hong Shi-woo | [5] | |
| 2020–2021 | Homemade Love Story | Lee Ra-hoon | |
| 2022 | Through the Darkness | Jung Woo-ju | [6] |
| 2023 | The Secret Romantic Guesthouse | Kang San | [7] |
| Twinkling Watermelon | Ha Eun-gyeol | [8] | |
| 2024–2025 | Namib | Yoon Jin-woo | [9] |
| 2025 | History of Scruffiness | Noh Jun-seok | [10] |
Web series
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Doo–teob's Pretty Easy School Life | Kim Hak-jun | [3] |
| Instant Romance | Jang Su-ho | [11] | |
| 2019 | In-Seoul | Yoon Seong-hyun | [12] |
| 2020 | The World of My 17 | Yoo Jin-hyuk | [13] |
| In-Seoul 2 | Yoon Seong-hyun | [14] | |
| 2021 | Adult Trainee | Kim Nam-ho | [15] |
| 2023 | Borrowed Body | Yoon Ho-young | [16] |
| 2023–2024 | Death's Game | youngest PD (Cameo) | [17] |
| 2025 | Weak Hero 2 | Park Hu-min | [18] |
Television shows
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Creator Campus | Himself | [citation needed] |
Music videos appearances
[edit]| Year | Song Title | Artist | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | "But I Must" (헤어질 수 밖에) | Kim Na-young | [19] |
| 2021 | "In Dreams" (너의 흔적) | M.C the Max | [20] |
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Award ceremony | Year | Category | Nominee / Work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KBS Drama Awards | 2020 | Best New Actor | Homemade Love Story | Nominated | [21] |
| SBS Drama Awards | 2022 | Through the Darkness | Won | [22] | |
| Best Supporting Team | Nominated | [23] | |||
| 2023 | Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries Romance/Comedy Drama | The Secret Romantic Guesthouse | Won | [24] | |
| Best Couple Award | Ryeoun (with Shin Ye-eun) The Secret Romantic Guesthouse |
Nominated | [25] | ||
| Korea Drama Awards | 2025 | Best New Actor | Namib / History of Scruffiness / Weak Hero Class 2 | Nominated | [26] |
References
[edit]- ^ a b 려운 프로필 (in Korean). Retrieved January 4, 2022 – via Naver.
- ^ Park, Ah-reum (November 13, 2018). 신예 려운, 장희진 박지민과 한솥밥 "앞으로 성장 더욱 기대"(공식입장) [Ryeoun, Jang Hee-jin, Park Jimin and Hansot-bap "expect more growth in the future" (official position)]. Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved January 4, 2022.
- ^ a b Yang, So-young (February 20, 2019). 려운, '닥터 프리즈너' 합류...권나라 동생 役 [Ryeoun joins 'Doctor Prisoner'... Kwon Nara's younger brother]. Maeil Kyungje (in Korean). Retrieved January 4, 2022.
- ^ Lee, Yong-gyu (December 12, 2019). "'365운명을거스르는1년' 려운이 합류를 확정해 범상치 않은 존재감과 역대급 팀 케미를 예고하며 시청자들의 기대감을 높여???" [Ryeoun confirmed to join in '365 One Year Against Destiny' and raises viewers' expectations by foretelling an unusual presence and an all-time team chemistry???]. Insight Korea (in Korean). Retrieved January 4, 2022.
- ^ Hwang, So-young (June 26, 2021). "'오! 삼광빌라' 려운, '악의 마음을 읽는 자들' 캐스팅" ['Five! Samkwang Villa's Ryeoun cast in 'Those who read the minds of evil']. Ilgan Sports (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 4, 2022. Retrieved January 4, 2022.
- ^ Lee Min-ji (June 26, 2021). "'악의 마음을 읽는 자들' 려운 캐스팅, 김남길-진선규와 호흡(공식)" ['Those who read the minds of evil' Cast Ryeowon, Kim Nam-gil and Jin Seon-kyu (official)]. Naver (in Korean). Newsen. Retrieved June 26, 2021.
