Lovely Runner Review: Looking Back Almost a Year After It Ended

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Introducing "Lovely Runner"

It’s hard to believe it’s already been almost a year since Lovely Runner aired its finale on May 28, 2024. As I reflect on this drama a year later, I’m filled with the same warmth and excitement I felt watching it week by week last year. Lovely Runner is a 16-episode South Korean time-travel romantic comedy (with sprinkles of fantasy + thriller) that stole viewers’ hearts and became a sleeper hit. Starring Kim Hye-yoon and Byeon Woo-seok, the show follows a devoted fan who travels back in time to save her idol – and ends up entwined in a love story that quite literally transcends time.

When Lovely Runner first premiered on tvN with little fanfare, no one expected it to blow up the way it did. But by the end of the first episode, viewers (myself included) were hooked. It wasn’t another cookie-cutter rom-com; it felt fresh yet familiar, combining beloved tropes with unpredictable twists. Over the next 16 episodes, Lovely Runner delivered an emotional rollercoaster of laughter, tears, “OMG!” moments, and heartfelt warmth. For me, this show was nothing short of life-changing – it rekindled my love for K-dramas and set a new gold standard for what a romantic comedy can be. In this review, I’ll look back at what made Lovely Runner so special.

Significance of the Title

The title “Lovely Runner” might sound simple and cute, but it carries a meaningful punch that encapsulates the show’s premise. The original Korean title is 선재 업고 튀어, which literally translates to “Run Away with Sun-jae on Piggyback”. This phrase paints an image – someone carrying Sun-jae and running away – which is exactly what our heroine Im Sol metaphorically (and at times, almost literally) does. Run away implies escaping danger or fate, and doing it with Sun-jae on one’s back implies protecting a loved one at all costs.

In the context of the drama, Im Sol is effectively carrying Sun-jae’s life on her back as she goes back in time to save him. The act of running suggests the race against time that defines the show. She’s in a desperate sprint to outrun destiny, to change the tragic fate that originally fell upon Sun-jae. The addition of “Lovely” in the English title conveys the tone – it’s not a dark, grim run for survival, but a heartfelt, romantic journey. The title hints that this isn’t just about changing fate; it’s about the beautiful bond between two people running together toward a happier future.

There’s also a bit of irony and subversion in the title. In many K-dramas, it’s the male lead who does the rescuing or figurative “carrying” of the female lead, but Lovely Runner flips that trope. Here, our female lead Sol is determined to carry Sun-jae through his darkest moment. She’s his guardian angel and literally the runner in this story. That role-reversal is both lovely and representative of the show’s unique take on romance. As a viewer, I found the title to be a clever nod to one of the drama’s key messages: when you truly love someone, you’ll run anywhere – even across time – to save them.

Short Synopsis (Some Spoilers)

Ryu Sun-jae (played by Byeon Woo-seok) is a top-tier celebrity – a former swimming star turned singer-actor in a popular band called Eclipse. On the surface, he has it all (talent, looks, fame), but privately, he’s worn down by depression and the pressures of stardom. Meanwhile, Im Sol (played by Kim Hye-yoon) is an ordinary young woman whose life took a turn after a tragic accident in her teens left her paralyzed and forced her to abandon her dreams. During her lowest moment in the hospital, she found hope from Sun-jae’s music and kind words on a radio show. From that day on, Sol became Sun-jae’s biggest fan, as his music literally saved her soul.

Fast forward over a decade, Sol is still a devoted fan, cheering on Sun-jae’s every success. But her world shatters when breaking news reports that Sun-jae has died under mysterious circumstances, allegedly by suicide after jumping from a hotel balcony. The shock and grief are unbearable for Sol. In a twist of fate, at the height of her despair, she is suddenly transported 15 years back in time, to 2008. She wakes up as her 19-year-old self – before the accident that paralyzed her, and, most importantly, at a time when Sun-jae is also 19 and just a high school student with dreams.

