Bells

Story: 7.5/10
Lovely Runner embarks on an emotional voyage, intertwining themes of love, regret, and second chances. The narrative follows Im Sol (Kim Hye-yoon), a devoted fan of the illustrious singer-actor Ryu Sun-jae (Byeon Woo-seok). Trapped in a wheelchair due to a childhood accident, Sol's life takes an unexpected turn when she is transported back to 2008, finding herself as a high school student alongside a younger Sun-jae. Armed with the knowledge of future tragedies, Sol endeavours to alter their intertwined destinies. The series adeptly balances the complexities of time travel with heartfelt character development, though the latter episodes introduce convoluted subplots that slightly hinder the story's momentum.

Acting/Cast: 10/10
The cast delivers stellar performances that breathe life into the narrative. Kim Hye-yoon embodies Im Sol with a blend of vulnerability and determination, capturing the essence of a woman yearning to rewrite her fate. Byeon Woo-seok portrays Ryu Sun-jae with depth, seamlessly transitioning between the charm of a rising star and the turmoil of personal struggles. Their on-screen chemistry anchors the series, making their journey compelling. Their kiss scenes were phenomenal too. Supporting actors, including Song Geon-hee as Kim Tae-seong and Lee Seung-hyub as Baek In-hyuk, enrich the storyline with nuanced portrayals, adding layers to the central plot, although don't have much of their own stories, rather just being background characters to the main leads.

Music: 10/10
The original soundtrack (OST) of Lovely Runner is a standout element, enhancing the emotional resonance of the series.

These were my favourites:
"Sudden Shower" by ECLIPSE: An evocative piece with heartwarming lyrics (if you understand Korean) that mirrors the protagonists' unforeseen challenges.
"Run Run" by ECLIPSE: An energetic track encapsulating the relentless pursuit of dreams.
"Spring Snow" by 10cm: A romantic, soft ballad that reminds you of falling snow.

Rewatch Value: 6.0/10
The series' intricate plot and profound character arcs make it suitable for multiple viewings. Viewers may find new insights and appreciate subtle nuances upon revisiting the episodes. However, the pacing issues in the latter part may deter some from a full rewatch, (I got a little bored and it felt draggy towards the end).

Final Thoughts
Lovely Runner presents a poignant tale that melds the allure of time travel with the raw emotions of love and loss. While the narrative occasionally stumbles with pacing, the exceptional performances and a mesmerizing soundtrack ensure it remains a memorable addition to the K-drama landscape.

While Lovely Runner starts with a gripping premise and maintains a strong emotional pull for most of its run, the final few episodes falter. As the story approaches its climax, the pacing slows considerably, with prolonged scenes and unnecessary subplots that feel repetitive. The tension that once kept viewers on the edge of their seats dissipates, replaced by overly drawn-out conflicts and melodramatic resolutions that could have been handled more succinctly.

Key moments that should have packed an emotional punch are stretched thin, losing their impact. Instead of building on the earlier momentum, the series meanders, leaving viewers impatient for closure. This shift in tone and pacing not only undermines the narrative’s initial strengths but also risks disengaging the audience during what should be its most memorable moments.

Despite the stellar acting and soundtrack that continue to shine throughout, the draggy conclusion leaves Lovely Runner crossing the finish line with less enthusiasm than it began. A tighter edit and more focused storytelling in the later episodes could have elevated the drama to greater heights.

Overall Rating: 8.5/10