Lovely Runner
2024 South Korean television series
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Lovely Runner (Korean: 선재 업고 튀어) is a 2024 South Korean television series starring Byeon Woo-seok and Kim Hye-yoon. It is based on a web novel titled Tomorrow's Best, which was also serialized as a webtoon by illustrator Doong Doong. It aired on tvN every Monday and Tuesday at 20:50 (KST) from April 8 to May 28, 2024. It is also available for streaming on TVING in South Korea, U-Next in Japan, Vidio in Indonesia, and Viki and Viu in selected regions.
| Lovely Runner | |
|---|---|
Promotional poster | |
| Hangul | 선재 업고 튀어 |
| Lit. | Runaway with Sun-jae on Piggyback |
| RR | Seonjae eopgo twieo |
| MR | Sŏnjae ŏpko t'wiŏ |
| Genre | |
| Based on | Tomorrow's Best by Kim Bbang |
| Developed by | CJ ENM Studios (planning)[1] |
| Written by | Lee Si-eun |
| Directed by |
|
| Starring | |
| Music by | |
| Opening theme | "You & I" (Inst.) by Eclipse |
| Ending theme | Various themes[a] |
| Country of origin | South Korea |
| Original language | Korean |
| No. of episodes | 16 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers | |
| Producers | |
| Cinematography | |
| Editor | Kim Ok-sun[3] |
| Running time | 70 minutes[4] |
| Production company | Bon Factory[1] |
| Original release | |
| Network | tvN |
| Release | April 8 – May 28, 2024 |
Synopsis
In the world of stardom, Ryu Sun-jae shines as a top-tier celebrity whose life, despite its public facade, is marred by exhaustion. Im Sol, an ardent admirer of Sun-jae, finds solace in his music after an accident in her teenage years derailed her dreams.
When news breaks of Sun-jae's tragic death, Sol is devastated and is transported to fifteen years into the past, in 2008, when they were both 19-year-old high school students. Seeing this as a chance from heaven, Sol vows to change the course of destiny for both of them while challenging their past.
Cast and characters
Main
- Byeon Woo-seok as Ryu Sun-jae[5]
- A top star who has everything, from good looks to talent and charm. He is a former swimmer turned singer of the band Eclipse and actor, but his life as a celebrity doesn't go well, especially as he battles depression, ultimately leading up to his unfortunate death when he jumps off a hotel balcony into a pool.
- Kim Hye-yoon as Im Sol[6]
- A well-liked young woman who gives up her dream of becoming a film director in 2008 when she injures her legs and becomes paralyzed and is a fan of Sun-jae and Eclipse and goes back in time to save him.
- Song Geon-hee as Kim Tae-seong[7]
Supporting
- People around Sol
- Jung Young-joo as Park Bok-soon[8]
- Sol's resilient single mother. She manages a struggling DVD store while raising her two children and caring for her elderly mother.
- Seong Byeong-suk as Jung Mal-ja[9]
- Sol's warm-hearted and wise grandmother.
- Song Ji-ho as Im Geum[10]
- Sol's older brother. He is an aspiring actor full of passion for acting, but he repeatedly faces rejection in auditions.
- Seo Hye-won as Lee Hyun-joo[11]
- Sol's best friend who is bold, sharp, and stubborn.
- People around Sun-jae
- Lee Seung-hyub as Baek In-hyuk[12]
- A friendly guy who is easy to get along with. He is Sun-jae's best friend, as well as the leader and guitarist of the famous band Eclipse.
- Kim Won-hae as Ryu Geun-deok[9]
- Sun-jae's father and the owner of the Galbit House.
- Ahn Sang-woo as Representative Kim[9]
- CEO of Sun-jae's agency JNT.
- Lee Il-jun as Park Dong-suk[13]
- Sun-jae's manager.
- People around Tae-seong
- Park Yoon-hee as Detective Kim[14]
- Tae-seong's father who is a veteran detective with 20 years of experience.
- Kim Hwi-gyu as Cha Yi-seul[14]
- Tae-seong's friend who has a weathered appearance that belies his pretty name.
- JNT people
- Moon Yong-suk as Hyun-soo[9]
- The drummer of the band Eclipse.
- A bassist and the youngest member of the band Eclipse.
- Jagam High School students
- Lee Chul-woo as Kim Hyung-gu
- A member of the Jagam High School swimming club, and Sun-jae's self-proclaimed rival.
