“Even if you were to end up in a different time, I would jump over time and space to see you.” – Im Sol
What if you could travel back in time to save the one person who changed your life, only to realize that fate may not be so easy to rewrite?
‘Lovely Runner’ is a 2024 South Korean drama that takes viewers on a heart-wrenching journey through time, love, and loss. Starring Byeon Woo-seok as a tragic idol star and Kim Hye-yoon as the devoted fan willing to challenge destiny itself, the series delivers a powerful mix of emotion, suspense, and romance.
Based on the popular web novel ‘Tomorrow’s Best’, later adapted into a webtoon by Doong Doong, ‘Lovely Runner’ is a story about holding on, letting go, and daring to believe that love can defy time.
Series: Lovely Runner
Where to watch: Netflix
Cast: Byeon Woo-seok, Kim Hye-yoon, Song Geon-hee, and Lee Seung-hyub
Written by: Lee Si-eun
Directed by: Yoon Jong-ho and Kim Tae-yeop
The Plot
In the dazzling world of fame, Ryu Sun-jae (played by Byeon Woo-seok), an idol, stands as a symbol of success, but behind the glamour lies a life burdened by exhaustion.
For Im Sol (played by Kim Hye-yoon), a devoted fan, his music became a source of solace after a life-altering accident shattered her teenage dreams.
When news of Sun-jae’s sudden death reaches Sol, her grief is overwhelming, until she’s miraculously transported back fifteen years to 2008, a time when both she and Sun-jae were in high school. Seeing it as a fateful second chance, Sol vows to rewrite the past and fight for a different future.
The Characters
Ryu Sun-jae (played by Byeon Woo-seok)
A celebrity blessed with talent, charm, and striking visuals, Sun-jae appears to have the perfect life as the lead singer of the band Eclipse. However, behind the spotlight, he battles deep emotional struggles and depression, which ultimately lead to his tragic and premature death. Before entering the entertainment industry as a singer and actor, Sun-jae was once a promising swimmer.
Im Sol (played by Kim Hye-yoon)
Once a vibrant and popular teenager, Sol’s dreams of becoming a film director were crushed after an accident left her paralyzed. A devoted fan of Ryu Sun-jae, she is devastated by the news of his death. Mysteriously transported back to 2008, she seizes the chance to rewrite their fate, determined to save Sun-jae and experience love with him.
Kim Tae-seong (played by Song Geon-hee)
The handsome and admired heartthrob of their high school days, Tae-seong, quietly harbored feelings for Im Sol. He was the bassist for their school band, Eclipse, and has since gone on to become a police officer.
Baek In-hyuk (played by Lee Seung-hyub)
Friendly, approachable, and full of energy, In-hyuk is the lead guitarist and frontman of the popular band Eclipse. He is also Ryu Sun-jae’s best friend, offering unwavering support throughout his life.
What made the show popular?
- A unique blend of romance and time travel: The series stood out with its emotionally charged time-travel plot, where the female lead returns to the past to save her idol from a tragic future. This mix of fantasy, romance, and fate created a gripping emotional core, appealing to fans of both melodramas and feel-good romances.
- Powerful performances by the leads: Byeon Woo-seok’s portrayal of Ryu Sun-jae, a beloved yet broken celebrity, earned him massive praise for his emotional depth and on-screen charm. Kim Hye-yoon delivered a heartfelt performance as Im Sol, skillfully capturing both youthful innocence and emotional strength. Their chemistry was a major draw for viewers.
- Strong emotional storytelling and nostalgia: The drama tugged at heartstrings with themes of regret, lost dreams, healing, and second chances, often striking a nostalgic chord. Set partly in the late 2000s, it evoked memories of youth, first love, and simpler times, especially with its retro music and styling.
- A memorable soundtrack: The OST (original soundtrack) became a hit in its own right. With emotional ballads and catchy band tracks from the fictional group ‘Eclipse’, the music amplified the storytelling and quickly gained popularity on streaming platforms.
- Well-rounded supporting cast: The show benefited from a strong supporting lineup, including Song Geon-hee and Lee Seung-hyub, who added depth to the narrative. Their relationships with the leads brought added complexity and warmth.
- Webtoon origin and built-in fanbase: Adapted from a popular web novel-turned-webtoon, ‘Lovely Runner’ already had a dedicated fanbase eagerly anticipating the live-action adaptation. The show remained faithful to key elements while adding new emotional layers, satisfying longtime fans.
- Viral moments and fan engagement: Several scenes went viral on social media, from tear-jerking confessions to swoon-worthy romantic moments like the yellow umbrella or Im Sol’s “Sun Jaeah”, creating buzz and drawing new viewers. Fan edits, quotes, and reactions kept the drama trending week after week.
‘Lovely Runner’ is more than just a time-travel romance; it’s a heartfelt story about love, healing, and the courage to change fate. With its standout performances, emotional storytelling, and nostalgic charm, the series carved a special place in the hearts of viewers. As the final credits rolled, fans were left with lingering emotions and a renewed belief in second chances. ‘Lovely Runner’ isn’t just a drama to watch, but a journey to feel, remember, and cherish.
Written by Mansha Chauhan
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