Lovely Runner

선재 업고 튀어 ‧ Drama ‧ 2024
Completed
Deborah L
34 people found this review helpful
Jul 4, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Only review of people that hate

Everybody have there own taste for sure. it’s not the problem. I am just sad that only people that dislike or hate it review this one and the one that love it don’t say anything.

cheesy, cliche, Deja vu for sure, but it’s done the perfect way !

I love how it can be unserious and also very moving at some point, I was searching this kind of kdrama for a very long time. finally I find what I wanted and I will watch it again !

It feels like an old kdrama with today production, it feel like a real kdrama with non US, Hollywood like coded kdrama that we found in most kdrama nowadays.
Kdramas used to be unperfected, with plot hole it’s true, but with an amazing vibe and emotions.

I love this one so much and I recommend it to people that love old kdramas.

I watched it twice now and actually there is no plot hole, everything is so much clear on second view, but even the first time I wasn’t lost.

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Completed
Liv
30 people found this review helpful
May 28, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

If you could forget any show just to rewatch it again, what show would it be? This one.

Let me just say this, I did not expect to enjoy this drama as much as I actually did when I read the mdl description. Before starting Lovely Runner, I was in a drama slump. Unable to finish ones I had began because they became too stale midway through or the ones airing just did not sound interesting to me. I have had Lovely Runner on my to watch list because I like both Byeon Wooseok and Kim Hyeyoon's acting and thought that the description seemed interesting so I gave it a try.

I am so happy that I watched this series. I do not think there were many dull moments throughout this show as for my episode rankings every single episode got either a 9 or a 10, no episode ever went below a 9 for me. I cried many times throughout this show, not full blown sobs but teary eyed, and my throat clenched up quite a bit as well. The way this show was able to grab at your heart strings and keep you wanting to come back for the next episode was fantastic.

For my typical reviews I do a "favorite character of the series", but it is such a difficult one to choose for this review as I genuinely loved everyone. The way Baek Inhyuk was used as a major comedic relief, seeing him on the screen was always such a treat. I loved the growth we saw of Kim Taesung throughout the series. I will genuinely miss this series and it is definitely one of those "If you could have a show you could ever forget just to rewatch one more time what would it be" show.

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Completed
SleepyFumi
30 people found this review helpful
May 29, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 3.5
This review may contain spoilers

The defniton of mood swings

I started watching this on Sunday and I was hesitant to watch it due to the drama around but hey yoon is my favourite actress so why not, i really enjoyed it and that's the suppressing considering i don't really like unexpected twists in dramas it was very emotional ( i didn't cry though ) i enjoyed this drama however there are a few things that could've been different.
1. The chemistry I didn't think their chemistry was bad or awkward it just didn't feel natural, especially in the last few episodes

2. i felt like they could've gone in more depth like what does the grandma know? Why does she change time or world or whatever? which world or time is the real one? It feels like it needed more than 16 episodes and there were A LOT of things that were left unexplained

3. i understand why the fl was frustrated but why did she have to lie and pretend like she didn't like him or shout at him because he got her a gift... like girl be happy after changing time and dimensions about 100000 times you would think would realise there's no reason for her to lie or pretend to be okay.. or act like she hates him right? but no

but yeh watch it i haven't watched a drama without dropping it for months so it must've been good



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Completed
vighnaaaaaaa
30 people found this review helpful
Jul 18, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0

My All-time K-Drama

Seeing the bad comments that came out, I thought it would be good for me to write this review, based on the perspective of someone who likes this drama and loves rom-coms. Until now, I haven't been able to move on and continue to watch short-clips about LR on reels, as proof that I really like the drama and not just because the actor is handsome or the actress is beautiful. Hehenggg (⁠〒⁠﹏⁠〒⁠)

(First of all, sorry if my English is bad. I'm still learning.)

