Lovely Runner

No matter where we are...The end is always YOU! (Why 'Lovely Runner' Stole My Heart in 2024)

“Is there such a thing as destiny in life? Something we can neither change nor defy. Something like inevitability.” – Im Sol

" Lovely Runner" is officially one of my all-time favorite dramas, and I can't stress this enough. This show left me blushing, giggling, swooning and crying like a baby, and the emotions it stirred within me were simply unparalleled. To be honest, it hasn't just made its way into my top ten favorites, but it's actually bumped off a couple of other shows and claimed the top spot. " Lovely Runner" has officially stolen my heart, and I can't recommend it highly enough. If you haven't watched it yet, drop everything you're doing and start now - trust me, you won't regret it!

Alright, strap in folks, because the review you're about to read is as long as a novel (seriously, you might want to grab a snack before getting started). But trust me, it's worth it, because this drama had me going through all the emotions - laughter, tears, frustration, happiness, and everything in between. So buckle up and get ready for a wild ride as I take you on a journey through my thoughts on " Lovely Runner."

From the first episode to the last, this drama was a rollercoaster of emotions that left me feeling warm and fuzzy inside. The story, which revolves around a celebrity and his lifelong admirer, was beautifully executed and had me rooting for their love story at every turn. Every single character was fleshed out and well-developed, and the chemistry between the two leads was simply off the charts. So let me break down all the things that made this drama a 10/10 "must watch" for me...

CAST/ACTING:
The cast of " Lovely Runner" was simply phenomenal,top-notch, making for a truly compelling and immersive viewing experience.. Byeon Woo Seok was absolutely amazing in his role, bringing depth and charisma to Ryu Seon-Jae. His chemistry with Kim Hye Yoon, who played Im Sol in the most amazing & cute way, was palpable and their performances together truly made the drama come to life. The supporting cast was equally impressive, each actor bringing their own unique touch to their characters and adding to the richness of the story.

♥Main Leads Chemistry: The heart-warming and dreamy chemistry between the two leads of " Lovely Runner" was truly something special.It was so magnetic and believable that it added an extra layer of emotional depth to the show, making it even more enjoyable to watch. Byeon Woo Seok & Kim Hye Yoon are prolly now one of my top fav "kdrama couple" in all Dramaland!

“Given how many times we’re running into each other, isn’t the universe basically pushing us toward each other?” – Ryu Sun Jae


At this point please allow me this little fangirl moment...here we go... (1/2)
Byeon Woo Seok's performance in " Lovely Runner" was undoubtedly exceptional. After stunning audiences with his villainous role as Ryu Shi Oh in " Strong Girl Namsoon" and capturing the hearts of viewers (cause let's be honest it was the first time we were all rooting for the ruthless but charming as hell villain), his portrayal of Ryu Seon-Jae proved his versatility as an actor. As the charismatic and dreamy Ryu Seon-Jae, Byeon Woo Seok's charisma shone through and he effortlessly embodied the ideal boyfriend material, making viewers swoon and fall in love with the character. His talent for bringing complex characters to life and his ability to seamlessly switch between genres is truly impressive, and he's definitely a force to be reckoned with in the Korean entertainment industry.

CINEMATOGRAPHY:
From the cinematography to the styling, and from the beautifully shot scenes to the close-ups in " Lovely Runner" everything was exquisitely executed. The use of colors like warm reds and pinks created a romantic and dreamy atmosphere throughout the series, perfectly complementing the themes of love and fate. The camerawork was impeccable, with carefully composed shots capturing the subtle details and emotions of the characters. Close-ups, panned shots, and sweeping scenic views were all utilized to great effect, enhancing the overall visual experience of the drama and adding depth and dimension to the story. The use of close-up shots allowed for a strong emotional connection with the characters, and the stunning scenery, particularly the falling flower petals, added a sense of magic and romance to the series. The thoughtfully placed symbolism throughout the drama added layers of depth and meaning, such as the recurring theme of time and fate. These elements combined created a truly visually captivating and emotionally impactful drama.