Realizing she’s been given a second chance, Im Sol is determined to rewrite both of their fates. She meets Sun-jae in high school, and to her amazement, discovers that he’s not a stranger at all – in this past timeline, Sun-jae has already crossed paths with her and even has a secret crush on her! What begins as a mission to save Sun-jae’s life becomes an opportunity for a deep, genuine relationship to form between them.

Im Sol’s presence in Sun-jae’s 2008 life creates a cascade of changes, both big and small. We see multiple timelines and do-overs as the story progresses – every time Sol tries to fix something, the universe throws a new curveball. The narrative combines romantic comedy with mystery and thriller elements. On one hand, we get adorable, hilarious scenes of Sol and Sun-jae’s youthful romance: secret late-night phone calls, sweet school encounters, and even an iconic yellow umbrella moment (more on that later) Sun-jae, who in many dramas would be a "cold alpha male", is instead an absolute puppy in love – he’s awkward, devoted, and unashamed to be a little "simp" for Sol, which is both refreshing and endearing to watch.

On the other hand, danger looms in the form of a mysterious taxi driver named Kim Young-soo, who holds a grudge against the leads and repeatedly threatens their lives across the timelines. This villain adds a thriller suspense: he’s like an embodiment of fate, trying to “correct” the changes Sol is making. As Sol and Sun-jae navigate their budding love, they must also confront these dark obstacles.

Without giving away every surprise, let’s just say Lovely Runner packs a lot into its story. There are at least three different timelines explored, each with its own repercussions. Through it all, certain things remain constant: Sun-jae’s love for Sol, Sol’s dedication to save Sun-jae, and the tight-knit circle of friends and family who support them. Notably, there’s Kim Tae-seong (Song Geon-hee), Sol’s high school friend (and former crush), who in the future becomes a police officer. Tae-seong provides help in unraveling the mystery and has his own small arc, but refreshingly, the show doesn’t waste much time on a love triangle. We also have Sol’s spunky best friend Hyun-joo, her struggling-actor brother Im Geum, and her wise Grandmother – each adding humor and heart to the story.

The Ending (Spoilers + My Interpretation)

The finale of Lovely Runner managed to do what so many K-dramas struggle with: it stuck the landing. Instead of collapsing under the weight of its own time-travel mechanics, it chose to prioritize heart, character, and emotional payoff. And honestly, that’s exactly what made it so unforgettable.

In the last episodes, everything comes to a head. Kim Young-soo, the taxi driver whose presence has haunted Sol and Sun-jae across every timeline, escapes prison and once again tries to take Sun-jae’s life. Just when it seems doomed to repeat tragedy, Tae-sung steps up as the unsung hero. Now a police detective, Tae-sung crashes his car into Young-soo’s during a high-speed chase, saving Sun-jae from being run down. The chase ends with Young-soo fatally struck by a truck and falling into the river — a reflection of Sol’s original accident, but this time with the villain gone for good.

Meanwhile, Sun-jae collapses and is rushed to the hospital. When he wakes, he runs outside to find Sol, and in one of the drama’s most tender moments, he tells her he remembers everything. This revelation isn’t explained by strict “time-travel logic,” but by the drama’s emotional logic: memories don’t vanish, they’re etched into the soul. It’s consistent with Sol’s grandmother’s words earlier in the show — that even if the brain forgets, the soul remembers.

The epilogue then slows down into something quieter but no less meaningful. Sol and Sun-jae begin dating again, though they keep it private because of his fame. Sol starts pursuing her dream of becoming a film director, and Sun-jae, instead of being defined by fame, finds joy in simply supporting her and being by her side. It’s a subtle but important point: in this final timeline, Sol doesn’t just “get the guy” — she also gets her dreams, her independence, and her voice. And Sun-jae’s happy ending isn’t about superstardom, but about loving freely without fear.

The very last scene delivers the payoff every fan was hoping for. After Sol finishes her first film, she and Sun-jae walk together, hand in hand. Sun-jae stops, pulls out a ring, and finally proposes: “Sol, spend every moment with me from now on.” She accepts with tears of joy. The show closes with glimpses of them imagining their wedding, cherry blossoms falling around them — a symbolic promise that their future is bright, full of love, and, most importantly, free from the cycle of tragedy that once bound them.

