Lovely Runner

A difficult birth?

Maybe this series suffers from the difficult birth it had, with a slow start in production. I think that its origin as a webtoon does show in the characterisation of the lead actors and the way in which the dialogue has a "comic book" quality. It did take me a while to get used to that but it the end it doesn't seem to matter.
The two lead actors, Byeon Woo-seok and Kim Hye-yoon quite simply acted their socks off and all the cast were directed to blend in together admirably. I did struggle a bit with the time slipping which was a necessary part of the story but as an older citizen, I just accepted that I didn't need to know what date it was in every scene and just sit back and enjoy it.
My family has been touched by suicide, related to that of Korean pop idols and I wanted to let your cast and production team know that the storyline is all good as far as I am concerned. Conversations about suicide are always helpful and are not disrespectful.

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I reallly enjoyed it a lot, for the most part

I've read a lot of comments from people who did NOT like it, and I agree on some of the things they say, but most of the things they complain about simply don't bother me. This is a formulaic ROMANCE DRAMA, not a deep character study or social commentary or advocacy film or sci-fi thriller. It's true that the paralyzation didn't get much attention (or the reversal thereof) and the characters aren't super deep and some things just exist to serve the plot without a lot of backstory or examination (or explanation, such as in the case of the time travel). But I did not watch it for any of those things. I watched it for the do-or-die ROMANCE, and it delivers that! The show is ALL about the love between two people, and one character's willingness to do whatever it takes, no matter the cost to herself, to save her beloved. And that is exactly what I wanted!

It did stretch out the achy-breaky angst too much, and the show cut have been cut down into fewer episodes, but even as is, I thoroughly enjoyed it and will most likely watch it again someday. It has really sweet and funny and cute moments, too; it's not all heartbreak. (And there are no stupid misunderstandings that needlessly go on forever!) (Although it does use the "I have to hurt you to save you" trope as well as the "I have to hurt MYSELF to save you" trope--as I said, it's formulaic. But generally speaking, for myself, I LIKE the formula!) And it has a happy ending! The last episode, I held my breath the whole time waiting for disaster to strike again, but it didn't happen, and I got more epilogue from it than I think I've ever gotten from any other Asian drama, and I really appreciated that.

So, if you are like me and you just want an angsty, cute-funny, obsessivish romance story, you should enjoy this one. Just don't expect more than that from it. It's not War and Peace. (Or should I reference Gone With the Wind instead, as a deeper version of a love story?) You get the idea. :)

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PERFECTLY EXCECUTED

I was a little late for this drama..... i get all the hyped for this because IT'S ALL WORTH IT. kudos to bothe of lead because no one can potrayed Sun Jae and Im Sol better than them!

I somehow wonder how can people came up with this kind of plot... like everything is perfect and just like another time capsule story, there's always be suprises each time.

Tapi pas nonton kadang kesel sama Im Sol kaya let the fate be like that.... kaya udah ah diemin soalnya emang takdir kamu kaya gitu... tapi pas udah tamat, all make sense, if im sol didn't do it maybe the happy ending would never be there...

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BIG Surprise...

I was pleasantly surprised by this drama. Excellent all around, especially Kim Hye Yoon. For someone who has done limited lead roles, what an actress.
She has it all:
- Acting = 9
- Appeal = 10
- Role = Character was perfect for her (so the casting director gets 5 stars)
I am not even sure if the casting directors in the KWood world analyze character fit before placing someone in a role because I have seen numerous miscasts since I started watching KDRAMAs 14 years ago. Anyone could have played the male role but Byeon Woo Seok was good. FL knocked it out of the park and kept you glued to the drama wishing the episodes would come faster. I am seriously going to save Kim Hye Yoon on all my Korean entertainment sites so I can make sure to watch her future projects. This young woman is going to be a great actress!