MUSIC:
The music soundtrack for me is amongst the "Golden OST Dramas" like "Goblin", "Crash Landing on You", "Hotel del Luna", "while you were sleeping", "Moonlovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo" & rightfully so! Every song chosen for each scene was perfect & matched the mood of the scene, adding depth and feeling to the story. Songs like a"Star" by N.Flying captured the hopeful and optimistic tone of the drama, while "Like a Dream" by Minnie had a more melancholic and contemplative feel, perfectly complementing the show's themes of destiny and longing. The incorporation of "Spring snow" by 10cm and "a day" by ATEEZ's Jongho were especially noteworthy & they are hands down my faves. "Spring snow" added a touch of melancholy and longing, perfectly capturing the emotional turmoil of the characters. "a day", on the other hand, injected a dose of warmth and happiness to balance the drama's emotional depth, creating a truly memorable listening experience. Like honestly the soundtrack of " Lovely Runner" was truly one of the best ever. The songs seamlessly fit into the scenes and heightened the emotional impact of the drama. From the romantic ballads to the upbeat tracks, each song was carefully chosen to complement the storylines and characters perfectly. Whether evoking laughter, tears, or a mix of both, the soundtrack of " Lovely Runner" was a masterclass in creating the perfect atmosphere and eliciting the desired emotions from the audience.

At this point please allow me another fangirl moment...I can't help it...I'm an ATINY!
"A Day":The song's message of treasuring each and every moment aligned perfectly with the drama's themes of love, regret, and the fragility of time. The song's lyrics spoke of cherishing each day and the precious moments that make up life, themes that were central to " Lovely Runner." The uplifting and hopeful tone of the song countered the often bittersweet and melancholic moments in the drama, encapsulating the beauty and importance of savoring each day to the fullest.
ATEEZ'S very own amazing vocalist Jongho's voice in "a day" was simply angelic and heartwarming. His velvety tone added a touch of warmth to the drama's emotional rollercoaster. Each note he sang felt like a ray of sunshine piercing through the rain clouds, bringing a sense of tranquility and hope. The way he hit those high notes and transitions effortlessly between different registers was truly impressive, showcasing his exceptional vocal abilities. Simply put, Jongho's voice in " Lovely Runner" was nothing short of amazing, and every time his songs comes on, I can't help but fangirl over his talent!

WHAT I LIKED: (pretty much everything xD)
1. Heartwarming and emotional storyline and relatable characters
2. Great character development and portrayal and casting
3. Stunning cinematography and visual elements
4. Memorable & beautiful soundtrack with emotional and touching songs
5. Engaging plot with unexpected twists and turns
6. Satisfying and uplifting ending that leaves viewers feeling fulfilled and happy
7. The beautiful quotes in the dialogues!
8.Perfect chemistry between the leads that make your heart melt and steals the show

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:
1.The stalker killer taxi driver plot line was not resolved in a satisfying way and seemed like a rushed afterthought.
2.Im Sol's constant avoidance and pushing away of Seon-Jae was frustrating.
3. SMLKim Tae Sung deserved a "happy ending" too :(

Overall, "Lovely Runner" really stands out as a 10/10 drama for me.I LOVED IT WITH ALL MY HEART! It's a highlight of 2024 in Kdramaland and has quickly become one of my all-time favorites. Everything about it is just perfect - the captivating storyline, lovable characters, beautiful cinematography, and memorable music. I couldn't have asked for anything more from this drama, and it's definitely left a lasting impression on me and i will most definitely watch it 100 times and cry my eyes out till i die from dehydration buried under a mountain of tissues! If you're looking for a heartwarming love story that pulls on your heartstrings and leaves you with a warm fuzzy feeling inside and if you are a sucker for "fluffiness overload-comfort" dramas like silly lil me, then "Lovely Runner" is the drama for you! ♥

“At that moment, this crossed my mind. That our fate was just going around in circles just like this Ferris wheel.” – Im Sol

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Perfect Romantic Comedy with All the Right Elements

As someone already mentioned here, it's literally one of the rare gems of K-dramas. The series has everything that's necessary for romcoms and K-series in general:

✓ Great from start to finish
✓ Green flag main characters
✓ Interesting plotline
✓ Happy ending
✓ Suitable cast for the characters
✓ Focus on main characters with minimal focus on side characters
✓ Beautiful OSTs (Sonagi and Spring Snow!!!)
✓ Green flag second male lead
✓ Many more things I probably forgot to mention

It had many emotional scenes, but overall it wasn't depressing at all, so it's perfect if you want to watch something to feel entertained and feel like you're a teenager again, kicking your feet, lying in bed giggling, and blushing out of adoration for the characters.

literally 10 out of 10

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Time Loop Romance That Struggles to Carry Emotional Weight

Lovely Runner (2024) is slightly overrated for me. When you look closely at its emotional core, the story feels far less effective than it initially appears.

