This is exactly the rom-com we needed
I have been anticipating this drama since they announced it. I honestly, watched the first episode after it's released without thinking about the consequence and pain having to wait for a new episode each week but we're here! Lol Never ever crossed my mind that they would give us THIS much chemistry and let alone be obsessed with SolJae couple. Seriously, this pairing is so GOOD and so cute.Kim Hye Yoon deserves to be casted as she truly portrayed Im Sol. She shined so much here. Her versatility and her showing so many emotions all at once is remarkable.
Byeon Woo Seok, delivers Ryu Sun Jae's character as well. His dynamics and expressions are on point. I'm literally in awe of how talented he is?! Like, his vocals??? He could do KPOP/Band vocalist full time! So happy for him he's getting the popularity he deserves now. (Don't sleep on him! He might be the next rom-com king!)
This is exactly the rom-com I needed. I honestly love this so much as I have been looking for dramas that are light and not stressful. This is what I'm hoping for! All tropes that I like are visible here. I just hope they won't focus on the thriller/murder part because that's seriously a turn off. Lol
It's still early to say as we gradually go on with the episodes but 9.1 rating is so deserving!!!!
🧏🏼♀️Dimple couple🧏🏻♂️~~~!!! Fighting!!!!
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Great pacing and chemistry
If you are debating whether you should watch this drama or not, it's better to just start watching the first episode, then decide whether you'd like to continue or not. And just a piece of advice, if you don't like the actress/actor playing the main characters, then you might wanna double or even triple think about watching this drama. Because if you already dislike the actor/actress, you'll just find everything that they do (including their acting) annoying.Now here's to everything that I love about this drama:
OST - Honestly there's no skip with this one. Everything's great - the lyrics and the melody. One of reasons why I fell in love with this drama.
Cast - We're not going to fight who carried the show here. They all did! No one really fell short in terms of acting. The chemistry between Hyeyoon and Wooseok - amazing. The chemistry between their friends and families - amazing. They're all funny!
Plot - Well, I wouldn't really call it a masterpiece. So if you are looking for something with an award-winning masterpiece, it's not here. Also, if you are someone who overanalyzes everything in a story, I don't think this drama is for you.
But the plot is decent, okay? Cliche? Yes. But here's the thing about cliche, it still takes great writing in order for it to be enjoyable up until the last episode. As for the storyline, I promise you'll understand it if you don't overthink it so much.
Just one thing that I'd really like to commend the writer and director for is the pacing of the story. It has great pacing. Usual kdrama would get boring around episode 8, it'll pick up the pace around episode 13 and 14, and then that's it. The ending is either meh or good.
But Lovely Runner has no boring episode. I don't even think that there are filler scenes in this drama. 60 mins for one episode wasn't even enough. The ending was so LOVELY. I even want more of it, but you know too much of everything is really bad.
Anyway, the success of Lovely Runner is well-deserved. It's one of the best romcom I've ever watched. No wonder why this drama helped a lot of people from their slump.
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from a seasoned drama lover- this is just as good as they say
when i first encountered this drama, it seemed to me a typical romance drama that people had overhyped. i usually dont watch dramas involving time travel or anything similar either, so i was hesitant.boy, i was wrong.
this drama is fabulous - each part of the plot is intricately mapped out and kim hye yoon and byeon woo seok's stellar chemistry is the cherry on top. the characters are lovable, the time travel element strengthens the bond between the main leads whilst simultaneously conveying real life emotions like nostalgia, heartbreak and gratitude.
not to mention my own personal reactions - i was kicking my feet and smiling at their romance and even let out some sly tears at their emotional reunion.
i like the aspects that each time travel results in different realities - by the end theyve experienced several realities together and somehow find a way to connect each time - this is truly beautiful.
i also have to shout out the comedy element - my favourite scene is when sun jae is zoning out and says something insulting whilst his friend is stealing his food and says 'i just wanted a bite...' - so many moments like these made me chuckle!!! i was laughing so much, it was really hilarious!!
i could nitpick, but honestly i dont think i can, ive had too much fun watching this drama, it was genuinely incredibly enjoyable.
dramas like these make me totally starstruck - as an INFP, i am guilty of being highly fantastical in my own head- their incredible romance makes me a little sad i cant have it in my own life.
WATCH THIS DRAMA!!!!! hopefully you will enjoy it as much as i did
everyone who worked on this needs a pat on the back, the director/s, cast and production crew, all personnel, everyone.
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This review may contain spoilers
I am in love!
I don't even know where to start, so I'll just say this: Go watch it if you haven't!!!From the casting to the story to the ost, everything was absolutely amazing. So much so that I want to rewatch it already.
Firstly the cast: Byeon Wooseok and Kim Hyeyoon have such amazing chemistry, which just made it easy to get super invested in their story. I was all in after the pilot already and that is something not many (if any) dramas have ever achieved. Aside from the two leads, I also liked all the side characters a lot. For once, I didn't fall victim to the second lead syndrome because Ryu Seonjae is just THAT GUY. Somehow Byeon Wooseok manages to convincingly play both a teenager and a 30-something year old, despite knowing he is the latter in real life. And then there's Kim Hyeyoon who just made me feel all of the same emotions as her, her acting is just so great. It constantly made me wonder what I would do in her situation and often times I could so viscerally feel her desperation.
