Lovely Runner

Calibrate Your Expectations

If you don't like fluffy rom-coms with mild fantasy/sci-fi elements which sometimes lean into staple rom-com (for some, cringey or cheesy) humor, and prefer dramas with super tight writing that is plot-focused rather than character-driven, then you will probably find the gushing on this thread misplaced.

Do yourself a favor and reset your expectations so you don't come out the other side thinking, "That was overrated/overhyped." A lot of people like this kind of drama, hence the gushing. You may not be one of them, but that doesn't make everyone who loves this "wrong" or "a teenage fangirl."

This drama is not an artistic "masterpiece," but it is a very fun drama with strong chemistry between the leads that leans heavily into the concept of fate and true love with a dash of that old-timey romantic Kdrama nostalgia.

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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!

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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.

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copied dráma true beauty with second lead syndróme

it's quite ok, but I'm giving a lower rating because it's a copycat with (true beauty) second ml. I don't care about this drama at all, I don't care about him anymore, I would like it better if there were no secon lead syndróme because this one can't be compared to True Brauty lol it's the only one. , he is the best king. of lead syndrome of all times.. everything is copied here... I don't even like the main woman, she is so annoying, she was the same in the (extraodrynarny you) drama. , which I immediately turned off because of her, she was less annoying here, but I'm already used to bad badass female main characters in Korean dramas .. I only like strong women, not spoiled ones that don't fit in Korean dramas, it's more . in chinese dramas e movie, they like spoiled women, but Koreans are always strong.. that's why I give this rating..... the main actor is very handsome, green flags, I loved him, but everything else seemed very useless to me, all the characters , as for the story, i love time travel.. i love the drama (time called you) it's still the best time travel i've ever seen, it felt a bit similar, i was expecting a lot from this drama when i saw it everywhere. .but I'm probably the only one who has a different opinion because I'm different, I don't like things that everyone likes

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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"

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Best drama to exist

Lovely runner holds a special place in my heart. As someone who likes to binge watch dramas, I started watching this drama as it was airing and I was thinking oh I should've waited till it was fully aired. I usually drop dramas if I watch them as they're airing as I get bored of waiting and I watch spoilers on Twitter but with Lovely Runner, not once did I watch a spoiler. The excitement for each ep, watching the pre-releases were all part of the experience that I am so happy I went through. Not one episode was bad or laggy or whatever. Every moment was worth it. Both the leads are wonderful and I am teary as I'm writing this review because I am going to miss them so much. As someone who hated Mondays, I waited for Mondays every week and now I feel empty without them on my Mondays and Tuesdays from now on. All OSTs were beautiful but Spring Snow warms my heart. Please everyone do no hesitate and watch Lovely Runner, trust me, you won't regret it. I will never forget the impact this drama had on me. Thank you Wooseok and Hyeyoon and the rest of the cast for this amazing drama, it really healed me. Truly the best drama to exist.

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Cheesy, thoughtless, incomplete details

I'm sorry my dear friends - I truly tried to be fair and complete the episodes. But from ep.10 itself it started dragging so badly that I barely managed to torture myself till ep.12.
It had so much promise so I waited for all episodes to be released then decided to binge watch. But alas!

Maybe the story/ screen play writer went back in time and forgot to come back??
Or they flew into the future and left the balance script for amateurs to fill in the gaps??
Whatever.....it's an irresponsible story with vague events, one sided chemistry from the ML, worthless romance etc etc.

Is someone beating you guys up that you have to produce such high quantity at the risk of poor low quality dramas?

I have not seen one decent romance k drama to date in 2024.

Your country, culture and wonderful entertainment has taken the world by storm - hope you can go back to making high quality dramas with some time, effort and love 💕

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