This review may contain spoilers
this is gonna be good… (Pilot review)
I expected a cute romantic story about teenage love, and although it may be like that in the future episode, this first episode opens with a very serious topic, depression.I really like how they are portraying this emotion and I really hope they will continue doing so seriously, making us understand more of the characters feeelings and reasons.
I also really liked how the female lead becomes fan of the band and the male lead because he saves her life by being sensitive and empathetic towards her. (btw I’m already in love with him for this)
can’t wait to see how this story will unfold…
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Every second you put into this drama will be worth it.
I'm actually so surprised at the bad reviews when I tell you i lovedddd this Kdrama so much...I literally couldn't wait for the days it would come out. I'm a big fan of both Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon so its no surprise i loved this. I had high expectations coming into it and finished this drama feeling satisfied. I normally hate Mondays and Tuesdays but when lovely runner started I would be so excited for the weekends to end. It was the one thing i looked forward to every week. So when this drama ended i felt so empty😔After watching this kdrama it set such high expectations for me with other dramas. One of my 3 dramas ever and I've watched a lot😭Was this review helpful to you?
A whole lot of stupid decisions and a fantastic ML
There are elements of this show that are spellbinding - such as the male lead role and acting execution. Other elements are simply exasperating. Just when you think the main female character will stop making ridiculous decisions - she goes on to make yet another one. This never-ending cycle of irrational and frequently stupid decisions over apparently several attempted lifetime stories (...I'll stop taking his calls - that will stop him from trying to find me..) is what makes the show hard to get through. The chemistry is there and the top-line storyline is interesting but many elements just make this frequently aggravating and unpleasant to watch. The fact that this show has such hype on social media has left me somewhat bewildered.Was this review helpful to you?
good but not B.O.A.T
not really the best time travel drama, but highly recommend for watch once in a lifetime. FL and ML just 50:50 in chemistry. but this drama way more better than Queen of Tears cause the ending not really spectacular everything was fine. hahaha and the watch itself remind me of Ben 10 animation, why they not make this drama into Ben 10 Live Action that was joke bruv.Was this review helpful to you?
Lovely Runner: A Love Story That Transcends Time and Every Other Romance Kdrama For Me
I felt compelled to write this review not just as a longtime Kdrama fan, but as someone who has witnessed truly beautiful storytelling be unfairly dismissed by critics and haters alike. The criticism Lovely Runner has received from some people is baffling, especially when it comes from those who genuinely believed When the Phone Rings was a quality drama 🙃Lovely Runner is a romcom masterpiece and one of the best Romance Kdramas ever made. Sun Jae and Sol weren’t just characters. They felt like soulmates etched into the fabric of time itself, and their story swept me away in a way few dramas ever have. Of course, it’s undeniable that Byeon Woo Seok is magnetic and gorgeous, and Kim Hye Yoon grows more luminous and beautiful with every scene. But beyond their visuals, they fully embodied their characters with such sincerity and emotional truth that it felt like watching real people fall in love in real time. Their chemistry was extraordinary. Moreover, I was genuinely amazed by how brilliantly this drama was written too. Time travel is notoriously difficult to execute without causing confusion, but this story handled it with impressive clarity and consistency. Every plot twist, every shift in the timeline and every change in the character's personality was carefully and meticulously constructed, allowing viewers to stay grounded and engaged even as the back and forth across timelines became more complex. The pacing never faltered, and the finale beautifully tied every thread together with emotional and narrative satisfaction that felt both earned and complete. My appreciation for how the writer and director crafted the story interweaving events and planting clues across timelines with *perfect* timing only deepens with each rewatch. It’s a remarkably intelligent show. This becomes more apparent the more you rewatch it.
