Lovely Runner (2024)

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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Awesome plot, but FL’s acting is a bit much.

The story is seriously awesome, with a plot that keeps you hooked and subplots that add depth. It’s the kind of stuff that really grabs your attention. But let’s talk about the FL – her acting is just too over the top. Actually, she’s always like that in most series she’s in, including this one. In my opinion, she shines the most when she plays the villain role.

Now, about the FL’s character... It felt a bit off in the first couple of episodes. Like, the writer couldn’t quite figure out what to do with her. She came off more like a crazed fan club of the ML with her obsession that drives her to do quite a few embarrassing things. I almost gave up on the show at the start because of this sasaeng-borderline behavior of the FL, but it got better after that.

And I gotta mention about the ridiculous details in the first half. For example, when the house gets on fire, the FL's brother help a girl out of the house by going up to the roof of the building without extinguishing the fire. Ok, not only that he doesn't stop the fire, but when escaping the fire, who would go upstairs to trap themselves when it's possible to go downstairs out of the building?? And there's this scene where the FL and ML see a rainbow that appears on the same side as the sun – that totally goes against science. It’s like the production team has no basic knowledge and common sense.

But despite all that, the plot is solid. The ML is very charming. I ended up enjoying the series a lot.

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THE BEST

this has become my favourite kdrama of all time. i can’t stop thinking about it. every episode is a balance of romance, comedy and thriller. its the only drama even after the couple confessed I WANTED TO SEE MORE. I NEED TO SEE MORE. Kim Hyeyoon and Byeon Wooseok have killed it in this drama. every cast member actually played a huge role into bringing this masterpiece together. the chemistry between everyone is amazing and it shines through in the drama.

THE OST my gosh i’m in love with the ost, sudden shower, spring snow and may I love you? is on repeat. i feel like im going through withdrawal now that Ive accepted the drama is over. its absolutely phenomenal im jealous of anyone who hasn’t watched it id do anything to erase my memory and watch it for the first time again.

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The show that took over the storms, the lazy Mondays and tired Tuesdays

In a narrative that transcends the mundane and explores the depths of human emotion, this show captivates with its seamless blend of humour and heartache. Through a time-twisting plot and complex characters willing to make ultimate sacrifices for love, it weaves a powerful story of devotion and unwavering affection.

In the midst of the unfolding events of the show's initial segment, uncertainty loomed as to its ultimate direction. The interwoven red thread connecting two characters evoked a profound emotional response, leaving viewers yearning for further exploration. The show seemed almost sentient, a distinct entity inviting us to delve deeper into its mysteries. While presented as a time-travel drama, it subtly hints at deeper layers waiting to be uncovered.

The show's characters are depicted with such exquisite depth and humanity that it is impossible not to be drawn in and captivated. The actors' talent in embodying these characters so completely that they become inseparable from their real identities is truly remarkable.

Every character in the narrative plays a crucial role in the intricate tapestry of the story, with every event and detail carefully crafted to serve a purpose. The show is filled with subtle nuances and symbolism, such as a petal representing a character's hopes and dreams slipping away only to be returned to them in the end. The cinematography and attention to detail in this love story are truly enchanting to behold.

The most captivating aspect of the show, in my opinion, was Sol. As someone who has a deep appreciation for female characters, Sol stood out to me as a character who defied norms. Her essence seemed to transcend gender, drawing me in to her soulful eyes with every smile and tear she shed. Her choices do not diminish her humanity in comparison to her male equivalent. Yet, one could argue that her inherent qualities, akin to precious diamond dust, warrant a level of devotion and sacrifice from those around her.

Sol and Seonjae's Love is often described as pure, but I believe it transcends mere purity. Their love is meant to be shared, never to be concealed into their hearts, likened to a red or invisible thread connecting them in a way. It is as if they were fated to complement each other, like clouds to the sun, rain to a parched land, or a gentle breeze on a sweltering day, reminding us of the beauty and vitality of life. Such is the essence of their love.
Their souls were clearly visible and pure. I have yet to encounter a love as profound as theirs in any form of media, and I say this as a devoted connoisseur of art.

The brilliance of Lovely Runner lies in the Writer’s ability to intricately craft each character with their own unique struggles, traits, and lives. While many romance dramas often overlook the supporting cast, Lee Sieun masterfully ensures that every character is given depth and significance, even across various lifetimes. Ultimately, each character's choices shape their own destiny in the most profound ways.

