This review may contain spoilers
Tale of love wrapped in time travel
"Let's Kidnap Sun Jae and run".Wearing this on her headgear, Im Sol arrives to attend a concert of her favorite star Ryu Sun Jae. Bound on a wheelchair the thirty-something lost her ticket and was forced to enjoy the show from outside of the auditorium. Her agony vanishes as she meets the star on her way home. But was it their first time meeting?Ever since its inception, the love of Im Sol and Sun Jae has undergone more changes than the weather itself. Im Sol who has been fangirling over Sun Jae finds him as her next-door neighbor as she travels back to 2009. Seeing her dead K-pop star alive makes her feel alive again and the chaotic love story begins.
Attempting to time travel love is not a big thing for Korean dramas. The list is endless, from Scarlett Heart Ryeo to Go Back Couple, to recently ended Marry My husband.
Then, why Lovely Runner is creating so much hype:
1. The timeline
Sol is not living in a fixed time zone. She has travelled through various time of her life, while looking for ways to save Sun Jae. Some time, she is living for few months and sometime she is living for few days. It is like a staycation and not a total shift to that time zone.
2. Differences in characters
Characters are different. Modern Sol is polar opposite of her eighteen year old self. In fact, as she is going back to modern time, her cackling eighteen year old self is coming back. Sun Jae is not aware, so his character is not facing any transition in the process.
3. Constant changes
It is very important to keep audience hooked. Monotonous storyline make audience wander whether to watch the next episode or not. However, in this story, the suspense is getting bigger with the magic of time travelling. Whether Sol will have her feet or Sun Jae will live...the answer is still uncertain.
The story deserves an extra credit for giving space to additional characters of the story.
The new arc of character of Seo Hye Won and Song Ji Ho not only add humor to the tale but also add perfect love dose in the story of Sol and Sun Jae. As the story grows, not only love blooms but the threat intensifies. Now a days, Korean dramas loses track after the twelfth episode, but lovely runner ahs successfully kept the charm and suspicion alive. The future of the endearing couple is still behind clouds. Song Geon Hee in the role of sweet and savory Tae Sung has got little to do. The second lead got back seated by the shine of Byeon Woo seok. The director should have drew his role in a better light. His bromance with Sun Jae looked warm but is not creating goosebumps. We still miss our Jun Pyo and Ji Hoo. The supporting cast including well known ajumma and ajusshis are brilliant in their shoes but it is Im Sol and Sun Jae who are eating the cream in chunks.
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The two main leads are carrying this show
some plots holes, too much tears from the main female lead, but their incredible alchemy and acting are making up for the mistakes this drama has.I would have liked the main female to have more character development, aside the development about SunJae! it felt like she was living only for him, and it was a bit too much in my opinion.
I didn't feel the need to know more about the time travel (how? why?), but now I've finished the drama, I feel like there is too much questions and points that weren't explained (what we call plot holes)
but overall, the great points from this drama are definitely the acting and the alchemy beetwen the two mains! you laugh, you cry, you get angry at the scenario. and most of all, you're scared to finish it cause you're gonna miss them. And I think it's the sign you're watching a good drama.
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This review may contain spoilers
A Kdrama that is going to live in my heart forever
Lovely Runner" is a K-drama that I have fallen in love with, wholeheartedly and irrevocably. This drama stands out as a shining example of exceptional storytelling, stellar performances, and meticulous production. From the first episode to the last, I was utterly captivated, and it never ceased to amaze me.The acting in "Lovely Runner" is nothing short of phenomenal. The actors were perfectly matched to their roles, delivering performances that were both heartfelt and compelling. Their chemistry on screen is palpable, adding depth and authenticity to the characters they portrayed. Each scene felt natural and engaging, making it easy to connect with the story on an emotional level.
The original soundtrack (OST) deserves special mention. It beautifully complements the narrative, enhancing the emotional impact of key moments and elevating the overall viewing experience. The music is perfectly timed and emotionally resonant, ensuring that each episode leaves a lasting impression.
One of the most remarkable aspects of "Lovely Runner" is its ability to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The plot is brilliantly crafted, filled with unexpected twists and turns that make every episode a thrilling experience. There is never a dull moment – each installment is packed with intrigue, excitement, and drama. The writers have done an exceptional job in creating a storyline that is both engaging and unpredictable, making it impossible to stop watching.
The production quality of "Lovely Runner" is outstanding. Every detail, from the cinematography to the set design, is executed with precision and care. The visual elements are stunning, enhancing the overall aesthetic and mood of the drama. It's clear that a lot of effort and thought went into making this series as visually appealing as it is emotionally impactful.
In conclusion, "Lovely Runner" is a true masterpiece in the world of K-dramas. With its superb acting, captivating OST, and impeccably crafted plot, it has set a high standard for storytelling. Every episode is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the cast and crew. If you're looking for a drama that is endlessly entertaining and profoundly moving, "Lovely Runner" is an absolute must-watch. I loved every moment of it, and it will remain close to my heart for a long time to come.