- ^ Ahn Tae-hyun (September 14, 2022). 신예은·려운·강훈·정건주, '꽃선비 열애사' 출연 확정...내년 상반기 방송 [Shin Ye-eun, Ryeowon, Kang Hoon, and Jung Geon-joo confirmed to appear in 'A Flower Scholar's Love Story'... broadcast in the first half of next year] (in Korean). News1. Retrieved September 14, 2022 – via Naver.
- ^ Moon, Ji-yeon (April 5, 2023). [공식] 려운·최현욱→설인아·신은수, '반짝이는 워터멜론'으로 뭉친다 [[Official] Ryo Woon · Choi Hyun-wook → Seol In-ah · Shin Eun-soo, unite with 'Sparkling Watermelon'] (in Korean). Sports Chosun. Retrieved April 5, 2023 – via Naver.
- ^ 서, 승아 (April 29, 2024). 고현정, 려운 손잡고 쫓겨난 연예기획사 대표 된다...'별밤' 연내 공개 [Go Hyun-jung joins hands and becomes the CEO of an entertainment agency that was kicked out... 'Starry Night' to be released within the year]. Top Star News (in Korean). Retrieved April 29, 2024 – via Naver.
- ^ "OTT 드라마 '찌질의 역사', 호평" [OTT drama 'A History of Losers', acclaimed]. Star News (in Korean). February 28, 2025. Retrieved February 28, 2025 – via Naver.
- ^ Kim, Myung-mi (February 20, 2019). 려운 '닥터 프리즈너' 출연확정, 권나라 동생 역할(공식입장) [Ryeoun confirmed to appear in 'Doctor Prisoner', the role of Kwon Nara's younger brother (official position)]. Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved January 4, 2022.
- ^ Kim, Na-hee (August 22, 2019). 민도희X려운X진예주, 오늘(22일) V라이브 '인서울 가이드' 출격 [공식] [Min Do-hee X Ryeoun X Jin Ye-ju, today (22nd) V Live 'In Seoul Guide' sortie [Official]]. OSEN (in Korean). Retrieved January 4, 2022.
- ^ Kwak, Hyun-soo (March 18, 2020). 려운, JTBC '18어게인'→tvN D '소녀의 세계' 출연 확정 [공식] [Ryeoun, JTBC '18 Again' → confirmed to appear in tvN D 'Girl's World' [Official]]. Sports Donga (in Korean). Retrieved January 4, 2022.
- ^ Kim, Ye-eun (May 12, 2020). "려운, 플레이리스트 '인서울2' 합류...대세 행보" [Ryeoun joins playlist 'In Seoul 2'... trend]. X Sports News (in Korean). Retrieved January 4, 2022.
- ^ Hong, Se-young (October 16, 2021). 류의현X미연·조유정X려운·권영은X김민기, 19금 핑크빛 (어른연습생) [Ryu Ui-hyeon X Mi-yeon, Jo Yoo-jeong X Ryeoun, Kwon Young-eun X Kim Min-ki, 19 gold pink (Adult Trainee)]. Sports Donga (in Korean). Retrieved January 4, 2022.
- ^ Lee Kyung-ho (March 8, 2022). [단독]려운, '빌린 몸' 주연 합류..남윤수와 호흡 '2022 대세 기대 [[Exclusive] Ryeo-Woon joins the lead in 'Borrowed Body'.. Breathing with Nam Yoon-soo 'Expectation for the 2022 trend] (in Korean). MT Star News. Retrieved March 8, 2022 – via Naver.
- ^ Kang Min-kyung (December 8, 2023). 김성철, 서인국과 탄탄한 연기 합...신스틸러 려운·유인수('이재, 곧 죽습니다') [Kim Seong-cheol and Seo In-guk combine solid acting... Scene stealers Ryeowoon and Yoo Insu ('Lee Jae, I'm Dying Soon')] (in Korean). Ten Asia. Retrieved December 8, 2023 – via Naver.
- ^ [단독]려운, 시즌2로 돌아오는 '약한영웅' 주연 합류..'대세 입증'. Star News (in Korean). August 1, 2023. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
- ^ [MV] Kim Na Young(김나영) _ But I Must(헤어질 수 밖에) (Online video) (in Korean). 1theK. October 20, 2017. Retrieved January 4, 2021 – via YouTube.
