Lovely Runner (2024)

Why you should watch Lovely Runner

Lovely Runner is a romantic comedy which is about a girl, Im Sol, who travels back 15 years to save her idol, Ryu Sun Jae.

LR is a sweet comedy and i the chemistry between the two leads were amazing! I love the plot twists in the story.

The ending is happy of course, both of them will be together ❤

This 16 episodes drama (each about 1h 10min) is worth to watch, and can be a perfect show to binge on during the holidays.

Overall, I think this drama is funny, romantic, sweet, and cute. I have watched it already but i miss it sooo much. Great plot and good cast

Read More

Lovely Runner is DEFINITELY worth watching!

I haven't come across any k-drama where I had literally cried my heart out for every single episode, until I started watching 'Lovely Runner'! Every episode is engaging and has a detailed storyline. When it comes to acting, 'Lovely Runner' is top-tier for sure! It gave me so much joy and warmth, yet also made me cry myself to sleep. The chemistry and bond between the 2 leads (Byeon Woo Seok & Kim Hye Yoon) is exceptional too! So many actors/actresses with massive potential were casted for this drama even though they were quite under-rated prior to the film, and it's so great to see them finally getting the recognition and love they deserve. I'm honestly quite worried if I'm going to find any other k-dramas as good as 'Lovely Runner', because this series is already so close to my heart!
During the releasing of this drama, it had made my Mondays from being the start of another tiring week, to being one of my favourite days of the week! Now that the series has already come to an end, I'm definitely going to rewatch this series over and over again, and show it to my future children, their children, and grandchildren. I can proudly say that 'Lovely Runner' is my all-time favourite k-drama! As of now, I am eagerly anticipating for any more dramas that will live up to the standard this series has set for me! (Well I know for a fact it's going to be a hard!)

Read More

Unusual at its BEST

What a lovely run that was...

Thank you for this rough gem. It has been forever for a youth drama to shine in this era. I’ve experienced from the huge fandom and crazy buzz over Meteor Garden, Itazura Na Kiss, Goong, Coffee Prince, Boys Over Flowers to name a few, and now I’ve found another in Lovely Runner (LR). It’s a masterpiece to me but maybe trash for others, and it's OK. They can enjoy their high tea-scones coz I like to eat my greasy street food.

Although there are certain poorly written fillers/ subplot, borderline unnecessary and annoying, it can be overlooked as the leads are just amazing; Yes, you may say that both leads carried and aced the show. The spotlight is on them and I'm not going to complain. The writer/director did an awesome job of telling their journey of overcoming an ill-fated love story.

Sometimes people just forget that some of us just like to watch a drama/ movie as a way to escape from reality. If you like to be a realist then this drama isn't for you. BUT having said that, if I have to be picky, I wished that the depression part for both leads were explored and explained further.

Plot
Story wise at the beginning suffers a bit of incoherent flow as we deal with a time slip theme however as the story progresses, it builds up a steady momentum of our curiosity, love and anticipation in rooting the leads and where would they take us. The twists and turns in this one are unexpected, thus creating opportunities of endless parallels or reverse perspectives which then were being used to the max. I’m amazed at how beautifully it was being executed, from the cinematography, the ambience and colour grading, the music and how naturally I was to be sucked in and stuck in LR’s Lalaland.

BUT what I love most about LR is that I was being blindsided, multiple times by the unexpected perspectives of SJ and the others. The iconic moment of SJ blowing his kisses remains forever and imprinted in my mind, added with his best friend’s reaction, it was truly unexpected. From here on, I knew that LR is not going to be your typical average rom-com drama.

Cast
Both leads has an amazing-out-of-this-world chemistry and we could feel their love for one another. Their energy genuinely bring warmth and charmed many of us into a fan. And I fell hard on both characters especially in SJ’s part. He is honestly not-your-usual boy who fell head over heels for Sol. His type is really rare to non-existent and only exist in dramaland ^^.

Byeon Woo-Seok as SJ is shining so bright that I went blind. I mean whenever he is on-screen I could not help but to smile whenever he smiles, cry whenever he’s sad, and scream whenever he did those silly little things that could make him look like a fool. Yes, a lovely fool in love. THANK YOU for bringing Seon-jae into life. Let’s just sums it all up as SJ the adorable silly guy in love, whether as a high-schooler, college student or famous star, he just can’t help himself from his destiny. His portrayal for each version of himself are superb and differ from one another yet share the same silliness traits except the one where he was in despair in the beginning; which sets him apart from your typical rom-com leads and I couldn't picture anyone else portraying SJ.