First, Story.
From the start, the audience was taken to dive into Sol's life, who was initially depressed because his legs were paralyzed, where she finally received encouragement from an idol, namely Ryu Sun Jae. The storyline is just right. Not too fast or slow. Viewers can enjoy both the rom-com side and the sad side. When watching the drama, there will definitely be theories emerging about what will happen next. I think it's fun.

Second, Acting/casting.
I think everything is spot on. I could feel the various emotions expressed by each actor, not just the main actor, but all the actors really played their roles according to their portions. I think this is indeed the most important point in this drama. If the choice of actors was bad, this drama definitely wouldn't be as popular because they couldn't portray the characters appropriately.

Third, Music.
I loveeeeee all the soundtracks. Until now I often listen to it on shuffle on Spot1fy. I think this statement is representative enough without me having to explain it more (⁠ ⁠ꈍ⁠ᴗ⁠ꈍ⁠).

Fourth, Rewatch value.
I think this drama will be good enough to rewatch on holiday. Suitable to watch when someone needs entertainment after facing a tough life. Or whenever that is.

There are definitely pros and cons. But if there are people who hate this drama, it's not wrong if I love this drama, right?

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Completed
nisha
11 people found this review helpful
Jul 15, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 6.0
This review may contain spoilers

WE NEED MORE K-DRAMAS LIKE LOVELY RUNNER

**This is purely just my opinion and you are entitled to have your own opinion! :)**
If you're in the k-drama community, there's going to be hidden gems that you discover. These dramas are often underrated and not talked about. Many people's faves could be completely unknown to others but that's not the case for Lovely Runner. If you're in the community that watches k-dramas, you have most certaintly heard about Lovely Runner. I'd say the two biggest, most talked about k-dramas of 2024 are Queen of Tears and Lovely Runner. Literally 95% of k-drama watchers enjoyed atleast one of the two, if not both. Lovely Runner is going to become a name that everyone learns about, a drama that's going to be recommended to newbies. a drama that won't be forgotten for a long time.

Lovely Runner managed to pull many watchers out of their k-drama slumps, it managed to pull new people into k-dramas and it's probably the biggest loss for Netflix. People just can't get enough of Lovely Runner because each episode was beautifully crafted. We just need more. I hope writers and directors are taking notes..

Of course, there's going to be some people that don't like Lovely Runner and that's perfectly fine. I don't get why the community is hating towards these people? People have opinions and that's okay. This drama is not a 10/10 FOR ME, still very high up at a 9.5 but the majority enjoyed this and it has gone down as an all-time fave for many. Therefore, if someone wishes
create a drama that is successful in the eyes of the MAJORITY, they should produce it to have the same effect as LR. That's what I'm trying to say.

Anyway, onto my ACTUAL review.

The first episode was really cute and it kept me engaged which is why I watched the next episode straight after LOL. But I will say, I got second-hand embarrassment from sol's actions SO MANY TIMES. She really went up to a random ass man (technically), hugged him when he's half-naked and told him she loves him.

Also I don't get why people are dragging KHY for her looks, she's drop dead gorg?

I really enjoyed episodes 10-16, the comedy was PERFECT and I had a constant smile on my face. It was cliche yes but it was perfectly placed so it wasn't cringe, but funny.

Also I could have a whole drama of just sol and taesung. THE CHEMISTRY??? Their friendship dynamics are amazing and honestly he's a green flag.

DISLIKES (all fairly mild):
- i feel bad for taesung (SML), he really did love sol and even after everything had changed, he cared for her as a friend. it was unfortunate they didn't let him meet a nice woman in ep 16
- after time travelling multiple times, you'd think sol gets smarter, well she doesnt. she kept making stupid decisions when the obvious smart answer was right there!

i also noticed, idk if this was done on purpose as a sort of easter egg, but LR has a lot of similarities to 20th century girl. it's most likely because of BWS playing the lead role in both.
SIMILARITIES:
- female lead's family owns a movie/tape store
- female lead blames cramps to get out of class
- female lead holds item above head at school bc she's in trouble and BWS comes and takes it from her.

anyway, overall it's a 9.5 for me because it was insanely good but IDK it just didn't feel like a 10? but please, some of you need to stop harrassing others who didn't enjoy the show and STOP HATING ON KIM HYEYOONS LOOKSSSSS. she's gorgeous!! just as a reminder, this review is my opinion and you can have your own! you may hate this or really love it, it's up to you :)

if you watch lovely runner, i hope you enjoy it !