- Kim Hyun-kyu as Choi Hyun-gu
- Sun-jae's friend from Jagam High School swimming team.
- Jung Kang-hee as Coach Ahn
- The coach of the Jagam High School swimming team.
- Oh Se-young as Choi Ga-hyun[16]
- Tae-seong's ex-girlfriend.
- Others
- Heo Hyeong-Gyu as Kim Young-Soo
- A taxi driver with a grudge against Sol and Sun-jae.
- Ko Tae-jin as Choi Jeong-hoon[17]
- An employee of the cinema where Im Sol applies for an interview.
Special appearances
- Park Tae-hwan as himself[18]
- A swimmer who plans to showcase his swimming skills alongside Sun-jae.
- Kwon Yu-ri as herself[19]
- A member of the girl group Girls' Generation.
- Han Seung-yeon as Radio DJ[20]
- Lee Soo-ji as Heavenly Granny
- Kim Min-gi as Park Do-jun
Episodes
| No. | Title | Original release date | South Korea viewers (millions) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Episode 1" | April 8, 2024 | 0.737 | |
|
In July 2009, Im Sol is in the hospital after a car accident left her paralyzed. Emerging music group Eclipse randomly selects her as the winner in a radio contest, but she bitterly rebukes them. Lead singer Ryu Sun-jae, who attended the boys' high school close to Sol's, thanks her for being alive, inspiring her. By December 2022, Eclipse has become a global sensation and Sol is an avid fan. Among her fan memorabilia is a watch previously owned by Sun-jae. Sol leaves an Eclipse concert to attend a job interview for a film production company, but is rejected for her disability. She loses her ticket and spends the evening listening to the band from outside the venue. Later, her wheelchair 'runs out of power' on the Hangang Bridge, stranding her. Passing by, Sun-jae steps out of his car and shelters her with his umbrella before Sol's best friend Hyun-joo arrives to pick her up. A few hours later, Sol learns that Sun-jae has died from suicide. Devastated, she leaves for the hospital to see him, but drops her watch in a river and crawls in after it. When the watch reaches midnight on January 1, 2023, she is suddenly transported back to June 2008 and reunited with Sun-jae's younger self. | ||||
| 2 | "Episode 2" | April 9, 2024 | 0.704 | |
|
Stuck in the past, Sol becomes determined to prevent Sun-jae's suicide and her own accident. She discovers that time temporarily freezes if she attempts to reveal future events. She also reunites with her high school crush Kim Tae-seong, who recently rejected her younger self but becomes attracted to her more mature persona. Recalling that Sun-jae began singing after a June 2008 injury ended his swimming career, Sol attempts to dissuade him from competing, but to no avail. She also realizes that she and Sun-jae were neighbors in high school. Sun-jae practices swimming late at night and his rival Kim Hyung-gu plots to steal his swim trunks while he showers. Sol chases him off and Sun-jae catches her holding his swim trunks instead, but later learns she was defending him. While crossing the street, Sol is frozen by trauma from her accident and Sun-jae pulls her from a car's path. It's revealed that in 2007, Sun-jae met Sol in the rain after her package was wrongly delivered to his house and she gave him her umbrella, and he has loved her ever since. In 2023, a photograph of Sol and Sun-jae appears in his hotel room after his death. | ||||
| 3 | "Episode 3" | April 15, 2024 | 0.892 | |
|
Sun-jae wins his swim meet without incident while Sol watches. They celebrate and take the future picture in a photo booth, but Sun-jae is repeatedly prevented from confessing his feelings for Sol despite the encouragement of his friend and future bandmate Baek In-hyuk. While swimming the next day, Sun-jae tears his rotator cuff. His doctor informs him that he will never again be able to swim competitively. Sol recalls a house fire that originally burned her mother Bok-soon's hand and rushes home to prevent it. With Tae-seong's assistance, she prevents the fire from injuring anyone. Sun-jae undergoes surgery for