Interesting Story
Every Episode is super interesting. Don't miss it. It is funny as well. The leads play the role so well especially the female lead is too good. I did not expect the male lead could act so well. wish to see him more Kdrmas in playing different roles and characters.It gets super funny when she has a memory of an old girl but taking a role of a student and still exhibiting the mature lady character is super funny. I loved all those scenes where she scolds them at the same time takes care of them as an adult.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Lovely Runner takes all the tropes and runs across the finish line for a spectacular finish
Lovely Runner was marketed as your run of the mill drama about a kpop idol and a fan falling in love after she traveled in time to save him. But what should've been an average romance drama became a worldwide phenomenon, thanks to three things: the actors, the writer and director, and the story being told.Kim Hye Yoon as Im Sol and Byeon Woo Seok as Ryu Sun Jae are standouts, both portraying their characters perfectly. They are their characters, Kim Hye Yoon was able to showcase several versions of Sol across time, each one different enough to be distinct but still recognizable as the same character. High school Sol, college Sol, and adult Sol are all different, even though they are all the same person. The writer apparently wrote this role with her in mind and it was the right choice, as KHY displays a wide range of emotions wonderfully. Byeon Woo Seok was a standout, his first leading role and he became a fan favorite, with everyone wanting their own Sunjae. A role that no one wanted to take on, but BWS made it his own. He played pop idol, high school athlete and college student, and made him every girl's dream. I couldn't even imagine some big names in this role, BWS is the perfect Sunjae.
The story is pretty simple (for a drama). A girl loves a kpop idol and when he suddenly dies she is able to time travel using his watch back to high school, when they were neighbors and she never knew, giving her an opportunity to save him. Using her knowledge of the future, and of her bias, Sol attempts to save his life and is given 3 chances to do so. At the same time she is given a chance to save herself from an accident that paralyzed her in high school, giving her another opportunity at living her dreams.
Watching Sol travel in time to save Sunjae over and over was full of angst, but at the same time the writer soothes the angst with heartwarming moments between Sol and Sunjae. The benefits of the time travel allow us to see three versions of their romance, high school, college, and adult. Writer Lee Si-Eun doesn't let up on the romance either, giving us multiple, multiple scenes of romantic moments - every romance kdrama fans' dream. So many dramas fall into the trap of getting characters together only to break them up for a nonsensical reason until they get back together at the very end. This cycle is overdone and not really fun to watch. We're here for the romance, so give it to us!
In the end this drama is perfect not because the story has no flaws, any story does. It's perfect because it does what it sets out to do, it gives us a romantic comedy that delivers on the romance and the comedy. So many dramas fall into a slump at the end, losing the momentum from the first half, but Lovely Runner never lets off the gas. Just when you think it's going to linger too long or introduce a new character to throw a wrench into things it doesn't.
Now who is this drama not for? People who need their time travel rules to be explained and function perfectly, who need the killer's drive and motivation to be explained, and those who want realism. This is not a sci-fi or crime drama, it's not realistic, so if you go in wanting these things you may be disappointed.
If you like romance, comedy, star-crossed lovers with some fantasy thrown in, this is for you. The last hour of this drama is mostly fluff and romance, a dream for any romance fan. Writer Lee Si-Eun avoided all the common pitfalls of kdrama writing and instead of sputtering out at the end, Lovely Runner goes out with a bang. It takes all the tropes and runs across the finish line for a spectacular finish. There's a reason this drama went from unknown to number one across the world so quickly, why Netflix is trying to capitalize on its success, and why people can't stop talking about it. This is the romance story we want more of, an organic (and orgasmic 😉) success that has become the best drama of 2024, and one that will be remembered for a long time.
Was this review helpful to you?
A lovely drama that keeps me hooked all the time!!
Actually at 1st I didn’t plan to watch this drama. Personally I don’t like drama with characters portraying idol. However, this drama is exceptionally beautiful n really out of my expectations. My sister who watched it 1st but later is me who fall harder. Everything about this drama the characters, storyline & OST is soooo GOOD. You will not get bored in each episode. There were no evil characters. Every character shine their own way. There were no other characters cuter than our SJ. His unconditional love to IS (Same goes to IS). SJ was so lovely n cute in all the scenes n exceptionally handsome on the last episode makes my heart fluttering nonstop. 🥰🥰🥰One of the BEST DRAMA EVER!! 👍👍👍👍👍
p/s: Thanks to my little sister who unintentionally bring me to this lovely drama.