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This drama demands your full attention; otherwise, you might find yourself rewinding to grasp the storyline. Byeon Woo Seok, portraying Ryu Seon Jae, and Kim Hye Yoon, playing Im Sol, delivered outstanding performances. Keeping up with Im Sol’s character was a thrilling challenge—she truly had my head spinning. Byeon Woo Seok's mere presence and his gaze into the camera were captivating. The height difference between the two actors was notable; I hope he didn't strain his back! Kudos to all the actors and actresses for a job well done. I’ll never look at a wristwatch the same way again!

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May we all find a love that stays — like Sunjae did for Sol, like Sol did for Sunjae.

I honestly didn’t know where to begin writing this. There were too many thoughts, too many emotions tangled together after finishing the series. Should I start with how Sol made me reflect on myself — how her choices forced me to ask, if I were in her place, would I have done the same? Or should I talk about Sunjae, and how his love made me realize that I want more than just the bare minimum? That kind of love — the kind that waits, that endures, that stays for more than a decade — is something that feels almost unreal, yet beautiful.

But as I sat with my thoughts, I realized this series wasn’t just about them. Somehow, it became about me too.

It made me look back on my own experiences with love — especially my first love. All the boys I liked before… maybe they did like me back, but not in the way I needed them to. Or maybe they never really did. And maybe I wasn’t right either. Because the truth is, we love the only way we know how. We love based on what we think is right, even when it isn’t. And maybe that’s why none of those relationships lasted — they were built on mismatched understandings of what love should be.

Watching this story brought back all the what ifs, the almosts, the maybes I thought I had already buried. It made me confront something I don’t usually admit. My first love wasn’t beautiful. It wasn’t soft or comforting or something I would ever want to relive. It was filled with more pain than happiness, more regrets than memories worth keeping.

So why am I talking about all of this in a review that’s supposed to be about a series?

Because this is what the series did to me.

It made me realize how deeply our first loves shape us — how they influence the way we see love, the way we give it, and even the way we accept it. Sol’s first love felt innocent, dreamy, and full of hope. It was the kind of love that blooms softly. But Sunjae’s love? It was something else entirely. It was sacrifice. It was choosing to stay even when it hurt. It was loving someone enough to let them be happy — even if that happiness didn’t include you.

And that contrast made me reflect on my own story even more.

First loves can be terrifying. Some people move on quickly, as if it never mattered. Some carry it with them for years, even decades. And some… never really let go. Not because they want to suffer, but because a part of them was shaped permanently by that experience.

But if there’s one thing this series taught me, it’s this. Love — whether it’s your first, your greatest, or your last — doesn’t define your entire story. Because one day, someone will come into your life who changes everything.

It’s like hating the rain your whole life, only to find yourself standing in a sudden downpour that doesn’t feel so cold anymore. Because this time, someone is there with you — choosing to stay, choosing to understand, choosing you. And in that moment, you realize that maybe the rain was never the problem. You just hadn’t met the person who would stand in it with you.

That’s what this story feels like.

A reminder that somewhere out there, there could be a Sol who would rewrite time just to save you, or a Sunjae who would love you across different versions of life. Maybe it will happen in this lifetime, maybe it won’t. But the possibility alone is enough to make you believe again — even just a little.

This review might feel all over the place, and maybe it is. But if I were to sum it all up in one line, it would be this.

I hope all of us find our Sunjae to our Sol. Because we all deserve a love that stays, a love that fights, and a love that feels like it was meant for us — no matter how long it takes to find it.

So if you hate the rain, if you don’t believe in fate, or if there’s someone in your mind right now that you would run to without thinking twice…

Go watch this series.

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Phenomenal timeslip romcom brings so many feels but has too many loops

Time travel has always been a popular theme because of how it tickles our imagination. In my experience, most of them fail terribly in delivering a satisfying resolution. I expected Lovely Runner to break this curse, however, despite the brimming amount of swoon-worthy moments and Woo Seok close-ups, Lovely Runner’s writing still falls flat and excessively drawn out.

Byeon Woo Seok as Seon Jae is a revelation. He is 2024’s breakthrough star and I fear no one can top his face card and on-the-spot comedic timings in the foreseeable future. He is more than just an eye candy because this handsome guy models, plays sports and sings, proving he is an all-rounder in the acting scene. He suits high school romance because he gives off this ulzzang or campus crush vibes and he has this relatable demeanor. Ryu Seon Jae is literally tailored fit for Woo Seok.