Kim Hye-Yoon as Im Sol is like reminiscing her portrayal in Extraordinary You but it's an upgraded one as she dealt with multiple version of herself. As a girl who originally suffers hardship and trauma, she grows into the adult Sol as a bright yellow sun just like she was when she was in high-school; full of drive, hope and desire. Her portrayals are commendable and I just love her for being able to make each portrayal distinct from one another yet share the same strong concern and anxiety in ensuring SJ's wellbeing. Although this is a rom-com, her dramatic portrayal was actually her strongest points, especially when she was depressed for being paralysed or yelling ungratefully at SJ for saving her; and of course in the final part where she reunites with her lost and forgotten love. Her wailing is full of relief, yearning and sadness mixed with happiness. Her journey throughout the show is definitely not one dimensional.

Other Cast (Overall)
Sol's family n best friend - Mixture of good and bad; Funny but can be annoying at times.
SJ's father and friends - Epic and never enough.
Kim Tae-Sung - Mixed; Funny but can be ignored at some point. Sorry if I'm not a fan LOL.

3 Favourite Scenes;
1) The iconic yellow umbrella, their first meeting.
2) The reunion, after SJ remembers everything.
3) The finale, wishing cherry blossom and its parallel.
3+1) Grandma’s blessing to SJ, I just need to add this one coz BWS is such a damn good actor.

Music
Awesome. It helps to create the mood of hope, youth, love and yearning. My top 3 favourites are Sonagi, Like A Dream and Spring Snow. For me they are truly LR's anthems that complete the story as a whole.

Would I watch this again?
Definitely YES YES YES!

Read More

My happy pill drama

One of my favorite drama this days I can say that they brings joy everytime I see them. They really stand up in the romcom genre, every episode you will definitely laugh, you will actually burst in laughter in their comedic scenes. Ive seen Kim Hye Yoon (Im Sol) in here cute and funny roles she is really that funny with her expressions but I was shocked to see Byeo Woo Seok (Sun Jae) in his first lead role and his quite good in his role, he really makes me love in his comedic gestures.
They look good together and they are really good fit for their roles. All the cast are good and funny especially his friend In Hyuk 😆. The entire cast are all silly they never makes as laugh.
They're story has lots of of challenges, they did everything to change it to have their desired happy ending, no matter in what timeline they faced as long as they changed their fate. Memories will change but whats inside you heart will help them remember their love.
I cried because they have found their real happiness they longed. Its the the cutest proposal that I've seen. And the scene that Sun Jae is thanking Sols's grandma I really felt the genuine happiness their.
I also love their songs it makes me LSS especially the song SUDDEN SHOWER which sun jae sings.
I really recommend this drama if you yoy want a feel good drama.
I love BYEO WOO SEOK Iwill support his upcoming projects.

Read More

A story that's full of heart

As I’m typing this, the soundbar in front of me is playing out the song list by Eclipse, the fictional band fronting the OST of this amazing drama series. Before I say anything else, let me say that Lovely Runner has probably one of the best OST compilations for a drama series in a long while. It’s just delightful to me that fans are gifted with 5 original songs specially written for a fictional band to be savored long after the drama’s ending. It underlines just how every detail making up this show is taken care of by its producers.

Another remarkable aspect of this drama is the very palpable chemistry among the entire cast and not just the main characters. They each delivered a stellar and very believable performance collectively. Byeon Wooseok is a revelation to me in this, having watched his previous works this one stuck out to me as very, very well pulled-off comparatively. In fact, BWS truly WAS Ryu Seonjae with every delivery be it in words, postures, facial expressions, both macro and micro. I felt his angst, I relished his jubilance. Kim Hyeyoon was also remarkable as always, though I preferred her portrayal of the adult version of Im Sol for some reason. Maybe it’s because I felt that her youthful aegyo from her school days were a little bit overdone at times. I’m very much willing to overlook those instances though, as I felt that her bubbly character complemented Seonjae’s more reticent, boyish charms very well.

Another aspect of the show I truly treasured was Seonjae’s “bromance” with other characters, especially Baek Inhyuk and the occasionally reluctant Kim Taesong. I’ll never forget that drunken scene with the acorns and in the noraebang. In fact, I love the way this show treats all the friendship, sisterhood, bromance, family values and even the way our band members Eclipse regard their fans.