Was this review helpful to you?
Dumb in the best possible way!
This drama has been a very fulfilling experience from beginning to end. Show of the year so far! A list of amazing elements:- The pilot episode: Hear me out, every kdrama so far for me has been a struggle to get into. No pilot episode by itself has ever held my attention the way this one did. KHY’s acting alone in the first episode was enough to pull me in. They did an Excellent job on writing the best pilot episode in the entire dramaland!
- Excellent FL! One of the best FL’s I’ve ever seen in a kdrama. She’s brave, determined abd puts him first almost everytime. Also, the actress is incredibly entertaining and has the most cheerful temperament. She’s a delight to watch!
- A ML who is worth all of the struggles! Sun Jae(a)… is sweet, shy, caring (the whole list of positive adjectives lol), but also kind of an idiot/loser in front of Im Sol. He truly brings life to the show with his smile and infectious energy. (And his ‘aggressive’ kissing scenes 😂)
- Usually I’m not the most interested in romantic shows, but this is certainly Romance done right! They’re overly cute, but when you consider the timelines and everything they went through, the cuteness/aegyo makes sense!
- The supporting cast (In Hyuk, grandma, Kim Tae Sung, mom, dad, manager) were all perfect in their respective roles. All of the supporting cast had their own mini story, and a purpose in the plot, which is refreshing since they weren’t simply adding pointless characters.
- The music/orgininal soundtrack from “Eclipse” charted for real in Korea, since that’s how amazing it is!
- Exceptional acting from all of the actors, but especially from BWS as this is his first large scale male lead role!
A few cons (unfortunately!) :
- I liked the best friend, but in the early episodes Im Geum and her story was the only parts I forwarded in the show. It didn’t hold my attention, seemed a little pointless, and it kind of made me cringe. (Like them happily married with kids in the future though!)
- Plot holes: regardless of how interesting or amazing the show is, it has quite a few plot holes. In one of the early episodes Sun Jae says “I would have still done swimming at 19 even if I knew how it would turn out.” That made me so sure he knew what was going on, or time travelled as well. Since the original webtoon has that story, perhaps they planned for it but changed it after? It was just a little strange that the ML ended up being more of Mary Sue character (very iconic lol) despite multiple parts that make you believe he knows what’s going on.
The time travel has some issues as well with timelines not matching up and some stuff they missed. Sun Jae’s unexplored depression and Sol’s disability were kind of pointless at the end and should’ve been explored more.
I’m not usually the person to say this, but there’s enough sadness and social commentary in real life. I like the idea of the leads having a miserable fate and a fun adventure which leads to a way happier ending. Ultimately, it’s good, direction, acting, singing, so I can overlook the writing here because of the joy these dumb characters bring. And the show is worth more than 1 watch, which isn’t something I’ve felt about any show before!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Never Have I Ever Imagine A Parasocial Relationship with My Idol
On the contrary by public prediction, I only cried once at the first episode because it reminds me so much about the moment we lost our dearest Jonghyun, RIP, we miss you so much...But boy do I giggled and slouching down at my seat in the office because I was...FLABBERGASTED? SHOOKED? for the rest of the show? HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!
You really cannot hate Im Sol (though I feel like she fainted too much and does questionable choices) her selflessness and her natural adorableness will make you fall in love, as quickly as Ryu Sunjae does probably. While Ryu Sunjae is potrayed as a cool and very unbothered king at first, once we figured he is a big fat loser it is hard not wanting to protect him at all cost (yes, he is 6 feet tall, what about it!)
Told about the Idol!Sunjae and Fan!Sol who met after a concert before a tragedy where Sunjae passed away falling down from his apartment. Sol wishes she can protect him from harm before finally traveling in time back to realize that they were both in the same timeline of life as classmates and Sol needs to convince the stranger Sunjae that in his future he has some kind of choices to avoid his death.
