Lovely Runner

To enjoy the drama without an unbiased perspective

Will it live up to your expectations? 𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦.
(from someone who watched from beginning to end during streaming season)

You must go into this show without any expectations and despite being recommended by a friend, I listened to her explanation and it helped understand the story a bit more before going in. The only thing I asked her to clarify was the relationship between her and the male lead. I will not watch it if I knew it was a love story between idol and fan B/C IT IS NOT. So first, you must listen to a honest good review before deciding whether you would like the show! (it might not always be your taste but it will always be someone else's and don't criticize ppl for saying it is their fav because as someone who barely watch k-dramas, it is one of my top ones). If you expect people to respect your opinion, you must respect someone else's.

And remember, there are three instances of their love occurrences and progression of the story [high school, college and corporate]. It is an entire package of love sequences which is why I love this drama a lot! You can see their growth as time progresses. The acting is comedic at times and emotional to the point my heart aches for them to be tgt.

THE STORY

It all starts with a woman in her 30s who came back to the past to save a man, who has wrongfully met his demise. Sol and Sunjae’s fates intertwined with their first encounter — when Sol mistaken Sunjae for a delivery man. She called “Ajusshi!” She gracefully ran in his direction and under that rain or perhaps it was definitely love at first sight, Sol came into his life.

Sunjae was someone who loved to swim, but he hated the rainy days a lot because it reminded him of the days he used to swim and stopped due to a long-term injury. Because of his first and only love, he started loving the rainy days.

It’s only fair to mention that Sol doesn’t know who Sunjae is or at all who he was before Sol became Sunjae’s fan. She became a fan because on live broadcast, Sunjae has to dial a random stranger and give them a message of motivation. It’s no stranger that Sunjae would decide to dial Sol’s phone number. Sol picked it up while not in a good mood, lashed out. She couldn’t stand having such a miserable life — all while holding a piece of glass and almost about to kill herself. Sunjae’s voice came through so smoothly and peacefully that Sol was moved. She was bound to be moved by it.

“Please continue to live because the weather is nice today. If it starts to rain then you could wait until after the rain has stopped then continue to live again.”

I don't know about you, but going into this drama, I had zero expectations whether I would experience similar tropes to other dramas but at that moment, I felt something and I started crying when Sol was screaming, the pain of losing her legs and all at once lashing out --- not knowing he was the one who saved her. And Sol also didn't know she would be met with kindness and such words turned her into a fan. And I think the time-travel allows for them both to meet and understand each other's hardships and one, Sol isn't time-traveling for Sunjae; it is for HERSELF and her LOVE STORY.

It’s brilliant because Sol told the same thing to 19-year-old Sunjae exactly: “Sunjae-ya, someone told me that you should live because the weather is nice today. And you could wait till the rain stops then live your life again.” She said that because at the time, she believed Sunjae was overwhelmed by the internet hateful
comments and chose to commit suicide.

CLIMAX

The killer, despite not knowing why he’s choosing to go after our main leads, doesn’t mean he’s unimportant but whether important to the entire plot line. If there’s more episodes, I think the drama would’ve been a masterpiece of a masterpiece. The killer not having ties to both leads is a great choice because there’s no need for a pity story but whether he’s there b/c he’s crazy and like most stories, he is there as he exists. The show dealt with many themes of self-acceptance, suicide, and disability — while yes, love is the main theme but I think it give people an alternate reality where you can change your fate and in this case, be with a love that’s out of reach.

The ability for Sol to time-travel was a watch that Sunjae used to wear.

While Sol remained as herself and dated Taesong as her 19-year-old self — when she went back in time, 34-year-old Sol didn’t interfere and simply told him to treat Sol well. She continued searching for answers and ways to protect Sunjae — which in the process, she loads herself with so much love and also suffered at the price of losing it all when Sunjae dies again.

First time slip, Sunjae and Sol met which shouldn’t have originally happened so the watch brought her back into the present immediately when Taesong basically confesses his love as well to Sol. Sol knows 19-year-old her knows nothing and will accept it. Fate can’t be overturned and Sol respects it. But I think it gets troublesome for Sol as she knows very well that Sunjae likes her as well.