Is the ending perfectly airtight in terms of time-travel mechanics? Not at all. But Lovely Runner isn’t trying to be a sci-fi puzzle box. It’s a melodramatic, romantic fantasy — and by leaning into that, it delivers one of the most satisfying, heartfelt conclusions of recent years. One year later, I still think about that proposal scene and the sense of closure it gave. Sol and Sun-jae finally win against fate, not because they outsmarted time, but because they loved each other enough to keep running toward a better ending.

Deep Themes and Messages

At first glance, Lovely Runner might seem like just a fun romantic comedy with a time-travel gimmick, but beneath the entertaining surface lie some deep themes and thoughtful messages. One of the reasons this drama resonated so strongly with me (and many others) is how it weaves these themes into the story without ever feeling heavy-handed. Let’s unpack a few of them:

• Fate vs. Free Will: The most obvious theme is the question of destiny. Do our choices matter, or is everything pre-written? Im Sol’s journey is essentially one big defiance of fate – she refuses to accept that Sun-jae is “meant” to die young. Each time she goes back to the past, the show explores the butterfly effect, where even small changes can lead to drastically different outcomes. The drama ultimately suggests a balance: fate can be rewritten, but not without consequences. You might stop one tragedy only to find another lurking. Yet, it’s also hopeful in saying we aren’t powerless – our determination and choices can change our destiny, especially when driven by love and goodness.

• The Power of Love and Human Connection: It’s a romantic comedy, yes, but the portrayal of love in Lovely Runner goes beyond swoony moments. It delves into love as a source of strength and healing. Sun-jae’s kind words over the radio literally save Im Sol’s life at her lowest point. In turn, Sol’s love and belief in Sun-jae save him in his darkest hour. Their relationship illustrates how genuine care for another person can pull you back from the brink – whether it’s depression, despair, or danger. There’s also a beautiful reciprocity in their bond: initially, we think Sol is the one doing all the saving (physically changing time to rescue him), but we come to see Sun-jae saves Sol right back – emotionally, and even physically at times. The show effectively says true love is not one-sided idolization or sacrifice, but a mutual upliftment. Each becomes the other’s reason to live and become better.

• Healing from Trauma and Guilt: Both main characters carry trauma. Sol has trauma from her accident and the years of living with disability and lost dreams. Sun-jae battles depression and loneliness. The show addresses how they confront these inner demons. By travelling to the past, Sol literally faces the moment her life changed. By meeting Sol, Sun-jae faces the reality of someone who was affected by his existence in ways he never knew. Together, they find closure and healing – Sol finds purpose beyond her past accident, and Sun-jae finds forgiveness and self-worth beyond his celebrity facade. There’s a clear message that healing is possible through understanding, forgiveness, and support. Also, mental health is touched upon gently: Sun-jae’s suicidal moment in the original timeline is due to severe exhaustion and depression. The drama doesn’t trivialize this – it shows that even someone who “has it all” can feel hopeless, and how crucial a lifeline (like Sol’s love) can be in those times.

• Cherishing the Present: After all the time jumps and do-overs, Lovely Runner leaves you with a simple but important takeaway: treasure the here and now. It’s only after nearly losing each other across multiple timelines that Sol and Sun-jae (and we, the audience) truly grasp how precious their time together is. The drama encourages living without regrets. Im Sol literally goes to the past, so she won’t have the regret of “if only I had done something.” By the end, the characters choose to live wholeheartedly in the present they’ve fought for, instead of chasing what-ifs. As a viewer, it made me think about not taking moments or loved ones for granted. Time is always running, after all, so make it count.

  
  

Those are just a few of the rich themes in Lovely Runner. What impressed me was how these themes were embedded in the narrative so organically. I never felt like the show was preaching or pausing the story to deliver a “message.” Instead, the messages emerge naturally from the characters’ journeys and decisions.

