Get to Know ‘Run On’ Lead Star Im Si Wan, Your Newest K-Crush
Feb 9, 2021 • Meryl Medel
Korean drama Run On is catching the audience’s attention as a slice-of-life drama that delves into interpersonal conflicts (as opposed to uncontrollable external forces) while maintaining a quirky yet chill vibe. It tells the love story of a formerly popular track star turned sports agent Ki Seon Gyeom (Im Si Wan) and film translator Oh Mi Joo (Shin Se Kyung). While the story itself is compelling enough to hold our attention, another of the drama’s draw is the charming smile of lead actor Im Si Wan. In case you still need convincing to see him onscreen, let’s get to know Run On lead star Im Si Wan.
He is a member of ZE:A
형식이가 오늘 성공적으로 팬미팅을 마쳤습니다~^^ 함께 한 시간이 정말 즐거웠고, 앞으로 더더욱 많은 팬분들과 좋은 시간이 더더욱 많아지길 응원합니다!!! #착하고 #예의바른고 #다정하고 #열정넘치고 #연기잘하고 #노래잘하는 #형ㅅ……. #나 pic.twitter.com/EPfK2AvYCc
— Siwan (@Siwan_ZEA) July 2, 2017
Yes, ZE:A, the very same group which fellow actor Park Hyung Sik (from Strong Girl Bong-Soon and many others) is also a member of. The two actor-slash-idols often get drinks together. “It’s really fun even if it’s just the two of us together. We can talk about anything because we’ve seen both the good and bad sides of each other. It’s fun and hilarious even if we have trivial conversations,” Im Si Wan shared. In fact, according to interviews and broadcasts, the two are very close to the point that they call each other “soulmates”!
He changed his name before his debut
The singer-actor actually had a different name before he debuted. He was born as Im Woong Jae, and once he was legal, changed his first name before his debut with ZE:A.
He knows how to play the violin and guitar
When he was a child, Im Si Wan learned to play the violin at the behest of his parents. He brought this skill with him to his debut in ZE:A. In concerts and fan meetings, he sometimes plays the violins for performances.
He’s a really smart guy
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Before he decided to pursue his singing and acting career full time, Im Si Wan was admitted to the mechanical engineering department of Busan National University. He actually scored 450 out of 500 in his entrance exam! However, he dropped out to pursue his idol career.
He still continued studying while working
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Despite dropping out of his engineering program in Busan National University, Im Si Wan continued pursuing higher studies at Woosung Information College, all while juggling his projects in ZE:A and his own solo projects as a singer and actor. Talk about an efficient multi-tasker!
He used to be a tutor
Before he made his singing and acting career his full-time job, Im Si Wan had offered tutorial services to students online. In an old post that fans found, he said he’s a first-year mechanical engineering student in Busan National University who could tutor students in subjects like English, Math, and others. The post was made under his birth name, Im Woong Jae.
He performed outstandingly during his enlistment
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During his military enlistment in 2017, Im Si Wan was awarded the special class soldier badge within two months of his enlistment. This meant that he achieved outstanding scores in all categories, including shooting and strength.
You might have seen him in earlier dramas like Moon Embracing the Sun
Before Run On, you might have already seen Im Si Wan in other dramas. He recently starred in psychological thriller Strangers for Hell alongside Lee Dong Wook (of Goblin fame) and in the historical romance The King in Love as the titular character with Girls’ Generation’s Im Yoon Ah. But one of his most memorable roles may be his acting debut in Moon Embracing the Sun as young Heo Yeom, the older brother of the female lead.
What else do you know about actor Im Si Wan? Tell us below!
