Lovely Runner

My favorite

This has become my favorite, over 25/21 because of the happy ending. There was so much tugging at my heart strings that the happy ending made it all worth it.

First of all, the lyrics and songs really made a difference for how the scenes brought out certain emotions that were hidden beneath subconscious for me. I lost a love partner years ago, and the lyrics from rain shower would have me in tears every single time. I would, really would, have gone back in time to protect him as well, in this lonely world. Our time together was a gift from heaven to me. 😭

I easily watched it for the second time after I watched another show in between. There were details I skipped over or wasn't paying attention to the first time I watched it.

The emoting of the ML is especially real. The female lead irritated me at times with what felt like a fake cute smile. She honestly does better without the high school bangs lol. No points taken off though, didn't affect the overall plot.

The last 2 episodes were so surprising. In fact the entire show is laid out with surprising scenes and story lines here and there. It was very entertaining and oftentimes hilarious.

This was a brilliant show and will be hard to top.

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Started off great, ended up disappointed

Initially, I thought this kdrama would be a refreshing story about depression, disability, and fate. But of course, it ended up being just another kdrama with a meaningless serial killer driving the plot. Honestly, the serial killer is my biggest gripe about this series. He's a nobody antagonist who came out of nowhere with a grudge against the leads for no reason. They spent zero time fleshing him out, with no mention of his motivations, backstory, challenges, nothing. He's simply a plot device driving the couple apart and back together. Not to mention how they quickly killed him off at the end and then boom happy ending everyone's happy. However, Im Sol and Seon Jae were delightful to watch, and their chemistry was amazing. The comedic moments were well executed, and their story was touching. But I can't help but feel the story could have been so much more. If they had followed through with their setup: a story about a disabled woman and a depressed idol, where she goes back in time to save him from himself, the story would have been so much more impactful. I really don't like how they just discarded those plots. All of Im Sol's struggles with her disability and Seon jae's struggles with burnout and fame are just thrown out the window in favor of a generic serial killing taxi driver. If I rewatch this, it will be for the couple and the comedy aspect, because the plot really disappointed me.

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A total fan service!

Before starting the review, I'll share my experience while watching "Lovely Runner." For the first time, I followed a show from Day 1 to the last episode. I used to wait eagerly for each new episode to be released and would watch it immediately—not just to avoid spoilers, but because the show had me giggling, kicking my feet, blushing, and feeling stressed all at the same time ><

Let's start the review now?!

The story of the show “Lovely Runner” is centered on Im Sol, a hardcore fan who is heartbroken by the sudden death of her favorite idol, Sun Jae, as he tragically dies. As she is in the process of accepting his fate of death, Im Sol travels back in time to 2008 when Sun Jae is still a teenager. Not wanting to see her beloved one in his tragic ending, she attempts to alter his destiny.

Ryu Sun Jae?! WHERE do I start from, gosh?! HE is the need of the hour, for saving humanity and preserving human sanity HAHA. Byeon Woo Seok breathed life into Sun Jae like no other actor could. He was made for this role, setting a standard for male leads in the drama world. Sun Jae is such a refreshing character, brimming with expressions, energy, and excitement. From his giggles and blushes to his veins and vulnerability in love, I was in love with him 🤣And HE graduated from the University of Loserism with flying marks(⁠◠⁠‿⁠◕⁠)

Im Sol, the most adorable munchkin FL. Hye Yoon has captured my heart with her talent for portraying angst. Honestly, I did enjoyed her character. It made sense for her to hesitate, worry, and push away the ML to *some extent*. However, her decision-making lacked rationality. It's understandable that she often acted impulsively due to her circumstances, but when you are stuck in a never-ending cycle, it's important to take a step back and think logically, that's how I felt about it.

The chemistry between our leads was adorable, full of giggles and blushes, which might make you cringe (no, it is not! I'm just jealous because I haven't experienced this kind of love yet TT). They were a swoon-worthy couple that makes you want to experience a Wattpad romance irl, filled with countless little gestures, that gets you screaming externally/internally(⁠ ⁠ꈍ⁠ᴗ⁠ꈍ⁠)

Tae Seong is now added to list of my favorite second male leads. He's non-problematic and full of fun. There was never a dull scene with him. I enjoyed his dynamic with Sol a lot. I wished they had given us more of his bromance with Sun Jae. I appreciate that the writer's made Tae Seong likable yet he never over powered the ML, and thus no SLS in this one.