As for the story: I really wasn't sure about how they would carry out the plot and still keep it engaging but they totally exceeded my expecations. The first eight episodes (roughly) set up lots of background info but without feeling too overwhelming or boring. In the second half of the drama is where shit really goes down, though that is not to say that the first half is unnecessary or not enjoyable. On the contrary, it sets up all the characters and their backstories nicely which really gave me the time to get invested and attached to them. There is not a single episode that I can think of that was even the slightest bit boring to me.
Lastly the ost: when I say that this is my favorite ost of all, I'm not exaggerating at all. All of the songs are amazing but I just love it when the one of the leads sings one of the songs because it just adds so much to the drama for me. Considering Seonjae is an idol, it only made sense for Wooseok to sing an ost and he delivered!!! I've been listeing to Sudden Shower, Spring Snow and of course A Day (where my other atinys at?) so much and I can't get enough. Every time I heard Jonghos voice, I knew I was about to cry and I can't even be mad because it's so beautiful. All of the songs were just so perfect in conveying the mood of the scenes.
So to end it I just want to say: this is an amazing drama and I would love to see more from this production crew, they really did a great job at bringing an awesome cast together with a great story and ost.
When I tell you I cried at least once watching most of the episodes, I'm being entirely honest. This drama was an emotional rollercoaster, in a good way.
Also watching this as it was still airing was certainly good test of my patience because I could barely wait for the next two episodes at the start of every week. Can't wait to rewatch this and be able to binge it in a few days!
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This review may contain spoilers
Unbeliebubble and Amazing Leads with an Isekai Twist!
Story:The drama is based from a manhwa called best of tomorrow! The drama is well written with the perfect balance and ingredients of romance, comedy, suspense and a bit of a twist. True to the manhwa, our main lead accidentally isekai'ed to the past and given an opportunity to work on changing fate. Filled with lovveable characters and heartwarming romance. I love the fact that they've given more depth on our female lead and showed us the reason why she truly became a fan. The drama has also showed us the male lead's POV and its truly a gem to watch and see how their story unfolds.
Cast
As Im Sol's words, UNBELIEBUBBLE! HAHA! The chemistry from the two main leads down to the supporting cast is truly awesome! My screen was on FIRE from the chemistry of the main leads. The characters navigate the past and young love, pure and intense is both entertaining and suspenseful. Reminiscent of the olden day.My heart kept thumping and made it beat like how I've fallen in love for the first time. I love that the characters remain true to their little quirks and personalities. Example is that when Sun Jae woud like to hide, he always uses the blanket, how he is always a go getter from trying to pursue to act, or win a mobile device, to be with her in one room or act on his feelings when his older.Their dynamic is so n'sync and that I felt I truly live in their world!
Music
Is 10/10. It encapsulated the drama's pacing, funny and unforgetable moments. I have the songs as a favourite in my playlist.
Rewatch value
This is worth a rewatch and I've recommended this to my friends. I've watching it for the 2nd time this weekend! Truly a gem!
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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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DRAMA OF THE YEAR ??? REDEFINING ROM COM - LOVELY RUNNER
Ahhhh !!! I couldn't control myself...🥹🥹 Blushing throughout..... 🤩🤩... What a series .... What an ending.... Sun jae Im Sol Tae Sung In Hyuk ... You have my heart guysss....It's been ages since I've blushed for a series ... Throughout the whole series I was blushing.... As far as I remember It was Strong woman do bong soon ....
Special mention is Tae sung ... Mu boyyyyy❤️❤️❤️
Ofc Uri loser Sunjae 😂😂
Sunjae just gave me min min vibesss 😍😍
OMG !!! The OST'S ..... They were " The perfect " ... Especially Star , Sudden Shower and Spring snow are my favourite... Ofc other osts were also too
I'm not ready to leave them ... Literally my 2 months were only them ... WhatsApp, Instagram, pinterest, mdl everywhere only LR 🥺🥺 I donno how will I live without them
I'd strongly recommend this series to everyone... Please don't miss out this beautiful gem 💎💎
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This review may contain spoilers
THE SHINING STAR OF 2024
So far TVN dramas in 2024 have been serving, but I can definitely say, with complete certainty, that nothing has fed me as well as Lovely Runner.Story
The story is about a young woman, Sol, who was in an accident as a teenager. She suffered through a lot of depression following her paralysis, making her suicidal. In a radio phone conversation, the male lead, SunJae, helps her remember her will to live, and she is so grateful to him that she becomes his avid fan. Fifteen years go by and Sun Jae is also suffering heavy depression. After meeting briefly, news comes out that he committed suicide. Heartbroken, she goes back in time to when they were both 19 and decides to save SunJae. At the time, they both attended the same highschool, and SunJae was an athlete. She starts interacting with him more, unlike in the original timeline, and it is discovered that all this time, Sun Jae had a crush on her. The story progresses, Sol going back in forth to the past and the future, discovering what changes she was able to make to the timeline and dealing with her past self. We watch Sol and SunJae act as teenagers, and cringe with them in their many many embarrassing moments. When they're in college, we watch them have so many cute and heartfluttering moments together. As adults, we get to watch them have steamy scenes.