The second time, our Sol went back basically, to correct her past wrongdoings, and to face the embarrassing occurrences by her 19-year-old self but once again, she respects what her old self have done and what choices she has made back then. Despite being in a relationship with Taesong, Sol’s goal never changed though, and that is to save Sunjae. While keeping a relationship with Taesong, Sunjae grew a bit jealous but of course in a good way — he’s always trying to improve himself for Sol. Just Sol’s presence makes Sunjae anxious, and he realizes that he would never move on from Sol even if she dates someone else. I think it’s brilliant that the director made Sol listen to the MP3 where Sunjae confessed “I like you, Sol” all in the action of Sunjae quickly appearing into Sol’s view and said, “I like you a lot, is it possible for you to break up with Taesong?” Sol of course didn’t do it immediately until she found out that Taesong was just playing around with her, using her as a facade to avoid someone else’s confession.

But Taesong actually started to like Sol, yet another detail is that Taesong only loved the 34-year-old Sol in 19-year-old Sol’s body not the original Sol. While Sunjae likes Sol no matter what kind of Sol, he loves her for her. I think Sol hasn’t realized that Sunjae liked her for a long time, and she never would’ve guessed that Sunjae’s death may be linked to the killer who caused Sol’s tragic accident, leading her to lose her functioning legs. And the brilliance of the director to make Tae-song, the love security or officer. He lived up to the title of a police officer and tracked down the killer with his brilliance. I think the second male lead here isn’t a plot device because he was born to be a officer/detective in every timeline.

THE PLOTLINE

The moment when Sunjae comes into the rescue, saving her from the killer and jumping into the water to get her out of there, she let the tears fall out slowly and hugged Sunjae tightly because she finally recalled Sunjae running towards her at the day of the tragedy — this isn’t just memory loss — she’s losing the only person that loves her so much more than his own self. And time skips ahead to another present time but this time Sol actually got her job at the film company and encounters Sunjae again. Her legs are fine.

It’s funny because Sunjae remembers everything Sol has said to her. He ends up getting excited over this little reunion, which didn’t happen as accordingly. But on the day where in present time was the day that Sunjae was supposed to pass away — Sol waits for him there. She hopes he doesn’t come but still hopes for him to come. It’s been 15 years again — an unrequited love.

“We will meet at this bridge, 12 am, and dig out the time capsule.” Sunjae happened to have already done that, way before that day.

And both of them in their 30s — this time, Sunjae isn’t a famous singer but a famous actor. Though, he still sings “Sudden Shower,” a song written just for Sol without her knowledge of its contents, Sol still wasn’t able to get into the concert venue with tickets, and listened from outside the stadium. She experiences a cracked phone, then falling snow. Sol realizes and parks her car near the bridge to wait and see if Sunjae comes.

She receives a call and answered, “Yeoboseyo. Yeoboseyo—?” Sunjae replies with: “It’s me.”

Sol turns around and sees Sunjae looking at her earnestly. And Sol held the yellow umbrella over him again — referencing the first time they met on a rainy day which at the time, only one person recalls.

“olaenmaniya.”
“long time no see.”

And in that time period, they actually had a short happy-ending. They experienced an adult’s love — where he cooks something for her to eat, while she is willing to stay at his house for a longer time. Both of them are panicking because they are able to be with each other peacefully. They had their first kiss as adults when Sol told Sunjae that she likes him too, but she won’t do anything about it. Sunjae stood there trying to process everything and was like “HUH?” He rushes really quickly up the stairs and stopped the closing door. The tension is insane where Sol looks at the Sunjae — Sunjae asks again, “do you like me?” Hahaha then they dissolve into a slow kiss. It was cute because Sunjae was holding her back to the wall and kissing her — 15 years is definitely long…

MY THOUGHTS

Although in present day, Sunjae loved her from afar — wanting to get close to her, but also not wanting to disrupt her life as an idol. I get it, it is a one-sided love where everything goes unknown but I believe the director says god also cannot see our beloved main character, Sol — live with the pain of the accident which left her paralyzed and unable to walk or not being able to pursue her dream to be a movie director, to be rid of her career and even love. In one chance or another, god gave Sol three chances + an additional one to save Sunjae for the last time. The last chance was a cruel one, but Sol had to do it for her sake and Sunjae’s sake.

I think it’s logical because he loved Sol even before he became an idol. So yes, 15 years of loving Sol from behind and protecting her from behind even without her knowing is sad. Because in a way, Sunjae had disappeared from Sol’s life even more when she lashes out saying “why did you save me? why did you turn me into this paralyzed monster? why can’t you just let me die?” I cried because Sol is in pain and Sunjae is in pain because he couldn’t do more to save her.

It’s so heartbreaking despite that it’s a rom-com. They’ve just been through so much and I can’t even stand that Sunjae literally falling off a cliff and Sol time-travels once again. Sol decided harshly to remove herself from Sunjae’s life completely. No love at first sight. Nothing.

