Exclusive: “Brewing Love” Actor Ryu WonWoo Tells All About Moments On Set And Shares A Special Christmas Message With Fans | Video Interview

Ryu WonWoo is a rising Korean actor who has been gaining the attention of K-Drama fans internationally. With his charming good looks, tall height, and undeniable charm, he is winning over the hearts of fans as one of the up-and-coming actors that you need to keep an eye on. You can read more about him here.

In his most recent role as marketing team leader Kang Beom in “Brewing Love“, he has particularly been getting fans drunk (pun intended) on his overflowing charm. Alongside actors Kim SeJeong, Lee JongWon, Shin DoHyun, and Baek SungChul, the drama received rave reviews during the time that it aired and is still lingering in the minds of fans worldwide.

Kpopmap had the honor of filming an exclusive in-person interview with Ryu WonWoo following the final episodes of “Brewing Love”. Filming with this charming actor showed us why he received so much love in the drama as a competent team leader with a vibrant aura. Make sure to check out the full video on YouTube to see special moments including Ryu WonWoo’s aegyo in Gyeongsang Province dialect, a special Christmas message from him, and more.

We talked about his aspirations as a rising actor, the chemistry he shared with the staff and other actors on the set, the types of roles he hopes to take on in the future, and more. That’s not all, make sure to read to the very end of this article for a special surprise!

Note: This interview might contain spoilers for the drama “Brewing Love”. 

 

On Being A Rising Actor

You are on the rise as an actor with 6 years of experience since your acting debut in “사랑니 뽑는날”. We’re sure it must be a wonderful feeling to be gaining recognition from K-Drama fans for your hard work, especially in your recent role as the marketing team leader Kang Beom in “Brewing Love”.

I’ve been so grateful and happy to receive so much love from everyone. Through “Brewing Love”, I learned a lot and feel that it was an opportunity for me to grow as an actor. During the filming, I experienced many emotions and was able to grow day by day while connecting and collaborating with my fellow actors and seniors. Thank you so much for finding Kang Beom so lovable and for showing him so much affection. I hope you enjoyed our drama “Brewing Love” until the very end, and I wish you nothing but happiness in your lives. I will continue to work hard to show you an even better side of myself in the future. Thank you.

Note: The 2018 film “사랑니 뽑는날” has no official English title, however, the title can be roughly and literally translated to “The Day You Remove Your Wisdom Tooth”.

As a rising actor, we’re sure you must go through a thorough consideration process before taking on a role to act in. When picking a role or script, what are some of the deciding factors that make you accept an acting offer? Or are you the type who prefers to audition for a role that you’re already interested in?

I have a strong desire to keep growing as an actor. I still want to take on a variety of projects and roles. If I had the opportunity to choose a project, the most important factors I’d consider are how much viewers can relate to the character and whether it delivers both laughter and emotional depth.

 

About Your Role In “Brewing Love” As Kang Beom 

You celebrated your birthday recently and posted a picture of you and the “Brewing Love” cast celebrating it on set. Belated Happy Birthday to you!🎉 We noticed through your other behind-the-scenes photos of “Brewing Love” that you and the other cast members seem to be quite close. Can you tell us more about the chemistry on set and how it was acting along your fellow castmates? Were there any memorable moments that held a special place in your heart throughout the filming of the drama?

I found certain parts a bit challenging when I first read the script. But as I started acting them out, I decided to portray the character’s confusion exactly as it was written, and over time, I started finding my way. On set, working with JongWon and SeJeong helped me a lot. Before filming scenes, we practiced together and adjusted our performances to create better moments. Those efforts gave me great strength.
The most fun and challenging moment for me was in Episode 1, where Kang Beom, dressed as a narrator, jumps in and exclaims “Ta-da!” while telling YongJu’s story to the new hires. I think that scene is one of the iconic moments in the drama. To prepare for it, I practiced every movement and line meticulously. The day before filming, after wrapping up for the day, I asked the director if we could rehearse multiple versions of the scene. The director kindly agreed, and we rehearsed late into the night with the staff. Seeing everyone’s satisfaction with the result is a memory that stands out the most.

