Lovely Runner

선재 업고 튀어 ‧ Drama ‧ 2024
Completed
lex_fsilva
6 people found this review helpful
May 29, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.5

HEART MORE THAN WARM!

I started enchanted with this drama and ended in a state of grace and with a certain nostalgia. Few dramas have moved me as much as this one, a completely unpretentious drama that, when I saw the trailers, I thought I would ignore and forget. However, after watching the first episode, it was clear that there was a story with a simple premise but with immediate magnetism. It's hard to explain, but I feel full and happy with everything that happened and with this ending that was a "fan service" beyond reproach.

I hope that Kim Hye-Yoon takes on roles that don't require her to mould her voice into a cute and almost childish version. Her serene performance with her natural voice in the first episode was of high quality. Now we need to talk about the actor of the moment: Byeon WooSeok, who gave his body and soul to this role. It seems like he lived every moment of Seon-Jae as if it were his own. Moreover, he is an actor who doesn't stay in his comfort zone and constantly challenges himself. In 12 months, he played a villain and this hero in this romantic comedy. WooSeok is the moment and deserves all the possible praise. By the way, in his scene with the grandmother, it was clear that his crying was natural and authentic, not acting. Hearing that from someone should move you, I was choked up.

I cannot forget the Archangel Michael of this drama, Tae Sung, who protected the couple and put an end to all that anguish. It is worth noting that Tae Sung was excellently portrayed by the outstanding Song Geon-Hee, who is long overdue to be the lead in a drama. He is a complete actor as well. The trio of protagonists did very well, and that's why this drama was successful in Korea and worldwide.

I will miss it; the spring snows will never be the same.





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Completed
parkhyorin
6 people found this review helpful
May 28, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 6.5
Rewatch Value 10

A Triumph of Writing, Direction, and Acting

If you're on the fence about this show because of the plot, let me assure you: the writing, direction, and acting are absolutely stellar.

The storyline might not break new ground, and that's clear, but wow, the writing is phenomenal. Each character is crafted with such care, capturing the essence of the mid-2000s perfectly. The praise can't be overstated; every character, no matter how minor, is intricately developed.

Now, let's talk about the director. What a vision! The director's intelligence shines through, knowing exactly what will captivate the audience. The direction is gripping, with not a single dull moment, showcasing the director's remarkable vision.

The actors, oh my goodness, words fall short in describing their brilliance in their respective roles, especially the leads. The male lead is portrayed with such depth; the character is finely etched, and this role is a gift to him that he fully embraces. He's not just a good choice; he's the embodiment of perfection for this role.

As for the female lead, there's no doubt she is the ideal choice for the role; her character fits her like a glove. Kudos to her for taking on this role with such grace and strength.

"And she deserves immense credit for believing in the wonderful production team, even when many actors were hesitant to take on the male lead role in this drama. Yet, she persisted and waited for 2-3 years to meet Ryu Sun-jae in real life."

Hats off to the entire production team for their patience through delays and their unwavering confidence in the project. Despite the initial reluctance from other actors, they are a true source of inspiration.

For those considering whether to watch this because the plot seems average, trust me, the plot may not be revolutionary, but the writing is amazing, the direction is outstanding, and the acting is the cherry on top.

I thoroughly enjoyed this work and highly recommend it to anyone seeking a production that excels in every aspect. Don't be misled by a seemingly simple plot; it is the execution that makes this a true masterpiece.

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Completed
ghean
6 people found this review helpful
Jun 11, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 10

Finest 2024 K-Drama So Far! This brings back old drama vibes!

At first glance, we all must assume that this drama is just another time travel storyline in which the FL annoyingly chases after the ML. The character's introduction illustrates FL's intense admiration for ML, which lends credence to this early judgment. For everyone who has seen this drama, we can all agree that the turning point in our opinion was when we saw ML's POV at the end of episode 2. From this epic scene, it was the second I knew that this drama was not just "just" a random drama.

The most intriguing aspect is that the 'vibes' I experienced while watching this drama reminded me of the first time I watched Korean dramas; they were amusing, light, and succeeded in making us laugh and feel butterflies in our stomachs at the same time. I watched it for joy because everyone said it was okay to watch, and heellll I spent nearly 7 episodes sitting on a seat! It was too exciting to leave my seat.

The plot of this drama is light; some may argue that it is a cliché plotline with random conflict and a predictable ending. But there's nothing wrong with those of you who enjoy light-hearted dramas about school life. We'll be like roller coasters, laughing out loud, getting excited, and crying at the end of each episode.

The two main characters accurately portray the characteristics of a high school lovey-dovey pair. While many people adore Sun Jae, I am particularly impressed by the image of Im Sol's character; this girl is depicted as vibrant and enthusiastic. Kim Hye Yoon is the perfect artist to play characters of different years in each era. I can't picture anyone else being Im Sol. On the other hand, Byeon Woo Seok is truly destined to play Sun Jae; he and his current popularity when this drama aired are enough proof that he is a superb actor, and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors as an actor.

