Korean Drama Review: Lovely Runner
If you still haven’t watched Lovely Runner, you’re surely living under a rock.
Just kidding.
Probably not. 😅
It’s on Netflix, FYI.
Lead Cast: Byeon Woo Seok, Kim Hye Yoon, Song Geon Hee and Lee Seung Hyub
Directors: Yoon Jong Ho, Kim Tae Yeop
Written by: Lee Si Eun
Streaming on: Viki, Netflix
No. of Episodes: 16
Disclaimer: I have nothing but praise for Lovely Runner, so consider this a 100% biased review.
Plot: Lovely Runner follows the journey of Im Sol, a devoted fan of Ryu Sun Jae, an idol. After an accident leaves her disabled, Sun Jae’s comforting words help her regain confidence. However, when Ryu Sun Jae tragically takes his life due to depression, Im Sol gets an opportunity to travel back in time and save him. As she attempts to rewrite the past, she unknowingly alters the future. Little does she know that Sun Jae has always loved her and that her future was meant to include him all along.
I know time travel and meeting someone like Sun Jae is pure fantasy. Still, Lovely Runner honestly made me reflect on my own life and whether I’m truly living it to the fullest.
💖💖💖
The pre-release struggle was real
Lovely Runner faced its share of scrutiny and challenges even before its release. Reports mentioned production delays that stretched over three years before Byeon Woo Seok was cast as Ryu Sun Jae.
There were also rumours suggesting a connection to SHINee’s Jonghyun, with similarities in timelines and the main character’s idol career, sparking speculation. CJ ENM quickly dismissed these claims, and viewers soon realized that the rumours were just that unnecessary speculations, after watching the drama.
The series is based on the 2020 web novel Tomorrow’s #1.
If you have no plans this weekend, here are seven compelling reasons to watch Lovely Runner. Even if you have plans, do make the time. You can thank me later.
Time travel done well
The time travel element is woven seamlessly into the storyline. It complements the story rather than being a forced element that overshadows it. The time travel element influences the characters’ arc and relationships and eventually leads to a happy ending. It adds layers to their journeys and creates compelling dramatic tension.
There’s a consistent set of rules, for example, Im Sol wasn’t allowed to talk about the future when she time travels, which helped avoid confusion and enabled Im Sol to think of more creative ways to rewrite the past.
In A Time Called You, which aired in 2023, the impact of time travel felt more superficial. There were difficulties in maintaining a coherent time-travel logic throughout. In Lovely Runner, everything’s well thought out and well executed.
Convincing performances, real feels
Where do I even begin? The lead pair (or OTP as we call it) showcased some of the best chemistry I’ve seen in a long time. Both these amazing actors lived as Im Sol and Ryu Sun Jae but Hye Hoon as Im Sol truly stood out. Her raw frustration, anxiety, and anger over the accident and failure to save her idol felt real, while her sharp comic timing and chemistry with the supporting cast made her performance even more impressive.
Not to forget, the birthday video she made for Tae Song is living rent-free in my head.
Girl, I would watch any drama or movie you act in. Just take my money.
Now, now, let’s not overlook the handsome, cute and charming Ryu Sun Jae brought to life by Byeon Woo Seok. I’m so glad that Woo Seok played this character and rose to fame after struggling in this industry for years. I cannot imagine anyone else playing the role of Sun Jae.
The chemistry between the male and female leads is fantastic, with both actors supporting each other and letting the other shine. Their adorable interactions were so convincing that many viewers speculated they might be dating in real life.
Kim Tae Sung and Baek In Hyuk also deserve a shoutout. I’d happily adopt both of them as my bffs. Song Geon Hee plays Tae Sung so effortlessly that it’s easy to believe he’s genuinely charming. He is that lovable second lead who always looks out for Im Sol while playfully annoying Ryu Sun Jae. Baek In Hyuk, played by Lee Seung Hyub, is that friend who adds a touch of magic to special moments, like sprinkling flower petals from the rooftop when you’re proposing to the loyal but might also show up drunk to crash a romantic evening. We all need friends like these.
The supporting cast also deserves a standing ovation. Jun Young Joo as Im Sol’s mother, Seo Hye Won as her friend, Sung Byung Sook as her grandmother, and Kim Won Hae as Sun Jae’s father, among others, all contribute immensely to making Lovely Runner unforgettable.
A multi-genre drama that caters to everyone
Looking for a romantic drama? Lovely Runner has you covered! Craving a thriller? It’s got that too! Into mysteries? Absolutely! Family drama? It’s all here!
While romance is a given, the time travel and thrilling elements add layers of mystery and excitement to what could have been a straightforward rom-com. It offers something for everyone without overwhelming anyone.
The epic kiss scene
Where do I begin? As a single woman in her 30s, if a passionate kiss scene between the OTP makes me sigh with frustration, then it’s a pretty good kiss scene. And there’s more.
In this scene, they begin kissing, but Sun Jae pauses to look at her, clearly longing for more, before diving back in with renewed passion. That brief moment of affirmation makes it my favourite kissing scene. The way they gaze at each other with such tenderness just does it for me. I need a breather after that, even if they don’t.
Warm fuzzies guaranteed
What makes a movie or series a feel-good one? Is it the warmth, positivity or emotional satisfaction from watching characters grow? Or it is the likeable characters, humour, OSTs and happy endings? Lovely Runner has them all.
Verdict
Lovely Runner kept me on my toes and it was refreshing, to say the least. It is easy to root for the characters since they are relatable and endearing. The story revolves around finding joy in simple things in life. Even though a serial killer is lurking throughout the series, the drama is sprinkled with moments of humour, keeping the tone light and enjoyable. Not to forget, the themes of perseverance and self-discovery help us reflect on the lives we’ve lived so far.
