Lovely Runner

Kim Hye Yoon stuns and Byeon Woo Seok is great, but after that?

Attempting to keep this brief.

Kim Hye Yoon and Im Sol are as perfect a pairing of actor and character as can be achieved by human effort.

Byeon Woo Seok is more than capable as a lead and is particularly good when Seon Jae is uncomfortable and awkwardly trying to make something happen with Im Sol. Somehow, when he's supposed to be cool and under control, doesn't seem as natural.

The two together are fantastic particularly through the first time loop sequences up until Im Sol finally (in present day) comes clean about her feelings and the big scene in her apartment doorway delivers the awaited romantic payoff.

These two can duke it out with the lead couple of just about any drama and hold their own.

But the rest?

Not great.

There's a second couple but 1. it's forgotten almost completely from episodes 4 through 15 and 2. they are clearly intended to be the comic relief in a show where the leads provide plenty of laughs so the second couple has to take their acting to a sketch comedy level that is nails-on-chalkboard grating.

Kim Won Hae is great (as he almost always is) but the relationship between Sun Jae and KWH's father is rarely given any in depth play. What could have been a terrific subplot, particularly when dealing with Sun Jae's swimming career, is ignored.

Tae Sung is a promising character but he needed a bit of backstory and consistency. Like a lot of characters that aren't the main two, Tae Sung is too frequently simply a convenient device that transforms in to whatever the story requires him to be. A bad boy that needs to fake a relationship with Im Sol. Later a buddy for Sun Jae. Then an object of jealousy. Intermittently, a character teased as the third spoke of a triangle (thankfully only teased but even the teasing of it was unwelcome). Finally, a cop to pursue the villain. Although the time loop changes can account for some of this, it's jarring when in one loop he's a successful fashion entrepreneur and then suddenly he's a civil servant.

Back to the villain: it's the most bland villain ever and the final confrontation with him is so painfully anticlimactic.

And the storytelling overall is lacking. It starts after major events that drive the storyline have happened but the context is never adequately exposited. The time loops are fairly well handled but there is absolutely one more loop than there needed to be and it's clear that the writers grew tired of incorporating how the most recent loop back changed the present day circumstances.

It's a show that could have 1. been a show exclusively about the lead couple for about an 8 episode run (like a longer "Soundtrack" drama) or 2. a more traditional 16 episode drama that invested more screen time in the secondary stories and characters. Either way, with this lead couple, it could have been an all-time great show. Instead, it's a fun watch and certainly recommended but falls well short of what it should have been.

[EDIT: Wow. Thanks so much to everyone who has liked this review! The positive feedback is very appreciated :)

The review should have mentioned that Im Sol's grandmother, both the character and the portrayal, were wonderful but, frustratingly underutilized.]

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"Lovely Runner: A Drama That Surpassed All Expectations"

Almost every drama I've watched has disappointed me at some point. I start watching, thinking, "Oh, it's good," but then it lets me down. However, "Lovely Runner" is the type of drama that has never disappointed me! Most of its OSTs are my favorite so far. The cinematography, the cast, the story—I've never felt bored for a single second! I've never skipped any scene. I took at least 100 minutes to watch a one-hour episode. I've never felt like this while finishing a drama. I never thought I'd like it this much! I started watching it without any expectations, and it's my favorite drama now.Before this drama, I saw Byeon Woo-seok in "Strong Girl Nam-soon," but to be honest, I didn’t like him. I also didn’t like Kim Hye-yoon that much! So, I wasn’t interested in this drama at all. I started it out of monotony! But after watching this drama, I like them more than anyone else. They are my obsession now.I don't know how to express my thoughts. I have so many words to say, but it feels like I've lost all my words. Beat me, but "Lovely Runner" is the best drama this year.

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Good start, but lazy writing happened.

I watched this show expecting a lot because of the hype surrounding it but was let down. People were even comparing it to Twinkling Watermelon which was a top tier drama for me. I could tolerate it for a bit hoping that it would get better, but ultimately the female leads character is extremely annoying and I didn’t see any chemistry between the two leads. The plot is confusing at times but also very cliche and corny. I was waiting for a different result with the many chances the main character was given to change things. However, with the exception of the first back in time, it was a repeat of almost the same thing every time after. It’s not that I didn’t like it, but it was hard watching the female lead keep making the same mistakes trying to push the male lead away just to get the same result.

First few episodes are good, but there were so many plot holes in the storyline plus the lazy writing towards the end that just ruined this drama for me. Not a MUST WATCH! like what everyone is saying, but good for a one time watch.

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An unexpected storyline

When I first started this show I expected a storyline where the FL would go back in time to save the ML and help him deal with this mental health problems. However it quickly moved in another direction with numerous time jumps as main storylines, as someone that usually doesn't like this type of drama, I really liked it in this instance.