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Completed
xmag
11 people found this review helpful
Aug 29, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Mesmerizing, emotional time travel drama

I’m adding my review because that’s one of the dramas that I have loved this year. English not being my maternal language, please accept the mistakes in this review.

Describing "Lovely Runner" as a rom-com is simplistic : this is a romantic drama, using time travel to tell a love story spanning 5 timelines. Kind of a « variation on the same theme ».

So it allows the viewers to follow the same story, but at the same time, not the same story. Like a « what if » drama with the same characters. What if one turns left instead of right ? But at the same time, fate plays a part because no matter what the changes brought by the different decisions taken by the characters, they are always a victim of it.

Add a mix of mystery, thriller and boulevard comedy, and voila, you have "Lovely Runner".
So the mystery is how the time travel is possible. Not going to answer that one, viewers will discover the answer quite soon, but at the same time, the mystery remains as to why, even if it’s easy to guess if you follow the drama.

The thriller is the dangerous part of this drama, one that unfortunately, can strike everyone at anytime, anywhere, leaving broken characters. The two main characters are emotionally impacted by the consequences of the thriller part : depression, suicidal thoughts, loneliness, handicap (I admire how the FL overcame that one !)… That doesn’t make LR a depressing watch : the FL is one of those excentric characters, always on the move and always causing catastrophes and humiliating moments, mostly for her but sometimes also for the ML. It made the drama hilarious, at least for me.

That was the comedic boulevard part I mentioned, although it’s even more accentuated with the FL’s brother and sister-in-law : those characters are clearly portrayed as actors in a comedy on stage, or in sitcoms. Their facial expressions are exagerated. I suppose it’s a directing decision. So don’t expect them to be more serious characters. But they don’t have a too large part in the drama.

I found the actors to have chemistry and to fully embrace the story, with all the twists and turns it brought. Kim Hye Yoon portrays in a wonderful way the FL, radiating warmth and « joie de vivre », despite everything and her impulsiveness. That's part of her charm.

The ML is more reserved, and so easily… enthralled by the FL, because she is so different from him, embracing life, always running right and left (hence the title). I was surprised at how easily Byeon Woo Seok's played the role of a fool in love. But I guess that’s because I had seen him in more serious roles before. Here, he doesn't hesitate to appear weak or an idiot to his entourage, leading to some funny scenes.

I was sad to see this drama end, because I had grown attached to it. I had watched it twice so far and I will rewatch it in the future. I will recommand to watch it in a few days, to enjoy it and to brainstorm about what could happen in the next episodes : it’s always fun to think about theories when watching a drama.

Plus, the OST is magnificent.

"Lovely Runner" was a huge success in South Korea despite the fact that the drama wasn’t heavily promoted and the success a surprise one ; and also a success with international audience judging by the well deserved rating on MDL.

To end this review, I would say that "Lovely Runner" is a succesful mix of different genres and I wouldn’t put it in the rom-com section because that would be misleading to compare it to a rom-com like « Business Proposal » (I loved that one, and it had a little of boulevard comedy in it).