The story perfectly represents love, whether it is the young puppy love of children, to the mature, selfless love of adults. It gives us yearning and adoration. It distinguishes between the love of a fan and admirer from the love of a man/woman. It takes us through so many tropes - fan and idol, enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, strangers meeting, one sided love, love at first sight, idiots in love, bromance, love triangle (very brief) high school romance, college romance, adult romance...
There is a good balance of humor and heaviness. While there are a lot of sad moments, I never really found myself crying because there is levity and it is countered well with heartwarming moments or humorous moments.
Acting
Kim Hye Yoon, Im Sol, and Byeon Woo Seok, Ryu Sun Jae, have amazing chemistry. I'd kept up with KHY since Sky Castle, having been one of the few who loved her character, and watch most of everything that she'd put out since then, or else seen clips of it. I'm always impressed by her acting and the range of characters she played. BWS is new for me, as he is for many others. I'd of course seen him in other shows, but I'd never paid him any real attention, and I guess that has to do with the fact that he played next to some really big celebrities at the time, like Park Bo Gum. He gained a lot of attention for his previous works now that his lead role is out, and having gone back to watch them, I can definitely say that he does a very good job. I do believe he completely carried Strong Woman Nam Soon.
In this show, the two acted exactly how I would expect them to act. They were cringey teens, they were foolish young adults, they were mature adults. They acted goofy, cute, serious, in love... I got all the emotions from them.
Most of my enjoyment from the show was watching them act so unserious all the time. And the behind the scenes footage was everything.
The supporting cast did amazing as well. I was invested in all the plot lines and I loved the bromance, friendship and family that the show gave us.
Music
Who knew BWS could sing? well now everyone does as his song for the show is topping. And N.Flying's Lee Seung Hyub is amazing as well! all the OSTs are so good and catchy.
Filmography
Beautiful. Great cinematography. Amazing parallels.
I don't really know what else I can say about this show. It's really on the top of the list as far as great shows go, and is the star of 2024. Highly highly recommended. I will definitely be watching it again.
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This review may contain spoilers
Lovely Runner is the BEST RomCom Drama in 2024
Lovely Runner is the BEST RomCom Drama in 2024 ... It's like my Monday & Tuesday therapy Pill and I can't still get over it till now 2 weeks after it ends ... I have rewatched it for the 10th time now and still counting without even skipping an episode. I love Kim Hyeyoon here and she has shown us much depth in her acting and she has matured and developed. Her pretty & soulful crying and her awesome comedic timing and her great & natural chemistry with Byeon Woo Seok are on another level. I've become a True Fan of both Hyeyoon and Woo Seok.Lovely Runner is like magic and it's a complete recipe for romantic comedy from the exploding and natural Chemistry of the OTP and their True love that prevails in all the timelines, Im Sol and Ryu Sunjae on and off Screen (please do watch their behind the scene it's like another drama altogether hehehehe), the most well-loved second lead Kim Taesung (become BFF with the Im Sol on the last timeline) and Sunjae's BFF the lovable Bae Im Hyuk and the rest of the cast in the drama and the Great writing and cool directing and it came together as Magic for me. Love the perfect flow of the drama and all the episodes for me is exciting and not predictable for me at all. In the first episode alone, I was crying when Im Sol was lying on the bed who had lost all reason to live due to her disability and contemplating ending her life but was saved by Ryu Sunjae words of comfort and hope to think of her love ones who will be hurt if she ever decided to end her life and just take life one day at a time. Hyeyoon's acting here gives me goosebumps and the next thing I just bawled my eyes out. It's like a healing moment for me.
Lovely Runner has become my source of comfort, fun, and excitement and this will go down in history. Hope they will receive lots of awards.
It's a MUST watched drama and I haven't moved on with this drama yet. SolJae forever
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Don't know what to say?
I can't stop writing about this drama if I start.. I have watched a lot of dramas. But this one hits different. I just fell in love with everyone specially Hyeyoon. What an acting girlllll.. She slayed every scenes. The crying scenes made me cry along with her.. A drama with no toxic friend or ex or second lead. Byeon Woo Seok is always my favourite.. I first noticed him in 20th Century Girl and later in Strong Girl Nam Soon. He did great in both of them. And in this one, he is the greanest forest ever💚... I would love to see them together again in another drama. Their chemistry is everything😍😍Was this review helpful to you?
A Masterpiece
I am very GRATEFUL that I actually wanted to start this drama, but little did I know that I will become very in love with it. I’ve watch 60+ dramas in my life and this is the first one that made me so so obsessed and in love with everything (cast, characters, story, OST, everything). I doubt that I’ll never feel this same way with other drama. Everything it’s perfect, and also the writer gave us all types of tropes of love.Pd: I rewatched it like 4 times and more, and still want to rewatch it again.
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