As expected, Kim Hye Yoon delivers a phenomenal and heartfelt performance. She shines in every role she takes. It saddens me though that she is underappreciated and overshadowed by Woo Seok’s success. Given her wide range of acting skills, it is still a mystery to me how she barely receives projects. Im Sol will not be Im Sol without Hye Yoon’s animated portrayal and soulful eyes that even a single teardrop falling from her eyes will break your heart into million pieces. This speaks volume to how Hye Yoon’s acting can move you deeply.

Lovely Runner uses the common and tested formula of K-drama which is fast-paced, full of cliffhangers, one-dimensional but entertaining supporting characters, exaggerated reactions and of course contrived conflicts that do not make sense for the sake of extended runtime. The first half of the show truly captivated my heart and piqued my curiosity. School days in the late 2000s brings back nostalgia and got me reminiscing about the good old days when everything is not yet high-tech and we just lived simple, normal lives. Indeed, those were the days. Unfortunately, the second half went down the drain and felt like a filler, full of fluff romance. The show is divided into three parts which also depicts the different stages of their lives from high school students, college students and working adults. This instills that in whichever timeline, Im Sol and Seon Jae are fated to meet each other even if it ends in doom.

There are many ways this could have turned out. This could have delivered a poignant story about how fans and idols are each other’s source of strength. They have this symbiotic relationship and bond that is unbreakable and beyond words. This kind of story would have been more heart-touching and relatable since there are millions of K-pop fans all around the world. Instead, they chose to tell a story of a one-dimensional villain who is obsessed with killing Seon Jae. The story did not even care to elaborate where this criminal came from and what his motives are for kidnapping and killing his innocent victims. I also hate how the plot treated Im Sol’s disability as an obstacle to her dreams. This is subtle discrimination against people with disability (PWD). I hate that no matter how many times she turns back time, the company is still the same and will always reject her if she's not able to walk because of the goddamn stairs. In every timeline, the company didn't bother to invest in an elevator 😤😤Doesn’t just this make Im Sol feel a lot worse because in every timeline her disability was her nemesis? Doesn’t this kind of story just add more fuel to disablism? Don’t get me wrong, I also wish Im Sol to be perfectly healthy and normal. It is just the way the story treated her paralysis as her tragedy and doom which leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Overall, Lovely Runner will go down in history as one of the most iconic romcoms which catapulted Woo Seok to stardom. It is a viral sensation and cultural phenomenon that reignited Hallyu. For some, this is a pleasant, feel-good watch, but for others this is a fluff romance with too much runtime and repetitive arc. This was truly a rollercoaster ride over 16 episodes which I will gladly ride again depending on if I’m in the mood for romance and willing to overlook plot holes and filler scenes or not.

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HEART MORE THAN WARM!

I started enchanted with this drama and ended in a state of grace and with a certain nostalgia. Few dramas have moved me as much as this one, a completely unpretentious drama that, when I saw the trailers, I thought I would ignore and forget. However, after watching the first episode, it was clear that there was a story with a simple premise but with immediate magnetism. It's hard to explain, but I feel full and happy with everything that happened and with this ending that was a "fan service" beyond reproach.

I hope that Kim Hye-Yoon takes on roles that don't require her to mould her voice into a cute and almost childish version. Her serene performance with her natural voice in the first episode was of high quality. Now we need to talk about the actor of the moment: Byeon WooSeok, who gave his body and soul to this role. It seems like he lived every moment of Seon-Jae as if it were his own. Moreover, he is an actor who doesn't stay in his comfort zone and constantly challenges himself. In 12 months, he played a villain and this hero in this romantic comedy. WooSeok is the moment and deserves all the possible praise. By the way, in his scene with the grandmother, it was clear that his crying was natural and authentic, not acting. Hearing that from someone should move you, I was choked up.