The only thing I found lacking was that the ML felt a bit one dimensional at times with not a lot of character, besides his shoulder injury there are not really other storylines about him (that don't involve FL or her kidnapping/time jumping)

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Life Changing Experience (literally).

Words cannot convey how I felt watching Lovely Runner and the journey it took me through.

I was sceptical at first because they painted this as an idol-fan love story (and what I thought would be a weird age-gap), so I wasn't exactly looking forward to it, but I love Hyeyoon to pieces and was familiar with Wooseok (hated his character in Record of Youth or cried for him in 20th Century Girl), so I decided to give it a go. Episode 1 was alright, surprisingly left me wanting more, but nothing too extraordinary. I waited another day for Episode 2 to be release and well, I watched it and here I am, still in my Lovely Runner sh*t. I think everything changed for Subeom nation after that episode 2 ending, and from that moment I knew this would become a favourite of mine.

A girl time travelling to save the boy who gave her courage to live but that boy loved her all along for like 15 years? Dude, I don't know about you but I was OBSESSED. And from that moment on, my Mondays and Tuesdays became such a source of happiness to the point I hated weekends. Crazy, right? Plot-wise, this was brilliant. Even the smallest details made sense, and even thought there were a couple plot-holes (as expected since time-travelling media can't help but have them), this was brilliantly executed. From small things such as Sunjae realising Sol is from the future because she's singing Sudden Shower to more complex things such as Sol going further back into the past to erase herself from Sunjae's past, marvellous and beautiful.

Character-wise, I've got absolutely nothing to complain about, either.

Let's start with Im Sol, played by one of the greatest actresses of our generation, Kim Hyeyoon. This role was literally (because it was, in fact) written for her and no one, absolutely no one could've pulled it off the way she did. We saw Sol go through so many things in order to save Sunjae, sometimes failing to realise she was slowly losing herself during the process. But I am so happy that even though she had to endure a lot, at the end, all that effort paid off for her. I laughed with and at her, I cried with and for her, and I felt this character so much that I simply couldn't help but love her to pieces. I never understood the hate she was receiving, I believe her to be one of the most selfless characters I've come across and one I'm sure we will cherish for a long time.

As for Ryu Sunjae, played by big softie Byeon Wooseok, all I gotta say he deserves this huge blow up. which I gotta say, I'm not sure why he didn't get huge after (at least) 20th Century Girl, where he played a very similar character. Nevertheless, really happy for him because he became a global sensation, so deserved! Anyway, Sunjae!! God, Sunjae!! Leader of Subeom nation, a pathetic malewife and certified loser, I love you so much. Wooseok played Sunjae in a way I believe no one else could have, and we're all the richer for it. Sunjae was just a simply little (2 meter) guy who fell in love and that's it, but that doesn't mean his story ends there. He showed us perseverance, longing, grief, love, happiness, so many raw emotions we rarely see from male characters, and I think you will all agree with me that you just simply love him.

And finally, our Kim Taesung, played by the amazing Song Geonhee. I am very pleased to say I never disliked him, jokes on y'all for never seeing his potential! Taesung, thank you for showing the audience that second leads do not need to be toxic and clingy in order to stay relevant. Geonhee played such a charming Taesung that one couldn't just help but love him (which was my case). He was always there for Sol as a friend (and I'm so glad Sol never lead him on), and that he believed and trusted her when she asked for things that did not make any sense (future related, of course). Such a refreshing character that I will miss dearly.

I would also like to point out two more things regarding this drama. The first one is the make up and costume department, I AM CLAPPING AT THIS VERY SAME MOMENT. How were you able to convince me that Hyeyoon and Wooseok were 19 at some point and 34 at the other and so on? I mean, the actors of course had a great deal to do with this, but I believe the make up and costume team did a marvellous job that needs to be recognised.

THE OST! It's been such a while since an all-rounder OST came along, I will forever remember how desperate we all were for Spring Snow to be released, we were truly losing my minds. And I'm also forever thankful we had Wooseok sing Sudden Shower because that just adds a great deal more of emotion to the whole thing. Great singer choices, great songwriting, 10/10.

Overall, this drama did everything splendidly, and I am so sad that I have to let it go after 2 months, I wish I could forget it all so I can watch it again for the first time. I'm sure I'll rewatch from time to time (tomorrow, maybe hahah). If what you're looking for is a refreshing experience, I do certainly recommend this one right here. You won't be disappointed.

Perfection does not exist, but if it did and it came in the shape of a Korean television series, it would be Lovely Runner.

