Lovely Runner (2024)

Epic Romance and Hilarious Antics: Lovely Runner Took 2024 by Storm

"Carry Seonjae & Run!" is adapted from the web novel "The Best of Tomorrow" (내일의 으뜸) by Kim Bbang (김빵). Written by Lee Shi Eun and directed by Yoon Jong Ho and Kim Tae Yub, this drama is undoubtedly one of the best of 2024.

From its premiere, it quickly grabbed everyone's attention including mine. It has all the elements that make a drama a superhit, comedy, romance, time travel, well written characters (both leads and supporting ones) and an engaging plotline that never bores you. No wonder it became a superhit in no time.

The story revolves around Im Sol, a disabled fangirl who draws strength from her favorite idol during her toughest times. When he suddenly dies, she is given the chance to travel back in time to save him. This sets the stage for the main plot, filled with numerous twists and turns that keep the drama fresh and engaging. The combination of rib tickling comedy and sizzling romance between the lead pair makes every moment of the drama worth watching.

I have to commend the writer for crafting numerous comic moments that had me laughing until my stomach ached. Whether its past Im Sol embarrassing herself in front of her future self or Seonjae's peak loser moments that never fail to amuse, this show offers some of the best comedy i have seen in recent times, making it a delightful and relaxing watch after each episode. As for the romance, Seonjae and Im Sol's chemistry was electrifying. They transitioned seamlessly through various phases of their relationship, from sweet, innocent first love moments to melodramatic and angsty scenes later on. Both actors executed these shifts flawlessly.

The characters were one of the strongest points of this drama. Im Sol was a goofball, a sunshine character who never failed to bring a smile to your face with her antics. Hats off to Kim Hyeyoon, who portrayed this character with perfection. She truly showed her versatility as an actress, displaying impressive range across positive, negative and grey roles in the past. This character, however is giving her the recognition she truly deserves. She definitely deserves an award for this portrayal. While many of her characters, like those in Sky Castle or Extraordinary You were popular, this role will undoubtedly put her at the top of her game.

Ryu Seonjae was one of the most tragic characters for sure. Come on, who dies 3-4 times in just one drama?? But Ryu Seonjae did. Byeon Wooseok must have a knack for tragic characters. Despite the humor, Seonjae was the biggest loser in dramaland after long time. From old dramas, only Min Min from Strong Woman Do Bong Soon showed such peak loserism. Byeon Wooseok also carried this character with perfection, showing a stark contrast between his previous villainous role as Ryu Shi Oh in Strong Girl Nam Soon and this one, demonstrating his impressive range as an actor.

The second lead Taesung, was one of the most loved second male lead i have seen in a while. His character was finely written to avoid creating any conflict between male lead and second male lead fans. He was likable without causing second lead syndrome as he knew where to draw the line when he realized Im Sol was only in love with Seonjae. In Hyuk was another standout character, whose scenes with Seonjae, Sol and Taesang were hilarious. He was delightful to watch and never annoying, although i wish he had more screen time.
The supporting cast was also excellent, consistently providing humor with their antics. Whether it was Im Sol's mother, Seonjae's father, Im Geum or Hyunjoo, the ensemble cast made the drama even better than expected.

Regarding the time travel aspect, overall it was executed well though there were a few plot holes that i didnt fully understand. However, i overlooked them as long as the drama kept me entertained without going overboard. A few flaws are acceptable in an otherwise engaging show.

Special Note: The popularity this drama achieved while airing was unbelievable. No one expected its wild success but it became incredibly popular not only in South Korea but worldwide, breaking many records. This was one of the few dramas that crossed the 60+ mark in the Good Data buzz ranking. After The Glory 2, no other drama had crossed 60+ mark. The OSTs of this drama, featuring the fictional band Eclipse topped the Melon charts underscoring its immense popularity. No one expected the drama to achieve such wild success especially since it wasnt initially predicted to be this big. Due to actor Byeon Wooseok's rising popularity, his recent movie Soulmate is being re released in theaters which speaks volumes about its impact in South Korea.

In conclusion, Lovely Runner was undoubtedly one of the best dramas of 2024 for me. I will miss watching it after its conclusion but i am definitely going to rewatch its episodes whenever possible. Its a series that will stay close to my heart for a long time.

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I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS DRAMA,

EVERYONE SHOULD WATCH THIS,
GUYS THIS DRAMA YOU WILL NEVER GET BORED OF THIS
I PROMISE YOU GUYS FROM THE FIRST 2 EPISODE I CAN FEEL THAT THIS DRAMA IS A TOP TIER FOR ME ?
LOVE THIS SAUR MUCH ?
THANK ME LATER
?????????
I LIKE ALL THE CHARACTER
I HOPE WOOSEOK WILL NOT DIE AGAIN HUHU
PLEASE MAKE THIS A HAPPY ENDING FOR THEM
THE FL IS SO FUNNY LIKE HER ROLE ON EXTRAORDINARY YOU, SHE'S SO EXTROVERTED LOVE HER SO MUCH IN HER EVERY DRAMA AND FOR WOOSEOK, HIS SO HANDSOME ASS HELL, I LOVE ALL THEIR ACTING, OVERALL THIS DRAMA IS SO CUTE AND I LOVE IT SOOO MUCH THIS WILL FOREVER IN MY HEART LIKE OTHER KDRAMA I LOVE...

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