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This review may contain spoilers
Amazing show - Lovely Runner
This show was amazing, it was a roller coaster ride waiting for the episodes to be released. Very well written story, finally was satisfied to witness the happy ending. The acting of all the actors in this show was amazing.We fans were so addicted to this series that we have an ongoing watch party along with a chatroom wherein we discussed the different scenarios and timetravels. I am pretty sure to re-watch this series a number of times.
The authenticity of the show can be seen with the amount of effort that was put in the making of this show like the ML actually singing the song for the series and also training for swimming to prove his commitment to this series.
I truly wish the stars of this show get the recognition, fame and success which they deserve.
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sonagi is playing quietly in my head
overall this drama is so good that there's no boring episode it will make you binge watch this the whole day. This is one of the best romcom drama I've ever seen there's no corny jokes at all. This will give you all the feels heartbreak, nostalgia, frustrations, excitement, euphoric happiness and etc. The romantic scenes are not cringy at all it's so natural chemistry is chef's kiss they're like a match made in heaven. Even the OSTs are perfect you can listen to them nonstop. Their choice for the member of Eclipse band is perfect too. Their visuals and talent as a band is really giving. Byeon Woo Seok as Ryu Sun Jae is the probably the best choice the producers made. The production for this drama was delayed for three years due to actors declining the male lead role but I can say that it's for the best. They found the perfect embodiment of Ryun Sun Jae in Byeon Woo Seok. It's been a really long since the last time I got emotionally invested in a Kdrama. Lovely Runner will always have a soft spot in my heart.Was this review helpful to you?
Dumb in the best possible way!
This drama has been a very fulfilling experience from beginning to end. Show of the year so far! A list of amazing elements:- The pilot episode: Hear me out, every kdrama so far for me has been a struggle to get into. No pilot episode by itself has ever held my attention the way this one did. KHY’s acting alone in the first episode was enough to pull me in. They did an Excellent job on writing the best pilot episode in the entire dramaland!
- Excellent FL! One of the best FL’s I’ve ever seen in a kdrama. She’s brave, determined abd puts him first almost everytime. Also, the actress is incredibly entertaining and has the most cheerful temperament. She’s a delight to watch!
- A ML who is worth all of the struggles! Sun Jae(a)… is sweet, shy, caring (the whole list of positive adjectives lol), but also kind of an idiot/loser in front of Im Sol. He truly brings life to the show with his smile and infectious energy. (And his ‘aggressive’ kissing scenes 😂)
- Usually I’m not the most interested in romantic shows, but this is certainly Romance done right! They’re overly cute, but when you consider the timelines and everything they went through, the cuteness/aegyo makes sense!
- The supporting cast (In Hyuk, grandma, Kim Tae Sung, mom, dad, manager) were all perfect in their respective roles. All of the supporting cast had their own mini story, and a purpose in the plot, which is refreshing since they weren’t simply adding pointless characters.
- The music/orgininal soundtrack from “Eclipse” charted for real in Korea, since that’s how amazing it is!
- Exceptional acting from all of the actors, but especially from BWS as this is his first large scale male lead role!
A few cons (unfortunately!) :
- I liked the best friend, but in the early episodes Im Geum and her story was the only parts I forwarded in the show. It didn’t hold my attention, seemed a little pointless, and it kind of made me cringe. (Like them happily married with kids in the future though!)
- Plot holes: regardless of how interesting or amazing the show is, it has quite a few plot holes. In one of the early episodes Sun Jae says “I would have still done swimming at 19 even if I knew how it would turn out.” That made me so sure he knew what was going on, or time travelled as well. Since the original webtoon has that story, perhaps they planned for it but changed it after? It was just a little strange that the ML ended up being more of Mary Sue character (very iconic lol) despite multiple parts that make you believe he knows what’s going on.
The time travel has some issues as well with timelines not matching up and some stuff they missed. Sun Jae’s unexplored depression and Sol’s disability were kind of pointless at the end and should’ve been explored more.
I’m not usually the person to say this, but there’s enough sadness and social commentary in real life. I like the idea of the leads having a miserable fate and a fun adventure which leads to a way happier ending. Ultimately, it’s good, direction, acting, singing, so I can overlook the writing here because of the joy these dumb characters bring. And the show is worth more than 1 watch, which isn’t something I’ve felt about any show before!
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THE BEST OF 2024....
The drama is spectacular for real that I cried so hard so many times because of sadness as well as joy.I can't accept the fact it ended my Mondays and Tuesdays won't be joyful anymore 😭
The drama is full of emotions have all sort of things that a Rom Com should have.
The Writer portrayed every single thing so amazingly.
The cast choice was also very amazing.
Woo Seok Oppa did great job as well as Hye Yoon Unnie.
I am glad all other actors rejected character of Sunjae because this character was only meant to be for Woo Seok Oppa.
