• 'Scarlet Heart: Ryeo' is an upcoming South Korean drama based on the Chinese novel Bu Bu Jing Xin by Tong Hua.

'Scarlet Heart: Ryeo' is an upcoming South Korean drama based on the Chinese novel Bu Bu Jing Xin by Tong Hua. (Photo : YouTube/Baekhyun Exo)

EXO's Baekhyun, whose real name is Byun Baek-Hyun, reveals the reason why he did not take off his shirt for SBS's "Scarlet Heart: Ryeo." In the 20-episode historical drama, the 24-year-old K-pop idol portrays a playful prince, Wang Eun, tenth in line to the throne.


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On Aug. 16, Baekhyun, Lee Joon-Gi, Hong Jong-Hyun and Kang Ha-Neul welcomed fans on Naver's real-time broadcasting V-app to promote their upcoming SBS drama. Baekhyun, who is known for his well-sculpted six-pack abs, was then asked why he will not be showing his abs in "Scarlet Heart: Ryeo."

"I did not have abs at the time we filmed," Baekhyun responded with a grin. "Also, the character that I play is not a muscular guy with abs."

Baekhyun's character is described as a cheerful and bumbling prince, who loves games and has no interest in studying or politics, Drama Fever reported. He has an unrequited crush on Hae Soo (IU), but the two later become close friends.

In the recent press conference for SBS's "Scarlet Heart: Ryeo," the singer-turned-actor admitted that he was quite nervous about filming the show. The upcoming historical series marks Baekhyun's first drama debut.

Speaking before a predominantly Korean crowd, Baekhyun revealed that he asked fellow EXO member, D.O., what kind of person director Kim Gyu-Tae was before the drama started filming. The latter starred in PD Kim's 2014 SBS drama, "It's Okay, That's Love."

"D.O. said the director was such a good person that it was very comfortable and fun during shooting," Soompi quoted Baekhyun as saying. "Though I'm inexperienced, I think it wasn't as apparent because of the director's guidance."

Based on the Chinese novel "Bu Bu Jing Xin" by Tong Hua, "Scarlet Heart: Ryeo" follows a young woman from the 21st century, Go Ha-Jin (IU), who suffers a near-fatal accident that sends her back in time to the Goryeo Dynasty during King Taejo's (Jo Min-Gi) reign. She finds herself trapped in the body of a 16-year-old, Hae Soo.

There, Hae Soo acquainted with King Taejo's (Jo Min-GI) sons, including the cold, ruthless fourth prince, Wang So (Lee), who makes other people tremble with fear.

"Scarlet Heart: Ryeo" will begin airing on Aug. 29. Check out the trailer below: