Reviews

It is PERFECTION

MDL needs to add a once-in-a-lifetime rating of "11 stars" because this drama would be 11 stars in every category.

Everything about this show is perfection. It's so perfect, I'm actually sad, because no show will ever be this good again. And the ending. THE ENDING!! I've never watched such a satisfying ending for any show. Ever. The ending was beyond satisfying. SO GOOD. (sorry for all the random shouting, but THE ENDING!! AHHH!!!)

1. Story: PERFECTION. 11 stars. I was on the edge of my seat with every episode, I never knew what was going to happen. Do you know how difficult that is with a time-slip? With a romcom? Every trope was used and subverted at the same time. I am in awe. And the dialogue? Chef's kiss. Perfection. No line wasted. This is the very first time I've ever watched a show and was glued to my screen every moment. So many twists and turns and plot threads to weave together. The biggest twist in my opinion is at the end of episode 2. If you're not addicted to this drama after the end of episode 2, I would be shocked. SHOCKED!

2. Acting / Cast: MORE THAN PERFECTION. ∞ stars (infinite). Whatever is past perfection, that's the main couple of this show. They united the world, including Knetz, and we are all actively rooting for them to have their own HEA. The behind the scenes clips are *almost* as addictive to watch as the show, that's how amazing their chemistry is.
And the acting is so beautiful. I was fully engrossed in a time-slip, fantasy romance. I believed every minute of it and the actors sold and served. UGH! I can't say enough. I've never seen anything like this in a Kdrama before, and I've watched a lot of Kdramas.

3. Music: PERFECTION. 11 stars. In case you didn't know, the lead actor actually sung the 5 ECLIPSE OST songs and they are now on my permanent top favorite playlist. The rest of the OST is so beautiful. Other standout songs for me on the soundtrack: 'Like A Dream' by MINNIE and 'Spring Snow' by 10CM. The rest of the songs are also beautiful and so good. But the 5 ECLIPSE songs and these two are perfection.

4. Rewatch value: MORE THAN PERFECTION. ∞ stars (infinite) While it was airing, I think I re-watched the earlier episodes every week, or more than once a week. I've never done that before. Not once. And, not just that, I didn't fastforward older episodes, I watched the whole dang thing each time. And I know I'll re-watch this drama often in the future because I already miss it so much. *cries*

5. Overall: MY FAVORITE KDRAMA OF ALL TIME: My other favorites include Healer, Alchemy of Souls, and Goblin if you want an idea of what this drama is up against. This one wins, hands down.

Seriously (and sorry, not sorry) but if you don't love this drama as much as I do, I'm not sure we can be friends.

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I love this drama like Seonjae loves Sol

Sorry for my English. Lovely Runner is the best drama I have seen so far this year, each episode made me feel like I was on a roller coaster, sometimes I laughed, other times I cried. The best thing is that each chapter left me wanting to see more, it didn't become tedious or boring as it usually happens in other dramas that I already finished in the last chapters out of obligation. But it didn't happen to me with this drama. What's more, I feel empty now that it's over. The chemistry, the acting, the script, the ost everything was perfectly executed. That's why this drama deserves all the love it's receiving, I don't think it's overrated when it didn't have adequate promotion from the beginning. This drama will have a place in my heart forever.

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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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THE BEST DRAMA OF 2024! THE BEST KDRAMA AFTER A LONG TIME

THE BEAUTIFUL OST IS A CHERRY ON THE TOP FOR THIS WONDERFUL DRAMA!
I can't comprehend that this beautiful drama has come to an end! This drama right here specifically sun jae and Im Sol made me believe in love again! The episodes leave you giggling and kicking your feet!
And I'm a person who has watched over 150+ dramas and I'm sorry but I watch all of them in 1.5x speed with another task like using phone or doing work etc. But this is the first drama in over 2 yrs where I have waited every week dropped all my tasks to watch the episodes and I'm watching other ongoing dramas but this is the only one which I'm watching in normal speed!

SUN JAE IS THE BEST MALE CHARACTER EVER WRITTEN IN THE HISTORY OF KDRAMAS!
My man is the definition of perfection and pureness(like oxygen😂) He will always be dear to my heart! BWS's acting is the reason Sunjae is loved all over the world! I'm so happy he is finally getting recognized! He deserves everything!

IM SOL IS HANDS DOWN THE BEST FEMALE CHARACTER EVER WRITTEN!
She is the bravest and the strongest person ever! Whoever hated her should go to hell!
She is the epitome of determination! She tried to save him every damn time even if her heart was torn apart! KHW was always one of my fav. actors but after this she is my only fav. actor! HATS OFF TO HER ACTING!

TAESUNG IS MY FAV SECOND LEAD! HE TRULY WON MY HEART!
BEST KDRAMA OF 2024!
10/10! I'll def rewatch from next week! Because I know I'll miss them a lot!

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Kdrama Saviour

unfortunately most of this year's kdramas have been pretty disappointing but this drama made my hopes up, it made me believe in kdramas again, I was legit hooked on the screen in every episode and it was so frustrating waiting for the new episodes.
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My overall review is stop second guessing yourself and watch this drama it is AMAZING and emotion packed.
All the cast did an amazing job with this drama especially our male leads and in my opinion both the main leads are very underrated actors they have so much potential and I hope this drama sheds light on them.
overall definitely watch this one and thank me later

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A Perfect Guide to a Rom Com done so well and right!

I went into this drama blind... And I am coming out of this drama with so much love in my heart for it!

I never thought I would give this drama a 10/10, but here I am giving this one a perfect 10 because this drama deserves it all.. the praise, the rave reviews, the mad obsession and being the talk of the time from start to the finish line.

As always, I watch the first two episodes of every drama before deciding if I want to continue or drop it. First episode went well and I thought ok, this would be a nice rom com, but then episode 2 came and that ending rolled around and there I was... seeing the twist, the yearning, the innocent love and thinking to myself, this could easily be one of my fav dramas if things go well.

I am always skeptical about dramas once they reach around ep 8, since I have seen so many dramas go downhill during the second half and there I was holding my breath and trying not to jinx this drama with my outpouring love for Sun Jae.

Oh dear Sun Jae.... If I start talking about you, then I would get distracted and sound like a broken record, confessing my unrequited love for a fictional character over and over again. The sweetest cutest greenest flag to ever grace on a silver screen. Sun Jae... setting standards miles ahead that from now on, I am gonna compare every rom com lead with my dearest Sun Jae and see if they will ever come close... which I doubt. I don't think there would be a character that could out rival this.

Ahh... he got my whole heart and I think I love this drama mainly because of Ryu Sun Jae. Ok, half bcoz of him but the other half bcoz well this drama was written and directed. There was never a dull moment. This drama made me laugh in every single episode. And episode 8 was my favorite since I laughed the most during that one.

All in all... this drama was heavy at places but then balanced it out on the next and maintained what it does best. Comedy and Romance... and a lil mix of fantasy and this one is the perfect guide for anyone who is thinking of making a rom com in the future.

Ep 16 of this drama was what I hoped Queen of Tears would have had been. This drama did the finale episode so well that it never made me feel like there was any filler scenes, like we find in other dramas especially in the last episode.

I am in a sugar coma... after the finale... and I want to profess my love to my favorite character ever... Sun Jae yah... I love you!!!!!

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A Triumph of Writing, Direction, and Acting

If you're on the fence about this show because of the plot, let me assure you: the writing, direction, and acting are absolutely stellar.

The storyline might not break new ground, and that's clear, but wow, the writing is phenomenal. Each character is crafted with such care, capturing the essence of the mid-2000s perfectly. The praise can't be overstated; every character, no matter how minor, is intricately developed.

Now, let's talk about the director. What a vision! The director's intelligence shines through, knowing exactly what will captivate the audience. The direction is gripping, with not a single dull moment, showcasing the director's remarkable vision.

The actors, oh my goodness, words fall short in describing their brilliance in their respective roles, especially the leads. The male lead is portrayed with such depth; the character is finely etched, and this role is a gift to him that he fully embraces. He's not just a good choice; he's the embodiment of perfection for this role.

As for the female lead, there's no doubt she is the ideal choice for the role; her character fits her like a glove. Kudos to her for taking on this role with such grace and strength.

"And she deserves immense credit for believing in the wonderful production team, even when many actors were hesitant to take on the male lead role in this drama. Yet, she persisted and waited for 2-3 years to meet Ryu Sun-jae in real life."

Hats off to the entire production team for their patience through delays and their unwavering confidence in the project. Despite the initial reluctance from other actors, they are a true source of inspiration.

For those considering whether to watch this because the plot seems average, trust me, the plot may not be revolutionary, but the writing is amazing, the direction is outstanding, and the acting is the cherry on top.

I thoroughly enjoyed this work and highly recommend it to anyone seeking a production that excels in every aspect. Don't be misled by a seemingly simple plot; it is the execution that makes this a true masterpiece.

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Unexpectedly good

I will start by saying that most of the time I rarely write reviews ( more often than not I leave negative reviews when I am pissed with dramas with a high rating and abnormally stupid plots). I started this without much expectation but after the first 2 episodes was convinced that it would be more interesting than the usual dramas. Thank God there was no dumb FL and she was rather cute, ML was playing his part also very well. This combined with the unique plot ( because the writers did a great job with it) keeps you interested with every episode. Also, the conversations between the leads are cleverly written, not boring, cliche, or stupid repeatedly boring lovely-dovely conversations. Everything looked cute and natural. Great drama overall.

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"A Rollercoaster of Romance and Suspense"

Title: "Lovely Runner: A Rollercoaster of Romance and Suspense"

"Lovely Runner" is hands down one of the most romantic dramas I've ever watched. The overflowing love between Sunjae and Sol is just too adorable to handle. Sunjae's constant devotion to Sol, never letting her slip from his mind, melts my heart every time.

And let's talk about Sunjae's second-hand embarrassment – it's like watching a cute puppy trying to impress his crush. Every awkward moment he faces just adds to the charm of the show. And the comedy scenes with the whole family? Pure gold. I couldn't stop laughing at their antics.

But what really surprised me was the twist with the serial killer. Just when I thought I was in for a straight-up romance, bam! There's this suspenseful subplot that keeps you hooked. And the way the second lead steps up to save Sunjae – talk about unexpected heroics.

From high school sweethearts to a married couple, "Lovely Runner" takes you on a journey filled with love, laughter, and a hint of danger. It's a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a good romantic drama with a twist.

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Heart Warming ♥️

just love it. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️After the Hidden Love C-drama series, this is the best series in K-drama. 💙💙💙💙 The cast, their chemistry, the storyline, everything was directed perfectly. ♥️ I'm going to re-watch it.
♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

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MOST FAVORITE OF THEM ALL

words can’t describe how this kdrama left me after every episode😭i was in complete shock😭it was like no other dramas. it made me experience the sea of emotions whether it was sad, happy, amazed, angry and etc. i’ve watched quite a lot kdramas but like this one??? NEVER it’s something else really😭😭 also the actors, they were so pretty which made it more exciting, also the music which made me cry EVERY TIME 😭😭😭😭 i can’t even realize it ended that quickly 😭 i wish it would never end, i wish when the next monday comes they will still upload their 17th episode 😭😭😭 even though i know it will never happen.. goodbye Sol, goodbye Sun Jae 😭🤍🤍🤍🤍 it was nice to be with you this 8weeks💗💗 i will never forget any of you 😭💗💗💗💗💗💗💗

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A masterpiece.

The beauty of 2521 that captured my heart the most was how their story started with friendship. The main lead couple didn’t took bullets for each other, left their dreams for each other or were each other’s saviours. Both the main characters saved their own self which show the strength and determination in characters. They perused there dreams along with being in love. They comforted each other. That was the most beautiful thing about their story. The simplicity of it. There problems were relatable and remind you of your first love. Like who didn’t once had a crush on someone older then them.I am glad that there was no love triangle. The story was complete in itself and didn’t need a love triangle plot.
Although I didn’t like the way they broke up. it felt rushed. But I guess it taught us about letting go. Not everyone’s first love comes true soo I was able to relate. It’s not the lovey dovey endings for me but the story that matters.
I am soo glad a stumbled upon this show. It took me back in time. First love is truly something and so is letting it go.

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