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Completed
Nana
11 people found this review helpful
Aug 11, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Best romcom

This drama was so good.. I’m so glad I gave this a chance. The characters, the OSTs, the chemistry.. truly the best romcom
I haven’t been able to finish a drama in a long time but this one got me hooked from the first episode. There were so many funny and emotional moments, seriously it‘s so good and it gives me 2016 kdrama vibes. I‘m so sad it‘s over and this will definitely be one of the dramas I will rewatch many times.
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Completed
vams013013
11 people found this review helpful
Jul 30, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 10

Lovely Runner Delivers from Start to Finish

The Korean series Lovely Runner stands out among countless others for its exceptional storytelling. Every scene is crafted with purpose, and each character, no matter how minor, contributes meaningfully to the plot. There are no wasted moments; every storyline is resolved, and the execution is so seamless that it avoids any cringe-worthy moments. This series is a testament to masterful direction and thoughtful writing.
The series is packed with humor that will keep you laughing from the very first episode to the last. It never loses its charm and is crafted so well that it truly engages your emotions and takes you on an unforgettable journey.
The screenwriters and director of Lovely Runner were clearly in perfect harmony, as evidenced by the seamless execution of the series. The actors were perfectly cast and did full justice to the characters they portrayed, bringing the well-written script to life in a compelling and engaging way.
This is a show that I'd travel across time just to see.

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Completed
ajasreesaya
38 people found this review helpful
May 28, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

"Lovely Runner: A Drama That Surpassed All Expectations"

Almost every drama I've watched has disappointed me at some point. I start watching, thinking, "Oh, it's good," but then it lets me down. However, "Lovely Runner" is the type of drama that has never disappointed me! Most of its OSTs are my favorite so far. The cinematography, the cast, the story—I've never felt bored for a single second! I've never skipped any scene. I took at least 100 minutes to watch a one-hour episode. I've never felt like this while finishing a drama. I never thought I'd like it this much! I started watching it without any expectations, and it's my favorite drama now.Before this drama, I saw Byeon Woo-seok in "Strong Girl Nam-soon," but to be honest, I didn’t like him. I also didn’t like Kim Hye-yoon that much! So, I wasn’t interested in this drama at all. I started it out of monotony! But after watching this drama, I like them more than anyone else. They are my obsession now.I don't know how to express my thoughts. I have so many words to say, but it feels like I've lost all my words. Beat me, but "Lovely Runner" is the best drama this year.

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Ongoing 14/16
melimelimeli
35 people found this review helpful
May 27, 2024
14 of 16 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

tell me why this has to end?

Now that we have two remaining episodes left I'm already feeling sepanxx over this and will surely feel this way for few weeks. The last time I got hooked by Kdramas is the year 2016 - 2017 where Kdramas are truly perfection you can binge watch one after another. It's the time when Kdrama is at it's peak.

Nowadays it's really hard to finish one I have so many pending Kdramas in my list and I can't seem to find my motivation to finish them but this came along and Lovely Runner ended my longing for a really damn good Kdrama. This drama gave me the same feeling once again, the thrill and excitement that I feel in every episode made me want to watch this in just one day. It's a masterpiece that I've been craving for so long. This is a romcom heartfelt drama with a mix-up of thriller, nostalgic coming-of-age story.

I am so happy that I finally watch this after ignoring this from my recommendation for so long and to every person who haven't watch this yet, you are missing out a lot. Lovely Runner may not be on Netflix and does not have the highest ratings on Television but you can clearly see it's popularity and how well-received it is by the fans like me. If ever they decide to hold a concert for the fictional band Eclipse, I bet the tickets would be sold out. The OST and cinematography is exquisite. This drama is not overrated at all, it even deserves more than a 10 rating. I'm not yet ready to let this go. I will surely miss SolJae dimple couple <3

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Completed
Who cares Flower Award1
31 people found this review helpful
May 28, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 8.0
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 6.0

A total fan service!

Before starting the review, I'll share my experience while watching "Lovely Runner." For the first time, I followed a show from Day 1 to the last episode. I used to wait eagerly for each new episode to be released and would watch it immediately—not just to avoid spoilers, but because the show had me giggling, kicking my feet, blushing, and feeling stressed all at the same time ><

Let's start the review now?!

The story of the show “Lovely Runner” is centered on Im Sol, a hardcore fan who is heartbroken by the sudden death of her favorite idol, Sun Jae, as he tragically dies. As she is in the process of accepting his fate of death, Im Sol travels back in time to 2008 when Sun Jae is still a teenager. Not wanting to see her beloved one in his tragic ending, she attempts to alter his destiny.