But hey, it doesn’t end there.

Sunjae is still Sunjae — he just needs those experiences. He’s the 4.0 Sunjae that sees and feels everything Sol has been through. “Sol.. Sol.. Sol!” I remember just bawling my eyes out because my Sol needed Sunjae so much right now. She’s suffering, having to also live without Sunjae by her side and loving him for 15 years, with him having zero knowledge of who she was or having the same feelings for her back.

But our good old grandma is definitely a spiritual guide or a god, she was able to control the watch somehow and decides that you know what, my sol needs a happy ending because she misses him. He misses her.

Sunjae is still Sunjae even without the memories because he still falls for the same smile that Sol gave him 15 years ago. And slowly, Sunjae’s memories came back. I think the only thing I’m sad is that this episode can’t be longer. They definitely cut a few things out because Sunjae and Sol probably took a while to really figure everything out. It’s hard being that Sunjae might be hating himself for forgetting Sol and Sol feeling guilty because she wants him back so much that she can’t even hope for a happy ending. Sunjae saying, “do you want a happy ending?” He goes and hugs her. I think at that moment, Sol knows Sunjae is back but she’s afraid that Sunjae might still die. I think that hug just reassured her that everything will be okay. “Whatever happens, I died saving you and that’s okay.”

CRITICS

My only issue is if they clarified why the killer chooses the both of them as targets --- it would be better than it being plot device, and why they chose to make Sunjae 4.0 instead of the idea that Sunjae also time-traveled but opposite sequence and IDK WHY but I wish they didn't make SOL erase herself from HIS MEMORY LIKE HOW COULD YOU. YOU ARE EVIL FOR THIS. As much as I love this drama, I cannot overlook these mistakes and several plot holes.

I am not a film director nor writer but I know many viewers can be if they tried which is why they are our voices to make stories we want into a show! I want them to know that we want genuine portrayals of love and this love is perfect. If they made the Sunjae who experienced everything travel to the present, it would have been so much better than him just remembering. I think the show wanted to maybe show he also time traveled but ep 15-16 felt too rushed! They barely had time to cry and reconcile before the happy ending. I am glad it's a HE, I would be throwing hands if it wasn't.

My mondays and tuesdays will never be the same [04/2024 ME]

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A must watch- Kdrama returns to true romcom with Lovely Runner

I loved this drama so much. I hadn't been inspired by most dramas coming out with the exception of Queen of Tears, but I felt that Lovely Runner surpassed it in many ways.

The storyline of Lovely Runner felt complete, the plot points weren't based on miscommunications like most dramas have. The comedy and humor was on point, large in part to the acting of Kim Hyeyoon and Byeon Wooseok, as well as the efforts of the whole ensemble cast. The ending was a breath of fresh air compared to other action-adjacent dramas which tend to leave defeating the villain to the very last second, while Lovely Runner was able to complete its own love story with time and care.

I felt the time travel was well executed and the different times helped explore Sol and Sunjae's love story and made it all the more devastating when Sol tries to save Sunjae. The mix between comedy, romance, sadness, compelling story telling, thrill, and action was able to be executed only by this cast, with special consideration to Kim Hyeyoon, who was likely the only actress who could have pulled off such stunning character work. Byeon Wooseok also deserves significant praise for his masterful portrayal of the different timelines of Sunjae, and his ability to reflect the nature of unrequited love in its many forms.

Lovely Runner was an incredible watch that I was happy to have completed in real time. I strongly urge those considering it to give Lovely Runner a watch as it is my favorite drama of the year. There is a nostalgia in watching Lovely Runner, both because of the literal time travel and because of the sense of returning to the days of classic romcoms that are so fun to watch. This drama represents an incredibly moving, fun, and wonderful story that I suggest everyone should see.

