Lovely Runner

Surprisingly good

I was at first hesitant to watch this because there wasn't anything in the title that made it sound interesting. But surprisingly, this rom-com is such a breath of fresh air.

From the visuals, backdrop, actors, dialogue....close to perfection :) It is not like your typical rom-com which gets boring after a while. This one continues to deliver a great and interesting storyline.

It is my first time to watch Byeon Woo Seok and he nailed being a high schooler. So did Kim Hye Yoon for that matter.
The camaraderie of the cast is apparent in their interaction and each carried out their roles impeccably.

This is now the only kdrama that I am looking forward to now that QOT has finished its run. Can't wait for the next episodes...

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A Love That Runs Through Time

I can’t help but be completely biased when it comes to Lovely Runner. After watching well over a hundred dramas and being a huge fan of rom-coms this is the one that carved out the most special place in my heart. Yes, I’ve seen dramas with better production quality, tighter scripts, or grander scale… but a drama doesn’t need to be perfect to move you deeply. And Lovely Runner did exactly that.

I even debated whether I should write a review. With all its popularity, people seem to attack it just because it’s beloved calling it overrated, cringy, or overhyped. But at the end of the day, taste is subjective, and this is why Lovely Runner stands out to me as one of the best rom-coms ever made.

❤️ Unmatched Chemistry — The Heart of the Story

From the very first episode, the chemistry between the leads is electric.
Warm. Real. Alive.
There are very few drama couples that manage to capture the raw, magnetic energy these two did.

Their love felt like something that breathes across timelines choosing each other again and again, no matter how the universe shifts around them. Even without the time-travel logic (which I personally found solid), the emotional truth felt undeniable.

Some scenes genuinely took my breath away. The emotional intensity, the soft gazes, the devastating longing everything felt overwhelmingly human.

💛 Im Sol – Flawed but Real

Did Im Sol frustrate me? Absolutely.
Her stubbornness.
Her habit of hiding things “for his own good.”
Her constant need to protect Sunjae even when it broke him.

But oddly enough that’s what made the story feel real.

She wasn’t perfect. She made mistakes. She hurt him unintentionally. She tried to carry too much on her own.
And that’s what made the love story even more powerful—because love isn’t always neat and logical. Sometimes it’s messy and painful and deeply human.

🧡 Byeon Wooseok — The Soul of Lovely Runner

I didn’t know Byeon Wooseok before this show.

Now? I can’t imagine anyone else as Ryu Sunjae.
He didn’t just act the character—he became the character.
Every expression.
Every heartache.
Every smile.
Every moment where he silently loved her with his whole being.

His emotional range carried the drama. The sincerity in his eyes made Sunjae unforgettable. His golden-retriever warmth, his devotion, his vulnerability… he brought a kind of male lead we don’t get often.


🎶 The OST — A Soundtrack That Lives Rent-Free Forever

Even a year later, I still listen to half the songs.
“Sudden Shower”?
A masterpiece.
A heartbreak in music form.

Few dramas ever have OSTs that stay with you like this.

✨ A Romance That Feels Magical and Human at the Same Time

Lovely Runner is a rare blend of:

youthful warmth
emotional sincerity
magical destiny
heartbreaking longing
healing
and the unforgettable sweetness of first love

It’s the only idol-themed drama I’ve watched that didn’t feel shallow or cliché. It treated the world of fandom and idol love with sincerity and respect showing its warmth, its impact, and its meaning.

🌈 Why the Ratings Debate Misses the Point

Some say it’s overhyped.
Some mock its high score.
Some compare it to thrillers and psychological masterpieces.

But here’s my view on it:

⭐ A 9/10 romance score is not insulting to a 9/10 thriller.
They are judged within their own genre.

Romance is rated on chemistry, feelings, atmosphere, emotional payoff, and charm.
Thrillers are rated on logic, twists, plot strength, and intensity.
The genres are incomparable—and people need to stop acting like they are.

💙 A Drama That Becomes a Memory

Lovely Runner is one of those rare stories that stay lodged in your heart long after you finish:

the blue door
the yellow umbrella
the snow scenes
the timelines
the aching devotion
the overwhelming feeling of “I will find you in every lifetime”

It doesn’t matter if the story isn’t perfect.
What matters is the emotional journey—and this one was unforgettable.

⭐ Final Thoughts

Lovely Runner isn’t just a drama.
For many of us, it was an experience.
A story of love that defies time.
A romance so genuine you feel it in your chest.
A warm, emotional journey about choosing someone again and again—even when destiny seems impossible.

To me, it’s one of the most beautiful rom-coms.
Not because it’s perfect but because it made me feel.
And that’s what makes a drama truly special.

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A truly well executed time travel kdrama, way way above Twinkling Watermelon.

This is the best kdrama I've seen since a very long time. (probably since It's Okay to Not Be Okay)
The only serious problem I have with it is the villain's lack of personality/backstory and how they just dealt with him under 3 minutes in the finale. I could nitpick If I really wanted to, but I fail to see the point.
I always say that explaining the inner workings of time travel always ruins immersion in time travel shows, luckily in this one they have not even tried. (it's better to keep the unexplainable unexplained)

Everything else is pretty good, the cast is great, the chemistries are great. The romance is up there with the best, there are countless very fluffy and or very touching moments. Love triangle haters are safe to enjoy this as well, because the secondary love interest is weak like a straw. The ending is a banger too.