Across every timeline, the ML is portrayed as endlessly devoted to the FL, to the point where it feels unrealistic and emotionally flat. His character comes across as artificial, as it is hard to believe anyone would sustain unrequited love for over a decade without growth or change. The FL, meanwhile, is often slow to catch on and repeatedly makes poor decisions. Much of the conflict could have been avoided if the characters acted more thoughtfully, which became increasingly frustrating.

A major issue lies in how the show handles time. Lovely Runner functions more as a time loop than true time travel, which limits its emotional weight. Because events repeatedly reset, character growth feels stalled rather than earned. This puts it at a disadvantage compared to time travel dramas like Twinkling Watermelon (2023), where each shift in time carries lasting emotional consequences and meaningful development.

What also bothered me was how the timelines treated Sol. The younger, more immature version of her does all the hard work. She studies through high school and college, graduates, and struggles to build a life, only for the 2023 version to enjoy the results. The 2023 Sol, aside from her period of paralysis in the first timeline, feels like she has not truly lived through the experiences that shaped her success.

Timeline 2 is easily the strongest and most engaging. This is where the characters feel most alive and actively involved in the story. It is also the timeline we spend the most time in, largely due to the watch being used twice. However, the repeated failure of the police to apprehend an obviously clumsy killer strains credibility. Aside from Kim Tae Sung, who resolves the case in the final timeline, law enforcement is portrayed as consistently incompetent. The killer feels more like a plot device than a character, created solely to add tension. Without a meaningful backstory, his presence becomes repetitive and tiring, especially when compared to better-written villains like the one in I Can Hear Your Voice (2013).

Timeline 3 shifts to the college years but offers little that is new. It mostly feels like filler until the countryside arc, where the ML finally gains insight into his backstory. Timeline 4 attempts to wrap things up with a happy ending, but it feels rushed and somewhat forced. While I am not against a happy conclusion, the resolution feels familiar, reminiscent of W: Two Worlds (2016).

In the end, Lovely Runner had an interesting premise and strong moments, but its time loop structure, inconsistent character writing, and repetitive conflicts prevented it from reaching its emotional potential.

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If you could forget any show just to rewatch it again, what show would it be? This one.

Let me just say this, I did not expect to enjoy this drama as much as I actually did when I read the mdl description. Before starting Lovely Runner, I was in a drama slump. Unable to finish ones I had began because they became too stale midway through or the ones airing just did not sound interesting to me. I have had Lovely Runner on my to watch list because I like both Byeon Wooseok and Kim Hyeyoon's acting and thought that the description seemed interesting so I gave it a try.

I am so happy that I watched this series. I do not think there were many dull moments throughout this show as for my episode rankings every single episode got either a 9 or a 10, no episode ever went below a 9 for me. I cried many times throughout this show, not full blown sobs but teary eyed, and my throat clenched up quite a bit as well. The way this show was able to grab at your heart strings and keep you wanting to come back for the next episode was fantastic.

For my typical reviews I do a "favorite character of the series", but it is such a difficult one to choose for this review as I genuinely loved everyone. The way Baek Inhyuk was used as a major comedic relief, seeing him on the screen was always such a treat. I loved the growth we saw of Kim Taesung throughout the series. I will genuinely miss this series and it is definitely one of those "If you could have a show you could ever forget just to rewatch one more time what would it be" show.

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We are just living in Seon Jae & Sol’s world!

Lovely Runner will forever be etched in my heart 💛💙

Where do I even start? I’ll probably never love a drama as much as I did this one for a very long time. I woke up on Mondays with a smile on my face. I wanted my weekend to fly so Monday would come faster! That can't be normal.

Lovely Runner took me back to 15+ years ago when I first started watching kdramas. I was somehow on this long journey to one-day watch something incredible like this. The standard for rom-coms should be this! It was April 8th, aka Solar Eclipse Day in North America when it first aired. With each episode, it just got better and better!! Episode 2 of LR will be one of the 'most rewatchable worthy episodes' to ever exist. Episode 8? GOSH. Episode 11 with the cherry blossom scene? My mouth dropped. I never had such a visceral reaction. Episode 14-16 in the adult-era was so good! The combo of enemies-to-lovers + star-crossed-lovers reuniting hits so hard. Episode 16 is such comfort.