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SUNJAEYAAAAAAAA

Ughhhhhhh GUYZZZ where do I even start with this k-drama. I enjoyed watching every episode and had a smile on my face every time. The story was just so so cute and well thought of not to mention it was actually funny and entertaining. I just love how sun jae chose im sol in every life time no matter what. Their chemistry and love story was so cute from going to the same high school and being neighbors, to being his k-pop fan and meeting at the film company she works for. Like seriously I want a love like that the way he would die for her in every life time and sacrifice his time to be with her is BIG GREEN FLAGSSSS and what a MAN should be. The way he always took care of her, was looking after her and worrying about her was UGHHH so cuteeeee. I also love how he was pretending to not be into her but give her these small signs until he told her. It's just so OMGGG like they were destined for each other no matter what and it just gets me every time. The only bad thing I was say was Im Sol was DTMMMMM DUDE like she wanted to protect him soooo bad even tho he told her he will die saving her and she just would keep disappearing and letting go of him and not wanting to see him, meet him and I was like okay thats enough like literally all the way til ep 15 and thats going on??? I wouldve gave in if thats my man bro and thats why I rate it a 9.5 for the story. As well as, the guy who hit her it took forever for them to catch him like ummm yall couldve finished that a while ago ... but I get it bc every time she went to the past its based on that so it makes sense but I just think it was repeated a little much. Nonetheless, it was so so fun to watch and I am OBSESSED with the OST and sun jae ;) SUCH A CUTIE DAMN. The time travel was a cute idea and I love how Im Sol got to change some of her fate. AND PLEASE THE ENDINGGG UGH I love love the ending which I feel most k-dramas be mid with the endings but this was seriously so cute and I loved how he proposed to her and they showed the future of them getting married in time travel form. like SO SMART!! Pleaseeee watch this its seriously the best rom com I've ever watched and top 5 K-dramas I've watched so far (sorry if u disagree u just gotta get me) you guys will enjoy it TRUSTTT

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one of my favorites this 2024!

What a trip we had with lovely runner, a kdrama that had difficult beginnings and despite all odds has become one of my favorites this year!
the main couple 10/10, the script was very good for the most part, the performances were very good... the beautiful ost with songs to remember ✨
lovely runner wholeheartedly deserves the success she has achieved and I hope this boosts everyone's career! I will be attentive 👏
The ending was more perfect than I could have dreamed of, they gave me everything I wanted and more... thanks to all the team behind this project ✨

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This Kdrama will be forever in my heart

Lovely Runner was my every week happiness, it got me smiling, crying, blushing, giggling, squealing and kicking my feet all the time. When I started this drama, I had no idea it would take over my whole life. It made me feel everything, even though I do not like Mondays, I'd wait for every week just to watch it, and I would spend hours making up theories for future episodes.

I’m happy for all the cast and production team and thankful for their efforts to give us a wonderful drama. The story was executed so well and the actors did such an amazing job portraying their characters, I felt very touched.

Byeon Woo Seok did an exceptional job portraying his character, Sun Jae. This role was made for him, and he owns it. I’m so happy that he’s receiving the recognition and love he deserves, his acting is so good.

As for Kim Hye Yoon, she is a very good actress and has portrayed Sol very well. (I suffered with her character every time 😢).

And finally, our Kim Taesung, played by the amazing Song Geon Hee. I loved him so much, and the fact that he was not an annoying character but lovely and funny.

The OST is EVERYTHING 😆 I could listen to it forever. I love that Byeon Woo Seok sings and does it so well, his voice is so beautiful.

The ending was perfect. The failed proposal was so funny, but the actual proposal was sooo beautiful and touching🥰 I loved the fluff and cuteness of the entire last episode, and that scene with the halmoni made me cry so much. 😭

Overall, This honestly made my Mondays and Tuesdays so much fun. Best k-drama I watched in 2024 so far, everything was really great! Lovely Runner reminds me why I enjoyed watching Kdramas so much. I don't think I will be able to move on for a long time. 1000/10 ⭐

PS: Future viewers, If you're hesitating to watch this, trust me you're not gonna regret it. Maybe the time travel part is a little inconsistent, but the writing and direction are amazing, and the acting is even better.

PS 2: Now every time it's raining or I see an umbrella ☂️ I'm going to think of lovely runner. 🙂

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Suprised by the immense hate

I am assuming most people don't like the fl, so they walked into this drama with already negative scrutiny and... jealousy?
While it's not the best, the story and plot was good, the acting was well done for the characters they portrayed.
The soundtrack, especially ml song was beautiful
I have read other high up voted reviews and it really is nitpicking based purely that the fl doesn't fit the ideal pretty Korean actress. I personally loved her despite slapping my head a few times from the decisions she made.
It ticked the "must watch the next episode now" checklist so I would definitely recommend.

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Absolutely Love

Let me start off by saying that I do not like time travel dramas. They typically confuse me, and my "too realistic" brain can't often process how these things work.