Closer Look at the Characters

A drama lives or dies by its characters, and Lovely Runner absolutely thrives, thanks to a cast of well-written characters brought to life by pitch-perfect performances. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key players and what makes them special:

• Im Sol (played by Kim Hye-yoon) – Our heroine Im Sol is the heart and soul of Lovely Runner. She’s one of the most endearing and relatable female leads I’ve seen in K-dramas. At the start, Sol is basically a fangirl with a heart of gold – a young woman whose life was knocked off course, but who found peace in being a devoted fan of Sun-jae. When she gets thrust back to her teen years, we see her courage and spunk shine. What I love about Sol is that she’s proactive and fearless in love. She literally takes fate into her own hands. Yet, she’s not a typical action heroine; she’s funny, she’s dorky at times, and she feels like a real person. Kim Hye-yoon does a great job distinguishing three versions of Sol: the present-day mature Sol who’s experienced pain, the high school Sol who’s wide-eyed and hopeful, and the future Sol she becomes after altering timelines. Each has subtle differences, and Hye-yoon portrays them with nuance (so much so that I could often tell which “timeline” Sol I was watching just by her expressions or tone!). Sol’s character growth is beautiful – she goes from someone who defined herself by her idol (and by her disability and past trauma) to someone who defines herself by her actions and choices. In a nutshell, Im Sol is the hero of this story – brave, kind, and lovingly human. By the end, you understand why Sun-jae (and pretty much everyone else) loves her so much.

• Ryu Sun-jae (played by Byeon Woo-seok) – Where do I start? If the phrase “green flag male lead” ever applied, it’s for Ryu Sun-jae. In the original timeline, Sun-jae is a jaded superstar on the brink, but once we meet his past self, we discover he’s naturally a warm, gentle soul with a hint of goofiness. I adored that the writers made Sun-jae the opposite of the stereotypical arrogant male lead. Instead of Mr. Perfect or Mr. Darcy-type, he’s more like Mr. Dorky (in the best way). Sun-jae falls head over heels for Sol pretty quickly, and he is not cool about it – he blushes, he sends her cheesy flying kisses (yes, that happens, and it’s both cringe and cute because it’s totally something a smitten teen boy might do). He’s totally a "simp" for Sol, and it’s incredibly refreshing and sweet. Yet, that doesn’t make him weak – in fact, it takes a lot of strength to love as openly as Sun-jae does. What makes Sun-jae compelling is the duality: he’s at once this caring, sincere romantic and also a young man shouldering heavy burdens (his future self’s depression, the pressure to succeed, and later the knowledge of Sol’s fate). Byeon Woo-seok delivers a standout performance, nailing both Sun-jae’s charm and his emotional depths. There are scenes where Sun-jae breaks down or explodes in desperation, and you can feel his pain. And let’s not forget the chemistry: Sun-jae’s eyes practically sparkle whenever he looks at Sol. The chemistry between the leads is off-the-charts, and a lot of it is thanks to how sincerely Woo-seok plays Sun-jae’s adoration. I have to note – Sun-jae’s character singlehandedly raised the bar for romantic heroes for me. He’s proof that you can be utterly devoted and kind and still be an interesting, desirable leading man.

• Chemistry and the Sun-jae & Sol Pairing: I can’t talk about the characters without talking about the pairing of Sun-jae and Sol. These two are easily one of my all-time favorite K-drama couples. The actors’ chemistry is electric and genuine – they won a Best Couple Award for this drama, and boy, did they earn it. What makes their dynamic shine is how natural and balanced it feels. Both characters have their quirky, playful sides and their deeply caring sides, and when together, they bring out the best in each other. The romance is built on mutual admiration and support: Sol is Sun-jae’s number one fan in every timeline, and Sun-jae absolutely treasures Sol for who she is, not just as a fan. There are so many memorable scenes – from comedic bits like them bickering over trivial things, to swoony moments like when Sun-jae shields Sol under that famous yellow umbrella in the rain (a visual that also served as a metaphor for how they shelter each other). Unlike many dramas where you yell, “just communicate already!”, these two actually communicate pretty well (aside from the necessary secret of time-travel that Sol struggles with). When misunderstandings happen, they don’t drag on unnecessarily.