TMI Question: Since “Brewing Love” is a drama surrounding brewing beer, we have to ask if there’s a favorite anju (drinking food) that you could recommend for international fans to try if they ever visit Korea. Do you have a favorite anju?

Personally, I’m not a strong drinker—I can handle about half a bottle of soju haha. On rainy days, my go-to is makgeolli with kimchi pancakes as the perfect pairing. I’d definitely recommend it to any international fans visiting Korea; you must try it!

Ryu WonWoo shared more about his role as Kang Beom in “Brewing Love” in our interview video, make sure to check it out if you haven’t already!

 

About Ryu WonWoo As A Person

In “Brewing Love”, Kang Beom uses the Gyeongsang Province dialect, as the drama is set in Busan. Interestingly, you made your debut as a model at the Daegu Fashion Festival in 2012. Are you originally from the Gyeongsang region as well?

I’m from Gyeongsan, which is right next to Daegu.

We noticed that as a Gyeongsang native, you truly brought the lines to life by using authentic Gyeongsang dialect rather than the media-friendly version that is often portrayed. Did you focus on anything in particular to highlight and enhance the Gyeongsang dialect in your performance?

I was so happy to showcase my confident dialect acting to the viewers. To make the dialect sound as natural as possible, I practiced a lot by using it in my everyday life. On set, I also made an effort to chat and joke around with the other actors in the dialect. I think those efforts helped me feel more comfortable and made my performance more authentic. In the future, if I get the chance, I’d love to try acting in other regional dialects as well!

Whilst watching “Brewing Love”, Kang Beom truly left a strong impression on us with his intoxicating character as he exuded passion for his work and stood his ground against the competing beer brand in the drama. Would you say your personality is similar to these aspects of your character as Kang Beom?

My MBTI is INTJ! I’m not as outgoing as Kang Beom, but I think I share his proactive and manly traits when it comes to group activities hehe. In reality, I’m a bit shy at first, but once I get comfortable, I’m playful and energetic!

As Christmas is approaching, we’re curious what your plans are to get into the Christmas spirit. Will you be doing anything special on the day?

I really enjoy decorating Christmas trees, and this year I’m planning to make a cute one again. I also plan to indulge in all the delicious food I couldn’t eat while sticking to a diet during filming! I’m also making plans for a trip with family members I haven’t been able to spend much time with hehe. I hope all our fans have a joyful and happy Christmas!

Here are some exclusive Christmas edition selfies just for you, from Ryu WonWoo!🎄🦌

 

On The Future Of Ryu WonWoo As An Actor

You’ve acted in a few diverse dramas so far. Are there any K-Drama or K-Film genres that you’re hoping to take on soon? Which acting role would you like to take on as a challenge in the near future?

I’m a big fan of action-noir genres, so I’ve watched a lot of noir dramas and movies. They always seem to feature a killer character! I think my face can portray both a kind and intense image, and I’ve been told by some people that they like the sharp side of my appearance. That’s made me want to try action acting, and if I ever get the chance, I’d love to take on a killer role.

Many have complimented your acting in “Brewing Love” and your other dramas, calling you a ‘scene stealer’ who grabs the audience’s attention with your detailed acting. What can fans look forward to seeing from you as an actor in 2025?

I had such happy days in 2024, so in 2025, I want to repay everyone with performances that bring even more laughter and emotion. I’m working hard to show a surprising transformation and a variety of new charms in 2025 so I can surprise and delight my fans. Please look forward to it!

Lastly, please share some words to your rising global fandom all over the world who enjoys your works and are showing their support for you, as well as to new fans who might discover you through this interview.

Over the six months of filming, I was so happy to work alongside my fellow actors and seniors. I feel like I was able to grow a lot as an actor during that time. It’s such a bittersweet feeling now that it’s over. I’ll work hard so I can meet you again through more projects in the future. Thank you so much. I hope you have a warm end of the year, and I wish you only happiness! I love you all!!

What would Christmas be without an exclusive Ryu WonWoo Christmas card?! 🎄🎁

Make sure to stay tuned to Ryu WonWoo’s career and follow his Instagram for updates. We can’t wait to see what he achieves in 2025 and throughout the rest of his career!