Im Sol's Brother and her friend's story was veryyy random and off for most of the time, like it was too RANDOM to have a opinion about it. I felt like I'm watching a different show altogether, I skipped their scenes at times ngl. NO BRAINER in simple words.

Supporting characters were very nice as well, like no unreasonably bitch behaviour by either parents of the leads. I love how loving and supportive they were towards their kids and bickering is fine with me♡

OST's that you definitely need to check out!
• Sudden Shower by ECLIPSE
• Like a dream by MINNIE
• Spring Snow by 10 cm
All these OST's were so soothing to hear, I listen to them ON LOOP, no joke!

So where it went wrong for me:
•The time travel elements were frustrating to watch at times, with decisions feeling impromptu and unplanned.
•Use of misunderstanding as plot developments
•The female lead constantly pushing the male lead away, repeatedly, was tiring to watch after a point.
•The murder mystery plot was initially engaging but became frustrating due to its lack of motivation and random developments.
•The repetitive flashbacks, showing the same scenes over and over, were also annoying.
•Tae Seong not getting enough screen timeರ⁠_⁠ರ

This was a plot-driven drama that started off fast-paced with many rapid development happening in the initial episodes. However, by episodes 10-11, it slowed down. Comedic elements took over, and some scenes felt like fillers to many of the viewers. I didn't mind personally because the comedic timing in this drama was extremely on point but there were many flashbacks and repetitive scenes, so I ended up skipping scenes here and there.

Overall, Lovely Runner is a fluffy watch (can't say that, mystery plot can be frustrating and too stressful at times). But it offers plenty of giggles and a refreshing take on the romance genre. With great comedic timing and some interesting plot developments, bits of dumb writing but remains an entertaining watch rather than a flawless one.

If you're looking for a solid, no-loopholes story, intellectual time travel drama, this isn't it. The time travel aspect is far from perfect. But if you watch it as a romantic comedy, you'll be entertained.

Thank you for reading my review ^^
END

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I am in love!

I don't even know where to start, so I'll just say this: Go watch it if you haven't!!!
From the casting to the story to the ost, everything was absolutely amazing. So much so that I want to rewatch it already.

Firstly the cast: Byeon Wooseok and Kim Hyeyoon have such amazing chemistry, which just made it easy to get super invested in their story. I was all in after the pilot already and that is something not many (if any) dramas have ever achieved. Aside from the two leads, I also liked all the side characters a lot. For once, I didn't fall victim to the second lead syndrome because Ryu Seonjae is just THAT GUY. Somehow Byeon Wooseok manages to convincingly play both a teenager and a 30-something year old, despite knowing he is the latter in real life. And then there's Kim Hyeyoon who just made me feel all of the same emotions as her, her acting is just so great. It constantly made me wonder what I would do in her situation and often times I could so viscerally feel her desperation.

As for the story: I really wasn't sure about how they would carry out the plot and still keep it engaging but they totally exceeded my expecations. The first eight episodes (roughly) set up lots of background info but without feeling too overwhelming or boring. In the second half of the drama is where shit really goes down, though that is not to say that the first half is unnecessary or not enjoyable. On the contrary, it sets up all the characters and their backstories nicely which really gave me the time to get invested and attached to them. There is not a single episode that I can think of that was even the slightest bit boring to me.

Lastly the ost: when I say that this is my favorite ost of all, I'm not exaggerating at all. All of the songs are amazing but I just love it when the one of the leads sings one of the songs because it just adds so much to the drama for me. Considering Seonjae is an idol, it only made sense for Wooseok to sing an ost and he delivered!!! I've been listeing to Sudden Shower, Spring Snow and of course A Day (where my other atinys at?) so much and I can't get enough. Every time I heard Jonghos voice, I knew I was about to cry and I can't even be mad because it's so beautiful. All of the songs were just so perfect in conveying the mood of the scenes.

So to end it I just want to say: this is an amazing drama and I would love to see more from this production crew, they really did a great job at bringing an awesome cast together with a great story and ost.
When I tell you I cried at least once watching most of the episodes, I'm being entirely honest. This drama was an emotional rollercoaster, in a good way.
Also watching this as it was still airing was certainly good test of my patience because I could barely wait for the next two episodes at the start of every week. Can't wait to rewatch this and be able to binge it in a few days!

