Lori

Yes, same. I thought nothing could top CLOY's magic and heart but Lovely Runner did it. I'd go even so far as to say the love story in Lovely Runner was far better than CLOY. But CLOY did much better with the side characters who all became very endearing to me as a viewer. There are a lot of excellent Kdramas that have accomplished their well-deserved fame and amassed a massive loyal fanbase. But only few can reach a level of storytelling that lingers on in the viewer's heart for a long time after its conclusion. For me, only CLOY and Lovely Runner managed to do that.

I agree with all the points you made. Queen of Tears had the potential to be 2024's best Kdrama. But they kinda missed that depth and resolution as you mentioned which on the other hand another hit Kdrama, Lovely Runner, did so well and convincingly. I was waiting for the main couple's core issues to be dealt with head on in the drama which never came. They didn't hit the bull's eye on this one.

Looking forward to this one the most ☺️

Yes I pointed out the same things.

For me the main reason why When the Phone Rings was so successful was because of Yoo Yeon Seok's acting. He really carried this drama to the level of success that it is on now. He and Chae Soo Bin had amazing chemistry. Too bad the last 2 episodes messed up the narrative and pacing. But episodes 1-10 were really really good.

I'm not into romcoms usually but King the Land made it to my list of favorite Kdramas because of Sa Rang's character and the fact that their relationship is healthy, supportive. The communication between the couple is something to emulate.

Only Lovely Runner gave me the same feeling after CLOY despite finishing and loving other dramas after. It's one of those very rare gems that only come out every two years in Kdrama land.

I agree it was the best Kdrama of 2024. So much better than Queen of Tears and When the Phone Rings.

“And I’d choose you—in a hundred lifetimes, in a hundred worlds, in any version of reality, I’d find you and I’d choose you.” ~ Kiersten White

This quote is basically what Lovely Runner is all about. Sun Jae's character breathed life into these words perfectly. His love for Sol surpassed the concept of time; no matter how often she came back to try and change his fate of dying young, he fell in love with her again and again and again, even after he found out that she was the reason for his death, and even after he lost his memories of her.

I'm appalled that so many people gave this enchanting Kdrama negative reviews and failing marks. I made my first account in MDL more than 10 years ago but the comments and reviews section were never this spiteful and vitriolic. So needless to say, I am shocked when upon returning to Kdrama to distract myself from international and local politics, and reactivated my membership after my old one locked me out as an afterthought, I encounter all this terrible fighting and insults in the comments. I won't be this active anymore in this website. It has honestly become as toxic as Facebook. Anyway, back to Lovely Runner. Sure it was marketed as a romantic comedy/sci-fi, but its true essence was its unforgettable story of enduring, selfless and sacrificial love. Their love is only something we could only dream of because such love rarely exists, if at all, in this world. Admittedly, I was initially put off by the first episode because I'm not into Kpop so I can't relate to the obsession of the fans at all. I mean I was into Blackpink at one point but that fizzled out quickly. I don't know why but I can't get past the idea that Kpop idols are products, artificial in everything, and not actual, authentic human beings or something. I rarely also watch Korean rom-coms because the cutesy acting isn't something I look for in Kdramas. But I'm glad I persevered (the last few scenes in Episode 2 piqued my interest ngl) because my second time watching this Kdrama made me fall deeper in love with the story and its wonderful characters. Gosh, the number of times these two main characters sacrificed themselves for each other just to let the other person live. The things they endured for each other without expecting anything in return. I don't even know anymore who loved more, Im Sol? or Sun Jae? It's truly worth the hype last year. Beautifully acted and beautifully told. In my opinion, this is indeed the best Kdrama of 2024. It's truly a comforting and uplifting story and has easily become one of my favorite Kdramas of all time.

I was already expecting this. There was no other Kdrama logic to his ghosting.

I am well-aware what adaptation means. What I am only driving at is that you all knew what this was based on so you should have adjusted your expectations accordingly.

But you were aware that it was based on a comic book, weren't you? You were aware that they still retained parts-even the ludicrous ones-of the original story to the drama? The show is working within the confines of the plot of the source material to stay more or less faithful so whatever ridiculous thing this drama has shown to the viewers, IT WAS IN THE ORIGINAL COMIC BOOK.

Then you should have just read the comments here. People keep asking the same questions OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN.

Were you expecting a completely different and far-fetched ending to something based on a comic book? Really?

I'm still confused why they are demanding realism and actual human logic when this was a live adaptation of a manhwa? For the material that it's been given, it did a pretty good job.

Yes they wrapped up the drama nicely. I don't get all the hate.

People have been constantly demanding for a happy ending for weeks and when they finally handed it to us in generous proportions, it still sucked. I don't get it.

Or you can just watch the whole drama, it's more engaging that way. It's a happy ending too so no need to worry.

Okay I get it that the Argan part was not crucial to the story and could have been easily discarded. But you know this was in the web novel, right? If anything, blame the web novel writer. They just retained that part from the original work. Why are you all complaining? It's a live adaptation of a comic book.

You can just watch the whole drama, it's only 12 episodes.