- ^ [MV] M.C the MAX(엠씨더맥스) _ In Dreams(너의 흔적) (Online video) (in Korean). 1theK. March 25, 2021. Retrieved September 17, 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ Kim, Jun-seok (December 31, 2020). "[2020 KBS 연기대상] 이상이X서지훈·보나X신예은X이초희 신인상 수상..."수상소감 찾아봤다" [[2020 KBS Drama Awards] Lee Sang Yi X Seo Ji Hoon Bona X Shin Ye Eun X Lee Cho Hee Rookie of the Year Award... "I was looking for a testimonial"] (in Korean). Sports Chosun. Retrieved September 8, 2022 – via Naver.
- ^ Kim, Ji-hye (January 1, 2023). "[2022 SBS 연기대상]'악마음' 김남길, 두번째 대상 영예..남궁민 디렉터즈 어워드(종합)" [[2022 SBS Drama Awards] 'Evil Mind' Kim Nam-gil, second grand prize .. Namgoong-min Director's Award (comprehensive)] (in Korean). Herald Pop. Retrieved December 31, 2022 – via Naver.
- ^ '치얼업' 테이아 팀, 응원단의 끈끈함 보여주며 베스트 팀워크상 수상! #2022SBS연기대상 #SBSdrama ['Cheer Up' team, showing the tenacity of the cheering squad and winning the best teamwork award! #2022 SBS Drama Awards #SBSdrama] (in Korean). SBS Drama. December 31, 2022. Event occurs at 0:01. Retrieved January 1, 2023 – via YouTube.
- ^ Jang, Jin-ri (December 30, 2023). '모범택시2' 이제훈-'악귀' 김태리, 공동 대상 "우열 못 가려"[종합](SBS 연기대상) [Model Taxi 2's" Lee Ji-hoon and "Demon" Kim Tae-ri shared the Grand Prize for "Unequal" [Overall] (SBS Acting Awards)]. SpoTV News (in Korean). Retrieved December 30, 2023 – via Naver.
- ^ Kim, Ye-seol (December 29, 2023). '마이 데몬' 김유정♥송강, 베스트 커플상 수상...김유정 나홀로 수상 "팬분들께 감사해" [2023 SBS 연기대상] ['My Demon' Kim Yoo-jung♥Song Kang won Best Couple...Kim Yoo-jung won alone "Thank you to the fans" [2023 SBS Acting Awards] (SBS Acting Awards)]. OSEN (in Korean). Retrieved December 30, 2023 – via Naver.
- ^ Park Ji-hye (August 27, 2025). "이혜리 박형식 안재욱 접전… '16회 코리아 드라마 어워즈' 투표 28일 시작" [Lee Hyeri, Park Hyungsik, and Ahn Jaewook in a close race… Voting for the ‘16th Korea Drama Awards’ begins on the 28th]. BNT News (in Korean). Retrieved October 22, 2025 – via Naver.
External links
[edit]Ryeoun
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life
Childhood and family
Go Yoon-hwan, professionally known by the stage name Ryeoun (려운), was born on August 26, 1998, in Wansan District, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea.[7][1] He stands at a height of 181 cm.[1] Ryeoun spent his childhood in Jeonju, a city rich in traditional Korean culture, where he attended local schools including Jeonju Yongheung Elementary School.[1][2] He grew up in a family environment that he has chosen to keep private, with no public details disclosed about his parents or any siblings.[1] His early years in Jeonju laid the foundation for his personal development, fostering a connection to the region's heritage before his interests shifted toward acting during high school.[8]Education
Ryeoun attended Jeonju Haesung Middle School during his early adolescence in Jeonju, where he completed his middle school education.[1] In high school, Ryeoun enrolled at Hanlim Multi Art School, an institution renowned for its arts-focused curriculum. After developing his interest in acting, Ryeoun moved from Jeonju to Seoul alone to attend an acting academy and prepare for university entrance. During his first year, around 2013–2014, he developed a keen interest in acting after his aunt introduced him to the musical Cats, which served as a pivotal moment sparking his passion for performance. This newfound enthusiasm led him to join extracurricular activities related to acting and devote significant time to preparing for college entrance exams targeted at acting programs, including rigorous training in dramatic arts and audition techniques.[9][10][8] Following high school, Ryeoun enrolled in the Department of Performing Arts at Seokyeong University, majoring in acting, where he honed his skills through formal coursework and practical training. He graduated from the program around 2020–2021, having balanced his studies with early professional pursuits. During his university years, he gained initial audition experiences, facing competitive environments with peers and building resilience in the pursuit of acting opportunities.[11][11][10]Career
Debut and early roles (2017–2019)