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The only series I ever Rewatched !! SciFi Romance has never been better <3

Don't overthink, JUST WATCH IT!!
I Don't know why people are hating it rn, but it's only of the hidden gem series of the year. I might be slightly biased for some reason to give it a 10, but even if I am being my usual self ( i.r being critical) I can find any reason to give this series less than 9 stars.
The acting, the pacing, the songs, the consistent attention that the series grabbed is what I love the most. I can't find a single significant flaw which I could point. Ofc some people could have their pet peeves or might dislikes the leads for some reason, which could be their reason for the low stars, but I would definitely recommend you to watch the series. Even if one doesn't fall in absolute love with it, still you would enjoy the series and appreciate it, in my humble opinion.

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Lovely Runner is my Roman Empire.

For nearly a decade, I felt like Kdramas are not as enjoyable as they once did. Maybe I've just watched too much Kdramas for my own good. However, Lovely Runner evoked those emotions again. Kim Hye Yoon did a splendid job as Sol. No other actress has made me cry and laugh like this. I don't usually like cringe stuff, but Lovely Runner has just the right amount of cuteness and serious moments. I particularly appreciate the parallelisms in every episode.

I don't understand why a lot of people are leaving bad reviews. They probably watched the drama with unrealistic expectations.

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Let me just say...

I'll be honest, I think the reason people love this show is because of Byeon Woo-Seok's portrayal of Sun-jae. The fact that he's very attractive, tall, and is generally likeable makes this show nice to watch, lol. The love story itself is interesting, but there's a few things I think the show did a poor job at.
1. I WISH that we got a richer back story on all the characters
2. I wish more things tied the ML and FL together besides the FL's ability to go back in time. Maybe if they had known each other since childhood rather than high school? Idk. I just feel like the relationship itself sort of lacked depth.
3. It would have been nice if the themes of class or poverty or something substantial were highlighted. Casting such attractive characters is great but I wish the producers/writers also put more thought into adding more complexity to this plot.
4. The person who was trying to hurt Im Sol -- wish we had background on him? Like if the reason he wanted to hurt was for revenge idk I just feel like it was a weird plot twist that made no sense to me. I wanted MORE! 😭

I like the relationship between the leads, I think the love story itself is nice, Sun-jae is a good bf, etc etc. But I just wanted more. There's 1000s of romantic storylines, but very few are able to have substance and unfortunately, as adorable the couple is, thats kind of the extent of what makes this show memorable. Their on-screen chemistry made me want to continue watching and it got me hooked on the show for a bit, but that's about it sadly.
Great songs though, 10/10.

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Stunning first half. Second half falls victim to lazy scriptwriting.

I have to separate the first and second half.

The first half is a solid 8/10 for me. It's everything I'd ever want from a youth drama, and I absolutely loved every second of it. The characters' love story feels so unique to them. The script also sprinkles in just the right amount of tropes and pulls them off in just the right way to leave any romcom lover feeling satisfied without feeling overdone. The male lead is both cool and handsome while relatable and dorky over his first love. The female lead pulls off the sunshine personality and has great determination as a fan. I especially liked how consistent the story was about her steadfast, optimistic personality which she learned from the hardships she overcame as an adult. The drama never felt heavy, but I could still feel that there was love for the characters and their story. Also, small spoiler (but it happens within the first two episodes), but this is the only time that I have been completely sold on a love at first sight premise. It makes total sense to be a teenager, meeting such a kind, bright personality. It's like that friend crush, that person you wanted to get to know all four years of high school but never worked up the nerve to. Sun Jae's perspective is always so beautiful, and part of why the love at first sight works is because we can see how his feelings for Sol grow into something more meaningful as he gets to know her.

The second half is a 3/10 and falls victim to atrociously lazy scriptwriting. There are entire episodes dedicated to comedic relief and one-off scenarios. At that point, the relationship between the leads fails to develop which was such a waste, considering how beautifully their story was developed during the first half. I couldn't help but feel the shallowness in the story after episode 9. The story fails to have any goals or real development after that point. The writing sloppily tries to close the story with cheap plot twists, and none of the scenes really feel like they fit together or have a particular purpose. In essence, the second half of the show is entirely filler and completely fails the beauty of the first half.

I am still so happy to have experienced the first half but am utterly disappointed in the second half.

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They are so adorable but what the fuck is going on with that killer!

Lets talk about the positive cause the ROMANCE is ROMANCING! I love the couple so much and everything about them! I was blushing and kicking my feet every scene the ml and fl showed up!!! The back in time thing was so interesting as well, filled with comedy and romance was so fun to watch!

HOWEVER what the fuck was going on with the mystery side cause it would have been interesting if we actually found out the motive behind the killer/kidnapper! Cause we know nothing about him apart from the fact that he is a killer on the lose... It really ruined the show cause the whole purpose of the show was to catch the killer and live happily ever after but we got nothing out of him apart from plot. It felt really dry and annoying and the ending irritated me and lowkey ruined the whole show for me...

BUT the ml and fl are so adorable and definitely raised my standards!

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