Also, I hope we all find at least one man like Sun Jae in our lives (though this is almost impossible) hehe.

Each aspect of this story makes it difficult for me to forget. The OST for the drama "Sudden Shower" is certainly spectacular! Do listen and feel how Byeon Woo Seok sings this; I can nearly feel Sun Jae's complex feelings for Im Sol every time I hear this song.

Undoubtedly, Lovely Runner is the best 2024 drama so far; hopefully, we will see many more dramas like this. Hands up to the entire crew; despite the hardships they had at the beginning of production and filming, the hype surrounding this drama is well-deserved!

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Completed
Ciaraseesseas
5 people found this review helpful
Apr 21, 2026
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Perfection All Around

This drama is so freaking good!

I honestly would’ve loved to see the adaptation have some more of the original plot regarding mental health struggles. I think that is an important topic, and it still would’ve had a happy ending.

the actors were phenomenal. the chemistry between ALL the characters was incredible. the 2nd male lead was portrayed well and I’m happy he didn’t get left out in the story. no one did honestly.

my first BWS drama where he’s the ML and he killed it!!! Top 10 for me.
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Completed
Ellijs
3 people found this review helpful
Oct 23, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0

Nostalgia!

One of things that worked and brought the drama alot of attention is the timing and nostalgia when the drama was airing it was very addictive. Secondly Both Hye Yoon and Woo Seok did a amazing job, making the characters uniquely their own, I think the criticism made should be attributed not to the actors but to the direction and script, when reading excerpt of script, I realised It said Sol was wide eyed, which was how Sol mostly reacted to Sunjae's affection, they fell victim to poor writing. One thing people need to realise is that actors are portraying characters as written in the script. I agree that the story could have been better, a lost opportunity I guess, It started well but sadly feel victim to the 16 episode curse. I would have loved it more if Sol's disability was explored more. But all in all its a great watch and I guess it's the first time I have watched a drama without skipping, I loved the focus was on Sol and Sunjae as this was a romantic drama, and it didn't have complicated side plots or focused on side characters more than the leads.

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Completed
Sarangay
3 people found this review helpful
Nov 1, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 8.5
This review may contain spoilers

Great if you don't have high expectations

The premise of this drama is pretty good. It really draws you in, but toward the end the time traveling story starts to get convoluted and straight up nonsensical. How come can Sol still be friends with Taesung in the future she doesn't meet Sunjae, when her following Sunjae around is what starts her friendship with him? There are other plotholes like this scattared through the story, I think the overuse of the time travel really harmed the story a bit. If the show ended earlier, it would've been better, in my opinion.

Also, I have to say, Sol was a bit annoying with her obssession with Sunjae at the start. I undertand the importance he has on her life, but she just barkes any sort of boundary of a normal fan. She's not even close to him, but she keeps acting extremely suspicious and like a total creep and just hopes for the best. She has no actual plan to help him and the only reason it goes right is because they are leads is a romance story, cause otherwise this is very problematic as she's literally a stalker and she'd probably get herself killed or arrasted in a few days. Besides, Sunjae doesn't have much depth. Despite having to give up on his dream and struggling with depression, we don't really dive into how he feels about these things or how they truelly affect him. Also, Sol and Sunjae's obssession with sacrificing themselves for the other doesn't fell warranted. Like, you barely know each other, please let's calm down a bit. I guess these types of over the top, melodramatic plots only really work in a more high fantasy or historical setting, not in this type of slice of life drama (despite having sci-fi elements).

Despite all of this, I have to say it gets better with time. If you can suspend your disbelief, Sol and Sunjae really become a cute couple and they really grow on you as the plot progresses. They have a lot of chemistry and Sunjae is peak loser behaviour (in a good way). They carry this drama on their back. Furthermore, the plot with the granny is touching, but a bit weird? Her Alzheimer is portrayed almost like a magical thing, but it's more comical than anything else. Taesung has a nice evolution throughout the drama, too.

If you're looking for a strong plot with deep characters, this is not for you. But if you can get past the more problematic aspects of this drama, you can find a very sweet and endearing story, with a lot of tension and drama, so if that's your thing, definitely go for it. It isn't anything new but it's very entertaining in this regard.

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Ongoing 10/16
GowniyaShree
9 people found this review helpful
May 10, 2024
10 of 16 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

BEST K-DRAMA IN HISTORY!

