From the very first episode, this drama pulls you into a world where love transcends time, fate plays a cruel game, and every moment feels like it’s leading to something meaningful. Whether you’re a long-time K-drama enthusiast or a newcomer looking for your next obsession, this show deserves a spot on your watchlist.
Plot summary: Lovely Runner
Lovely Runner centers around Im Sol, a passionate fan who gets a miraculous second chance at life—and love—when she travels back in time to save her idol, Ryu Sun-jae. It’s a blend of romance, fantasy, and a bit of mystery that keeps you hooked until the very end.
What makes the story stand out isn’t just the time-travel concept, but the emotional depth and how it explores themes of regret, hope, and the what-ifs we all carry.
compelling reasons to watch the Korean drama Lovely Runner
- The Characters: Kim Hye Yoon as Im Sol in the drama, is so relatable—funny, awkward and brave. She brings warmth and charm , making her easy to root for.
- Byeon Woo Seok as Ryu Sun-jae is both heartbreaking and swoon-worthy. His layered performance adds emotional weight to the show.
- The Romance: It’s sweet, slow-burn, and heart-wrenching in the best way. You’ll laugh, cry, and root for them with all your might.
- Unique Time-Travel Romance: Lovely Runner combines time travel with emotional storytelling. The twist of trying to save someone in the past makes the romance fresh, suspenseful, and emotionally charged. It’s not just about love—it’s about second chances and changing fate. Every twist hits hard. It’s not just fluff—there’s substance, and it’s beautifully written. This isn’t a superficial rom-com. The drama explores themes like grief, mental health, unfulfilled dreams, and healing. It resonates deeply with viewers who’ve experienced regret or wished for a do-over in life.
- Strong Cinematography and Soundtrack: The visuals are dreamy and nostalgic, especially in the high school and concert scenes. The OST perfectly matches the mood—emotional ballads and catchy pop songs that enhance every scene.
Episodes: Lovely Runner
Episode 1: A Tragic Beginning
Quick Summary: We meet Im Sol, a loyal fan devastated by the death of her idol, Ryu Sun-jae. A mysterious twist of fate sends her back to 2008, giving her a chance to rewrite his future.
Episode 2 : An overwhelming reunion
Im Sol is flooded with emotion as she sees Sun-jae alive in 2008. When he kindly shelters her from the rain and returns her dropped watch, it’s both touching and surreal—this small gesture carries deep meaning for Sol. Sun-jae catches Sol with a cigarette (not hers!), leading to a misunderstanding and punishment at school. This sets the stage for their quirky, tension-filled dynamic and gives us a taste of high school drama. Sol re-encounters her old crush, Kim Tae-sung, adding another layer to the story. This early hint of a potential love triangle keeps things interesting and emotional. Realizing that Sun-jae’s swimming accident is a pivotal moment in his life, Sol tries to warn him by pretending to be a shaman. Her desperate and hilarious efforts show her determination to save him. In a tense and emotional scene, Sun-jae saves Sol from being hit by a car—mirroring the incident that caused her disability in the future. This moment not only shocks her but also creates a powerful bond between them. The episode ends with a flashback revealing that Sun-jae had noticed Sol long before she ever realized. It hints at a deeper, destined connection between them that goes beyond time travel.
Episode 3 : Sun Jae’s confession attempts
During a subsequent practice session, Sun-jae sustains an injury that jeopardizes his swimming career. The medical diagnosis necessitates surgery and an extended rehabilitation period, leading to emotional turmoil for both Sun-jae and Im Sol. Sun-jae’s father, unaware of the severity of the injury, organizes a celebratory party and plans for overseas training. When Sun-jae reveals his intention to quit swimming due to his condition, a heated argument ensues, highlighting familial pressures and expectations.
Episode 4 : Return to 2023 and back again
After the emotional rollercoaster of Episode 3, Im Sol wakes up in the year 2023, back in her present timeline. She’s lying in a hospital bed, and everything that happened in 2008 now feels like a vivid dream—but with real consequences. Her heart sinks as she realizes Sun-jae still died in this reality, meaning her efforts in the past didn’t change the future… yet.
Determined to try again, Sol clings to the only thing that could connect her to the past—Sun-jae’s watch, which had triggered her first time-travel experience. She tries everything she can think of to make it work again, but it seems like a lost cause… until midnight strikes.
Just like magic, the watch activates—and Sol is sent back to 2008 once more. This second trip isn’t just emotional; it’s urgent. She knows now that time is limited, and she must act quickly and differently if she wants to truly save Sun-jae and change fate.
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