This drama surprised me: for the worldwide success, as well as the depth that went beyond a simple first love story. More than romance (believe me, it seems that it only exists in the screen), is feeling the fear and taking the plunge, and realising the people around you, possibly never finding out the little things they do when you're not looking.

I never expected a slice of life drama to blow up the way this has. Didn't even watch the trailer before clicking solely for Kim Hye Yoon, and ended up being smitten for the male lead.

Being smacked with 2016 nostalgia (seriously...there's something about the 2016 air that brought the best dramas to memory) is the reason why Lovely Runner is another iconic drama to remember.

Of course, it has its flaws. So many flaws. But this work reminded me so strongly why I loved kdramas in the first place. Why I continued watching after a decade.

It took me back to 2016 back to my high school days, where adulthood hadn't kicked in yet. So maybe I'm biased and Lovely Runner's main theme of time moved me more than it should've.

Works in recent times have been noticed to be VERY disappointing despite the high budget. But LR proved you can have a simple drama (like the old times), and still move the viewer, stuffed with emotions and moments that will forever be embedded in the heart.

3 years of waiting, and the success couldn't be more deserved. Kim Hye Yoon got her co-star, and the role was meant for Byeon Wooseok. The universe does reward perseverance.