GUYS WHEN I SAY THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST K-DRAMAS I 'VE EVER SEEN, I'M NOT EXAGGERATING. THIS IS K -DRAMA IS SO SPECIAL AND CAPTIVATING BECAUSE IT HAS SO MANY GENRES THAT WE LOVE, ROM-COM,TIME-TRAVEL,THRILLER,FANTASY,SCI FI! BUT THE MOST IMPORTANT THIS THE ACTING, LIKE KIM HYE YOON AND BYEON WOO SEOK R SUCH TALENTED ACTORS, LIKE THE WAY THEY POTRAY THEIR EMOTIONS IS JUST SO TOUCHING AND PHENOMENAL. JUST THROUGH THEIR EYES, I CAN FEEL THE EMOTION THEIR TRYING TO POTRAY 😭😭😭. WHEN I TELL YOU, THIS IS THE 1ST TIME EVER THAT I'VE REWATCHED K-DRAMA EPISODES WHILE WAITING FOR THE NEXT ONES TO BE RELEASED LIKE I'VE NEVER DONE THAT BEFORE EVER! THIS SHOW REALLY HAS A CHOKEHOLD ON ME 😭😍 PLS WATCH THIS SHOW AND SHOW THE CAST OUR SUPPORT GUYS!!

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Completed
faythiroshi
5 people found this review helpful
May 29, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Best drama of the year!

It's been quite a long time since I feel this obsessed with a drama. Everything seems to be perfect.. the actors, the music, the story line.. this drama really beats the common conception of a typical low rating drama (it only fot 5.x%), but being loved by a lot of people in South Korea and more than 100 countries.
Thank you Sunjae and Im Sol for giving me the best Monday and Tuesday, waiting for new episodes, for the past 2 months. I will miss this kind of drama in the future..
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Completed
Sweet
5 people found this review helpful
May 1, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 7.0

Best Time-travel Romance drama in 2024

I enjoy this time-travel drama more than current super popular overrated drama QOT!!!

I m not fan of time-travel theme and both lead actors!!!
But I like their chemistry, well-written plots, ost!!
Can’t wait to see next 8 episodes!!!

Although I don’t enjoy so much on Last two episodes, it is still good time travel drama.

#LovelyRunner
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Completed
zay
8 people found this review helpful
Oct 29, 2025
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

This show is one of the best, dont listen to the bots.

While I can agree that this kdrama might not be a favorite for others. It deserves the hype and high rating. I was surprsied to find all of the top reviews negative when I find the show a justifiably great drama. The acting is amazing, I haven't gushed and swooned over a male lead like this since strong girl bong soon. The story and plot kept me hooked throughout. I genuiley liked all of the side characters and didn't find myself just skimming over their screen time. The kdrama got me emotional and is truly in my top 5 for its sentimental value, acting and film quality, and insane chemistry. I didn't find the whole falling for a fan thing weird at all because that isnt what happened. If I hadn't already seen the show and saw the comments rating this a 5 and below then I probably would've never watched it which would've been such a shame considering how much I genuinely love it. It beats true beauty by miles in terms of every category and true beauty is something i love and have rewatched multiple times. So I implore you, please watch it

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Completed
Meineke
6 people found this review helpful
Jun 1, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0

Run don't walk

What if there was someone in this world who would fall in love with you at every stage of life and under every circumstance? What if he was willing to die for you as long as he could spend one extra moment with you? The hopeless romantic in me leaps for joy!

Lovely Runner may not have the most original storyline but it is a well made drama that will keep you fully engaged. It has the perfect blend of romance, comedy and thrills. The best part of it was the pacing. As soon as you felt that the story was dragging, the story would take a sudden turn. At no point was I ever bored. I also want to highlight the comedy. In almost every episode there is at one scene where you'll burst out laughing. Very few dramas can do comedy without it being over the top after some time.

As far as acting goes, every does a good job. I've seen Byeon Woo Seok, in several dramas but this is the first time he has truly shined. I wish more success in future. Kim Hye Yoon also does a good job but I feel the character is not much different from Extraordinarily You. supporting roles were fine but special mention goes to Lee Seung Hyub and Kim Won Hae. I really liked their roles.

The music was pleasant. If I Eclipse was a real k-pop band, I would likely have been a fan. The music was a treat to watch.

Although the twists and turns would be less impactful, I really think it will be a good rewatch.

To sum it up, don't hesitate. Just watch the drama, there is a high chance that you'll end up loving it just as much as as I did.

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Completed
Lelbiluu
6 people found this review helpful
Aug 15, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

The Most Beautiful KDrama In 2024

very good and highly recommended to watch, i like the acting, ost/sound, story, casting, overall, i very like and very recommended to watch this Kdrama! this Kdrama from eps 1 to eps 16 full of joy, happiness, sadness, comedy, touching, tears, plot twist, romance and many more. sometimes i cry, happy, glad, laugh when watching this kdrama, i If you watch this drama from beginning to end with feeling and understand the story, then you will feel happy, sad, touched, relieved and very meaningful at you finished watch this kdrama, honestly this is the most beautiful, impressive and the best Kdrama in 2024 have i seen, you must watch this Kdrama!

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Lovely Runner poster

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  • Score: 9.0 (scored by 101,950 users)
  • Ranked: #74
  • Popularity: #33
  • Watchers: 177,606

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