Ryeoun made his acting debut in 2017 with supporting roles in two South Korean television dramas. He portrayed Lee Kyung-soo in the MBC series You're Too Much and the youngest chef at the fictional restaurant Art Nouveau in the SBS series Temperature of Love.[12][2] These early appearances marked his entry into the industry as a newcomer, with limited screen time that focused on ensemble casts rather than central narratives.[13] That same year, Ryeoun signed with the talent agency Lucky Company after agency representatives discovered him through his active social media presence, which helped secure his initial opportunities.[2] He continued building his resume with minor roles in 2018, including web series such as Doo Teob's Pretty Easy School Life, where he played Kim Hak-jun, and Instant Romance as Jang Su-ho. Additionally, he appeared in the music video for Kim Na-young's song "But I Must" (헤어질 수 밖에), further diversifying his early portfolio in short-form content.[2][9] In 2019, he took on another supporting role as Han Bit, the brother of lead character So Geum, in the KBS2 medical thriller Doctor Prisoner.[2][12] As a young actor entering a competitive field, Ryeoun encountered significant challenges, including nervousness on set and personal hardships such as financial difficulties and his father's illness, which made early shoots particularly daunting.[14] These experiences, combined with his minor roles offering sparse screen presence, emphasized the need to steadily develop his craft. Concurrently, he pursued formal training in acting at Seokyeong University's Department of Performing Arts, where he focused on foundational skills to support his burgeoning career.[2][15] This period laid the groundwork for his professional growth, prioritizing practical experience over prominent exposure.Breakthrough and supporting roles (2020–2022)
In 2020, Ryeoun gained significant exposure through his supporting role as Hong Si-woo, the introverted and emotionally conflicted son in the JTBC family drama 18 Again, where he portrayed a high school student navigating family tensions and personal growth alongside a time-regressed father figure.[16] His performance was praised for capturing the character's quiet vulnerability and emotional depth, marking a turning point in his career from minor parts to more nuanced youth roles.[17] That same year, Ryeoun appeared as Yoo Jin-hyuk, a classmate in the ensemble cast of the coming-of-age web drama The World of My 17, contributing to the story's exploration of high school friendships, romance, and self-discovery among a group of teenagers.[18] His role added to the dynamic group interactions, highlighting his ability to blend into youthful ensemble narratives focused on everyday adolescent challenges.[19] In 2022, he also portrayed profiler trainee Jung U-ju in the SBS crime thriller Through the Darkness.[2] To expand his public image beyond scripted roles, Ryeoun participated in the 2021 web series Adult Trainee, playing Kim Nam-ho, a hormonal high schooler dealing with puberty and relationships in a mockumentary-style format that mixed comedy and realism. This project broadened his appeal by revealing a more relatable, lighthearted side through improvised teen scenarios.[20]Lead roles and rising prominence (2023–present)
In 2023, Ryeoun secured his first lead role as Kang San, a Joseon-era scholar preparing for the royal military exam, in the tvN romantic comedy series The Secret Romantic Guesthouse. The series, which blended historical elements with lighthearted romance and mystery, showcased Ryeoun's comedic timing and charm, earning praise for his ability to portray a fish-out-of-water character navigating unfamiliar dynamics with humor and sincerity. Critics and viewers highlighted his natural delivery in romantic scenes and ensemble interactions, marking a significant step up from his prior supporting roles and solidifying his appeal in genre-blending narratives.[21] Later that year, Ryeoun starred as the protagonist Ha Eun-gyeol in the tvN fantasy drama Twinkling Watermelon, where he portrayed a high school student from a deaf family who time-travels to the 1990s to uncover his parents' past, incorporating musical performances and sign language as key elements. The role demanded versatility in emotional depth, blending youthful energy with poignant family revelations and romance, and received acclaim for Ryeoun's nuanced performance that captured the character's growth amid themes of identity and heritage. Reviews noted the series' heartfelt execution of its time-slip premise, with Ryeoun's lead anchoring the ensemble's chemistry and elevating the show's exploration of generational bonds.