Ryu Seung-su reveals 20-year bond with Bae Yong-joon

Actor Ryu Seung-su is drawing attention as he reveals a special bond with Hallyu (Korean Wave) star Bae Yong-joon that has lasted for over 20 years. Their friendship is being highlighted through stories ranging from Bae contacting Ryu first whenever he visits Seoul, to sending expensive gifts to his family and showing deep consideration on filming sets, proving their relationship is much more than just being colleagues.

Ryu appeared on the 'K-Variety Odyssey' special episode of MBC's 'Radio Star' aired on the 2nd, revealing his long-standing intimacy with Bae. Other guests on the program included Jo Hye-ryun, Japanese actor Show Kasamatsu, and OH MY GIRL's Mimi, who shared their respective experiences with activities in Korea and the entertainment industry.

Introducing Ryu, MC Kim Gu-ra mentioned, "He is the only friend Yon-sama contacts when he comes to Seoul." This prompted Ryu to recount several anecdotes from his past with Bae.

In particular, stories from the time he spent with Bae in Japan caught people's attention. Ryu recalled, "When we came out of a restaurant, Japanese fans would swarm us. Before I knew it, I was protecting Bae Yong-joon, and at one point, I was even driving his car for him."

This anecdote demonstrates the level of public influence Bae wielded in Japan. The 2002 KBS drama 'Winter Sonata' gained explosive popularity in Japan, changing the perception of Korean dramas and actors. Bae built an unrivaled stardom known as 'Yon-sama' by combining his image with the characters Kang Joon-sang and Lee Min-hyung from the work. It was a period when it was routine for Japanese fans to swarm wherever he moved.

When being with Bae, Ryu's role naturally changed. He mentioned that he sometimes headed to the filming set after receiving a call from Bae's manager, saying, "Bae Yong-joon would be angry. I would check who had upset him and try to lighten the atmosphere on set."

Kim Gu-ra drew laughter by describing Ryu as Bae's 'security blanket.' However, behind this seemingly joking expression lies the context that the two are more than just colleagues who appeared in the same work; they are a relationship that has understood each other's personalities and situations for a long time.

The connection between the two dates back to 'Winter Sonata.' Recalling his first experience acting in a drama at the time, Ryu revealed, "I got scolded a lot by the director, but Bae Yong-joon was the only one who took my side. He comforted me, asking why the director was being so angry."

Bae's consideration did not stop with individual actors. According to Ryu, during cold filming sessions, Bae gifted high-quality thermal underwear to the entire staff. This was an action taken in consideration of the production team, who were exposed to long periods of outdoor filming in freezing temperatures. Ryu recalled, "I almost cried at that moment."

An anecdote about Bae's 'generous gifting' was also revealed. Ryu stated that during his child's first birthday party, Bae sent a set consisting of a bracelet, necklace, and ring from a luxury jewelry brand. This is significant not just because of the high value of the items, but because it shows the relationship has expanded to caring for family celebrations.

Ryu also seems to regard his relationship with Bae as a special bond. In the entertainment industry, where countless actors and production staff cross paths, personal trust and emotional bonds are essential for a relationship formed through a single work to be maintained for over 20 years.

With 'Winter Sonata' as a turning point, Bae became a symbol of the overseas expansion of Korean popular culture. Since then, he has been active through films like 'THE CHASER' and dramas like 'The Legend,' and has expanded his scope beyond acting into production and investment. Since marrying actress Park Soo-jin in 2015, he is known to have significantly reduced his broadcasting activities and lives primarily in Hawaii, USA.

Ryu is also an actor who has widely portrayed everything from unique supporting roles to major characters in Korean films and dramas over a long period. Starting with the film 'Three Men' in 1997, he has shown impressive acting in works such as 'Zoo near the Art Museum,' 'Dalmaya Nolja,' 'The Front Line,' 'THE CHASER,' and 'Empire of Gold,' and has also been active in variety shows based on his characteristic realistic way of speaking.

The reason their relationship feels special is not because of their current fame, but rather the depth of time that has passed since the beginning of the Hallyu (Korean Wave) heyday. The friendship between a mega-star called 'Yon-sama' and an actor continued outside of their work and has expanded into a bond that cares for one another's families.