his shoulder and Sol leaves him gifts in the hospital. As a thank-you, Sun-jae's father Geun-deok gives Sol a jar of fermented omija-cha, which she gets drunk from. While under the influence, she follows Sun-jae to the pool and unwittingly records their conversation as she promises to stay by his side. Sun-jae confessed his feelings for her and they share a kiss, but the next day Sol has forgotten the encounter. Tae-seong asks Sol out on a date when her watch suddenly flashes and she transported back to 2023. In 2008, Sol's younger self eagerly accepts Tae-seong while Sun-jae watches. | ||||
| 4 | "Episode 4" | April 16, 2024 | 0.859 | |
|
In December 2022, Sun-jae is saddened when Sol doesn't remember him. In January 2023, Sol laments her failure to change the future. In-hyuk meets with her, having recognized her from the photo Sun-jae kept. The next day, the watch flashes again at midnight and Sol is returned to 2008, ten days after accepting Tae-seong. To her embarrassment, she remembers that her younger self requested an exorcism for herself and also coldly rebuffed Sun-jae after she started dating Tae-seong. Sol defends Sun-jae from his former teammates and is later harassed by Ga-hyun, Tae-seong's jealous ex-girlfriend. Their fight is broken up by Mr. Kim, Sun-jae's future manager. Mr. Kim gives his business card to Sun-jae. Sol later sneaks into his home to destroy it and deliver self-help books in an effort to prevent Sun-jae's eventual death. Sun-jae discovers her asleep in his room and helps her sneak out after realizing she doesn't remember his confession. Sol tells Tae-seong that she possesses a naive persona and a mature one and only the former is attracted to him. After missing a bus stop, Sol is harassed by a drunk man and falls into a reservoir, but Sun-jae saves her. | ||||
| 5 | "Episode 5" | April 22, 2024 | 0.947 | |
|
Sun-jae's friends and family try to prevent him from watching the 2008 Summer Olympics, but he says he's accepted his limits. Sol buries a time capsule with Sun-jae and makes him promise to reunite on Hangang Bridge at midnight on January 1, 2023 to open the capsule. They begins studying for their college entrance exams, with Sun-jae now planning on going into physical education. Blaming him for getting her drunk, Sol's brother Geum confronts Sun-jae and Bok-soon breaks up their scuffle. Sun-jae also repeatedly clashes with Tae-seong. Sol decides to learn to ride a bike and Sun-jae helps her. The fledgling Eclipse, which includes In-hyuk and Tae-seong, has Sun-jae sub in for the lead singer at a performance while Mr. Kim observes. Sol discourages Sun-jae from contacting him, and he responds that he participated in the show only to win a new cell phone for her. Sol tells Sun-jae to only worry about himself. Later, she hears the recording of Sun-jae confessing his feelings for her. At the same time, Sun-jae asks her to break up with Tae-seong. | ||||
| 6 | "Episode 6" | April 23, 2024 | 0.871 | |
|
In 2013, Sol listens to an interview where Sun-jae describes meeting his first love in the rain, unaware that he is talking about her. In August 2008, Sol furiously breaks up with Tae-seong after hearing that he is only dating her to spite Ga-hyun. Sun-jae finds Sol outside her house with a bottle of her grandmother's makgeolli and attempts to confiscate it. Geum intervenes and in the chaos, Sun-jae accidentally consumes some alcohol and passes out. The family takes him inside and Sol watches over him as he sleeps. Tae-seong mopes over losing Sol and ends up in a minor motorcycle accident. Bok-soon goes on a trip with her new boyfriend. Sol and Sun-jae see a baseball game together and afterwards Sun-jae again confesses his feelings. They're interrupted when Tae-seong calls to report that Bok-soon is in the same hospital as him after a sudden illness. Following Bok-soon's surgery, Sol tells Sun-jae she cannot accept his feelings. On September 1, Sol avoids leaving the house in a effort to avoid her destined accident. Sun-jae sends her an email asking to meet up and she reluctantly leaves to see him. When she doesn't arrive, Sun-jae returns home, but sees Sol's umbrella lying in the road and realizes she has been kidnapped. | ||||
