High school and time travel romance is so back! South Korean actors Kim Hye Yoon and Byeon Woo Seok make their comeback on the small screen with Lovely Runner. This K-drama is a delightful romantic comedy about a fan who gets to go back in time and try to save her favourite K-pop idol. Lovely Runner tells the story of Im Sol (played by Kim Hye Yoon). She lost her ability to walk after an accident when she was in high school. She had lost her will to live, but K-pop idol Ryu Sun Jae’s (played by Byeon Woo Seok) words comforted her and gave her hope. Since then she became a fan of Ryu Sun Jae and began living her life with renewed enthusiasm. But her happiness is quite short-lived. One day, the news broke that Ryu Sun Jae allegedly took his own life. Im Sol is shattered. On her way to the hospital, suddenly the time stops. She is transported to her high school days. She sees it as a second chance to grow close to Ryu Sun Jae and make sure that he does not take his life in the future.
We saw Kim Hye Yoon as a high school student in Extraordinary You. Her comedic and adorable antics made her an audience favourite. She dons a similar avatar in Lovely Runner as Im Sol. Im Sol is a quirky character. Kim Hye Yoon’s peculiar high-pitched dialogue delivery when her character is being annoying but cute adds to the adorable charm of Im Sol. She knows the future but is unable to do anything that will make others aware of future events. Her reaction to waking up in the past and receiving a chance to restart her life makes one wish if they would also get a chance to relive their younger days again.
We last saw Byeon Woo Seok as an antagonist in Strong Girl Nam-soon. Despite the show receiving a mixed response, Byeon was highly applauded for his role. It was the first time that he donned a negative avatar and delivered a fine performance. But there is something different about Byeon Woo Seok as the adorable male lead in a rom-com.
In Lovely Runner, Byeon’s portrayal of Ryu Sun Jae is quite admirable. He delivers an apt performance both as a high school student and as a K-pop idol. His character is shown suffering from things unsaid and keeping up pretences. The pain that Ryu Sun Jae goes through all alone and the solace he finds in Im Sol is visible on his face as clear as a day.
Seeing Byeon Woo Seok as a high school student again reminds one of his roles in 20th Century Girl, where he made us all fawn over him and also cry at the end. The chemistry between Kim Hye Yoon and Ryu Sun Jae is great to watch on screen. Their characters complement each other well. Ryu Sun Jae is a steadfast and headstrong character in contrast to Im Sol’s vivacious and bubbly avatar.
In the first two episodes of Lovely Runner, we are slowly drawn into the story with each revelation, big or small. The episodes are just around an hour each so it is quite an indulgent watch. There are slow-motion moments in the drama to capture the audience’s attention towards the tender emotions that the characters are feeling. The bright visuals in the drama create a cheerful atmosphere when watching each episode. The use of colours and foreshadowing is done well.
The supporting cast is an ensemble of veteran fan-favorite actors like Jung Young Joo and Kim Won Hae, with young talent like Seo Hye Won, Lee Seung Hyun and Song Geon Hee, joining them to deliver a heartwarming tale of family and friendship.
Writer Lee Shi Eun, who also wrote True Beauty, makes a comeback in this drama. What makes Lovely Runner different from other dramas of its genre is that despite the familiarity and similarity with the tropes and character types, there is a refreshed take on the time travel theme.
The time travel aspect makes its presence felt without being the sole focus of the story. There is no mystical angle to the theme which makes it more believable, even if there is no answer as to how Im Sol goes back in time. As the young Im Sol tries to figure out Ryu Sun Jae’s life trajectory, the consequences of her actions are anything but hilarious.
Bringing a breath of fresh air to the K-drama scene, Lovely Runner emerges as a fun yet intriguing tale, resonating with the warmth of a summer evening. Set against the backdrop of the late 2000s, it deftly navigates themes of fan-idol relationships, mental health, and the weighty decisions faced by high schoolers. Adapted from the webtoon “The Best of Tomorrow”, it offers a nuanced exploration of time, love, and the complexities of human connection. Kim Hye Yoon's portrayal of Im Sol, alongside Byeon Woo Seok's charismatic performance, lends depth to the story's emotional core. As the drama unfolds, the revelation of untold pasts adds layers of intrigue.
This K-drama premiered on April 8, 2024. Two episodes will air each week until May 28, 2024. What do you think about the show? Are you loving it so far? Tell us in the comments below!
Watch the trailer for Lovely Runner here:
Also Read: From Yoo Ah In starrer Goodbye Earth to Han Hyo Joo-led Blood Free – 7 K-dramas to watch in April 2024
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