[22][23] Building on these successes, Ryeoun starred as Park Hu-min in the 2025 Netflix action series Weak Hero Class 2, expanding the character's arc with intensified physicality and leadership in high-stakes school confrontations. To embody the tough, righteous "Baku" persona—contrasting his own mild-mannered personality—Ryeoun gained 10 kilograms and focused on action choreography, delving deeper into themes of loyalty and resilience that added layers to the webtoon adaptation's intense narrative. This continuation highlighted his adaptability in high-octane genres, further demonstrating growth beyond earlier supporting parts.[24][25] Ryeoun's momentum continued with lead roles in Namib (2024–2025), where he played the determined trainee Yoo Jin-woo opposite a veteran producer in an industry drama about ambition and reinvention, and History of Scruffiness (2025) as Noh Jun-seok in a story exploring personal evolution. These projects, spanning corporate intrigue and introspective comedy, reflect Ryeoun's deliberate shift toward diverse genres to avoid typecasting, as discussed in interviews where he emphasized embracing varied challenges to broaden his range. Additionally, in 2026, he will lead the crime thriller The Flower of Death as Lee Yeong-hwan, a complex character in a story of morality and murder.[26] By 2025, these starring opportunities have positioned him as a rising talent capable of carrying projects across romantic, fantastical, and dramatic landscapes.[27]Filmography
Television series
Ryeoun made his acting debut in broadcast television with a minor supporting role in the MBC family drama You're Too Much, which aired from March 4 to August 27, 2017, over 50 episodes, taking on a small supporting part as Lee Kyung-soo that contributed to the ensemble story of intertwined lives and personal redemption.[28] Later that year, he appeared in the SBS romantic comedy Temperature of Love, broadcast from September 18 to November 21, 2017, across 40 episodes, where he portrayed the youngest cook in a family-run restaurant setting. In 2019, Ryeoun gained early recognition in the KBS2 medical thriller Doctor Prisoner, which ran from March 20 to May 15, 2019, for 32 episodes; he played Han Bit, the protective younger brother of a key character, adding emotional depth to the revenge plot amid prison intrigue.[29] His role in the KBS2 family saga Homemade Love Story (September 19, 2020–March 7, 2021, 100 episodes) as Lee Ra-hoon, the devoted brother of protagonist Chae Un, highlighted themes of familial bonds and resilience in a boarding house community, helping the series achieve strong viewership ratings averaging over 20%.[30] That same year, in JTBC's body-swap comedy 18 Again (September 21–November 17, 2020, 16 episodes), Ryeoun portrayed Hong Si-woo, the rebellious teenage son navigating family dynamics after his father swaps bodies with him, a role that showcased his ability to blend humor and heartfelt reconciliation, contributing to the drama's popularity with a peak rating of 5.5%. Ryeoun continued with supporting parts in MBC's mystery thriller 365: Repeat the Year (March 16–June 21, 2020, 24 episodes), as detective Nam Soon-woo, integrating into a time-loop investigation of murders that emphasized ensemble teamwork. In 2022, he appeared in SBS's crime procedural Through the Darkness (January 14–March 12, 2022, 12 episodes) as Jung Woo-joo, a young profiler apprentice, supporting the narrative of Korea's early serial killer profiling efforts and earning him a Best New Actor award at the 2022 SBS Drama Awards for his nuanced performance.[31] Marking his rise, Ryeoun secured his first lead role in SBS's historical romantic comedy The Secret Romantic Guesthouse (March 20–May 16, 2023, 18 episodes) as Kang San, a mysterious scholar solving murders at an inn, blending mystery with lighthearted romance and drawing solid ratings around 3-4% nationwide.