| 7 | "Episode 7" | April 29, 2024 | 1.090 | |
|
It's revealed that in the original timeline, Sol was kidnapped after missing a bus stop. When she tried to run, her captor hit her with a car and knocked her into a reservoir, but Sun-jae, who was riding the same bus, saved her life. Presently, Sol steals her kidnapper's car keys and flees. Sun-jae appears and the kidnapper drives past them in a van. Sol is transported back to January 1, 2023. In the new timeline, she is a successful film director and is able to walk. Sun-jae is still alive, but he and Sol failed to meet at midnight of the new year. As a consequence of Sol's interference, Hyun-joo and Geum are now married with two children. Though satisfied with the new timeline, Sol still misses Sun-jae. Sol is hit with a restraining order after being mistaken for a similarly-dressed girl who is stalking Eclipse. She learns that the concert preceding Sun-jae's suicide was delayed to January, meaning he is still in danger. She is unable to get into the concert, but leaves her business card for Sun-jae, which he later sees and recognizes. Following the concert, Sol waits for him on the Hangang Bridge, where she and Sun-jae are again reunited. | ||||
| 8 | "Episode 8" | April 30, 2024 | 1.248 | |
|
In June 2022, Sun-jae dug up the time capsule. Six months later, he was disappointed when Sol failed to make their rendezvous. He found the capsule contained a wind-up watch and an encouraging note from Sol. In the present, Sol and Sun-jae go to a bar and later his apartment together. Sol admits that she wants to stay with him because she fear he'll soon die. Sun-jae hides Sol in his closet when In-hyuk drops by and chides him for still loving Sol and crying for her whenever he's drunk. Sol hears everything and also finds the time capsule. It's revealed that Sol's younger self cut ties with Sun-jae after the kidnapping. Presently, Sun-jae takes her home. Sol confesses that she had feelings for Sun-jae in high school and they kiss. Sol's newfound glee is interrupted when Hyun-joo moves to divorce Geum when he loses their money in a failed investment. Sol tracks Sun-jae's stalker down, learning that she is a 14-year-old runaway. While getting dressed to meet with Sol, Sun-jae's doorbell rings. Sol learns from a news report that Sun-jae has been hospitalized after being attacked by Sol's kidnapper, who was recently released from prison. | ||||
| 9 | "Episode 9" | May 6, 2024 | 1.384 | |
|
As Sun-jae enters emergency surgery, Sol learns that her kidnapper, Kim Young-soo, was imprisoned for kidnapping her in May 2009. Sun-jae helped in his capture, and after his release Young-soo sought his revenge. Sol's demented grandmother Mal-ja, who is implied to be aware of the time travel, gives her the watch. Using it, Sol takes herself back to March 2009, by which time she, Hyun-jooo, and Sun-jae are university students (Sun-jae having skipped college in the original timeline). Sol reports her September 2008 kidnapping to the police and provides Young-soo's identifying details, including his involvement in an unsolved murder. | ||||
| 10 | "Episode 10" | May 7, 2024 | 1.275 | |
| 11 | "Episode 11" | May 13, 2024 | 1.322 | |
| 12 | "Episode 12" | May 14, 2024 | 1.189 | |
| 13 | "Episode 13" | May 20, 2024 | 1.315 | |
|