Ryu Sun Jae?! WHERE do I start from, gosh?! HE is the need of the hour, for saving humanity and preserving human sanity HAHA. Byeon Woo Seok breathed life into Sun Jae like no other actor could. He was made for this role, setting a standard for male leads in the drama world. Sun Jae is such a refreshing character, brimming with expressions, energy, and excitement. From his giggles and blushes to his veins and vulnerability in love, I was in love with him 🤣And HE graduated from the University of Loserism with flying marks(⁠◠⁠‿⁠◕⁠)

Im Sol, the most adorable munchkin FL. Hye Yoon has captured my heart with her talent for portraying angst. Honestly, I did enjoyed her character. It made sense for her to hesitate, worry, and push away the ML to *some extent*. However, her decision-making lacked rationality. It's understandable that she often acted impulsively due to her circumstances, but when you are stuck in a never-ending cycle, it's important to take a step back and think logically, that's how I felt about it.

The chemistry between our leads was adorable, full of giggles and blushes, which might make you cringe (no, it is not! I'm just jealous because I haven't experienced this kind of love yet TT). They were a swoon-worthy couple that makes you want to experience a Wattpad romance irl, filled with countless little gestures, that gets you screaming externally/internally(⁠ ⁠ꈍ⁠ᴗ⁠ꈍ⁠)

Tae Seong is now added to list of my favorite second male leads. He's non-problematic and full of fun. There was never a dull scene with him. I enjoyed his dynamic with Sol a lot. I wished they had given us more of his bromance with Sun Jae. I appreciate that the writer's made Tae Seong likable yet he never over powered the ML, and thus no SLS in this one.

Im Sol's Brother and her friend's story was veryyy random and off for most of the time, like it was too RANDOM to have a opinion about it. I felt like I'm watching a different show altogether, I skipped their scenes at times ngl. NO BRAINER in simple words.

Supporting characters were very nice as well, like no unreasonably bitch behaviour by either parents of the leads. I love how loving and supportive they were towards their kids and bickering is fine with me♡

OST's that you definitely need to check out!
• Sudden Shower by ECLIPSE
• Like a dream by MINNIE
• Spring Snow by 10 cm
All these OST's were so soothing to hear, I listen to them ON LOOP, no joke!

So where it went wrong for me:
•The time travel elements were frustrating to watch at times, with decisions feeling impromptu and unplanned.
•Use of misunderstanding as plot developments
•The female lead constantly pushing the male lead away, repeatedly, was tiring to watch after a point.
•The murder mystery plot was initially engaging but became frustrating due to its lack of motivation and random developments.
•The repetitive flashbacks, showing the same scenes over and over, were also annoying.
•Tae Seong not getting enough screen timeರ⁠_⁠ರ

This was a plot-driven drama that started off fast-paced with many rapid development happening in the initial episodes. However, by episodes 10-11, it slowed down. Comedic elements took over, and some scenes felt like fillers to many of the viewers. I didn't mind personally because the comedic timing in this drama was extremely on point but there were many flashbacks and repetitive scenes, so I ended up skipping scenes here and there.

Overall, Lovely Runner is a fluffy watch (can't say that, mystery plot can be frustrating and too stressful at times). But it offers plenty of giggles and a refreshing take on the romance genre. With great comedic timing and some interesting plot developments, bits of dumb writing but remains an entertaining watch rather than a flawless one.

If you're looking for a solid, no-loopholes story, intellectual time travel drama, this isn't it. The time travel aspect is far from perfect. But if you watch it as a romantic comedy, you'll be entertained.

Thank you for reading my review ^^
END

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Completed
Kathrin
31 people found this review helpful
Jun 16, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
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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  • Score: 9.0 (scored by 101,869 users)
  • Ranked: #74
  • Popularity: #33
  • Watchers: 177,472

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