Anyway 9/10 seems fair to me. It's not perfect or anything, for example Someday or One Day is better in this genre, but I'm very happy that Korea can still deliver something of this caliber, since it's been so long..

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A truly lovely experience

*Very slight spoilers ahead*

Ahhh, Lovely runner. You know those series you begin to watch and from the very first episode you KNOW you are going to love IF the writers don't f**k you up? Yep, this series was one of those for me.
While the story does lack in some regions here and there and there are just a bunch of repetitive and annoying things that happen quite a bit that made me audibly groan, overall its a very vary enjoyable watch. All the actors, the music and the good ending really did give this series an extra star from my original rating. Never have I ever swooned so much and genuinely loved a character as much as I love Ryu Sun Jae, the greenest of all green flags, this man is a freaking forest. Byeon Woo Seok did a fantastic job portraying him.

This has the same vibes of Twinkling Watermelon (though that one had a stronger storyline). So if you're looking for a heartwarming romance with just a sprinkle of fantasy that will make you giggle and kick your feet like a little girl, definitely go for it. The hype for this is truly worth it!

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Perfect Summer Binge!

I started watching this just yesterday and have successfully binged all 9 episodes that have come out (with the 10th one on its way today (who cares about studies)). Throughout this, I was kicking my feet, giggling like a schoolgirl, so invested that I forgot that sleep is a biological need. Nevertheless, I thoroughly thoroughly enjoyed it. Warning: it will make you feel very lonely if you are single (because it happened to me too). Even though Hye Yoon looks like she is getting typecast after her role in Extraordinary You (but I know she is a very versatile actor), I still enjoyed her character in this! Woo Seok on the other hand I've not seen enough of since 20th Century Girl (brb crying) so it's always a pleasure to see him and hear him. My only concern is if he is a good actor, which will not be established until I see him in a few more roles. Right now, he is decent and will make you fall in love with him (but I attribute that more to the character and how well Woo Seok has portrayed it - the role really suits him (I haven't watched Strong Girl Nam Soon so don't come at me)). The drama is also a pleasure to watch because all of the cast is so good-looking! But seriously how are you scolding someone for not sleeping/having dark circles under their eyes when I can see that their skin is shining brighter than my future???? Enough nagging. They do discuss heavier themes which I always like but it's more a swoon-worthy drama than a slice of life. You will not regret watching it. Fingers crossed for a happy ending!!

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I think about this show every single day

It's been months since I watched Lovely Runner and I cannot stop thinking about it. Every drama or romance I watch, I immediately start comparing it to this show and nothing comes close 😭 help.

I dropped this show after watching 2 episodes the first time. It was cringe over the top and I don't like cringe. But my friend made me hear a song from the ost "Spring Snow" and I was absolutely smitten- It was so cute and the lyrics were so comforting.

So I listened to her and gave this show another try. And I am so thankful for that.

As I said, this is the best romance I have ever watched. The stealing glances at each other, not knowing how to behave around the other person, stuttering and stumbling over your words- it was so cute that I actually blushed- Like my face actually really turned red as a tomato. And it wasn't even overtly spicy- It was the little things. The way they looked at each other. Their history- It's just THE STANDARD. 😩🤌🏼✨

And then Spring Snow did not even end up being my favorite song! There's this sort-of-flashback scene during (ifykyk 💜) which 'I think I did' by Kim Hyung Joong plays and that hands down is one of the best things I have ever watched in my entire life. The cinematography? The story? The way that scene was built up? Immaculate- perfection- Oscar.

I literally think about that scene EVERY SINGLE DAY. It just touched me in a way i did not think what was supposed to be a lighthearted romance drama could. I still have goosebumps ever time I watch that scene. Truly the best scene in a romance drama I have EVER seen.

The way Sunjae and Sol always put the other person before themselves is so touching. Their love is never grand confessions or swooning kisses but the way they put everything away for the other person. I have no words. 🥲

I will say that the plot is not as strong but that is not the point and the romance compensated more than enough!!! I will never get over this drama truly. 🫠😭💕

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Please give it a shot

I am SO surprised by the reviews about Lovely Runner on this website. I LOVED the show and I was obsessed a really long time by the storyline and the character. This story shows what unconditionnal love is and that's so nice to watch. I wasn't bored a second in the story and the romance is amazing to watch, the chemistery and the humor is on point : I laughed and I cried, A LOT.

The musics are amazing, even people who dislike the show said so, that you can trust, but it litterally broke my heart seing so many bad review, maybe that's juste taste because that show wasn't bad at all for me and is easily on my top 3 of kdrama. Even if I haven't watch a lot of them, I'm not an expert but I had a really really really great time watching this, it made me feel so great and I hope it'll work for you too.

Props to the actor for their amazing delivery of the story and for making my heart so happy while I was watching this.

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A Whole Masterpiece in Creation

As expected, the writing in the show didn't disappoint. Each episode flows smoothly, balancing romance, comedy, and more. I love how the show embodies its creative vision. The writing and acting are excellent and definitely deserve awards. The hype is well-deserved. The creators and actors have done a remarkable job, bringing each character and story arc to life with great skill. Every scene transitions seamlessly, making it enjoyable to watch. This show truly stands out for its high quality and engaging content, and it’s clear that a lot of effort and talent went into its production.

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