Sol is unable to prevent Sun-jae from being stabbed to death by Young-soo. In 2023, Sol continues living her life without Sun-jae. Actor Park Do-jun causes problems on set in a rom-com Bon Cinema is producing, resulting in Sol having an altercation while trying to stop him from driving drunk. Sol's boss blames her for the incident. Drunk and angry, Sol writes a rambling resignation letter to deliver. The next day, Sol's boss apologizes to her and offers to produce her original screenplay. However, she also takes the resignation letter with her to a film festival, and Sol follows her to intercept it. After retrieving the envelope, Sol runs into Sun-jae, now a famous actor. It's revealed that following his death in May 2009, Sol used the watch to prevent their first meeting, resulting in a new timeline where Sun-jae has no memory of her. | ||||
| 14 | "Episode 14" | May 21, 2024 | 1.289 | |
|
Sol accidentally takes Sun-jae's envelope, containing the winner of the film festival. As a result, Sun-jae accidentally reads the opening of Sol's resignation letter on live television. Having removed Park Do-jun from the film, Bon Cinema extends Sun-jae an offer to star in the movie. Hyun-joo accidentally sends him Sol's screenplay instead, revealed to be a dramatization of Sol and Sun-jae's romance through time. Despite having no memory of the events, Sun-jae is moved to tears and agrees to star in the film. | ||||
| 15 | "Episode 15" | May 27, 2024 | 1.431 | |
| 16 | "Episode 16" | May 28, 2024 | 1.661 | |
Production
Development
The series was originally published as a web novel on KakaoPage between July and September 2020, written by Kim Bbang. It was later adapted into a webtoon by illustrator Doong Doong, which became available in September 2021.[21]
It is directed by Yoon Jong-ho, who co-directed other popular works such as Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (2016–2017), My Holo Love (2020), and Flower of Evil (2020). It is also written by Lee Si-eun, who is best known for her work True Beauty (2020–2021).[2]
It was previously titled Time Walking on Memory (기억을 걷는 시간; Gieogeul geonneun sigan).[22]
Writer Lee Si-eun stated that the character Im Sol was specifically created with actress Kim Hye-yoon in mind.[23] It was also revealed that the series took three years to produce and was offered to several other actors before the role ultimately went to Byeon Woo-seok.[24]
Casting
On March 28, 2023, reports surfaced stating that Kim Hye-yoon and Byeon Woo-seok were in discussions and actively considering taking the lead roles.[25] Their appearance was subsequently confirmed on July 19 by the production team of tvN.[1] On July 27, Song Geon-hee was also confirmed to co-star alongside Kim and Byeon.[7] On the same day, there were reports highlighting that Lee Seung-hyub was in discussions to appear in the drama, and his agency confirmed his participation on July 31.[26][27] In the following days, it was reported that Yang Hyuk would be also joining the cast.[15]
Filming
Filming began in the second half of 2023.[28]
Original soundtrack
| Lovely Runner: Original Soundtrack | |
|---|---|
| Soundtrack album by Various artists | |
| Released | May 28, 2024 |
| Genre | Soundtrack |
| Length | 201:33 |
| Language | |
| Label | Stone Music |
Album
The drama's soundtrack is compiled in a three-part album released by label Stone Music Entertainment on May 28, 2024. CD 1 contains Eclipse's song, CD 2 contains the drama's theme songs, and CD 3 contains the drama's musical score.
Lovely Runner: Original Soundtrack
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Sudden Shower" (소나기) | Han Sung-ho |
| Eclipse | 3:53 |
| 2. | "Run Run" | Jeong Jin-wook | Yipro | Eclipse | 3:34 |
| 3. | "You & I" |
|
| Eclipse | 2:49 |
| 4. | "No Fate" (만날테니까) | San Yoon | Vendurs | Eclipse | 2:47 |
| 5. | "I'll Be There" | G. Gorilla | G. Gorilla | Eclipse | 3:52 |
| Total length: | 16:55 | ||||
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Star" |
| Jeong | N.Flying | 3:38 |
| 2. | "Like a Dream" (꿈결같아서) |
| Jeong | Minnie ((G)I-dle) | 4:09 |
| 3. | "May I Love You?" (이 마음을 전해도 될까) |
|
| Umji (Viviz) | 3:18 |
| 4. | "Super Ultra Man" (슈퍼울트라맨) | Deundeun Man | Deundeun Man | Deundeun Man | 3:18 |
| 5. | "A Day" |
| Han | Jongho (Ateez) | 3:52 |
| 6. | "I Think I Did" (그랬나봐) | You Hee-yeol | You | Yoo Hwe-seung (N.Flying) | 4:20 |