[32] His second lead came in tvN's coming-of-age fantasy Twinkling Watermelon (September 25–November 14, 2023, 16 episodes), where he starred as Ha Eun-gyeol, a CODA (child of deaf adults) musician who time-travels to 1995, incorporating sign language elements into a story of family healing and self-discovery; the series resonated widely, achieving a peak viewership of 7.7% and praise for its inclusive portrayal of deaf culture. Ryeoun led the ENA entertainment industry drama Namib (December 23, 2024 – January 28, 2025, 12 episodes) as Yoo Jin-woo, a long-time idol trainee burdened by personal baggage who teams up with a disgraced producer for a comeback project, which garnered attention for its themes of redemption and ambition, with episodes averaging 2-3% ratings.[33] Upcoming, Ryeoun is cast in the crime thriller The Flower of Death alongside Geum Sae-rok, with filming completed as of November 2025; air date and network to be announced.[4]| Year | Title | Role | Network | Air Dates | Episodes | Role Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | You're Too Much | Lee Kyung-soo | MBC | Mar 4–Aug 27 | 50 | Supporting |
| 2017 | Temperature of Love | Youngest cook | SBS | Sep 18–Nov 21 | 40 | Supporting |
| 2019 | Doctor Prisoner | Han Bit | KBS2 | Mar 20–May 15 | 32 | Supporting |
| 2020 | Homemade Love Story | Lee Ra-hoon | KBS2 | Sep 19, 2020–Mar 7, 2021 | 100 | Supporting |
| 2020 | 18 Again | Hong Si-woo | JTBC | Sep 21–Nov 17 | 16 | Supporting |
| 2020 | 365: Repeat the Year | Nam Soon-woo | MBC | Mar 16–Jun 21 | 24 | Supporting |
| 2022 | Through the Darkness | Jung Woo-joo | SBS | Jan 14–Mar 12 | 12 | Supporting |
| 2023 | The Secret Romantic Guesthouse | Kang San | SBS | Mar 20–May 16 | 18 | Lead |
| 2023 | Twinkling Watermelon | Ha Eun-gyeol | tvN | Sep 25–Nov 14 | 16 | Lead |
| 2024–2025 | Namib | Yoo Jin-woo | ENA | Dec 23, 2024 – Jan 28, 2025 | 12 | Lead |
| 2026 | The Flower of Death | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | Lead |
Web series
Ryeoun has appeared in several digital-first web series since 2020, primarily on South Korean streaming platforms such as Wavve, Naver TV, and KakaoTV. These projects often feature shorter episode formats, typically 8-12 installments of 20-40 minutes each, allowing for concise storytelling suited to online consumption. His roles in these series have showcased his versatility in genres ranging from high school dramas to fantasy mysteries, contributing to his growing visibility in the OTT space.[2] In 2020, Ryeoun starred as Yoon Seong-hyun in the main role of IN-SEOUL Season 2, a 12-episode comedy web series on Naver TV that follows young adults navigating independent living and relationships in Seoul. His character, a charismatic yet relatable young man, highlighted his comedic timing in everyday scenarios. Later that year, he portrayed Yoo Jin-hyuk in The World of My 17, a 12-episode web drama on Playlist (CJ ENM), where he played a supportive high school friend in a story centered on teenage girls' friendships, growth, and insecurities.[18] Ryeoun continued with web series in subsequent years, taking on Kim Nam-ho in episodes 3-5 of the 2021 seven-episode series Adult Trainee on Watcha, a coming-of-age drama exploring teenagers' experiences with puberty, love, and self-discovery; his role as a conflicted adolescent added emotional depth to the anthology-style format. In 2022, he led as Yoon Ho-young in Borrowed Body, a 10-episode fantasy romance mystery on KakaoTV, depicting a body-swap scenario between an outsider and a popular student amid school intrigue and budding romance.[34] Looking ahead, he is set to star as Park Hu-min (also known as Ben Park or Baku) in Weak Hero Class 2 (2025), an eight-episode Netflix original continuing the high school action storyline with a focus on intensified conflicts and alliances, where he gained 10 kg to authentically depict the bully character opposite his real-life gentle personality.[3][35] In 2025, Ryeoun starred as No Jun-seok in the romantic comedy History of Scruffiness (also known as Cringy Romance), an eight-episode web series on Wavve that follows university friends navigating love and personal growth, blending humor and emotion.[36] These web series, particularly Weak Hero Class 2 on global platforms like Netflix and Wavve, have significantly boosted Ryeoun's international fanbase by exposing his performances to audiences beyond traditional Korean broadcasts, fostering discussions on social media and streaming metrics that highlight his rising appeal in youth-oriented genres.[37]Variety shows
