Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama Lovely Runner, which premiered on April 8, 2024, bringing one of the most beloved time-travel romance stories that became an unexpected phenomenon worldwide.
Lovely Runner aired from April 8 to May 28, 2024, featuring 16 episodes running approximately 70 minutes each on tvN. This romantic fantasy drama follows Im Sol, a devoted fan who discovers her idol Ryu Sun-jae has ended his life, and through a miraculous chance, she time-travels back to their high school days to save him. What makes this series particularly compelling is its exploration of how love can transcend time itself, while addressing serious themes about mental health, the pressures of celebrity life, and the power of genuine human connection to change destiny.
The series achieved remarkable success with an impressive 8.6 rating on IMDb and became one of 2024’s most talked-about dramas. Based on the web novel “Tomorrow’s Best” by Kim Bang, the show starred rising star Byeon Woo Seok alongside Kim Hye Yoon, creating a chemistry that captivated audiences globally and turned the series into a cultural phenomenon.
The Fan Girl’s Ultimate Mission to Save Her Idol
The central plot begins with Im Sol living as a passionate fan of top star Ryu Sun-jae, whose music and performances have been her source of strength through difficult times. When news breaks that Sun-jae has tragically ended his life, Sol is devastated beyond measure. In a moment of supernatural intervention, she finds herself transported back 15 years to their high school days, armed with knowledge of the future and a desperate mission to prevent his tragic fate.
This time-travel premise creates both romantic possibilities and emotional stakes as Sol must navigate changing the timeline without disrupting other important events. The series skillfully balances the fantasy elements with realistic emotional consequences, showing how altering the past can have unexpected ripple effects on everyone’s future.
Im Sol’s Journey from Fan to Protector
Kim Hye Yoon delivers a powerhouse performance as Im Sol, portraying both the heartbroken fan and the determined time-traveler with equal conviction. Her character represents every devoted fan who has ever wished they could help their idol, but with the supernatural ability to actually make a difference. Sol’s evolution from passive admirer to active protector showcases her intelligence, courage, and growing understanding of Sun-jae as a real person rather than just a celebrity.
Her interactions with the teenage Sun-jae reveal her deep empathy and willingness to sacrifice her own happiness to save someone she loves. The series explores how Sol’s mission becomes personal as she discovers the vulnerable young man behind the future superstar, making her feelings evolve from fan worship to genuine romantic love.
Ryu Sun-jae’s Hidden Pain and the Power of Connection
Byeon Woo Seok masterfully portrays both the troubled teenager and the successful but emotionally isolated celebrity. As young Sun-jae, he embodies the sensitivity and artistic soul that will eventually make him a star, while also showing the early signs of the depression and loneliness that will later consume him. His character development reveals how fame can amplify existing mental health struggles rather than solve them.
The relationship between Sun-jae and Sol becomes his lifeline to authentic human connection. Through their friendship and growing romance, viewers see how genuine care and understanding can provide the emotional support needed to combat depression and suicidal ideation. Byeon Woo Seok’s nuanced performance makes Sun-jae’s struggles feel real and relatable while maintaining his appeal as a romantic lead.
The Heartbreaking Cycle of Changing Fate
The climactic challenge comes as Sol discovers that changing one tragic outcome doesn’t guarantee Sun-jae’s safety, as the underlying issues that led to his original fate continue to manifest in different ways. Each time travel attempt reveals new layers of complexity as Sol realizes that saving someone requires more than just preventing a single event; it requires addressing the root causes of their pain.
The series builds tension through multiple timeline changes, each offering hope before revealing new dangers. This cycle creates emotional intensity as viewers become invested in whether Sol can finally break the pattern and create a timeline where both she and Sun-jae can find happiness together.
Success on tvN and Global Streaming Platforms
Lovely Runner became a surprise global hit, achieving massive popularity despite relatively modest domestic ratings around 3%. The series gained tremendous international buzz through streaming platforms like Viki, TVING, and later Netflix, with fans worldwide falling in love with the leads’ chemistry and the emotional storytelling. Time Magazine praised the drama as one of the year’s best, while The Straits Times gave it four out of five stars for its captivating love story and multi-layered plot. The show’s success launched Byeon Woo Seok to international stardom and proved that quality storytelling could overcome initial ratings challenges through word-of-mouth and social media buzz.
A Time-Travel Romance That Defies All Expectations
If you love romantic fantasy with emotional depth and character growth, Lovely Runner is the perfect series to binge on tvN. The show succeeds in creating a love story that feels both fantastical and deeply grounded in real human emotions, making it an unforgettable viewing experience.
The Year’s Most Heartwarming Love Story
Lovely Runner proves that sometimes the greatest love stories are about saving each other, creating a beautiful narrative about how genuine connection and unwavering support can literally change someone’s destiny.
Series Details
Number of Episodes: 16
Platform: tvN / TVING / Viki / Netflix
Release Year: April 8 – May 28, 2024
Current IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Time Travel, Drama
Status: Completed
Protagonists: Kim Hye Yoon (Im Sol), Byeon Woo Seok (Ryu Sun-jae)
Supporting Cast: Lee Seung Hyub (Kim Tae Sung), Song Geon Hee (Baek In Hyuk), Jung Young Joo (Lee Hyun Joo)