Cover Kim Hye-yoon as Im Sol and Byun Woo-seok as Ryu Sun-jae in ‘Lovely Runner’ (Photo: tvN)
Kim Hye-yoon as Im Sol and Byun Woo-seok as Ryu Sun-jae in ‘Lovely Runner’ (Photo: tvN)
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After ‘Queen of Hearts’, tvN’s latest K-drama, ‘Lovely Runner’ is quickly rising in popularity and ratings and gaining a strong global fanbase
South Korean network tvN is on a roll. While still riding off the success of Queen of Hearts, its latest K-drama Lovely Runner has been generating buzz, getting plenty of eyeballs, and rising in ratings. Closely resembling the Reply K-drama series, the global audience is praising it for its storyline that’s rooted in nostalgia and with an element of time travel.
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As Lovely Runner continues to take K-drama fans through its unexpected twists and turns and reconnect viewers with the 2000s youth culture, here’s what you need to know about the lovable rom-com.
Above The trailer for tvN’s ‘Lovely Runner’
The captivating ‘Lovely Runner’ storyline
Based on a webtoon titled Tomorrow’s Best by Kim Bbang, the screenplay for Lovely Runner was written by Lee Si-eun. While Lee isn’t one of the more popular names in screenwriting, she’s most remembered for working on the screen adaptation of 2020’s critically acclaimed K-drama, True Beauty.
Lovely Runner revolves around K-pop idol and top-tier celebrity Ryu Sun-jae and his biggest fan, Im Sol. A childhood accident leaves Im Sol paralysed and derails her dreams of becoming a film director, but she finds solace in Ryu Sun-jae’s music on the radio. Ryu Sun-jae, while enjoying the glitz and glam of stardom, is exhausted from the demanding nature of the entertainment industry.
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Tragedy strikes, and Ryu Sun-jae dies, leaving Im Sol devastated. Miraculously, she’s transported back in time to 2008, before both her and Ryu Sun-jae’s accidents, and is given the chance to change both their fates. She confronts 19-year-old Ryu Sun-jae, determined to save him and prevent her accident.
The on-screen chemistry between the leads
Lovely Runner almost didn’t make it to the small screen. It took three years to produce the show due to delays, scheduling issues, the director being switched out, and casting woes. Several actors turned down the offer to play Ryu Sun-jae as they were apprehensive about it being a K-pop fan’s one-sided love story. However, production picked up speed when they found their perfect Ryu Sun-jae and Kim Hye-yoon.
The time-slip K-drama has now been brought to life by actor and model Byun Woo-seok, who plays Ryu Sun-jae, and multiple award-winning actress Kim Hye-yoon, known for her roles in 2018’s Sky Castle and 2021’s Snowdrop, who plays Im Sol.
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While Lovely Runner is Byun’s first leading role, he’s already receiving praise, becoming an overnight sensation for his stellar on-screen chemistry with Kim. Coupled with starring alongside Kim, who’s known as a chemistry magnet, the leads are dominating the list of most buzzworthy cast members, taking the top two spots.
The K-drama will take you places in South Korea
Travel vicariously around South Korea and discover picturesque sceneries through Lovely Runner, as the filming locations are not limited to Seoul alone.
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The scene where Ryu Sung-jae helps Im Sol learn how to ride a bicycle in the episode was shot at the Banghwasuryujeong pavilion located at the historic Gyeonggi-do landmark, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. A Unesco World Heritage Site, Hwaseong Fortress, which boasts fantastic views and massive walls extending for nearly 6km, will leave visitors in awe of its grandeur and historical significance.
The fortress, a significant part of South Korean history, was also featured in episode six, where the two characters attend a festival to watch a sport, as well as the scene where Ryu Sung-jae confesses his feelings for Im Sol.
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Lainey was the Digital Director of Tatler Malaysia. When not whiling away the hours watching documentaries, the latest K-drama, or reruns of Friends, she can be found indulging her wanderlust by stalking travel platforms or feeding her obsession with music. She loves animals, running, all things social media, a good conversation over coffee or soju or wine (often rambling on if nobody pulls the brakes on her), and is an avid fan of bursting-at-the-seams laughter.