Okay now moving to the story; I do understand how it’s not a cup of tea for everyone. I also feel that maybe time travel as a storytelling device in presenting the plotline can be an overwhelming concept for some. Many have mentioned how it seemed repetitive, with Im Sol traveling back and forth through time as though in a pointless loop. Well, this is exactly the essence of FATE; fate has a way of reasserting itself back into the original path despite numerous interventions. Im Sol had only 3 chances to do that as per given by the watch, and she even (seemingly) failed all three. So how DOES one change fate? That was what Im Sol had to figure out. It’s just so poetic to me how it was Kim Taesong who saved the day for them and changed the course of their ill-fated relationship. And I love how Kim Taeseong’s dad put it in the end, “Maybe (bad guy) Kim Youngsoo had to die so that another innocent life can live”

Despite several minor inconsistencies, plot holes, and plot conveniences, I truly enjoyed watching Lovely Runner for the feelings it evoked within me. It made me laugh in unabashed hysterics, it made me cry inconsolable tears, and it also inspired me to love the people closest to me that much harder. That’s why at least for this drama series, I’m willing to overlook technical accuracies and savor all the ways it made me feel watching it instead.

I’ll truly miss this one. It’s been a while since a drama series affected me this much. The last one was Six Flying Dragons, I’ll have you know.

Read More

THE BEST DRAMA AND MAKE YOU FAIL TO MOVE ON THIS YEAR ESPECIALLY FOR THE DIMPLE COUPLE❤️

I rarely give a 10/10 rating for a drama the tallest 9.5/10, but Lovely Runner deserves a 10/10 rating because this drama is really good in terms of the actors' acting, the storyline, especially the OST especially (Sudden Shower, Run run, gift, spring now, may I love you, I think I did, and a day ).

every time I listen to it again it makes me remember this drama so it makes me sad for those who started watching it for fun on Viu when it was still eps 2 and until the end, I like it That's the original drama that made Failed to move on , where is my drama list no longer available to be able to move on from those that at the beginning were Monday and Tuesday, I just used it like a normal day, but since this drama aired, I like Mondays and Tuesdays.

But after this drama ended, it became sad and felt really empty😭 and this game will last for weeks🥲

Thank you lovely runner for the special Monday and Tuesday🥰❤️❤️

Read More

Love overcome the fate, for those who are ment to be. " IT IS THE BEST DRAMA OF 2024"

I have never ever and ever return any Review
But For this drama I will , as I'm so excited and happy and want to express my emotions to someone

At first I thought it is going to be the same time travel drama to save her love, but it wasn't the same plot but it wasn't roller coaster of emotions , perfect story line it was so perfect that i thought it's real.

Both the ML and FL acting was so good that when they cried I too got watery eyes, second ML was so cute for me.
All the characters were played by the right persons.

Seonjaya, Sola how they both called each other, that longing for the love in her eyes everytime in her eyes when she misses him,
that emptiness in him with I'm sol all were greatly displayed by both of them.

To save her idol going back to time , falling in love , unable to defy fate each time, forgetting love is better than making your love suffer everytime 😍🥰😍🥰😘

At the end there's only one thing I would say
" IT IS THE BEST DRAMA OF 2024"

Read More

WHY ARE YOU FINDING LOW RATED REVIEW THERE IS NONE !!

Let’s take a moment to thank the cast and team behind this amazing show, which has managed to win our hearts for the past eight weeks. After everything this show went through to reach us, its success is even sweeter.

Im Sol and Sun-jae finally got their happy ending. It was a good call for the writers to make the last episode solely about their happiness. There were no eleventh-hour villain stories. They allowed us to see SolJae thrive in their couple era and gave us a glimpse of their wedding. It was the perfect way to end this iconic show.

Everyone got their happy ending and our never-ending theories can finally be put to rest. Let us know what are some of your favorite moments from the show. We now officially bid a bittersweet farewell to our beloved characters as Lovely Runner takes its final bow, receiving a well-deserved standing ovation.


Lovely Runner: The positives
What a remarkable journey Lovely Runner has been! Each moment of the show feels like a blessing on our screens. From its humble beginnings as an idol-fan romance time-slip series, it has taken us through a myriad of tropes and timelines, imparting lessons on love, grief, healing, fate, and so much more.

Let's pause to express our gratitude to the cast and crew behind this incredible show, which has captured our hearts over the past eight weeks. Despite the challenges it faced in reaching us, given its production and casting issues, its success is all the more rewarding.

Each and every character in the show was amazing, from Sol and Sun Jae to their families, friends, Tae Sung, and even our villain. Each character received a well-deserved ending, and each character with their plots brought a perfect balance to the show.

