Reviews

Overall I enjoyed the series. It's noting to write home about but I liked the cast and the storyline for the most part. Of course they added some unnecessary drama for dramas sake shenanigians but if you want something light, fun and not too deep this is the ticket.

I don't really watch many Thai shows but this was fun and the character I thought I would hate, Pretty Ploy ended up being my favorite character on the series. Actress Punpun Sutatta Udomsilp was so great as Pretty Ploy and as annoying as she was in the first few episodes she was the glue that held the friend group together and she always had the friends backs. What I loved the most was that they each of the Ploy's had a happy ending. I don't always advocate for that but for this series it was all I really wanted!

5/28/24

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My Favorite Love Story in 2024

Have you watched a time travel romance that is exceedingly amusing but also exhausting!

Adapted from the web novel “The Best of Tomorrow” (내일의 으뜸) by Kim Bbang (김빵), “Lovely Runner” was supposedly a fantasy comedy portraying the repeated attempts of a fan who travels back in time to save her favorite idol. Starring the fresh pairing of Byeon Woo Seok & Kim Hye Yoon, the show has become a global success, skyrocketing the actor’s popularity to new levels. Although it was tiring watching Im Sol (Kim Hye Yoon) frolicking back & forth to protect Ryu Seon Jae (Byeon Woo Seok), her strong sense of belief that she could save her loved one was truly inspirational. I have never seen a more committed character, even though her journey starts as a fan, it’s not long before they fall in love. The best part of this show was watching their teenage romance; the fact that Seon Jae fell first for Im Sol was shocking & surprising. And he remained true to his heart in every timeline; waiting or searching for her; shows how much they cherished & loved each other. “Lovely Runner” is an ardent love story, unlike any you have seen in recent times.

Read the complete article here-

https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/05/29/lovely-runner-series-review/

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BIG Surprise...

I was pleasantly surprised by this drama. Excellent all around, especially Kim Hye Yoon. For someone who has done limited lead roles, what an actress.
She has it all:
- Acting = 9
- Appeal = 10
- Role = Character was perfect for her (so the casting director gets 5 stars)
I am not even sure if the casting directors in the KWood world analyze character fit before placing someone in a role because I have seen numerous miscasts since I started watching KDRAMAs 14 years ago. Anyone could have played the male role but Byeon Woo Seok was good. FL knocked it out of the park and kept you glued to the drama wishing the episodes would come faster. I am seriously going to save Kim Hye Yoon on all my Korean entertainment sites so I can make sure to watch her future projects. This young woman is going to be a great actress!

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The world may come to an end, but it will never be in anyone's hands

I'm writing this review as I bawl my eyes out from this unexpected conclusion. I never saw that coming at all even though I've read countless of spoilers here. Heck, you guys should have told me.

Desperation comes for when you have everything you could lose, but it comes in the form of letting it all go and losing yourself. Goodbye Earth presents the bitter truth of our society within an apocalyptic dystopian setting. Although fictional, it says a lot about human nature and the innate drive to survive regardless of morality and dignity. We tend to sacrifice everything for what we thought was the greater good but we end up losing ourselves in the process. 

I figured the reason for the low ratings are either the disappointment about Yoo Ah In's reduced screentime or it's about how most of the people here expected a typical action-packed-end-of-the-world-series where people are crawling from the ground for their lives to be saved, yet this drama went deeper than that. It goes beyond natural disasters and people running for their lives. It went for the horrors of existence and the heart-wrenching reality. As for YAI, he is actually pretty much reduced to a side character despite being initially a lead role as well which is one of the biggest flaw of this drama. There were many unanswered questions regarding the story of Ha Yun Sang. It didn't ruin the drama per se, but there's certainly feels unfinished. But it made me happy that his screentime is pretty huge for someone who's character is already reduced. Ha Yun Sang is a key figure of the drama and I hope someday they'd release a director's cut version. Please don't let his hardwork go to waste.