NO but when they traveled back in time and turns out to be classmates I was...prolifically GIGGLING, because never have I ever written me as a fan and my idol together in the parallel universe as someone who shares the same timeline with me like THAT! Though the context is very different, to imagine that Sol was very starstrucked to realize that her idol actually only her neighbour next door to see him just as Sunjae, the guy she likes has hit me like a freaking ROCK ON MY TOES. I adore the slow revelations at epilogue how we found out that Sunjae has his own history of feelings towards Sol and the first plot we have is actually not one-sided? At how Sol can possibly has different future because his feelings towards Taesung is also always reciprocated too in each timeline? WHOA, I AM.
What is lacking though is how time-travelling system is exclusive only to Sol that we as an audience is carried at Sol's perpective only and have limited creativity about how we wish or re-write different plot of the scenes. And, what vexed me too is the villain character who wants to harm Sol. It is unknown his motives so it seems really a nuisance to figure out how he still chases Sol and Sunjae through his adulthood too. If we are left with a motives or interlinked with their relationship, it probably makes even more sense that Sol and Sunjae will travel in time to fix that too.
While the story is focusing on how Sol and Sunjae starting different role of relationship in different timeline and roles, my liking to this story is that it also digs the matter of friendship and family. Not that just by time traveling we can see different choices of how they build friendships, it is also shows how Sol wishes to treat her mother and brother results to many kinder outputs and to Sunjae to understand his father a little bit more. The warmth this drama cooks is so comforting. The comedy of the friendships shared between Hyunju and Inhyuk with them is also laugh-worthy.
In my opinion, as a picky romance eater, I take a good small bites of this drama and ended up finishing a jar. It is a drama worth to watch by the end of the day. Without further more looking to analyze the drama though, I can enjoy most of the bits where they only stare at each other while I stare back at the wall in front of me wishing this happened to me instead (no, I don't want the nuisances Sol has ever occurred but...save me..180cm tall man...loser man....down bad for me first encounter man...)
Was this review helpful to you?
THE BEST DRAMA AND MAKE YOU FAIL TO MOVE ON THIS YEAR ESPECIALLY FOR THE DIMPLE COUPLE❤️
I rarely give a 10/10 rating for a drama the tallest 9.5/10, but Lovely Runner deserves a 10/10 rating because this drama is really good in terms of the actors' acting, the storyline, especially the OST especially (Sudden Shower, Run run, gift, spring now, may I love you, I think I did, and a day ).
every time I listen to it again it makes me remember this drama so it makes me sad for those who started watching it for fun on Viu when it was still eps 2 and until the end, I like it That's the original drama that made Failed to move on , where is my drama list no longer available to be able to move on from those that at the beginning were Monday and Tuesday, I just used it like a normal day, but since this drama aired, I like Mondays and Tuesdays.
But after this drama ended, it became sad and felt really empty😭 and this game will last for weeks🥲
Thank you lovely runner for the special Monday and Tuesday🥰❤️❤️
Was this review helpful to you?
where do i begin?
this is one of the best Kdrama of 2024. and tagal kong inignore tong palabas na to kahit lagi kong nakikita sa feeds ko kada scroll ko sa fb naspoil na nga ako dahil sa mga post, memes, and clips na nagkalat. i really don't have time to watch Kdrama at the moment pero luckily nagka long weekend kami di ko na rin natiis kaya pinanood ko na kahit on-going pa. sobrang nakakaadik talaga bawat episode never akong inantok never akong nagfast forward unlike sa mga previous Kdramas na di ko na papangalanan pero di ko talaga matapos tapos ang dami kong pending sa listahan ko hahahaha pero ito? juskolord tinapos ko talaga within the day hahahaha sobrang nakakatuwa yung mga silly funny moments nila. yung saya ko dito kasing level ng saya ko sa funny moments ng Waikiki at Weightlifting fairy kim bok joo. tbh di ako nagagwapuhan kay byeon woo seok before ilang beses ko na sya napanood sa Soulmate pati sa 20th century girl saka strong woman nam soon.dito sa lovely runner ibang klase yung charm nya shemay parang kpop idol talaga sya. ang ganda pati ng boses nya LSS ako sobra sa Sudden Shower sya pala talaga kumanta nun? tapos yung concert ng eclipse habang kinakanta ni sunjae yung sudden shower iba yung awra nya dun grabe naiiyak nalang ako sa sobrang melancholic nung pagkakanta nya. kung pwede lang sana magkaconcert sila as if naman kaya ko makanood if ever bwahahaha. pero overall sobrang ganda talaga netong Lovely Runner kahit gusto ko nalang sakalin yung taxi driver/killer na yan nang matapos na problema nila saka frustrating minsan si im sol ang reckless ng lola mo stubborn din eh i have nothing against kay hye yoon sobrang galing nyang artista hahagulgol ng iyak then after hahalakhak ang hirap kaya nun , ibiblame ko sa writers ng story yung frustations ko sa character nya hahaha
pero dahil sa palabas na to feeling ko naging high school ako ulit sobrang nostalgic yung feeling habang pinapanood ko to parang sarap mainlove ulit nowadays kasi ihi nalang nagpapakilig saken saka Kdrama bwaahahaha di ko kasi naranasan yung gantong klaseng love nung teenage years ko sadt hahaha pero thankful ako sa drama na to naging escape ko sya sa harsh reality ng buhay hahahahaaaays. anyways sana happy at satisfying ang ending nito at hindi open ended bittersweet ending gaya ng Extraordinary You kasi kung hindi naku sarap kalbuhin ng writers bwahahahaha.