Of course, it wasn’t without flaws. The grandmother’s role as the keeper of the timelines could have used more depth, the serial killer subplot lacked context and backstory, and some scenes between Hyun Ju and Im Geum felt overly exaggerated. These moments were noticeable, yes but fleeting. They were minor distractions compared to the emotional weight and strength of the core love story, which remained powerful and unshaken throughout. And honestly, I wouldn’t even call them flaws, per se because hey, perhaps this was simply the writer’s intention. I was just genuinely curious to know more about these two aspects of the drama and I never got the answers or even the slightest explanation, and that’s why I docked 0.5 from my score. I had a sneaking suspicion that Sol's grandmother was a diety of some sort or a metaphor for fate as Sol and Taesung often mentioned about "Celestial Granny" so I wanted something more from the narrative.
What truly sets Lovely Runner apart is how it portrays love, not as fleeting passion or obsessive longing, but as something enduring, selfless, and deeply sacrificial. Even in Kdrama, where romance is often heightened and idealized, it is rare to see love explored with such quiet authenticity and emotional maturity. This drama didn’t just show love, it understood it. At first, I was deeply moved by Sun Jae’s unwavering devotion, how he fell deeply in love with Sol from the moment he first saw her as a 19-year-old swimmer with a promising future on that fateful rainy day. He remained quietly in the background, silently caring for her and protecting her because she wasn’t even aware he existed. He even silently accepted her misplaced blame for saving her life in the original timeline, carrying that guilt without protest for fifteen long years. That kind of love, so patient, so unassuming, broke my heart. Even more so when he willingly chose the path of his own death, fully aware it was inevitable if he stayed by Sol’s side. But as the story progressed, it was Sol’s love that began to shine just as brightly. Her journey went from devoted fan, to supportive friend, to a lover willing to surrender not just the man she loves, but every memory and lifetime they shared, in order to save him no matter what it took. They stood as equals in longing, in courage, in sacrifice, and in love. This consistent emotional reciprocity is rare.
The OST was a masterpiece in its own right. Each track felt like an extension of the characters’ emotions, elevating them in every scene.
In a sea of dramas that conflate love with desire or possession, Lovely Runner stood like a lighthouse. It reminded me that true love is about choosing someone again and again, through time, through pain. It was the kind of love that bends fate, not for its own happiness, but simply to protect the other. That kind of love, the kind that saves rather than consumes, is what makes Lovely Runner unforgettable, illuminating and beautiful. That is why this drama means so much to me. Alongside When Life Gives You Tangerines, it is one of the only love stories I have encountered that captures that love should be unselfish, patient, enduring, and kind. And when fate finally bent to Sun Jae and Sol’s love after all their heartbreak, suffering and loss, it didn’t just feel like a win for them. It felt like a win for everyone who still believes that pure, selfless love exists in a world that often forgets it does. Lovely Runner is not just my number one Kdrama in the romance genre. It has become my gold standard.
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Byeon Woo Seok deserves notoriety - but LR was just above average; not great
Everyone's favorite drama from 2024; my opinion is it had unnecessary storylines just to make it 16 episodes long. Still, in the end it was worth watching - and enduring the few stupid parts - for a pretty engaging and beautiful story.The choice of actors for this drama was truly wonderful. And as a viewer who did not find her previous roles appealing, I absolutely give Kim Hye Yoon high marks on this one. Byeon Woo Seok is always great in every role I've seen him, and he was particularly well chosen for this role. If this is why Lovely Runner was everyone's favorite, then I have to agree. I also truly loved Song Geon Hee as probably the most complex role in the series - superbly acted and believable in every scene. And all the other supporting actors and actresses were fantastic.
The ending was beautiful - except for the stupid parts added. But I doubt the writers were aiming at a masterpiece, so I "forgive" them...I guess.
I might re-watch this at some point; it will depend on how many other dramas are out there to engage me. But I certainly recommend this one as a must watch - if only for conversation with your other kdrama watching friends. It's kind of sad not to be able to discuss what you like or dislike when you haven't seen something.
Soundtrack was good; Cinematography also good. Length of series - too long. Quality of storyline - above average but lower than BEST. Casting = EXCEPTIONAL. Director - could have done better directing the female actors.
SPECIAL NOTE: This is by way of comparison.' Lovely Runner' FAR, FAR!!! outperformed another popular drama called 'Love Next Door' which I found a complete waste of time.
