If there’s something here you decide you just must have, we’ve provided links to the product websites. When you click on the link and make a purchase, Beasley Media Group may earn a commission. We are an Amazon Associate and earn from qualifying purchases.
Ranked as one of the best Korean dramas of 2024, the recently concluded Lovely Runner is still making hearts stir whenever it rains or there are new behind-the-scenes footages showing the cast’s incredible chemistry. Some might not be interested to watch this k-drama because of the high school setting (I’m talking to you, mama) but it’s not your typical cutesy, romantic drama. It involves time travel without confusing you AF with all the time and space continuum scientific mumbo-jumbo.
Lovely Runner Synopsis (without spoilers!)
The story revolves around Byun Woo Seok who plays Ryu Sun-jae and Kim Hye Yoon as Im Sol. Sun-jae is part of “Eclipse” a popular band and Sol is one of the band’s loyal fans. Unbeknownst to Sol, Sun-jae was a neighbor before and their lives more intertwined than expected. The drama shows the different times in their lives as they struggle to change their fates towards their happily ever after. This isn’t technically a spoiler if you haven’t seen it yet, because most probably you’ve seen a reel (or a hundred) about the drama.
Why Lovely Runner is Your Next Watch (if you haven’t already)
Aside from the charming leads, the storyline, the soundtrack, and the dialogues, there are other reasons why you need to add this drama to your watch list.
1. The time travel plot line isn’t confusing
One of the perils of watching sci-fi movies or TV shows involving time travel is trying to understand the explanation for it. With Lovely Runner, they’ve made it simple, yet still logical. Of course, there are little plot holes or details that will raise some questions, but this is not sci-fi, and you should focus instead on the other aspects of the drama or Sun-Jae’s dimples and abs (which are almost always on display because before being a singer, he was a competitive swimmer).
2. The main leads’ chemistry
Perhaps one of the reasons why Sun-Jae and Sol’s love story is believable and tugged on thousands of heartstrings is because of the leads’ chemistry netizens even dubbed them as “Ryu-meo” and “Sol-iet”. Their chemistry with the supporting cast is also authentic, which results in various memorable scenes.
3. Their love story
If you have been embittered by love, watch Sun-Jae and Sol’s love story and perhaps you’ll believe in love once again. You’ll have a hard time deciding who loves the other more, as they continually outdo each other with their sacrifices and heartfelt declarations of love.
4. The lovable second lead (and the not-annoying-love-triangle-storyline)
Most K-dramas have the usual second lead trope that you can’t help but be confused by. But the charming Song Geon Hee’s portrayal of Sol’s other love interest is not annoying. He never crosses Sol’s boundaries and is already content with being her friend (although when he calls her “My Sol” my loyalty to Sun-Jae admittedly wavers).
5. The visuals
No, I’m not just talking about Woo Seok’s height and incredibly fit physique or Geon Hee’s adorable bad-boy aura, but the drama’s cinematography. The locations are stunning without distracting the audiences from the drama’s storyline and fitting every scene.
6. The soundtrack
Granted, I don’t speak the language (thank heavens for subtitles), but the soundtrack still moved me. Since Sun-Jae is in a band, it’s natural, of course, that the drama will have different songs included in the soundtrack, particularly one that his character supposedly wrote for Sol.
Lovely Runner Poster
Just look at Sun-Jae and Sol’s brilliant smiles and you’ll feel if they survive all their hardships, you will too (minus the need to travel back to the past!)
Notebook
Perfect for scribbling your memories so you won’t forget them when you travel back to the past to save the love of your life, featuring all the umbrella scenes!
Soundtrack
Featuring “Sudden Shower,” the song Sun-Jae wrote with Sol in mind. Find you a man who can write a song for you! Swoon.
Yellow Umbrella
I can’t convince you to purchase this umbrella without spoiling the drama, but a yellow umbrella plays an important role in their love story and if you want your own Sun-Jae, a yellow umbrella is a must have.
"S" Necklace Pendant
Again, another product that will spoil the drama if I don’t shut my trap. But this necklace is not just because it’s the first letter of our leads’ names but also showed the audience that what Sol’s grandma said in the drama is true. “Memories don’t disappear. Where do you think all the countless memories of what you see, listen, and feel in your life go? They’re all smeared into my soul. Even if my brain forgot them, my soul hasn’t.” Cue the tears.
Cellphone Matching Charms
In one of the drama’s scenes, Sun-Jae bought matching cellphone charms for him and Sol. So cute!
Hollow Egg
Since the Sol who travelled back to the past is someone who already knows what will happen in the future but can’t tell Sun-Jae about it, she prepared a hollow egg time capsule and told Sun-Jae to open it at a specific date. Even if you don’t need a time capsule, this hollow egg is still ideal as a container for letters and other important memorabilia or, you know, for Easter.
MP3 Player
Listen to “Sudden Shower” using this MP3 player. You might even accidentally get a recording of your crush admitting to you that they like you using this (wink, wink).