| 7. | "Monologue" (독백) |
|
| Jae Yeon | 3:11 |
| 8. | "Spring Snow" (봄눈) | Choi In-young | Choi | 10cm | 3:21 |
| 9. | "Gift" (선물) | Choi In-young | Yoon Young-jun | Ha Sung-woon | 4:49 |
| 10. | "Please Don't Leave Anywhere" (떠나지마) | Doko |
| Doko | 3:21 |
| Total length: | 16:28 | ||||
| No. | Title | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "My Only One Star" | Kim Tae-young | 2:13 |
| 2. | "Lonely Planet" | muii | 3:30 |
| 3. | "Swing of Hips" | Moon Jung-woon | 1:15 |
| 4. | "Plain Mat" | Dennis Chang | 0:55 |
| 5. | "Heavy Thoughts" | Kim Yoo-hyun | 2:30 |
| 6. | "Warmth" | Mond | 1:25 |
| 7. | "Our Dream" | Han Jae-wan | 1:33 |
| 8. | "Holland" | muii | 1:54 |
| 9. | "Me, Myself" | Dennis Chang | 1:34 |
| 10. | "Let's Fight" | Moon Jung-wook | 1:04 |
| 11. | "Long Day" | Kim Yeo-yeon | 2:23 |
| 12. | "Clockwise" | Mond | 1:04 |
| 13. | "Black Tail" | muii | 1:28 |
| 14. | "Small Candy" | Han Jae-wan | 0:45 |
| 15. | "Ark" | Dennis Chang | 1:32 |
| 16. | "Time Machine" | Kim Tae-young | 2:37 |
| 17. | "The News" | Moon Jung-wook | 1:36 |
| 18. | "Breeze" | Kim Yoo-hyeo | 1:48 |
| 19. | "Walking Cat" | Mond | 0:57 |
| 20. | "Youth" | muii | 1:05 |
| 21. | "My Cat" | Han Jae-wan | 1:03 |
| 22. | "Art Tech" | Dennis Chang | 1:51 |
| 23. | "Dream Loop" | Moon Jung-wook | 1:26 |
| 24. | "Sweet Time" | Kim Yeo-yeon | 2:13 |
| 25. | "Harmony" | Kim Tae-young | 1:11 |
| 26. | "Fresh Day" | Moon Jung-wook | 0:50 |
| 27. | "Jump" | Kim Yeo-yeon | 1:40 |
| 28. | "Sol Life" | muii | 2:01 |
| 29. | "Not Over You" | Dennis Chang | 1:36 |
| 30. | "Holly Molly" | Moon Jung-wook | 1:34 |
| 31. | "Last Loop" | Kim Yeo-yeon | 2:23 |
| 32. | "Zany Clown" | Mond | 0:38 |
| 33. | "Pulse" | Moon Jung-wook | 1:43 |
| 34. | "Underwater" | muii | 2:17 |
| 35. | "The More I Do" | Dennis Chang | 0:52 |
| 36. | "Secretly, Stealthily, Quietly" | Moon Jung-wook | 1:43 |
| 37. | "It's Alright" | Kim Yuh-yun | 1:26 |
| 38. | "Looming Shadow" | Moon Jung-wook | 1:13 |
| Total length: | 59:38 | ||
Singles
The following is the track list of singles from Lovely Runner: Original Soundtrack.
Singles from Lovely Runner (Parts 1–10)
- Part 1
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Sudden Shower" (소나기) | Han Sung-ho |
| Eclipse[b] | 3:53 |
| 2. | "Run Run" | Jeong Jin-wook | Yipro | Eclipse[b] | 3:34 |
| 3. | "You & I" |
|
| Eclipse[b] | 2:49 |
| 4. | "No Fate" (만날테니까) | San Yoon | Vendurs | Eclipse[b] | 2:47 |
| 5. | "Sudden Shower" (소나기;Inst.) |
| 3:53 | ||
| 6. | "Run Run" (Inst.) | Yipro | 3:34 | ||
| 7. | "You & I" (Inst.) |
| 2:49 | ||
| 8. | "No Fate" (만날테니까; Inst.) | Vendurs | 2:47 | ||
| Total length: | 26:10 | ||||
- Part 2
- Part 3
- Part 4
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | {{{extra_column}}} | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "May I Love You?" (이 마음을 전해도 될까) |
|
| Umji (Viviz) | 3:18 |
| 2. | "Super Ultra Man" (슈퍼울트라맨) | Deundeun Man | Deundeun Man | Deundeun Man | 3:18 |
| 3. | "I'll Be There" | G.Gorilla | G.Gorilla | Eclipse[b] | 3:52 |
| 4. | "May I Love You?" (이 마음을 전해도 될까; Inst.) |
| 3:18 | ||
| 5. | "Super Ultra Man" (슈퍼울트라맨; Inst.) | Deundeun Man | 3:17 | ||
| 6. | "I'll Be There" (Inst.) | G.Gorilla | 3:52 | ||
| Total length: | 20:55 | ||||
- Part 5
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "A Day" |
| Han Jae-hwan | Jongho (Ateez) | 3:52 |
| 2. | "A Day" (Inst.) | Han Jae-hwan | 3:52 | ||
| Total length: | 7:45 | ||||
- Part 6
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "I Think I Did" (그랬나봐) | You Hee-yeol | You Hee-yeol | Yoo Hwe-seung (N.Flying)[c] | 4:20 |
| 2. | "I Think I Did" (그랬나봐; Inst.) | You Hee-yeol | 4:20 | ||
| Total length: | 8:41 | ||||
- Part 7
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Monologue" (독백) |
|
| Jae Yeon | 3:11 |
| 2. | "Monologue" (독백; Inst.) |
| 3:10 | ||
| Total length: | 6:22 | ||||
- Part 8
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Spring Snow" (봄눈) | Choi In-young | Choi In-young | 10cm | 3:21 |