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Perfect example of a series being carried by a good looking Male lead. Please beware.
I feel so bad. I've reviewed some titles lately and many of them were terrible. The crazy thing is that I've seen some incredible shows lately, yet I've never had the time to review them. The Atypical Family, King the Land, Queen of Tears, and Perfect Marriage Revenge, These are some of the best K-dramas I've ever seen and my personal list for best shows of the past two years. And the reason why I've never written a review for them is cause I'm immediately rewatching my favorite scenes over and over. I go back to reddit and watch the episode recaps and usually I get to see people share the same love and excitement I had for the series.But when shows don't respect your time and they can be a complete miss, that's when I feel the need to write. Lovely Runner is one of those examples. Despite all the love for the shows above, I could not get away from people recommending Runner or at least including it on a "must watch" list. So let me keep this sort. My verdict is this, it's a poorly written show. It tackles extremely sensitive subjects with juvenile intelligence that doesn't make any sense, given the plot.
The Fl is extremely dim-witted and childish. Which makes no sense given that she's supposed to be approaching her mid 30's. She gets the chance to save a friend but makes it a completely linear goal, void of intelligent thought. With how sensitive suicide has become for it to be a subject in a drama, the approach from this show baffles me. Our FL gets the chance to save her friend, but she can't openly state what the future will be. That's fine. She's actually 30, so she could comfort her friend. Become his friend. Openly talk to him, allow him to express his feelings and learn whatever darkness he has, right? Well, she doesn't do that. Instead, she becomes a 15 year old high school girl with a one way track of thought. She forces the ML to avoid anything to do with his future career. Becomes overprotective with no communication as to why. No character buildup to demonstrate how or why she cares. No chemistry. Do you understand how confusing irritating that can be? So I go online to reddit and I'm relieved to see so many others agreeing with how annoying she is, but also her intelligence. Why do they love each other? There's no clear answer, no writing to explain, no chemistry to show. It's just... bad. If you have ever watch Run On, you'll remember how strange and dimwitted the ML was. This show has the FL equivalent perfectly.
There really isn't much to say beyond that. I mean, the writer does throw in a serial killer and why not? Let's just throw in another trope when the others don't even make sense or help. As for the ML. Well, I'm a straight man, but even I can admit when another man has won the genetic lottery. He is handsome, there's no other way to put it. Has everything. But I've watched many of his past shows, there's a reason he's been playing support for the past decade. He's not a bad actor, I just strongly believe you need something more than a baby face to be a lead. And this guy just doesn't have it.
Suicide is nothing to balk at. It's a tough subject that demands slow caution and careful writing. I'm not suggest the show doesn't respect the subject itself, it just shows that the writer doesn't understand it. Never use it as a plot device when you don't know how to properly approach it, especially in 2024. Along with that, I just can't recommend this show. Dropped.
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Entertaining but flawed story with missed opportunities for character development
I can understand why this drama was popular — it’s both hilarious and heartwarming, with likable leads and a great ending.But it’s not perfect. If there’s a weakness in the story, it’s the way the female lead’s character is written.
Kim Hye Yoon has a lot of emotional range to cover as Im Sol, the female lead, and gives a mostly convincing performance. She can switch from a sweet smile to sobbing in an instant. Sol is perky and determined, but acts like a teenager, not like a woman in her 30s (having a crush can do that, I suppose).
Her obsession with protecting Sun Jae and thinking she can “rewind” all the bad situations in life can be grating (not to mention unhealthy). I would have preferred to see her living a full and happy life with her disability. Plus, It can be hard to sympathize with her as a main character because it often seems like she’s just making things more difficult for herself with impulsive or illogical decisions, and it’s frustrating watching her torture herself (and break the heart of the man who loves her) trying to control the future.
Byeon Woo Seok has a lot of charm as Ryu Sun Jae, the male lead, and has great comedic timing. He delivers a convincing performance showing the two sides of his character (sweet, slightly awkward student vs. more confident, polished performer who still has a goofy side). The fact that he did his own singing for the role is impressive.