The captivating allure of "Lovely Runner" has quickly earned it a spot among my top favorite shows, a position previously held by only one other. I am drawn to return to this show time and time again, seeking solace and finding myself filled with joy. The depth of emotion and care portrayed in dramas like this reminds us of the amount of love and care a human can hold. Watching "Lovely Runner" sparks a realisation of the profound connection and fulfilment that comes from loving another more deeply than being loved in return, a sentiment that is truly unparalleled.

It is my belief that the unique brilliance and artistry of Lee Sieun as a writer cannot be replicated. The only way to capture the magic of this drama once more would be for the entire cast and crew to reunite. My heart yearns for another production under her guidance with the same actors, as her exceptional talent truly deserves all the praise and recognition it can receive. It is impossible to discuss this drama without acknowledging her invaluable talent.

I am grateful for the solace you provide, Lovely Runner, during the challenging days. May we cross paths once more under the cover of night, allowing your radiant presence to guide me once again.

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A fun rom-com

You must suspend all notion of reality to really enjoy this time travel fantasy about a girl who wants a do-over to correct past mistakes. This romantic comedy will make you laugh out loud and really appreciate the efforts of the production team, even when the writing gets hard to follow. After so much mental gymnastics trying to follow the numerous timelines, I gave up and decided to just enjoy it.

What I love most about this rom-com is the chemistry between our main leads and the wonderful acting of the entire cast. I am especially impressed with Byeon Woo Sook's performance and feel he is really growing as an actor. The way he looks at his FL is just endearing. That twist from cold to hot had my head spinning. It was a total gotcha moment. Well-played! The supporting cast, particularly Kim Won Hae as Rye Seon Jae's dad, were hilarious and a joy to watch with their antics.

The darker elements used in the writing felt unnecessary, as the writers could have come up with an equally effective way of justifying the time travel without going to such lengths to make the stakes higher. Depression and suicide are dark enough and I think that would have been a sufficient plot device to want to travel back to change the past, all while learning a few things about yourself along the way. The writers, however, chose to make this even darker, giving it Strong Woman Do Bong Soon vibes. This felt too dark for a rom-com, in my opinion. Plot becomes a little hard to follow after subsequent forays into the past and the hasty explanation to it implausible---but it's fantasy so you have to forgive them.

OST is great. Looking forward to adding them to my k-drama hit list. I recommend this one for the fun story and exemplary performances.

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It took me forever to finish this show, I kept rewatching the episodes!

I felt like I was going to be really disappointed in this drama after people loved it so much. Boy, was I surprised!

Story:
It's definitely been done before, and probably in some ways, much better. Now this is just my opinion, because time shifts, etc. always confuse me, but this one was sometimes difficult to know which time I was looking at. And also, I felt some time inconsistencies, but maybe I was just confused. That being said, I felt that they made up for the lack in other ways. When someone loves someone for a long time, even through time shifts, what's not to love? Normally I have some difficulty with adult actors playing teenagers, but it worked here.

Cast:
I can't even...
Byeon Woo Seok as Seon Jae: It's like this part was tailor made for him. He is so good at showing and holding back emotions. The thing that stood out the most to me about him was his amazing comedic timing. He's good at physical comedy, and there were so many times that he made me laugh with just a gesture or a look.
Kim Hye Yoon as Im Sol: With her diminutive size and her high voice, this part fit her perfectly.
Song Geon Hee as Tae Sung: I love it when a 2ML wants what's best for the FL. You know, up front, that he doesn't stand a chance, but you still have to root for him, just a little, because he's such a sweet guy.
All of the supporting actors were very good as well.

Music:
SO good! Woo Seok's voice is just beautiful, and the music/lyrics fit perfectly into the story line.

Re-watch value:
100%, considering I watch each episode three times before moving on. And I didn't even start this until AFTER the whole thing was released!

CHEMISTRY:
The chemistry was definitely chemistry-ing, and there were so many squee-inducing moments for me. I'll admit, romance is my favorite genre, but it was lovely to be able to see the main couple together so much. Good kisses, and I love the height difference (lots of good behind the scenes stuff on You Tube about this). This may sound strange, but I liked how they used each others' first names. I know it's a cultural thing, but it always bothers me when a couple is in this great relationship and they either call each other by their last names, or she calls him by his title. It makes no sense.

So, I may have had issues with a couple of things, overall, I couldn't give this less than a 10, because I enjoyed it so much.

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