| 2. | "Spring Snow" (봄눈; Inst.) | Choi In-young | 3:21 | ||
| Total length: | 6:43 | ||||
- Part 9
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Gift" (선물) | Choi In-young | Yoon Young-jun | Ha Sung-woon | 4:49 |
| 2. | "Gift" (선물; Inst.) | Yoon Young-jun | 4:49 | ||
| Total length: | 9:39 | ||||
- Part 10
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Please Don't Leave Anywhere" (떠나지마) | Doko |
| Doko | 3:21 |
| 2. | "Please Don't Leave Anywhere" (떠나지마; Inst.) |
| 3:21 | ||
| Total length: | 6:43 | ||||
Chart performance
Album
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Singles
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Release
The series was originally scheduled to be broadcast in the second half of 2023, but was moved to the first half of 2024 due to the changes in tvN's Monday and Tuesday lineup.[2]
During the CJ ENM Meet & Grow conference on January 18, 2024, tvN officially confirmed that Lovely Runner was scheduled for April 2024.[36] The series premiered on April 8, 2024.[37] It was also available for streaming on TVING in South Korea, U-Next in Japan, Vidio in Indonesia, and Viki and Viu in selected regions.[38] On July 15, 2024, it was announced that the series would also be available for streaming on Netflix in selected regions, starting from August 1, 2024.[39]
Reception
Critical response
Despite its modest viewership ratings, Lovely Runner garnered positive reviews from audiences, contributing significantly to Byeon Woo-seok's rise to stardom and solidifying Kim Hye-yoon's reputation in the industry.[40] Film critic Jung Duk-hyun, one of the prominent judges at the prestigious Baeksang Arts Awards, praised Kim for her exceptional acting prowess in her role as Im Sol.[41][user-generated source]
Singapore's national newspaper The Straits Times gave the series four out of five stars, stating that the love story between the characters portrayed by Byeon and Kim was captivating and the "multi-layered" plot got richer and richer with each episode.[42] Time Magazine praised the drama as one of the best K-dramas released in 2024, commending the series for its use of "familiar genres to craft a thrillingly unexpected, continuously moving story experience".[43]
Viewership
Lovely Runner : South Korea viewers per episode (millions)
Source: Audience measurement performed nationwide by Nielsen Korea.[44]
| Season | Episode number | Average | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | |||
| 1 | 0.737 | 0.704 | 0.892 | 0.859 | 0.947 | 0.871 | 1.090 | 1.124 | 1.384 | 1.275 | 1.322 | 1.189 | 1.315 | 1.289 | 1.431 | 1.661 | 1.131 | |
| Ep. | Original broadcast date | Average audience share (Nielsen Korea)[44] | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nationwide | Seoul | ||
| 1 | April 8, 2024 | 3.073% (2nd) | 3.176% (2nd) |
| 2 | April 9, 2024 | 2.710% (3rd) | 2.918% (3rd) |
| 3 | April 15, 2024 | 3.444% (1st) | 3.678% (1st) |
| 4 | April 16, 2024 | 3.378% (1st) | 4.069% (1st) |
| 5 | April 22, 2024 | 3.435% (2nd) | 3.834% (2nd) |
| 6 | April 23, 2024 | 3.377% (1st) | 3.946% (1st) |
| 7 | April 29, 2024 | 4.459% (1st) | 5.259% (1st) |
| 8 | April 30, 2024 | 4.095% (1st) | 4.656% (1st) |
| 9 | May 6, 2024 | 4.759% (1st) | 5.638% (1st) |
| 10 | May 7, 2024 | 4.752% (1st) | 5.973% (1st) |
| 11 | May 13, 2024 | 4.735% (1st) | 5.670% (1st) |
| 12 | May 14, 2024 | 4.260% (1st) | 5.002% (1st) |
| 13 | May 20, 2024 | 4.568% (1st) | 5.214% (1st) |
| 14 | May 21, 2024 | 4.827% (1st) | 5.349% (1st) |
| 15 | May 27, 2024 | 5.297% (1st) | 6.197% (1st) |
| 16 | May 28, 2024 | 5.762% (1st) | 7.208% (1st) |
| Average | 4.183% | 4.862% | |
Accolades
Awards and nominations
| Award ceremony | Year | Category | Nominee / Work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| APAN Star Awards | 2024 | Best Couple | Byeon Woo-seok and Kim Hye-yoon | Won | [45][46][47] |
| Best OST | Eclipse – "Sudden Shower" | Won | |||
| N.Flying – "Star" | Nominated | ||||