However, the leads’ relationship never really develops, and seems more based on infatuation and destiny than any kind of meaningful connection. The actors’ good looks and cute dynamic do a lot to gloss over the show’s missed opportunities for more character development.
But the way the show gradually reveals what the leads remember about each other is compelling, while the multiple timelines make for a plot that’s fast-paced and keeps you guessing.
There are also some standout supporting characters — the second male lead is a scene-stealer with his shameless flirting and dimpled smile, and the FL’s grandma is great (the touching scene between her and Sun Jae in the last episode might be my favorite moment in the whole drama).
While the series has its flaws, it’s still an engaging watch. Viewers should be aware that the story touches on some darker topics (depression, suicide, kidnapping), but overall this drama lands firmly in the rom-com genre. It doesn’t always strike the right tonal balance, and the time travel elements can be confusing and leave some unanswered questions, but the cast and the against-all-odds love story manage to hold things together.
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One for histrory
This drama is one in a miilon. The story line to the acting and ost is just to perfection.STORYLINE
its captivating snd a different take in the whole time traveling stories. It was perfect from the start to end and you see that its worth 16 epsodies and in dumple terms very captivating.
Cast
The whole cast that was chosen from the main leads to the supporting leads was just perfect and they had good chemistry which made watching them feel likr its reality. So in simple terms they brought the show to life especially the main leads their chemistry was off the roof it looked like they where in love for real.
Ost
The soundtrack for this drama was to die for and it fit the whole anesthetic for show. In other words it brought the emotions of the characters to life and its really fun to listen to
Overall rating for the show is a 8.7 out of ten and its really one for the books in the long run its going tobe a classic
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Lovely Time
if you like True Beauty, you should watch this. if you like A Time Called You, you should watch this. if you watched A Time Called You and feel disappointed, you should watch this.It’s been a while since I watched kdrama because I’ve moved to cdrama, but I’m glad I picked this up. This is a typical yet epic kdrama love story. I cried, I laughed, the actors moved my heart. the cinematography is beautiful, the story is fictional yet plausible. the physical contact is cringe yet endearing. good job BWS and KHY for giving me back the feeling of watching a drama. when most kdrama nowadays focuses on thriller, zombies, devil, makjang, LR is like a fresh cool mineral water after a long and tiring run on a sunny day 🧡
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Who can rewatch this ???
Sure, here is the revised review using ML (Male Lead) and FL (Female Lead):---
I feel that the plot is good, but the story development is quite poor, especially due to the FL's foolishness which prolongs the story. There are many things that don't make sense, particularly her overpowered magical abilities that she doesn't use.
After that, the story relies on plot twists instead. I won't spoil the content, and yes, I couldn't predict it, but it wasn't very impressive. I have to say it's a drama where the characters are extremely foolish. Watching it, I felt frustrated with both the FL and the police; it was very illogical.
I was very attached to the ML, feeling warmth from his expressions of love and intelligence, which made the ending satisfying.
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One of the best rom-com series.
The story is excellent. Since the heroine is a fan, it feels quite relatable to my own life, which makes it easy for me to immerse myself and connect with the characters’ emotions. The performances of the leads are outstanding, especially the female lead, who acts very naturally. She has a bright, charming presence, so it’s no surprise she becomes the male lead’s first love. You can completely understand why he falls in love at first sight just by seeing her radiant smile.At the same time, in moments when she is sad and confused, Kim Hye-yoon conveys those emotions exceptionally well. Byeon Woo-seok also does a great job portraying an innocent young man who is deeply in love, and he’s incredibly charming. Their chemistry is amazing, making it easy for me to believe in their love and become fully invested in their story.
The soundtrack is also beautiful and perfectly timed, adding even more charm to each scene. The only downside for me is the killer who keeps trying to harm the leads—it felt a bit annoying. Aside from that, everything is well-balanced and hard to fault. The comedic moments are well-timed and genuinely funny. It’s a rom-com that I absolutely love, and I’d rank it as my number one right now.
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