To celebrate its 20th anniversary, JoyNews24 conducted a survey asking 200 industry insiders to weigh in on 2024’s best dramas, variety shows, films, and top performers. In a year dominated by Lovely Runner, it’s no surprise that Byeon Woo Seok took the No. 1 spot as 2024’s top-rising star.
According to a survey by JoyNews24, Byeon received 90 out of 200 votes, cementing his place as a standout in the drama category and continuing the Lovely Runner phenomenon that’s defined his breakout year. The actor expressed his gratitude, saying, “2024 will forever be ‘the year of Lovely Runner’ for me. It’s been a turning point in my career as an actor.” He continued, “It’s been a while since the show ended, but I’m so grateful for the continued support. I’ll keep working hard to become a better actor and person.”
Jang Da Ah, who impressed in her debut role in the suspenseful Pyramid Game on TVING, placed second with 26 votes. Jang’s performance as the mastermind behind a brutal “popularity game” in a high school, broke her out of her “Jang Won Young’s sister” label, establishing her as a rising actress to watch. Reflecting on her experience, Jang shared with JoyNews24, “‘Pyramid Game’ was my dream debut, and each day on set was a chance to learn and grow. I truly cherished every moment.”
In third place, with 16 votes, was Lee Seung Hyub, leader of N.Flying and an actor who impressed in Lovely Runner as well as tvN’s Love Next Door. Lee, who has managed to balance his music and acting careers, said in an interview, “I never imagined this outcome. It’s thanks to the hard work of the ‘Lovely Runner’ team, from the cast to the crew, that we achieved something so special.”
Rounding out the top spots, Heo Nam Jun, who shone in Disney Plus’s The Impossible Heir, Netflix’s Sweet Home 3, and ENA’s Your Honor, received 10 votes. Yuna, who wowed viewers with her performance in SBS’s Good Partner, garnered 6 votes. Other notable names include Kim Do Hoon, Kim Yo Han, Bona, Lee Sang Jun, and Chae Jong Hyeop, each receiving 4 votes. Finally, seasoned actor Song Kang Ho caught attention as a newcomer to television with his role in Disney Plus’s Uncle Samsik.
>> 2024’s Top K-Dramas Named: ‘Lovely Runner’ and ‘Queen of Tears’ Lead Industry Poll
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