Ryeoun began appearing on variety programs early in his career, providing glimpses into his personality beyond scripted roles. In 2018, he participated as a contestant in the MBC audition variety show Casting Call, a program focused on musical theater auditions, where he advanced to the second round before elimination, showcasing his determination and stage presence during vocal and performance challenges.[38] In 2019, Ryeoun served as a regular member on Creator Campus, a 12-episode YouTube-based variety series that followed web drama actors attempting to create content and adapt to a mock campus life, allowing him to demonstrate his creative side through collaborative skits and vlogs that highlighted his humorous and approachable demeanor.[39][40] His guest appearance on Self-on Kode in 2022 (episode 56) featured him engaging in lighthearted games and conversations, revealing his witty banter and relatability in a format pairing celebrities for interactive segments.[41] This was followed by a role as a special panelist on EXchange Season 3 in 2023 (episodes 1-2), a TVING dating reality show, where he offered commentary on participants' relationships, adding charm through his observant and empathetic insights.[42][43] In 2023, Ryeoun guested on I Live Alone (episode 427), sharing aspects of his daily routine and personal habits in the MBC lifestyle variety program, which emphasized his down-to-earth lifestyle.[2] He returned to the show in 2025 (episode 596), joining Stray Kids' Lee Know for a segment involving cooking with host Lee Jang-woo, where he participated in butchering and meal preparation activities, further endearing himself to audiences with his easygoing friendship dynamics and culinary enthusiasm.[44][45] Ryeoun revisited Self-on Kode in May 2025, pairing with Girls' Generation's Sooyoung for challenges and discussions that played on age gaps and celebrity experiences, such as debating nicknames and sharing travel anecdotes, which amplified his playful and self-deprecating humor.[46][47] These variety show outings, spanning auditions, reality commentary, and lifestyle segments, helped cultivate Ryeoun's image as an affable and versatile entertainer, bridging his dramatic work with more casual, interactive formats that resonated with fans seeking his off-screen authenticity.[2]Music video appearances
Ryeoun's music video appearances are limited to two roles, both serving as concise acting cameos that supplemented his early television work and helped establish his on-screen presence in narrative-driven visuals. In 2017, shortly after his acting debut, Ryeoun appeared in Kim Na-young's ballad "But I Must" (헤어질 수 밖에), where he portrayed a heartbroken young man entangled in a melancholic breakup story, sharing intimate scenes with actress Bae Yoon-kyung to evoke themes of inevitable separation and lingering emotions.[48][49] The video's autumnal aesthetic and piano-driven melody complemented his subtle, expressive performance, marking one of his initial forays into music-driven storytelling. In 2021, Ryeoun featured in M.C the Max's "In Dreams" (너의 흔적) from their 20th anniversary album CEREMONIA, depicting a character haunted by memories and unresolved longing in a dreamlike sequence that intertwined with the song's rock ballad style.[50][51] His cameo emphasized emotional introspection, aligning with the track's exploration of fleeting traces of lost love. These brief roles, occurring amid his rising drama career, highlight the rarity of Ryeoun's music video work as targeted portfolio builders rather than primary focuses.[8]Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | KBS Drama Awards | Best New Actor | Homemade Love Story | Nominated | |
| 2022 | SBS Drama Awards | Best New Actor | Through the Darkness | Won | |
| 2022 | SBS Drama Awards | Best Supporting Team | Through the Darkness | Nominated | [8] |
| 2023 | SBS Drama Awards | Excellence Award for Actor in a Miniseries Romance/Comedy Drama | The Secret Romantic Guesthouse | Won | |
| 2023 | SBS Drama Awards | Best Couple (with Shin Ye-eun) | The Secret Romantic Guesthouse | Nominated | [52] |
| 2025 | 16th Korea Drama Awards | Best New Actor | Namib, History of Scruffiness, and Weak Hero Class 2 | Nominated |