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A Love Story for the Ages

He is willing to die as many times as it takes just to keep her safe, and she is willing to sacrifice even her own happiness if it meant he could live even just one more day.

This drama is the definition of a romance for me. Sure there's fantasy, and comedy, and some family stuff, some thriller and action. But more than any of that, this is the story of 2 people falling in love and loving each other, no matter what timeline they may find themselves in. A love so good you just find yourself kicking and squealing and rooting for our leads so hard.

It starts off like what the synopsis says - a fan travelling back in time to prevent her ult from dying. But by the end, you're not even rooting for the fan to get together with their idol. You're rooting for the boy next door to finally get the girl.

It's been a few weeks and I still can't get enough of this drama. My suggestion for anyone who's debating watching this is to just try it. Watch until at least episode 2 because if you're not hooked within the first 10 minutes of episode 1, maybe that's where it'll get you. I know I was.

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The Hype is Real, at least to me!

This is my first ever review on MDL. I am writing 3 days after LR ended because I needed to make sure that the hype is real, at least to myself lol

I love this series but I don't believe that 100% of everyone will agree with me. It is true to any series. As such, for anyone looking for a recommendation, mine is to just give this 2 episodes. At the end of episode 2, if it doesn't excite you, please drop it and count is as your gain, not even loss because you just saved 14 hours of your life to do stuff that you want.

For myself, I started following this series from the very beginning, before all the hype started. I was sucked in after the very first 10 minutes, before BWS was even properly introduced. KHY was the reason I stayed on and BWS made the ride that much more exciting, together with her. I cannot remember the last time I ever cared so much about 2 fictional characters, to the point where my heart aches just imagining the amount of grief that Sol had to go through each time she loses SJ. Even now, 3 days after the end, my heart still aches despite it being a HE because that was just how vested I was in them.

I am so grateful to be alive to have witness such a beautiful love story. It is also a gentle reminder to myself that even though I am in my 50s, it doesn't mean I can't continue to give my very best in everything I do, even if it's simple things like preparing a meal for my family or seeing my husband off to work, just like what SJ did so joyfully for IS.

Thank you to the team that made LR possible. I truly do not think it will be easy to find another series that will be able to capture my entire attention right from the start. I am just grateful that I was able to experience one this lifetime.

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lighthearted stretched out romance

the show is lighthearted. even at the most 'thrilling' moments, the show doesn't really take itself seriously that way. those moments are a shock value at best.
watch if you want a feel good but mildly complicated mildly funny show. the romance is like high school romance x idol-fan romance. fluffy puppy love?.
plot:
it's nothing new. but some elements in the first episode drew me in. like a fl in a wheelchair. i liked her acting. but this angle wasn't explored much, to my disappointment. All other serious topics like suicide, suicide prevention etc are also conveniently wrapped up, and discarded. TBH, if the first ep wasnt so serious-like i wouldnt have watched the show.
romance is the center in this drama. literally, the side characters' arcs are all over the place. There are many 'twists', that seem very unnecessary. They drag the show on and make it very tiring. i feel like the show could've been a lot more crisp.
similarity with extraordinary you:
KHY's character, IS is the heavy lifter of the show. she's running around and doing all of the 'stuff'. others just exist or show up in the nick of time. The tunnel focus on the romance is also similar in nature. There's also no villain per say.
that is why I feel like the target audience of the show must be younger people. like middle schoolers. the pining nature of the romance, the stretched out length, slight sprinkle of danger, whiny dialogue delivery (much to my chagrin). yaah.
nature of romance:
since romance is the centre point, i feel like it deserves a section. Both fl and ml are really into each other. They have good chemistry. I didnt find any glaring problematic sequences of mistreatment or abuse. The ml is green flag. The poor chap is clueless all the time, yet he figures what the fl is upto just by observing her. He's into her that much. They both put the other before themselves, so it checks out. The theme / flavour of romance changes according to the setting. idol x fan, next door neighbor, school sweethearts, longtime flame. Highlights a 'against all odds approach' . "No matter what the situation or stakes, my choice shall be the same". It was heartwarming to watch.
honorable mentions:
Tae song, his arc changes quite a bit. not explored much
In Hyuk, ultimate wingman.
Grandma, attempt of writers to make sense the 'twists'.