The cinematography is superb and it was able to immerse the viewers with each scene. Fantastic color grading. The casting is chef's kiss. Each and every actors and actresses did a phenomenal performance that was able to tug my heartstrings. It's just that it felt a bit too rushed. I think it's supposed to be a 16-episode drama. Oktokki's character wasn't given enough backround and spotlight as well. Yet, I'm probably going to cry over the characters for a period of time and I probably won't be able to move on for awhile.

The plot is really something else. It was able to portray the harsh realities of life and circumstances that aren't far from truth if we ever get to be in such setting. It wasn't just a drama about a stupid asteroid. It was a wake up call. It was designed to open our eyes about the atrocities and injustices in the world we live in. But it also showed the heartbreaking fact that no matter what we do to change the world, as long as there are monsters in power, we are bound to fall unless we work altogether as one. One person may be enough to move so many, but one person will never be enough to put an end to everything. Jin Se Kyung and Kang In Ah are the proof. We, people, are inherently born with an instinct to survive. Yet, we are also born with rationality. We are not supposed to be monsters stepping over each other to survive, we're supposed to help each other hand in hand and it's not that hard to do. Yet we are blinded with money, power, and recognition. As if we are what the world revolves around with.

Will I watch it again? I'm probably going to rewatch the last episode just to cry about it again. The ending definitely feels like it's what the director planned as an ending, yet it felt really incomplete. It wasn't about the asteroid. It was never just about it. It's probably due to the many cuts they had to do due to the issue. Yet it feels like it's the ending that's really supposed to happen, and it doesn't help because we didn't get any closure. It left a very heavy feeling in my chest to watch the drama end just like that. It definitely wasn't something we'll ever expect.

In conclusion, "Goodbye Earth" is a haunting exploration of humanity in the face of impending doom, offering a philosophical take on life amidst an apocalyptic dystopia. While the narrative may not cater to those seeking action-packed thrills, it profoundly delves into the essence of human nature and survival. Despite its flaws, such as the underutilization of Yoo Ah In's character and the feeling of an unfinished storyline, the drama succeeds in presenting a stark, realistic portrayal of societal collapse and moral dilemmas. The superb cinematography and stellar performances elevate the series, leaving a lasting impact. Ultimately, "Goodbye Earth" challenges viewers to reflect on their values and the true meaning of survival, making it a compelling and thought-provoking watch. And remember, the world will never revolve around you.

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really recommend it!

would be a 10/10 if it didn’t make me cry so goddamn hard
um why do reviews have to be 500 characters in length?! all i can say is you have to watch it, binged it in 2 days (watched whenever i could basically whilst having work and uni)
now ill just waffle to fill in the character limit
세상에 물들어 버린다
빨갛게 물들어 버린다
아픔을 참아본다
독하게 견뎌본다
달빛이 타오르는 밤
Grr wolfgang ah
Grrah we go wild
Grrah we go wild
Focus
우리가 느껴지면 예의를 갖춰
고갤 쳐들지 말고 자세를 낮춰
굶주린 사냥꾼 굶주린 사냥꾼
자비 하나 없이 단숨에 목을 물어버려 (버려)
다 씹어 먹어버려 (버려)
약육강식의 세계 죄책감은 묻어버려
고조되는 음악과 우리의 howling
분위기를 압도하기에 가뿐

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Don't watch if you want drama

Maybe my favoritism is speaking louder here, but I dare you to say that this is one of the best lakorns I've watched so far.

Yes, it starts slow and even boring at times, so if you are looking for something 100% dramatic, this lakorn is not for you. It follows a mix of comedy, romance and drama well balanced between each other.

The first episodes help us get to know and sympathize with the characters. We get to know their fears, their dreams, their day-to-day challenges, in the end we notice that they are just common characters that you can find out there, with each chapter we get to know a little more about them.

Mark and Yaya's chemistry remains as fresh as it was with Tawan Deard and Kleun Cheewit and I think part of that is because their friendship is pure. They have a connection, affection and respect for each other that makes the whole experience better.

The cast's dynamics were also incredible, so much so that some characters were missed in the last episode.