I cannot forget the Archangel Michael of this drama, Tae Sung, who protected the couple and put an end to all that anguish. It is worth noting that Tae Sung was excellently portrayed by the outstanding Song Geon-Hee, who is long overdue to be the lead in a drama. He is a complete actor as well. The trio of protagonists did very well, and that's why this drama was successful in Korea and worldwide.

I will miss it; the spring snows will never be the same.

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A Triumph of Writing, Direction, and Acting

If you're on the fence about this show because of the plot, let me assure you: the writing, direction, and acting are absolutely stellar.

The storyline might not break new ground, and that's clear, but wow, the writing is phenomenal. Each character is crafted with such care, capturing the essence of the mid-2000s perfectly. The praise can't be overstated; every character, no matter how minor, is intricately developed.

Now, let's talk about the director. What a vision! The director's intelligence shines through, knowing exactly what will captivate the audience. The direction is gripping, with not a single dull moment, showcasing the director's remarkable vision.

The actors, oh my goodness, words fall short in describing their brilliance in their respective roles, especially the leads. The male lead is portrayed with such depth; the character is finely etched, and this role is a gift to him that he fully embraces. He's not just a good choice; he's the embodiment of perfection for this role.

As for the female lead, there's no doubt she is the ideal choice for the role; her character fits her like a glove. Kudos to her for taking on this role with such grace and strength.

"And she deserves immense credit for believing in the wonderful production team, even when many actors were hesitant to take on the male lead role in this drama. Yet, she persisted and waited for 2-3 years to meet Ryu Sun-jae in real life."

Hats off to the entire production team for their patience through delays and their unwavering confidence in the project. Despite the initial reluctance from other actors, they are a true source of inspiration.

For those considering whether to watch this because the plot seems average, trust me, the plot may not be revolutionary, but the writing is amazing, the direction is outstanding, and the acting is the cherry on top.

I thoroughly enjoyed this work and highly recommend it to anyone seeking a production that excels in every aspect. Don't be misled by a seemingly simple plot; it is the execution that makes this a true masterpiece.

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Finest 2024 K-Drama So Far! This brings back old drama vibes!

At first glance, we all must assume that this drama is just another time travel storyline in which the FL annoyingly chases after the ML. The character's introduction illustrates FL's intense admiration for ML, which lends credence to this early judgment. For everyone who has seen this drama, we can all agree that the turning point in our opinion was when we saw ML's POV at the end of episode 2. From this epic scene, it was the second I knew that this drama was not just "just" a random drama.

The most intriguing aspect is that the 'vibes' I experienced while watching this drama reminded me of the first time I watched Korean dramas; they were amusing, light, and succeeded in making us laugh and feel butterflies in our stomachs at the same time. I watched it for joy because everyone said it was okay to watch, and heellll I spent nearly 7 episodes sitting on a seat! It was too exciting to leave my seat.

The plot of this drama is light; some may argue that it is a cliché plotline with random conflict and a predictable ending. But there's nothing wrong with those of you who enjoy light-hearted dramas about school life. We'll be like roller coasters, laughing out loud, getting excited, and crying at the end of each episode.

The two main characters accurately portray the characteristics of a high school lovey-dovey pair. While many people adore Sun Jae, I am particularly impressed by the image of Im Sol's character; this girl is depicted as vibrant and enthusiastic. Kim Hye Yoon is the perfect artist to play characters of different years in each era. I can't picture anyone else being Im Sol. On the other hand, Byeon Woo Seok is truly destined to play Sun Jae; he and his current popularity when this drama aired are enough proof that he is a superb actor, and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors as an actor.

Also, I hope we all find at least one man like Sun Jae in our lives (though this is almost impossible) hehe.

Each aspect of this story makes it difficult for me to forget. The OST for the drama "Sudden Shower" is certainly spectacular! Do listen and feel how Byeon Woo Seok sings this; I can nearly feel Sun Jae's complex feelings for Im Sol every time I hear this song.

Undoubtedly, Lovely Runner is the best 2024 drama so far; hopefully, we will see many more dramas like this. Hands up to the entire crew; despite the hardships they had at the beginning of production and filming, the hype surrounding this drama is well-deserved!

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