Until the very end, I would religiously follow the pattern of “watch>rewind>watch>rewind again" over and over again. Each episode took me forever to finish because I’d rewind to savour each moment. My toes would curl, I’d kick my feet and smile from ear-to-ear. I found myself going back and rewatching from the very start just waiting for new episodes. I’ve never done that in my life. I lost count how many times I’ve seen specific episodes.

This kdrama is perfect fluff. Cotton candy-esque.

I’ll fondly remember how I’d come home after work and walk into my sister’s room just to get her Lovely Runner reaction/thoughts. I’ll remember going over to my friend’s place so we can order takeout and watch Lovely Runner together. I’ll remember today. I’ll remember watching LR at my desk because I am easily tempted. Then going over to my friend’s after work and pretending it’s my first time seeing episode 16. One of these days, when we've both had a little too much to drink, I’ll tell her the truth. She will laugh.

I’ll remember Lovely Runner for the rest of my life. I am going to bottle up this feeling and keep it close to my heart. Lovely Runner felt like coming home for old-timers. This will be my comfort drama from now onwards.

I loved it so much that I had to write a review! This may very well be my first and last review on MDL.

Mondays will be the bane of my existence once more.

Forever Sol-ah, Seon-jae-aa!! 💛💙

All I see is 10s across the board.

Thank you Lovely Runner for giving me the happiest of the happiest endings!! ✨

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lighthearted stretched out romance

the show is lighthearted. even at the most 'thrilling' moments, the show doesn't really take itself seriously that way. those moments are a shock value at best.
watch if you want a feel good but mildly complicated mildly funny show. the romance is like high school romance x idol-fan romance. fluffy puppy love?.
plot:
it's nothing new. but some elements in the first episode drew me in. like a fl in a wheelchair. i liked her acting. but this angle wasn't explored much, to my disappointment. All other serious topics like suicide, suicide prevention etc are also conveniently wrapped up, and discarded. TBH, if the first ep wasnt so serious-like i wouldnt have watched the show.
romance is the center in this drama. literally, the side characters' arcs are all over the place. There are many 'twists', that seem very unnecessary. They drag the show on and make it very tiring. i feel like the show could've been a lot more crisp.
similarity with extraordinary you:
KHY's character, IS is the heavy lifter of the show. she's running around and doing all of the 'stuff'. others just exist or show up in the nick of time. The tunnel focus on the romance is also similar in nature. There's also no villain per say.
that is why I feel like the target audience of the show must be younger people. like middle schoolers. the pining nature of the romance, the stretched out length, slight sprinkle of danger, whiny dialogue delivery (much to my chagrin). yaah.
nature of romance:
since romance is the centre point, i feel like it deserves a section. Both fl and ml are really into each other. They have good chemistry. I didnt find any glaring problematic sequences of mistreatment or abuse. The ml is green flag. The poor chap is clueless all the time, yet he figures what the fl is upto just by observing her. He's into her that much. They both put the other before themselves, so it checks out. The theme / flavour of romance changes according to the setting. idol x fan, next door neighbor, school sweethearts, longtime flame. Highlights a 'against all odds approach' . "No matter what the situation or stakes, my choice shall be the same". It was heartwarming to watch.
honorable mentions:
Tae song, his arc changes quite a bit. not explored much
In Hyuk, ultimate wingman.
Grandma, attempt of writers to make sense the 'twists'.

If you liked extraordinary you i think you will like this too. Dont go in expecting something serious. Its all just very lighthearted. not serious at all.

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The defniton of mood swings

I started watching this on Sunday and I was hesitant to watch it due to the drama around but hey yoon is my favourite actress so why not, i really enjoyed it and that's the suppressing considering i don't really like unexpected twists in dramas it was very emotional ( i didn't cry though ) i enjoyed this drama however there are a few things that could've been different.
1. The chemistry I didn't think their chemistry was bad or awkward it just didn't feel natural, especially in the last few episodes

2. i felt like they could've gone in more depth like what does the grandma know? Why does she change time or world or whatever? which world or time is the real one? It feels like it needed more than 16 episodes and there were A LOT of things that were left unexplained

3. i understand why the fl was frustrated but why did she have to lie and pretend like she didn't like him or shout at him because he got her a gift... like girl be happy after changing time and dimensions about 100000 times you would think would realise there's no reason for her to lie or pretend to be okay.. or act like she hates him right? but no

but yeh watch it i haven't watched a drama without dropping it for months so it must've been good

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My All-time K-Drama

Seeing the bad comments that came out, I thought it would be good for me to write this review, based on the perspective of someone who likes this drama and loves rom-coms. Until now, I haven't been able to move on and continue to watch short-clips about LR on reels, as proof that I really like the drama and not just because the actor is handsome or the actress is beautiful. Hehenggg (⁠〒⁠﹏⁠〒⁠)

(First of all, sorry if my English is bad. I'm still learning.)

