Byeon Wooseok: Prada’s new “Lovely Runner” is fashion’s latest scene-stealer

Byeon Wooseok is having quite a fashionable year. Fresh off the success of his hit K-drama Lovely Runner—hailed as one of 2024’s best—Wooseok just sprinted from the small screen to the runway. The latest news? He’s now the face of Prada, making him the newest member of the brand’s ever-so-exclusive ambassador squad.

Prada announced the partnership on November 4 with a swoon-worthy Instagram post: Wooseok, draped in a sleek, asymmetrical blazer over a baby blue button-down, looking like he owns the runway (and, well, he kinda does now). Talk about suiting up for success.

From drama king to fashion royalty: Wooseok’s journey to Prada fame

Before he was capturing hearts on screen, Byeon Wooseok was strutting his stuff on the runway. Starting out as a model back in 2010, Wooseok’s journey through fashion’s front lines was anything but ordinary. With a degree in Theater and Cinema and a knack for looking effortlessly cool, he became a staple on Korean runways, turning heads for top designers from 2014 to 2017. It’s safe to say that his swagger wasn’t confined to just one medium—this guy has been walking the walk long before he was talking it up on screen. His time as a co-host on Naver TV’s Mr. Chu, where he and fellow models tackled the ups and downs of love, only added to his charm. This background paved his way to stardom and set him up perfectly for a seamless blend of acting and high fashion.

With his modeling roots and on-screen charisma, it was only a matter of time before Wooseok’s style caught the attention of fashion’s elite. His transition from Korean runways to international red carpets felt natural, as he brought a unique mix of actor poise and model flair wherever he went. So, when Prada extended the invitation to join their exclusive ranks, it wasn’t just a perfect fit—it was the next big step in a journey shaped by both fashion and film.

This isn’t Wooseok’s first walk with the Italian powerhouse. Back in June, he was spotted at Prada’s spring-summer menswear show in Milan, rocking an effortlessly layered sweater and statement belt that pretty much screamed, “I’m Prada material.” His style—and, let’s face it, his heartthrob status—caught the eyes of fashion insiders, setting the stage for his official ambassadorship.

Wooseok’s presence is a win for Prada, and a boost for the ever-growing fusion of K-drama stars with luxury brands. With Lovely Runner making waves and cementing his name as a lead actor, Byeon is part of a new wave where Korean talent seamlessly bridges entertainment and luxury fashion. This ambassador role is a nod to the increasing global pull of K-drama and K-pop stars, who now often represent household names in fashion.

Beyond his recent success, Wooseok’s filmography speaks volumes. Fans will remember him from Record of Youth and the heart-wrenching 20th Century Girl on Netflix, where he showcased his acting range and knack for connecting deeply with his audience. This year alone, he made an unexpected appearance in No Gain, No Love, further proving his versatility. With each role, Wooseok has shown he’s a “Lovely Runner” both on screen and in the world of high fashion, effortlessly embodying Prada’s cool yet refined style.

Fashion’s New Measure of Stardom: K-Stars on the Rise

These brand ambassadorships go far beyond a simple partnership. For brands like Prada, aligning with figures like Wooseok reflects the immense value K-stars bring in the realms of "brand reputation." In the K-pop and K-drama world, this "brand rep" concept extends beyond mere name recognition. It encapsulates the idol's power in media, their influence through magazine features, the buzz generated by endorsements, and the sales impact on high-profile collaborations. Wooseok’s ambassadorship amplifies his star status and underscores how fashion labels recognize the marketing impact Korean talent wields worldwide.

Wooseok joins an elite circle of Prada ambassadors, including K-pop idols from ENHYPEN, NCT's Jaehyun, and aespa's Karina, along with Thai actor Win Metawin and British talent Louis Partridge. This celeb-studded lineup speaks to Prada’s commitment to capturing a global audience, bringing K-culture’s influential reach into the fashion landscape.

With his role in Lovely Runner and now his ambassadorship with Prada, Byeon Wooseok proves he’s a force to be reckoned with, on-screen and in high fashion. Prada, it seems, couldn’t have picked a better leading man. And judging by the wave of excitement on X (formerly Twitter), plenty of fans and fashion enthusiasts wholeheartedly agree. And so do I.