Was this review helpful to you?
The Ultimate Romance Kdrama
This kdrama was the best kdrama I ever watched and it’s absolutely perfect ahhh 😌. If you like romance kdramas, you must watch this. The plot was really exciting, unexpected, well-paced and I never felt bored watching this show. The actors were so talented and attractive and had great chemistry together. Ryu Sun Jae was especially dreamy and soulful… he’s really the ultimate lover. The production and writing was top tier and every episode left me wanting for more. The sets were so scenic and the music was amazing too. I really can’t think of anything I hated about this show.Was this review helpful to you?
Indulgent Melo-Romance
If you can get past the corny writing, flawed plot, and lack of message or theme, then you’ve got a satisfying romance carried by strong acting (kim hyeyoon crushed!). Good chemistry, enjoyable acting…but the writing was so weak. At least the melodrama was kept at a simmer compared to other crash and burn melos. Overall, it’s a light weekend watch! It’s definitely not amazing, but hey — I was gagged enough to binge it in a single weekend.Kim Hyeyoon definitely deserves her flowers for this one —
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
DESTINY or COINCIDENCE, FIND THE RIGHT MOMENT
A time travel to save her idol. Go back to the past and try to change 2 things:- the accident in the swimming pool for him who left this sport and joined this boy band to end up committing suicide
- avoid the accident that forces her into a wheelchair.
It seems impossible to fight fate.
Many times he claims his love for her but it is never the right time. They are as close as 2 magnets but there is always something that divides them.
I really like their relationship, his awkwardness was so cute while she wanted to protect him, not to mention the "umbrella moments" that were the best.
Those tears in their eyes are touching and emotional. So cute together.
The thirteenth episode was the worst and also the last 3 episodes are badder than first 12.
Certain scenes and situations left me stunned. For example when he was stabbed and he's about to fall off the cliff, nobody help him... neither she nor one of the policemen!!! Disappointing
Was this review helpful to you?
Quero um Seon-jae pra mim!! kk
Nossa, eu me apaixonei muito pelos personagens principais. Acho que o que mais me envolveu foi a atuação magnífica deles, do que pela história em si. Até os personagens secundários eram magníficos. Não retiro o fato do enredo ser bom, mas acredito que tinha algumas coisas que poderiam ter sido melhor desenvolvidas. OST espetacular e envolvente! Você fica com ela na mente e não para de cantar. O carisma de BYEON WOO SEOK tornou a série ainda mais perfeita. O sucesso dele com ela é muito merecido!Was this review helpful to you?
Missing Sun Jae, Im Sol and Tae Sung!
I dunno, I wasn't expecting that high upon watching this drama, as I lost interest watching SoKor dramas. But, Lo and behold! It was interesting, funny, a lot of second hand embarrassing moments, frustrating at times, sweet and giggly moments, and a whole lot more.I love their friendship, the filial love, and the frustrating obsession with saving and preventing things to happen.
I was surprise with Beon Woo-seok! I enjoyed watching his scenes with everybody.
I love the cast, their chemistry, their dialogues, the scenes, OST, and all the crying moments and frustrating events and scenes.
I will definitely miss watching them, and I love Sun Jae but I also love Tae Sung as well. Hoping for more dramas from them.
Was this review helpful to you?