Tin and Ing. The two have incredible chemistry, and something I liked was the fact that she wasn't a villain (the first lakorn I watched where the actress isn't a big problem); she had her goals, she planned to achieve them, but she never thought about harming Apo in any way, she was a great character.

Some things displeased me, of course, but I believe I'm so numb that disliking one topic doesn't affect the rest of the drama. What irritated me most was the way Din dealt with Mueang in the beginning, but everything led to one path that made us understand the reason behind it. (Although I still don't like the plan very much, it was this plan that led the entire story to the ending it had)

Secondary characters are never supposed to have any depth, they are just there to drive the plot, but I missed Din, Sita, Om and even Aunt Da and Rita in the last episodes where they didn't have as much - or almost no - prominence.

I feared the last episode would be meaningless or rushed, but it was perfect and delicate, a heart-warming ending on a cold day.

For those who started and stopped: I would recommend giving it one more chance. Love at First Night is a light and fun lakorn, perfect for those who are tired of lakorns with revenge themes and want to venture into other genres.

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an ode to lovely runner

frankly, i did not have high expectations for this drama - i thought it was going to be silly drama about a fangirl and her idol, nothing that would profoundly move me. but oh was i wrong. from episode one, the hospital scene leaves this unforgettable mark in your mind. kim hyeyoon soulfully portrays her character’s anguish and despair where i tear up not even 5 minutes into the drama. this overwhelming sense of loss and pain im sol feels is real. it is impactful.

from then on, i knew this drama was going to have a special place in my heart. yes, the plots not that unique. it’s another time travel romantic comedy woooo - i can admit to that - but it’s the presentation of the narrative that makes it such a beautiful, heartwarming story. the switches to melodramatic moments to romantic moments to comedic moments are seamless - i go from laughing my ass off when sunjae is being a loser toward sol to bawling my eyes out when fate tests their love’s longevity. it’s this mix of emotions that make this drama feel so real.

but mainly, i want to give my flowers to the cast. oh what a perfect cast this was. kim hyeyoon has always been in my radar for her excellent acting in sky castle and extraordinary you. i’m honestly shocked she has not blown up more before this. she has such a realistic portrayal of emotions because she fully immerses herself into the character. her passion and hard work in the craft is apparent and has made me respect her so so much. there are not enough words to describe how talented she is. i hope the industry gives her the opportunities she has always deserved. next, byeon wooseok. he was such a shocker to me. although i’ve watched some of his work, i feel he fully explored his potential in lovely runner. his comedy was always on point, his portrayal of downbad sunjae was spot-on that it made everyone watching fall in love with sunjae as well. wooseok, you have big things ahead and i know you’re bound to do well.

to be honest, this is less a review than me spewing my undying love to this series. after 8 weeks of emotional turmoil, i have closed a book on this drama and move ahead. yet, i can’t seem to forget how undeniably, lovely runner has influenced me and made me feel happiness. that is the purpose of media. to feel emotions and to convey stories of us and others. this ‘silly’ romcom has made my day so much brighter and i thank that to the cast, writers, directors, and more. goodbye, lovely runner! you were a beautiful moment in my life.

- from a happy but sad subeom ❤️‍?

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amazing story at its core.

i went watching this show with low expectation. i don’t personally watch a lot of time travel, or time related plots in dramas. safe to say that this is at the top of the list.

the characters are complex on their own and they each have their flaws and imperfections which make them as real as they are.

the characters themselves are complex and we get to unravel and find out things on our own and with the characters as well as the show goes on. don’t think i’ve ever watched a show where the main leads or the characters have as much information as we have.

what made me happy the most is seeing the ppl in the bus having there own stories and plot per say. made me feel this feeling of sonder. the ppl we see in our daily lives have their own lives as well. they struggle and they accomplish just as we do as well. so you really shouldn’t judge a book by its cover bc in the behind the scenes, we don’t know what’s really going on.

towards the end, we finally find out what is happening on the bus and those specific characters stories and feelings. i like to believe and spoilers: the daughter was the one who put li shiqing (our main character) in the time loop trying to save her parents from making a decision that she thought was wrong. that’s my take since we never get the answer on who put them in that situation and why it kept looping. also begs more question on why her? why didn’t the other passengers be able to do it as well? it’s very thought provoking bc although we get answers, we still can question on many things but it’s not in a way where it’s an obvious plothole, it just is.

