"SLovely Runner" is a time-slip romance drama currently airing on tvN. The story revolves around a devoted fan who travels back in time to meet her favorite star during his high school years, aiming to prevent his tragic future. The drama seamlessly blends elements of fantasy and romance, presenting an intriguing narrative that spans both past and present.
“Lovely Runner” is a captivating blend of romance, time travel, and profound human drama, enriched by its immersive narrative and soul-stirring music.”
Basic drama information
Title: Lovely Runner
Genre: Time-slip, Romance
Broadcasting Network: tvN
Broadcast Period: Premiered on April 8, 2024
Total Episodes: 16
Main Cast: Byun Woo-seok (as Ryu Seonjae), Kim Hye-yoon (as Im Sol)

Character Introduction
- Ryu Seonjae (Byun Woo-seok): A top star in Korea and a member of the band ‘Eclipse’, who faces a tragic fate due to the pressures of the entertainment industry.
- Im Sol (Kim Hye-yoon): A passionate fan of Ryu Seonjae, who travels back in time to his high school days in an attempt to change his tragic future.
- Baek In-hyuk (Lee Seung-hyub): The leader of the band ‘Eclipse’ and Ryu Seonjae’s best friend.
- Im Geum (Song Ji-ho): Im Sol’s older brother who aspires to be an actor.
- Kim Tae-seong (Song Geon-hee): A friend of both Ryu Seonjae and Im Sol.
Plot Summary
The drama begins with Im Sol, a fervent fan of Ryu Seonjae, traveling back 15 years into the past. She meets the high school version of Ryu Seonjae and strives to alter his tragic fate. Throughout this journey, she encounters various characters and forms new relationships, all while trying to navigate the complexities of time travel and its consequences.
Features of the Drama
- Time-Slip Romance: The protagonist’s journey back in time to prevent her favorite star’s tragic future.
- Casting: The chemistry between the main actors, Byun Woo-seok and Kim Hye-yoon, significantly contributes to the show’s appeal.
- Ratings: Since its premiere, the show’s ratings have steadily increased, reaching up to 4.8% in episodes 9 and 10.
Major Themes & Message
- The main themes and messages of “Lovely Runner” (“Leap and Soar with Seonjae”) go beyond a simple romance drama, delving into various themes and messages. This drama utilizes the fantasy element of time travel to pose profound questions about human relationships and the essence of life.
- The first major theme is time and fate. The protagonist, Im Sol, struggles to prevent Ryu Seonjae’s tragic future by traveling back in time, symbolizing the conflict between destiny and free will. The drama explores whether we can change the course of time or if everything is predetermined fate, prompting viewers to contemplate deeply.
- The second theme is the relationship between fans and stars. Im Sol’s dedication to Ryu Seonjae as a fan reflects the pure passion and love of fandom. Through this, the drama reexamines the interaction between fans and stars, and the meaning behind such relationships.
- Thirdly, self-realization and growth are portrayed. The main characters continuously strive to achieve their goals and dreams, experiencing personal growth along the way. Ryu Seonjae navigates through the pressures of the entertainment industry to discover his true self, while Im Sol matures through her journey to change the past. The drama touchingly depicts the characters overcoming their limitations and discovering their true selves.
- Fourthly, sacrifice and love are highlighted. Im Sol’s time-traveling journey symbolizes the power of love, even to the extent of sacrificing oneself for the happiness of others. It emphasizes that love transcends mere emotion and sometimes entails noble acts of selflessness.
- Lastly, the drama deals with the complexity of human emotions. It intricately portrays the various emotions experienced by the characters, depicting their conflicts and struggles in depth. Through this, viewers can empathize with the characters’ emotions and reflect on their own lives.
- “Lovely Runner” goes beyond mere entertainment, touching viewers with its diverse themes and messages, prompting them to reconsider the meaning and value of life.
OST Information
The OST of the drama “Lovely Runner” features various artists, providing a rich musical experience. Below are the main OST tracks:
“소나기” (Downpour) – by Byun Woo Suk (Eclipse)
As the first OST of the drama, “소나기” is sung by Byun Woo Suk and is a song by the band ‘Eclipse’ within the drama. This song expresses heartfelt and grateful emotions, with Byun Woo Suk’s sweet voice shining through.
“봄눈” (Spring Snow) – by 10CM
“봄눈” by 10CM features a calm and emotional melody, further enhancing the romantic atmosphere of the drama. This song beautifully combines a gentle melody with the unique vocals of Kwon Jung Yeol.
“선물” (Gift) – by Ha Sung Woon
“선물” sung by Ha Sung Woon is an acoustic ballad with a soulful touch, expressing poignant love. Ha Sung Woon’s powerful voice dramatically conveys the emotions of the two protagonists.
“독백” (Monologue) – by Jae Yeon
“독백” by Jae Yeon is a song that encapsulates the emotions of a character who hides themselves amidst numerous trials, expressing the poignant sensibility of the drama.
Review & Evaluation
“Lovely Runner” transcends the romance drama genre, encapsulating a plethora of emotions and messages that leave a profound impact on viewers. The engaging narrative, fueled by the element of time travel, seamlessly blends with the poignant human drama, allowing for immersive viewing experiences. Particularly notable is the exploration of the protagonists’ growth and contemplation of destiny. Additionally, the musical elements enrich the drama’s ambiance, further enhancing its depth. Overall, “Leap and Soar with Seonjae” stands as a remarkable piece of storytelling that not only entertains but also resonates deeply with its audience.
“Lovely Runner” captivates viewers with its engaging storyline and charismatic characters. It is highly recommended for fans of Korean dramas.