• Kim Tae-seong (Song Geon-hee): Tae-seong is the third angle of what could have been a love triangle, but he actually turns out to be much more than that stereotype. In high school, Sol had a crush on this handsome bassist and school ulzzang (heartthrob), but fate had other plans. I appreciated that Tae-seong’s character didn’t devolve into a jealous, scheming second lead. Instead, he’s portrayed as a genuinely good guy with his own path. In the altered future, he becomes a police officer – and that ends up being crucial. Song Geon-hee gives Tae-seong a likable charm; you understand why Sol liked him back then. He also has some humorous moments (especially in the high school sequences, playing the cool guy who’s sometimes baffled by Sol’s antics). The drama doesn’t give Tae-seong a romance per se, and I’m actually okay with that – it keeps the focus on the main couple. Instead, Tae-seong’s role highlights themes of friendship and loyalty. When weird things start happening, he doesn’t turn into a bitter rival; he steps up to help. I ended up rooting for him too – not to “get the girl,” but to find his own closure (and to survive, since at one point you worry even Tae-seong might be in danger). In the end, he’s like the solid friend both Sol and Sun-jae can count on across timelines, and I found that refreshing for a second lead character.

• Supporting Cast (Friends & Family): The supporting characters deserve a shout-out too, because they make the world of Lovely Runner richer and warmer. Sol’s Grandma (Jung Mal-ja, played by Seong Byeong-suk) is a standout. She’s the sage figure who might know more than she lets on. There’s a mystical aura around her – at one point, she even appears as a sort of otherworldly guide (“Heavenly Granny” cameo), hinting at how time-travel is possible. But mostly, she’s just a loving grandma who dotes on Sol and imparts life lessons. Her words about memories and souls in the final episode absolutely floored me. Sol’s Mom (Park Bok-soon, played by Jung Young-joo) is another pillar – a struggling single mother who, despite hardship, raised Sol and her brother with love and humor. I loved the mother-daughter dynamic; it felt real and touching. And when weird stuff happens (like Sol acting differently after time jumps), her mom’s concern is clear. Im Geum (Sol’s brother) and Hyun-joo (Sol’s best friend) provide a lot of comic relief and friend support. Hyun-joo especially had me cracking up – she’s bold and says what’s on her mind, often dragging Sol out of trouble or into it, as best friends do. Geum’s subplot of being an aspiring actor who keeps failing auditions is both funny and a little sad. On Sun-jae’s side, Baek In-hyuk (Lee Seung-hyub) – Sun-jae’s best friend and bandmate – is a bro to love. He’s the guy who teases Sun-jae one moment and gives him heartfelt advice the next. I liked that In-hyuk is the one character Sun-jae confides in about his feelings for Sol and the insanity happening, and In-hyuk tries to pull him back when Sun-jae starts acting extreme out of worry (as any good friend would). These friendships and family ties emphasize the theme that our lives are touched by many, not just romantic partners. They also add layers of humor and warmth that make the dramatic moments hit harder.

  
  

In summary, Lovely Runner boasts a fantastic ensemble of characters who feel three-dimensional and lovable. The main leads, Sol and Sun-jae, carry the narrative with their growth and chemistry, but the supporting characters make the journey all the more enjoyable.

Why I Loved Lovely Runner

I’ve watched countless K-dramas over the years, but something about Lovely Runner makes it stand out. Simply put, I loved this drama to bits, and here’s why:

• It Made Me Feel – That might sound obvious, but trust me, not all dramas genuinely move you. Lovely Runner had me laughing out loud, grinning like an idiot, feeling sad, and literally cheering at my screen at various points. From the very first episode, where Im Sol’s tearful phone call to the radio had me choked up (Hye-yoon’s acting was incredible there), I was emotionally invested. The show’s ability to swing me from giddy joy in one scene to heartache in the next kept me on a high the whole run. It’s rare to find a drama that nails both comedy and drama so well.

