If you are even slightly into Korean Dramas, then chances are that you have seen Lovely Runner edits floating around in your social feed. This Korean drama is without a doubt one of the most trending dramas of this year. But is it really worth all the hype and buzz it is getting? Well, yes and no. Hear me out!
What is the Story of The Lovely Runner?
Korean Drama Lovely Runner is the story of Im Sol (Kim Hye Yoon), a devoted fangirl, and her idol, Ryu Seon-Jae (Byeon Woo-Seok). After an accident leaves Im Sol unable to walk, she sinks into a deep depression. However, a chance encounter with K-pop idol Seon Jae changes everything; his words of encouragement give her a renewed purpose, making Seon Jae the silver lining in Im Sol's life and the reason she keeps going.
Ryu Seon-Jae is adored by millions, but beneath the glamorous facade, his life is far from perfect. Tragedy strikes when he dies in a sudden accident, shattering Im Sol's world.v In a twist of fate, on the night of his death, Im Sol is mysteriously transported 15 years back in time to her high school days, before her accident. Armed with the knowledge of the future, Im Sol is determined to rewrite history and save Seon-Jae from his tragic fate.
✰ Starring: Kim Hye Yoon, Byeon Woo-Seok, Song Geon Hee, Lee Seung Hyub
✰ Genre: Time Travel, Romantic Comedy, Fantasy
✰ Number of episodes: 16
✰ Where can you watch Lovely Runner? Viki, Netflix, and TVing
Lovely Runner Review: The Good, The Bad, The Could Have Been Better
The Good: Actors and Music
1. Kim Hye Yoon
Of course, I have to talk about her first! Kim Hye Yoon was the perfect casting for the role of Im Sol. Hye Yoon's range as an actress is truly commendable. She can go from cute to serious to funny to crying to romancing in one scene if she is asked to.
Her role in Lovely Runner felt quite similar to her role in the kdrama Extraordinary You. Probably because both dramas are mostly set in high school and both characters Hye Yoon plays share quite similar characteristics. However, even with such similar roles, I cannot picture any other actress doing justice to the role of Im Sol; she truly brought light to the drama.
2. Byeon Woo-Seok
At this point, everyone and their mother must have seen this man's perfect face on their social media feed. I don't think I need to explain myself when I say he is one of the main attractions of the drama; and not just because of his crazy handsome face. I have seen Byeon Woo Seok in quite a lot of dramas over the years and for some reason, this talented actor was stuck playing the same two-three characteristic types in most of his previous work - handsome, charming, mysterious and introverted characters. (Except, maybe in Strong Girl Nam-Soon, but I am trying to erase that drama from my memory, so let's pretend it doesn't exist.)
Now, of course, he was great in it and all his previous roles. But because he was playing such similar characteristic types, I had automatically assumed Seon Jae would be the same. He even played a very similar character as Seon Jae in the recent Netflix movie 20th Century Girl. However, I am very happy to say that Seon Jae was unlike any other role Woo Seok has played. He was hilarious, charming, and most importantly a loser, lovesick, golden retriever boyfriend that we all love to see in dramas. Also, he can sing!
Needless to say, I very much enjoyed watching him in Lovely Runner. And I am super happy that he is finally getting the recognition and the roles he truly deserves.
3. Music
I should be saying Lovely Runner OST but they really went above and beyond with the music of this drama. They even formed the band Eclipse just for the drama and released a mini album by them that topped the melon charts!
Besides this mini-album, the drama also has many memorable OSTs by artists like Ha Sung Woon, Minne, and N.Flying. The Lovely Runner OST is definitely going to be a memorable one.
4. Cinematography
I don't want to focus too much here but let me just very quickly say Lovely Runner is aesthetically very pleasing drama. The shots, the locations, (and the actors) of the drama are gorgeous and look incredible on the big TV screen. I especially loved the colour pallets they chose for this drama - it is very bright, light, and colourful.
The Bad: Unnecessary Comic Relief
I absolutely do not understand why dramas insist on comic scenes even when the story does not call for it. In Lovely Runner supporting characters are only used for comic relief - unrelated to the main plot at most times. While the main leads are struggling with heartbreak, loss of career, and a serial killer!, the side characters such as their parents are fighting about an R-rated movie or getting locked in the bathroom.
Like?? Take all supporting characters out of the drama and it will still be a complete story. They have zero impact on the storyline. These days most romance dramas have a very random thriller subplot to keep the drama exciting and engaging, however, they rarely do the genre justice in such romance dramas so they double down on the comic relief scenes to ensure the lightness in the drama.
However, they can still balance the comedy aspect of the drama without treating supporting characters like idiots with no emotional intelligence to realise their child, sibling, and best friend are struggling in the next room.
The Could Have Been Better: The Plot
Lovely Runner story has a mix of mystery, fantasy, thriller, comedy, friendship, angst, fluff, and romance. I found the plot to be a mix of good and could have been better parts (read my deep dive into the drama to know why!).
The first half of the Lovely Runner was very well done. However, it somehow loses itself in the second half.
If only they had focused on character development and given equal love to the dramas as the first half, it would have been part of my favourite dramas of the year.
Conclusion
Watch it if you like fluffy, cute dramas with a hint of mystery.
Adding so many elements in one drama worked well for the most part and kept me clicking next episode every time. But it is not the most mind-blowing or unique plot out there. There are many time travel Korean dramas that have made their way on my favourites over the years and unfortunately Lovely Runner is not going to be in my that list.
If you have low tolerance for dramas with mix of all genre, some plotholes, and poor character development, I think you should skip this one. On the other hand, if you watch drama for good watching experience and do not mind silly and cute romance dramas, give Lovely Runner a try.
If you have seen Lovely Runner, what did you think? Also, check out my spoilery-deep-dive review of Lovely Runner.