I am glad it delayed 3 years atleast we got amazing cast.
The best of line of Drama will be the quote which will stay in my heart forever.
Grandma: "Although the mind forgets the memories but the heart would never, all the precious time and moments you spend is smeared in ones soul"
The drama was wholesome and my heart felt it for real.
Although I don't Rewatch the Dramas But I'll probably be rewatching this drama😭💞.
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please watch it
to be completely fair, i feel like i don't even need to come here and explain why you should watch this drama. just go watch it, please, you won't regret it. it's so entertaining and you'll be obsessed with it from beginning to end. for sure it's one of the best dramas of 2024. everyone say thank you byeon woo seok and kim hye yoon.Was this review helpful to you?
Even people who dislike this kdrama. finished watching it
It is funny to read such comments about how dissapointing the story is and the MLs..It maybe a honest review.. but lets face the fact that it got all of your interest to this kdrama (for you to leave such a long long bad review) like showing you watched it very carefully.. Im happy to know that.. good or bad review.. it helps the kdrama to keep rising it popularity as well the MLs.. thank you I really enjoyed watching this drama and i really enjoy reading reviews. fighting!!!
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The whole world is on a sunjae's obsession
Best Drama I've ever seen!!!!!!This is the best of best drama of 2024 year!!
I really love their chemistry!!! Their chemistry is top notch!!!
The cinematography is awesome!!!
Ost of this drama is amazing
Most importantly their comedy scenes r hilarious 😂😂
And finally our sanjae 😭 I love him more than anyone in my life!! Sanjae is my dream character 😭🫰❤️ byeon woo seok's acting is so realistic 😭❤️ whenever I see him I'm about to cry 😭😢 he is an angel❤️🫰
Overall the drama is best also emotional!!! There are everything in this drama like romance, fantasy,time slip, comedy,tragedy,high school romance, campus romance, adult romance all in one package...!!! Love this drama most!!!❤️❤️
I wish Byeon woo seok do many dramas or movie like lovely runner...!!
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Refreshing
Classic example of how actors, directors, writers can transform a rather run of the mill story to a quite quite enjoyable and wonderful drama. Lovely Runner does not have a great story, nor is it unique.. But its presentation is charming, refreshing and enjoyable. Major kudos to the actors, director and the team.The plot does have some loopholes but that is to be expected of a time travel drama. My only gripe is that we don’t get to know why the villain does what he does in every effing time line. He is just incorrigible and sticks around like a two day old candy. But in the finale, poof.. he goes away very easily. I don’t want to put any major spoilers here but such an easy end makes him just a prop to make the show last for 16 episodes. It didn’t detract from this otherwise charming drama for me. But it just kept bothering me like a mosquito bite. Why did he keep on keeping on? Like either say why or just go away.
Music is wonderful; it stays with you afterwards. But the USP is the actors. Casting a good looking pair sure works lol, but if they just look good then the drama loses its momentum around eighth or ninth episode. Here ML and FL, SML, friends, mom, dad, bros and grandma’s are all just fantastic. The mix somehow really works. Apart from the OTP, the healthy and positive family dynamics on both sides were so nice. Keeps you engaged. I’m rather getting tired of the over-demanding, shrewish, moms and dads who look down on their kids. Plus as many have said before the height difference between ML and FL makes it cuter. The last episode also kept me smiling like a simp. I know.. I’m very shallow.. eh..
Loved this one. Wanted to give it a 10 but the caricature-ish villain deducts half a point for me.
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Edit:
Rewatched it today.. very unusual for me to revisit the drama so soon after the first watch but was feeling low because of something, wanted to get lost in the k-drama world and this was a random pick.. It struck me once again. How on earth our ML and FL are so darn cute together! It’s not silly cute but cute cute. Our leads’ strong performances actually change the tone of that cuteness as per their age. To me at least, the cutes of their teen age romance was different from the cutes of their mature romance. The pitch and vibe of their togetherness changes as per their age. Hats off to both the leads for throwing themselves in their characters. Sometimes the couple-ness (I know I made up this word..anyhoo) feels amazing in the high school years. But when the characters enter the matured phase, the chemistry either fizzles out or it seems contrived. It’s very difficult to see the leads as grown ups, in spite of all the hair style changes or wardrobe changes. I had this difficulty in WIFTY and Our Secrets. But here the transition was smooth. And the credit fully goes to Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon. Job well done you guys!! And that’s why I am bumping this to 10, in spite of my gripe with that very bad man.
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Beautiful
This drama was fantastic from beginning to end. It's a beautiful story, directed impeccably, and all of the acting is superb. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and sometimes it made md do both at once. Truly a love story, not just between the main couple, but also the love between friends. I'm writing this review immediately after finishing, and I'm still feeling emotional about it.One funny thing worth mentioning - Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin are mentioned in the show - and this was the most chemistry on screen I have seen between romantic leads since watching Crash Landing on You.
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