• Sun-jae and Sol’s Unconventional Dynamic – I touched on this before, but I can’t stress enough how refreshing it was to see a K-drama where the male lead is allowed to be vulnerable, goofy, and utterly besotted from early on. Sun-jae being a bit of a “simp in love” (in the sense that he’s so head-over-heels that he loses his cool) made him incredibly charming. I am so used to the cold, tsundere male leads or the flawless knight-in-shining-armor types that this felt like a revelation. I loved watching Sun-jae simp for Sol – yes, he actually admires her, chases her, and even gets flustered around her. And Im Sol, despite literally fangirling over him at first, quickly becomes the more composed one. This role reversal gave the romance a unique flavor. I

• The Iconic Yellow Umbrella (and Other Magical Moments) – Visually and symbolically, Lovely Runner delivered some iconic imagery. My absolute favorite is the yellow umbrella scene. Without spoiling the context, there’s a scene in the rain where Sol has a yellow umbrella and Sun-jae a blue one, and it’s shot so beautifully that it took my breath away. The scene is symbolic (the colors, the sharing of shelter, the fate that keeps drawing them together under that rain), and it’s also just plain romantic. I’m a sucker for well-done K-drama rain scenes, and this one might top the list.

• The OST – My Ears Were Blessed – I’m a firm believer that a good soundtrack elevates a drama, and Lovely Runner’s OST is pure magic. I fell in love with the music to the point where I still listen to the songs on repeat a year later. Two tracks in particular are my favorites: “Spring Snow” by 10cm and “Sudden Shower” by Eclipse. “Spring Snow” is a gentle, melodic song that encapsulates the feeling of youthful first love and the passage of seasons. “Sudden Shower,” on the other hand, is an emotional ballad (sung by the fictional band Eclipse, but in reality performed by Byeon Woo-seok and co.). It was used in some of the most intense, heartfelt scenes. These songs weren’t just background music; they became an integral part of the storytelling. The lyrics often reflected the characters’ feelings, and the timing of when a song kicked in was always perfect (I got chills whenever the first notes of “Sudden Shower” would start during a climax moment). Beyond those two, the whole soundtrack is stellar.

• Consistency and No “Draggy” Middle – Many K-dramas, even ones I love, suffer from a mid-story slump or add unnecessary filler. Lovely Runner was, incredibly, engaging from start to finish. There was no episode that felt like a waste. The story kept moving, and importantly, it stayed focused on Sol and Sun-jae for the majority of the time. The writers didn’t stray off to give us irrelevant side plots; if a scene wasn’t directly related to the main plot or relationship, it was usually serving comic relief or building the theme in some way. That tight storytelling meant I never found myself bored or tempted to hit the fast-forward button – not once. I also appreciate that they didn’t overdo the villain arc. They gave just enough to make the plot work and kept the spotlight where it needed to be. Even as twists came, I trusted the show to handle them well – and it did. By the end, I was so impressed at how it managed to be entertaining through all 16 episodes, with pacing that a lot of other shows could learn from.

  
  

In summary, I loved Lovely Runner for its heart, its humor, its romance, its music, and the whole experience around it. I went in with modest expectations and came out with a new all-time favorite.

Personal Takeaways

Beyond just entertainment, Lovely Runner left me with a few personal lessons and reflections. Here are some takeaways I gathered from this show:

• “Memories are smeared into our soul”: This line, spoken by Sol’s grandmother in the final episode, really hit home for me. It suggests that everything we experience – all the love, pain, joy, and sorrow – becomes part of who we are at a soul-deep level. After watching Lovely Runner, I thought a lot about this. We often wish we could erase bad memories or relive good ones, but this drama gently implies that every experience, even the ones we might label mistakes or failures, has value because it shapes us. Im Sol initially wants to change the past to avoid pain, but in doing so, she learns that those experiences (even the painful ones) taught her and Sun-jae important things and cemented their bond.

• Cherish the people who uplift you: A recurring idea in the show is how one person’s support can change another person’s life. Sun-jae’s encouraging words saved Sol from despair; Sol’s devotion saved Sun-jae from death (and from his inner demons). It made me think about the people in my life who have been my “Sun-jae” or “Sol” – those friends or family members whose encouragement at the right time made all the difference, or those I would go to any lengths to help. The drama is like a love letter to the concept of showing up for someone. My takeaway was to be grateful for those who have my back, and to strive to be that person for my loved ones, too. You never know when a kind word or a small act can be life-changing for someone else.