First, Story.
From the start, the audience was taken to dive into Sol's life, who was initially depressed because his legs were paralyzed, where she finally received encouragement from an idol, namely Ryu Sun Jae. The storyline is just right. Not too fast or slow. Viewers can enjoy both the rom-com side and the sad side. When watching the drama, there will definitely be theories emerging about what will happen next. I think it's fun.

Second, Acting/casting.
I think everything is spot on. I could feel the various emotions expressed by each actor, not just the main actor, but all the actors really played their roles according to their portions. I think this is indeed the most important point in this drama. If the choice of actors was bad, this drama definitely wouldn't be as popular because they couldn't portray the characters appropriately.

Third, Music.
I loveeeeee all the soundtracks. Until now I often listen to it on shuffle on Spot1fy. I think this statement is representative enough without me having to explain it more (⁠ ⁠ꈍ⁠ᴗ⁠ꈍ⁠).

Fourth, Rewatch value.
I think this drama will be good enough to rewatch on holiday. Suitable to watch when someone needs entertainment after facing a tough life. Or whenever that is.

There are definitely pros and cons. But if there are people who hate this drama, it's not wrong if I love this drama, right?

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The show that gave me the biggest comfort in 2024

I don’t trust anybody who finishes this kdrama and doesn’t like it. Lovely runner gave everything I have ever wanted from a show:
Comfort green flag characters (even when sonjae was jealous HE WAS JUST SO CUTE it wasn’t a bad red flag move)
Hilarious scenes
Absolutely adorable romantic scenes
Beautiful cinematography and ost (and literally every song in the show was a masterpiece)
Outstanding acting from literally everyone
Some adventure and fantasy (and because of that we got so many protective cute moments, they were protecting each other all the time I wanted to scream)
Nice little plot twists and attention to the details,
A clever script
An ending with no loopholes, just comfort and happiness. And something really important? NO boring episodes! I finished this in 2 days, while in most kdramas I take (at the very very least) a week (or even months tbh).

All the unrealistic and cliche moments were because it’s based on a webtoon like come on if they got rid of some unnecessary trippings etc you would be like “but you erased scenes from the webtoon you ruined it” WELL here they are!!!!!!!

Overall 10000/10
Please watch it you won’t regret it. Now I gotta see how I’m going to move on from my post masterpiece show depression cause it’s hitting hard right now

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"Lovely Runner" becomes one of those timeless dramas

Review by : flowerbby

"Lovely Runner" weaves a storyline that is not only aesthetic and beautiful but also deeply enjoyable. The tone of the drama is enriched with a graceful aesthetic and charming, lighthearted comedy that delights. Every actor delivers a remarkable performance, with Kim Hye Yoon in the lead role truly shining. Her portrayal is exceptional, reaffirming that she fully deserves the title of an actress whose work you can always trust. Byeon Woo Seok is equally captivating, bringing Sun Jae to life with such profound and heart-wrenching emotion.

Each episode masterfully keeps the audience on their toes, with a plot that surprises and stirs deep feelings, making it impossible to move on easily. "Lovely Runner" leaves an indelible mark—it’s a drama that is hard to forget and will be cherished for a long time. This work is truly a gem, and I sincerely hope "Lovely Runner" becomes one of those timeless dramas. As a devoted fan, I know I will never forget this series, and I’m deeply grateful that it concluded so beautifully.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the screenwriter, director, and every crew member who collaborated to create this masterpiece. Your dedication and hard work have brought this wonderful story to life, and it is deeply appreciated.

#solsunsubeom 💙💛

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My No. 1 Love Story/ Kdrama/Film

I watched this on recommendation from yt. I am glad. This kdrama has just become my life's go to film for comfort whatever I am feeling. My number one, surpassing the Notebook and the Gladiator.
I never rewatched a kdrama or films more than 2x even they're my favorite. Until now, I keep rewatching Lovely Runner and doesnt get tired of it. Everything about it for me is excellent and amazing. I am just a year old in Asian dramas, many are good, many I dropped, but with Lovely Runner I fell in love. Thank you to all who have made this kdrama. I hope the producers and writers will team up Woo Seok and Hye Yoon again in the future. Maybe a historical drama?

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