i love our main characters. i think they’re both my favorite main characters ive watched thus far. they had tension and they had chemistry but it wasn’t forced, it flowed perfectly as it should’ve been. they are both different as they are but they both help each other and try to figure out ways. i think as the story goes on we see how li shiqing is very empathic and how she tried hard in many ways to save everybody, xiao heyun on the other hand wants to save himself. different ideals but they both aren’t wrong. again, thought provoking. but as characters do they change as the story goes on and i think we see the most in that for xiao heyun.

xiao heyun wants to save her and himself while she wants to save everybody.

he supports her in every shape or form possible, they both fail and try again. again i just love them so much. <333

i love this dynamic and it worked well with their personalities. the side characters had they’re shine and they shined beautifully. we get our happy ending but it’s in a way where all the characters got there happy ending and i feel as though it was the only ending we could have gotten and it should have happened.
—————————————————————————————

i know i wrote a lot and i don’t think ive ever written this much on a review for a drama but i hope this was a good review for you to read! pls if you have any recs that are similar to this show pls let me know bc i would love to watch more!!!

definitely recommend if you love to see character development, serious and funny moments. flawed characters and thought provoking ideas. good pacing and again just good characters.

thank you for making it this far! :D

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good story, though the ending was a bit of a letdown

it was an amazing series... there were some details that could've been done better as well as the end was a bit meh... but the overall series was strong, the main leads were consistent in their actions and I loved that the fmc was strong from start to finish....
the secondary characters were fleshed out and had growth...
the antagonists could have had a different ending, considering what they've done.
at the end I think that it had a mysterious but slow beginning, a good strong development and a weak ending that had some loose ends.
But I have to admit that I enjoyed watching this series, the main leads were my favorite.

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Logically, I know they didn't do anything truly incredible. On the surface, this story has been told before. However, I found a surprising amount of emotional depth here.

From the beginning, with a shared pain, the leads are able to see through the other in a way others aren't able to, hear the words they're not saying. Before they even got together, the connection between them felt earned.

The way Hyun Seung approached Song Ah not just with good intentions but with a level of sincerity most men would not dare to show. He didn't play games, beat around the bush, or do things in half-measures; he loved honestly and fully, even when he had no hope or was given less in return. It was truly refreshing to see a ML take a chance with his whole heart.

I also appreciated the showcasing of a mature as well as flawed working woman FL. Song Ah put her career first and love life second. Some may say this made her selfish. However, she knew how she prioritized these aspects of her life, and rather than attempt to be someone she wasn't, she was honest with herself and Hyun Seung, made her goals clear, and took accountability for her shortcomings. And knowing herself as a person who struggled to express her feelings, she took steps to push through the blocks in her mind as well as make efforts suited to her affection style.

I felt I learned and grew with these two. I'm so glad the rep made me check She Would Never Know out!

Side Note: Can we talk about the respect Hyun Seung had for Song Ah?! He didn't take things into his own hands to remove her from a potentially dangerous situation. He respected her agency, stood to the side, and asked, "Do you want me to?"

My hearrrrt!

By the way, can we take a moment to talk about the height difference between these two?! Because it was . . . Ahhh! Maybe I'm starting to realize I sometimes have a thing for it . I mean, Extraordinary You and Abyss also had me swooning.

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Loving each other in all timelines.

Just... so many emotions right now (finished the last ep literally a minute ago). First and foremost, it's a happy ending if you're like me and want to know first if it's a happy or sad one.

Honestly I went into this not expecting much. I just really liked KHY from Extraordinary You and so I decided to give this a try. I really did not expect to love it this much. This show had me crying within the first 10 minutes of episode 1, and by the end of the 2nd episode I knew I couldn't turn away.

My mind is such a (happy) mess right now I can't put into words everything that I want to say but just watch this drama. You won't regret it.

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