| Best New Actor | Lee Seung-hyub | Nominated | |||
| Best Director | Yoon Jong-ho | Nominated | |||
| Best Writer | Lee Si-eun | Nominated | |||
| Excellence Actress in a Serial Drama | Jung Young-ju | Won | |||
| Global Star | Byeon Woo-seok | Won | |||
| Popularity Award, Actor | Won | ||||
| Popularity Award, Actress | Kim Hye-yoon | Won | |||
| Top Excellence Actor in a Miniseries | Byeon Woo-seok | Nominated | |||
| Top Excellence Actress in a Miniseries | Kim Hye-yoon | Nominated | |||
| Asia Contents Awards & Global OTT Awards | 2024 | Best Lead Actress | Kim Hye-yoon | Nominated | [48][49] |
| Best Newcomer Actor | Byeon Woo-seok | Nominated | |||
| Best Original Song | Eclipse – Sudden Shower | Nominated | |||
| People's Choice Award | Kim Hye-yoon | Won | [50] | ||
| Byeon Woo-seok | Won | ||||
| Asian Academy Creative Awards | 2024 | Best Cinematography (Grand Final) | Yoon Dae-young | Nominated | [51][52] |
| Best Cinematography (Korea) | Won | ||||
| Asian Television Awards | 2024 | Best Theme Song (Grand Final) | Byeon Woo-seok | Nominated | [53][54] |
| Best Theme Song (Korea) | Won | ||||
| Baeksang Arts Awards | 2025 | Best Drama | Lovely Runner | Nominated | [55][56] |
| Best Actor – Television | Byeon Woo-seok | Nominated | |||
| Best Actress – Television | Kim Hye-yoon | Nominated | |||
| Best New Actor – Television | Song Geon-hee | Nominated | |||
| Best Screenplay – Television | Lee Si-eun | Nominated | |||
| Brand of the Year Awards | 2024 | Actor – Hot Trend | Byeon Woo-seok | Won | [57] |
| Actress – Hot Trend | Kim Hye-yoon | Won | |||
| Actor – Rising Star | Song Geon-hee | Won | |||
| Actor – Idol | Lee Seung-hyub | Won | |||
| Actress – Scene Stealer | Jung Young-ju | Won | |||
| KAA Awards - Korea Advertisers Association | 2024 | Program of the Year | Lovely Runner | Won | [58] |
| Korea Grand Music Awards | 2024 | Best OST | Yoo Hwe-seung (N.Flying) – I Think I Did | Won | [59] |
| MAMA Awards | 2024 | Favorite Global Trending Music | Byeon Woo-seok | Won | [60] |
| Best OST | Eclipse – Sudden Shower | Nominated | [61] | ||
| Melon Music Awards | 2024 | Best OST | Eclipse – Sudden Shower | Won | [62] |
| 10cm – Spring Snow | Nominated | [63] | |||
| Seoul International Drama Awards | 2024 | Outstanding Asian Star: Korea Popularity Award (Male) | Byeon Woo-seok | Won | [64] |
| Outstanding Asian Star: Korea Popularity Award (Female) | Kim Hye-yoon | Won | [65] |
Honors
| Country or organization | Year | Honor/Award | Nominee | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newsis K-Expo Cultural Awards[d] | 2024 | National Assembly Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee Award | Kim Hye-yoon | [66] |
| Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards | 2024 | Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendation | Yoon Jong-ho | [67] |
Listicles
| Publisher | Year | Listicle | Placement | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cine21 | 2024 | Top 10 Series of 2024 | 10th place[e] | [68] |
| NME | The 10 best K-dramas of 2024 – so far | Included | [69] | |
| The 10 best Korean dramas of 2024 | 2nd place | [70] | ||
| South China Morning Post | The 15 best K-dramas of 2024 | 9th place | [71] | |
| Teen Vogue | 13 Best K-Dramas of 2024 | Included | [72] | |
| Time | The 10 Best K-Dramas of 2024 | 1st place | [73] |
Notes
- The end themes used vary per episode but are all singles from Lovely Runner: Original Soundtrack.
- The song is performed by Byeon Woo-seok as vocalist, Lee Seung-hyub as guitarist, Yang Hyuk as bassist, and Moon Yong-suk as drummer.
- Original song by Kim Hyung-joong, released in 2003.
- Established in 2019 and co-sponsored by Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Korea Creative Content Agency, Seoul Metropolitan Council and the Seoul Tourism Organization, it awards cultural icons, businesses, and individuals who have contributed greatly to Hallyu, the Korean wave.
- Tied with The Atypical Family.