Somehow, the time travel of Lovely Runner just works. The storyline is cute, heartwarming, and just overall enjoyable to watch. You'll go through a roller coaster of emotions, but none of it will be regrettable. The cast all did a superb job of capturing the essence of their characters, and the amazing reception that this drama received is full evidence of that. There were many "conspiracy" theories about various elements of the plot on Reddit, but honestly, a completely enjoyable read without needing to get into all that. A definite must watch!

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People, I don't get it... Why so much hate?!

Guys, I’ve watched a lot of dramas and I don’t write reviews very often, BUT THIS MASTERPIECE RIGHT HERE!!!
I had to write something about it!

This is pure, amazing, funny, romantic, chaotic, stressful, and many other things, BUT NEVER boring.
The word boring doesn’t even exist, istg.
All the episodes were so fulfilling that every time I thought I was watching the first episode of a new drama.
Even at the end of every episode, there was this cliffhanger that drove me crazy because I just needed to start the next one immediately.

The casting is one of the best things about this drama: the chemistry between Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon is (and trust me when I say it) HEAVENLY. They just know what to do and how to do it. Two super talented actors who deserve all the praise because they really created something incredible together.

As for the story... Watch it, bc istg you’re missing out on something so well-written and beautifully directed.
The screenwriting by Lee Shi Eun (if you’ve seen True Beauty, you’ll know) is truly amazing; she knows how to engage the audience and what to give them because she cooked, ate, and left NO CRUMBS!

I’m not going to spoil a thing because you guys should really experience it for yourselves and never miss even a second of it.

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Instant k-drama classic, Don't believe the recent low ratings

I watched this show 2 years late cuz I didn't want get caught up in the hype when it was airing. This show is one of the best k-dramas I've ever seen. And I've watched a lot as you can see from my watch history. This is not just another high school drama. The low ratings are because of people who wouldn't have enjoyed this drama anyways. They're not the target audience. If you want pure dopamine, great acting, cohesive plot and a gorgeous male lead who can sing like an angel, this is the show for you. No, I'm not exaggerating.

One of the themes is time travel. This isn't a spoiler because it happens pretty early on and it's literally mentioned in the episode blurb. This show reminds of the great shows of the past like While You Were Sleeping, Strong Woman Do Bong Soon, etc. It's definitely it's own thing but is just as enjoyable. It will put a smile on your face and make your heart race like those shows did. Instant classic.

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A heart-warming yet heart-wrenching series

I waited for this one to end airing so that I could make myself a marathon and it was so good!

Let me tell you, I really love my fluffy romances and looking at the poster I never thought how many tears I'd shed because of the story. I had some moments where I could relate from my personal life too, even conversations that I've had, and that hit home too hard at times тт.тт

ML and FL had a good chemistry and personally I think they re-enacted the characters exactly how they were supposed to be. Side characters were also interesting and fun to watch! From acting stand point, I think it is very decent. I first watched Byeong Woo Seok in Record or Youth and I'm glad to see how much he improved ~

Тime travel is not a new concept, however they made it so interesting here and the story felt quite refreshing as well. The series were shot so well and aesthetic, such an eye-pleaser! The music too, one of the best OSTs of the year for sure ~

I definitely recommend to people searching for youth, first love, wanting to fix regrets from the past, and a little suspence but also happy ending for their next watch.

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Yes, it is overhyped...

Let's start with the worst: The Story
Once you truly reflect about this drama, then you will be aware, that the story is lacking. Neither time travel nor the motive of the villain is truly explained. For the villain, they just could have added one scene as an explanation. And the whole time travelling left us with thousands of questions. We don't even know how this whole world works, where the story is happening. But also Sol as a 30+ years old travelling back to a highschoolers body, didn't behave the way one would....

But aside from the story, everything else is perfect (or at least for me). All the actors did a wonderful job, making "boring" characters lovable and charming! Especially FL & ML portrayed the emotions so well, one could feel all the pain and heartache! Their chemistry was great!
The music was phenomenous! While "Sonaki" is a very beautiful love letter, "Spring Snow" sums up the whole drama wonderfully. "Like a dream" is also one of my favourites!

Would I rewatch it? Absolutely! It is sooooooo hilarious! And the romance is very good, got me grinning and kicking like Minmin!

So, why is it overhyped? For a romcom, it's a great series! Fun, lovable and rewatchable with great acting and music. However, for a series, it is lacking (as previously mentioned). So, the more you look into reasoms and try to analyse it, the more you will realize how imperfect this series is. Imo it was a great choice to neglect the background of the whole time travalling, instead of coming up with a not good enough explanation, that would have ruined the whole vibe.

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