Not Lovely Runner— This villain role is my favorite Byeon Woo-seok performance yet

Byeon Woo-seok has been stealing hearts as a charming lead lately, especially after Lovely Runner. But let’s be honest that his most memorable performance might have been for a completely different reason.

Given that he chose to completely reverse himself for Strong Girl Nam-soon and play one of the most tragic villains in recent K-dramas, Ryu Shi-oh is a cold but enigmatic CEO who has a lot of hurt concealed behind a stone face.

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While Namsoon is filled with high-energy action, quirky comedy, it’s Woo-seok’s portrayal of the emotionally layered villain that lingers long after the credits roll. He was more than just a bad guy.

Ryu Shi-oh was a man who had been broken too many times and, in an attempt to feel powerful for the first time in his life, tried to create an empire. However, he ultimately failed to outrun his own darkness by the end of Strong Girl Nam-soon.

If you thought he only shines as the sweet lead, think again. Keep reading to explore why Byeon Woo-seok’s performance as Ryu Shi-oh might just be his best yet and why I haven’t stopped thinking about this villain since.

Byeon Woo-seok's Ryu Shi-oh wasn't just a villain; he was heartbroken from the inside

What made Ryu Shi-oh stand out in Strong Girl Nam-soon wasn’t his cruelty. It was the sadness hiding behind his every move. Although Byeon Woo-seok portrays him with cold assurance, there is a silent pain behind his eyes.

Flashbacks to his horrifying past reveal he was raised by the Russian mafia after being abandoned as a child, received training to become a killer, and was robbed of every form of love. His twisted drug empire wasn’t just about greed; it was rebellion and a last-ditch effort to separate and regain authority.

There is still a painful conflict even after he falls for Nam-soon. Despite his love for her, Ryu Shi-oh feels deceived. Here, the Lovey Runner actor nails the portrayal of the inner pain that Shi-oh has been enduring.

Many fans believed the series could have revealed more about Ryu Shi-oh, as his actions were only driven by how the Russian mafia group, led by Tsar Bomba, treated him. All Shi-oh ever wanted was to be free and loved, but life never gave him that chance.

Also Read: The truth behind Byeon Woo-seok’s heart-melting performance in Lovely Runner— Did he actually sing?

Ryu Shi-oh's final moments in Strong Girl Nam-soon were cinematic

One of the most powerful moments in Strong Girl Namsoon is Ryu Shi-oh’s confrontation with his only friend, Bin Bin, who was presumed dead. The heartbreak on his face when he realizes he’s been betrayed again is what makes the scene so impactful.

Bin Bin reveals that the two made a mistake in the past when they promised to run away from Pavel. That day, Bin Bin was taken away, and Ryu Shi-oh believed they had killed him. However, he was sent to Hungary and received training to become one of the members of the mafia group.

What's even more heartbreaking is that Bin Bin reveals that his first mission ever is to kill Ryu Shi-oh. If he succeeds, he lives. But if he fails, Pavel will kill him. Bin Bin then points his gun at Ryu Shi-oh, to which the Doogo CEO says:

"I thought you were different."

Bin Bin is unable to shoot his childhood best friend, and since the police had already arrived, he hands over the gun to Ryu Shi-oh and leaves. At this moment, Ryu Shi-oh knew it was time. He says, "Tsar Bomba. Die well," and sees Nam-soon (Tsetseg) for the last time and shoots himself.

Byeon Woo-seok delivers this final scene with perfect restraint. His line about dying with dignity is haunting, poetic, and fitting. He refuses to let his story end with yet another betrayal. That alone shows how much depth he gave this character.

Also Read: Lovely Runner’s Byeon Woo-seok to star with IU in upcoming K-drama: Everything to know

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