The decision not to drag out the villain's plot and to resolve it within the 15th episode added to the excitement of the finale, allowing us to focus more on witnessing SolJae as a couple.

Their antics as they attempted to date in secret, Sun Jae's unwavering supportiveness as a boyfriend, and Sol finally achieving her dream were all highlights of the series. Additionally, Tae Sung deserves the 'Best Second Lead' trophy of the year for his portrayal as the perfect friend and Im Sol's second lead. From saving Sun Jae to catching Young Soo, he truly did it all!


Lovely Runner: The negatives
The show delivered a multitude of tropes and stories all at once, offering a refreshing break from the tired clichés often seen on screen. However, now that the series has come to an end, fans are left with bittersweet goodbyes.

While we were never fully enlightened on the true reason behind Young Soo's persistent interference in Sol and Sun Jae's destiny, it's perhaps a blessing in disguise that the show wrapped up swiftly without unnecessary dragging.

The ambiguity surrounding Sol's grandmother, whether she is a time traveler or not, too is a drawback as it was never resolved. Her possession of the watch and the meaningful conversation she had with Sun Jae suggest she may indeed have a role in their story. Despite a few unresolved elements and minor loopholes, the series couldn't have been more perfect, making farewells all the more difficult.

Read More

Lovely Runner takes all the tropes and runs across the finish line for a spectacular finish

Lovely Runner was marketed as your run of the mill drama about a kpop idol and a fan falling in love after she traveled in time to save him. But what should've been an average romance drama became a worldwide phenomenon, thanks to three things: the actors, the writer and director, and the story being told.

Kim Hye Yoon as Im Sol and Byeon Woo Seok as Ryu Sun Jae are standouts, both portraying their characters perfectly. They are their characters, Kim Hye Yoon was able to showcase several versions of Sol across time, each one different enough to be distinct but still recognizable as the same character. High school Sol, college Sol, and adult Sol are all different, even though they are all the same person. The writer apparently wrote this role with her in mind and it was the right choice, as KHY displays a wide range of emotions wonderfully. Byeon Woo Seok was a standout, his first leading role and he became a fan favorite, with everyone wanting their own Sunjae. A role that no one wanted to take on, but BWS made it his own. He played pop idol, high school athlete and college student, and made him every girl's dream. I couldn't even imagine some big names in this role, BWS is the perfect Sunjae.

The story is pretty simple (for a drama). A girl loves a kpop idol and when he suddenly dies she is able to time travel using his watch back to high school, when they were neighbors and she never knew, giving her an opportunity to save him. Using her knowledge of the future, and of her bias, Sol attempts to save his life and is given 3 chances to do so. At the same time she is given a chance to save herself from an accident that paralyzed her in high school, giving her another opportunity at living her dreams.

Watching Sol travel in time to save Sunjae over and over was full of angst, but at the same time the writer soothes the angst with heartwarming moments between Sol and Sunjae. The benefits of the time travel allow us to see three versions of their romance, high school, college, and adult. Writer Lee Si-Eun doesn't let up on the romance either, giving us multiple, multiple scenes of romantic moments - every romance kdrama fans' dream. So many dramas fall into the trap of getting characters together only to break them up for a nonsensical reason until they get back together at the very end. This cycle is overdone and not really fun to watch. We're here for the romance, so give it to us!

In the end this drama is perfect not because the story has no flaws, any story does. It's perfect because it does what it sets out to do, it gives us a romantic comedy that delivers on the romance and the comedy. So many dramas fall into a slump at the end, losing the momentum from the first half, but Lovely Runner never lets off the gas. Just when you think it's going to linger too long or introduce a new character to throw a wrench into things it doesn't.

Now who is this drama not for? People who need their time travel rules to be explained and function perfectly, who need the killer's drive and motivation to be explained, and those who want realism. This is not a sci-fi or crime drama, it's not realistic, so if you go in wanting these things you may be disappointed.

If you like romance, comedy, star-crossed lovers with some fantasy thrown in, this is for you. The last hour of this drama is mostly fluff and romance, a dream for any romance fan. Writer Lee Si-Eun avoided all the common pitfalls of kdrama writing and instead of sputtering out at the end, Lovely Runner goes out with a bang. It takes all the tropes and runs across the finish line for a spectacular finish. There's a reason this drama went from unknown to number one across the world so quickly, why Netflix is trying to capitalize on its success, and why people can't stop talking about it. This is the romance story we want more of, an organic (and orgasmic 😉) success that has become the best drama of 2024, and one that will be remembered for a long time.

Read More