• Hope and effort can rewrite destiny: This might sound grandiose, but watching Sol refuse to accept an unhappy ending taught me something about perseverance. How often in life do we feel like giving up when things seem inevitable? Lovely Runner reminded me that while we might not have literal time machines or magic watches, we often have more power than we think to change our circumstances. Sol could have resigned herself to “fate” when Sun-jae died, but she didn’t – metaphorically, she fought the universe itself for a better outcome. It’s inspiring. It encouraged me to have a little more hope in seemingly hopeless situations, and to put in the effort to improve things rather than assuming the die is cast.

  
  

Final Verdict & Recommendation

In the year since Lovely Runner ended, I’ve often found myself comparing other shows to it – and truth be told, very few measure up to the experience that this drama was. Final verdict: Lovely Runner is a must-watch, must-rewatch, absolutely one-of-a-kind gem in the K-drama world. It’s the kind of series that I’d recommend to just about anyone, whether you’re a hardcore K-drama fan or a casual viewer looking for a great story.

If you enjoy romantic comedies that give you all the warm fuzzies and big laughs, this delivers. If you’re into fantasy or time-travel plots, it has a clever and engaging one, without getting confusing or overly technical. If you crave a bit of mystery and thriller to spice up a love story, you’ll get that too. Fans of dramas like Twinkling Watermelon, Strong Woman Do Bong Soon, or Twenty-Five Twenty-One might especially appreciate the mix of youth nostalgia and heartfelt romance here. Yet, Lovely Runner manages to feel completely original.

The performances are top-notch, the writing is witty and tight, and the chemistry… well, I’ve gushed enough, but let’s just say Kim Hye-yoon and Byeon Woo-seok bring out the absolute best in each other on screen. Few couples have made me believe in their love story as much as these two did – it’s the kind of chemistry that can carry even a weak script, but here it elevates an already great script to something extraordinary. It’s no surprise they snagged awards and critical praise; even TIME Magazine highlighted Lovely Runner as one of the best K-dramas of 2024, applauding how it used familiar genres to craft something unexpectedly thrilling and moving. When critics and fans alike agree, you know it’s special.

That said, go into Lovely Runner with your heart open. Allow yourself to be swept up in the sentimentality and the goofiness. This isn’t a dark, gritty saga; it’s a feel-good ride that wants to make you smile and believe in love again. And in today’s world, we all could use that, right?

I recommend having some tissues on hand (happy tears and a few sad ones), and maybe don’t start it on a night when you need to sleep early – because trust me, you’ll be clicking “Next Episode” more times than you plan to. The rewatch value is also high. On second viewing, you’ll notice the clever foreshadowing and the little clues sprinkled throughout the early episodes about later revelations. Plus, rewatching lets you relive those swoony scenes knowing what’s coming, which somehow makes them even better.

In conclusion, Lovely Runner isn’t just another K-drama – it’s an experience, one that left a lasting impact on me. As far as rom-coms go, it has everything: heart-melting romance, genuine comedy, a dash of thriller excitement, relatable characters, meaningful themes, and a soundtrack that sings to your soul. A year later, I still find myself humming the songs and thinking of Sun-jae and Sol whenever it rains or when I see a yellow umbrella. That’s the kind of impact it had. So, if you haven’t watched it yet, I envy you – you get to experience this lovely journey for the first time. And if you have watched it, you’ll know why I’m so passionate about it. Either way, Lovely Runner is a drama I highly, highly recommend. It will make you laugh, cry, and most importantly, remind you why stories like this are worth telling over and over again – in every timeline.

Final Rating: 10/10

About the Author: I'm Jophy Lin, a high school junior and researcher. I blog about a variety of topics, such as STEM research, competitions, shows, and my experiences in the scientific community. If you’re interested in research tips, competition insights, drama reviews, personal reflections on STEM opportunities, and other related topics, subscribe to my newsletter to stay updated!