"Lovely Runner": A Fan Travels Through Time to Save Idol

In "Lovely Runner" (2024), a TVN drama starring Byeon Woo-seok and Kim Hye-yoon, a sunflower-hearted disabled fangirl meets her suicidal idol. Starting with a modest 3% viewership, the show has risen to the top of streaming charts in multiple countries and regions, rivaling the popularity of "Queen of Tears" (2024), starring Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Ji-Won.

Adapted from Gimppang's web novel "Tomorrow's Best," the story centers on top star Ryu Sun-jae (played by Byeon Woo-seok) and his devoted fan Im Sol (played by Kim Hye-yoon), who travels back in time to save him from taking his own life.

Initially, the drama seems to focus on the mental health struggles of K-pop idols, a pertinent issue given the industry's high-pressure environment leading to numerous cases of idols taking hiatuses, retiring, or even committing suicide. However, the narrative takes an unexpected turn: it's a story of mutual salvation, not just limited to the idol.

The plot unfolds as the seemingly suicidal idol falls for his fan, teetering on the edge of scandal. In reality, the male lead had a long-standing crush on the girl next door since high school, spanning 15 years. Unbeknownst to her, she became his solace after a car accident left her disabled, and she, in turn, became infatuated with him. After a concert, she accidentally travels back in time to her high school days, determined to save her idol from suicide.

Combining pure love, car accidents, suicide, time travel, and mutual salvation, "Lovely Runner" feels like a comprehensive package of beloved tropes. Despite its seemingly cliched setup, the show raises a thought-provoking question through the male lead's best friend: Can a fan's love for their idol be the same as romantic love?

"Lovely Runner" captivates viewers with the poignant yet compelling misaligned love between the leads. The director's keen eye for romantic aesthetics, dual perspectives, and the seamless integration of mismatched timelines enhance the show's emotional depth. The male lead's pure love character has drawn numerous fans into the story.

The time-travel aspect adds a layer of intrigue, appealing to fans of complex narratives. Was the male lead's death a suicide or a murder? Is it only the female lead who travels through time, or do both leads experience it? Clues like a watch and a car accident are meticulously placed, with only three chances to align them. The parallel timelines, underscored by shared motifs like umbrellas and candies, hint at the dual salvation of their souls. For instance, the female lead first met the male lead at her doorstep 15 years ago, offering him an umbrella; 15 years later, the male lead returned the favor after a concert.

The casting of the two leads is impeccable in terms of their visual compatibility and performance in emotionally charged scenes. For a romantic drama to be compelling, both perspectives must resonate with the audience, and "Lovely Runner" excels. The brilliance of the script lies in its ability to evoke empathy from viewers—one moment, they are heartbroken for the female lead who knows the tragic outcome but cannot reveal the truth, and the next, they feel the male lead's anguish as he grapples with not remembering the female lead before the time travel and dealing with her drastic change in behavior after it.

Born in 1996, Kim Hye-yoon has appeared in numerous popular dramas as a supporting actress, such as "I Can Hear Your Voice" (2013), "Bad Guys" (2014), "The Legend of the Blue Sea" (2016), and "Guardian: The Lonely and Great God" (2016). She even won Best New Actress at the Blue Dragon Film Awards and Grand Bell Awards for her performance in "The Girl on a Bulldozer" (2021). However, the general public likely remembers her best from her roles in "Sky Castle" (2018) as Kang Ye-seo or "Extraordinary You" (2019) as Eun Dan-oh, who discovers she is merely a supporting character in a comic.

Kim Hye-yoon's performance in "Lovely Runner" is stellar. She convincingly portrays a bubbly, lovestruck girl while also conveying the deep despair of someone who becomes disabled after a sudden car accident. Her ability to evoke tears with just her eyes in moments of speechlessness highlights her immense talent and promises a bright future.

In "Lovely Runner," Kim Hye-yoon navigates a 15-year age gap as her character travels from 2023 to 2008. Particularly notable is her portrayal of a high school student who, despite experiencing the harsh realities of life, chooses to remain optimistic and courageously critiques her past choices. Sol's worldly yet untainted spirit is genuinely captivating.

Born in 1991, Byeon Woo-seok was nominated for Best New Actor at the Baeksang Arts Awards for "20th Century Girl" (2022) and at the Grand Bell Awards for "Soulmate" (2023). Initially a model signed with YG K+, he transitioned to acting with "Dear My Friends" (2016) and has since appeared in roles such as "Midnight Runners" (2017) and "Search: WWW" (2019). His performance as the psychopathic Ryu Shi-oh in "Strong Girl Nam-Soon" (2023) left a significant impression.

At first glance, Byeon Woo-seok as Sun-Jae might not immediately stand out, with some viewers deeming him unfit for the role of a top idol—however, those who have watched the series know how Sun-jae gradually becomes deeply compelling. From a promising young swimmer forced to retire due to injury and subsequently oppressed by family expectations, Sun-jae transforms into a wildly popular band lead. His farewell concert performance, where he plays a self-composed song for the female lead, is utterly enchanting. The awkward yet endearing scenes of his high school self secretly trying to confess his feelings and then being caught by his best friend (played by Lee Seung-Hyun) are executed with perfect balance and charm.

The show also features notable cameos, including Girls' Generation member Yuri, Olympic champion Park Taehwan, and radio DJ Seung Yeon, earning the affectionate nickname "Reply 2008" from fans. In the series, Park Taehwan, who won a gold medal in the 400-meter freestyle at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, plays himself, competing alongside the male lead.

"Lovely Runner" also excels in depicting the entertainment industry, particularly fan culture. The initial disbelief and fierce defense from fans when rumors of the idol's suicide surface, followed by the heartbroken and incredulous reactions after the release of a video, are portrayed with authenticity. The female lead's involvement in the fandom, navigating two different timelines, brings to life the endearing dynamics between fans and their idols. This drama is a must-watch for those who appreciate the nuances of fandom culture.