If you liked extraordinary you i think you will like this too. Dont go in expecting something serious. Its all just very lighthearted. not serious at all.

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Good but not great

First off, I really love all the actors. Byeon Woo Soek has solidified his place as an A list actor in Korea. I first saw him in Record of Youth but this role is where he really shined. He has come a long way.

I have to say, I did not like the script. I hated the back and forth so many times and just couldn’t keep up.

The music was fantastic. “Rain Shower” is so beautiful. And!!!!! “A Day” by my favorite group (Ateez) member Jongo!! So great!

Also, it was funny how the “bromance” reminded me of True Beauty. I really liked the other guy and also her brother and family!

It took me forever to get through this series but I’m glad I did. As for time travel though, I prefer Twinkling Watermelon.

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Unbeliebubble and Amazing Leads with an Isekai Twist!

Story:
The drama is based from a manhwa called best of tomorrow! The drama is well written with the perfect balance and ingredients of romance, comedy, suspense and a bit of a twist. True to the manhwa, our main lead accidentally isekai'ed to the past and given an opportunity to work on changing fate. Filled with lovveable characters and heartwarming romance. I love the fact that they've given more depth on our female lead and showed us the reason why she truly became a fan. The drama has also showed us the male lead's POV and its truly a gem to watch and see how their story unfolds.

Cast
As Im Sol's words, UNBELIEBUBBLE! HAHA! The chemistry from the two main leads down to the supporting cast is truly awesome! My screen was on FIRE from the chemistry of the main leads. The characters navigate the past and young love, pure and intense is both entertaining and suspenseful. Reminiscent of the olden day.My heart kept thumping and made it beat like how I've fallen in love for the first time. I love that the characters remain true to their little quirks and personalities. Example is that when Sun Jae woud like to hide, he always uses the blanket, how he is always a go getter from trying to pursue to act, or win a mobile device, to be with her in one room or act on his feelings when his older.Their dynamic is so n'sync and that I felt I truly live in their world!

Music
Is 10/10. It encapsulated the drama's pacing, funny and unforgetable moments. I have the songs as a favourite in my playlist.

Rewatch value
This is worth a rewatch and I've recommended this to my friends. I've watching it for the 2nd time this weekend! Truly a gem!

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The best of 2024

As what Time Magazine said, the best of 2024; well deserve award!...

I had no expectations when i watch the drama, just seeing comments on why people are loving it, man after watching it, i cant help but wanting to watch more of it and was hooked every mondays and tuesdays.

Its very rare to have a drama that is fast paced all the way up to ep10 and eps 2, 8 and 16, are personal favourites. The drama took more than 10 months to film due to change in director/direction, and it was definately a worthwhile changes and investment.

Funny and heartfelt... best part is, the happy happy ending! Enough said ❤️❤️❤️

Opsss lets not forget, the OST... by Eclipse, Ryu Sun jae aka BWS.... Run Run, Sonaki and Minnie's Like a Dream 🫰🫰🫰

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Memories don’t disappear.

I've always found it strange when they put crime and romance together, and it's quite common in dramas, but I have to say that this is one of those dramas that will live on for free in my mind.

The story centres on Sol, who has suffered an accident and is unfortunately unable to walk. One day she gets a call from a radio competition saying that she's won some trainers or a bicycle. Upset that she's not wearing any of those things, she screams a lot and a voice (who were guests on the programme) from one of the members of Eclipse, a kpop band, encourages her to live.
So she became a fan of them and especially of the lead singer.

The lead singer dies years later, and she goes back in time to save him.

Sounds cliché, doesn't it?

But through all these journeys and deaths, Sol discovers many things, tries to change others and continues to live and know how to live.

The soundtrack is fantastic!!! how could I not have heard N.Flying? The whole ost is beautiful!

And Sol's grandmother? the explanation she gives for her dementia made me cry.

Sol's brother's side story is quite comical and I actually enjoyed it.
As for Taesung, he was a completely different character if he hadn't met Sol, and even though he ignored her in the past, it made him a better person. I really liked him!

I would watch this drama again and laugh like an idiot again

Memories don’t disappear. Where do you think all the countless memories of what you see, listen, and feel in your life go? They’re all smeared into my soul. Even if my brain forgot them, my soul hasn’t. It’s been keeping every piece of it.” – Grandma

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