Lovely Runner: A Time-Traveling Tale of Love and Redemption
Lovely Runner: A Time-Traveling Tale of Love and Redemption
Introduction
Lovely Runner: A Time-Traveling Tale of Love and Redemption
Lovely Runner
isn’t your average high school romance. It’s a time-slip drama with heart, mystery, and a love that defies fate. What would you do if you had the chance to go back in time and save someone who once saved you? That’s the question at the core of this 2024 breakout hit. For American viewers, the full series is currently streaming on Rakuten Viki and available via Apple TV—perfect for bingeing with tissues nearby.
Overview
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Title:
Lovely Runner (선재 업고 튀어)
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Year Released:
2024
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Genre:
Romance, Fantasy, Time Travel
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Main Cast:
Byeon Woo-seok, Kim Hye-yoon, Song Geon-hee, Lee Seung-hyub
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Episodes:
16
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Episode Duration:
60–70 minutes
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Available On:
Rakuten Viki (U.S.), Apple TV (purchase option)
Overall Story (No Major Spoilers)
Im Sol
(Kim Hye-yoon) is a film student living in the shadow of her shattered dreams. Once an aspiring runner, a tragic accident left her physically impaired. During those dark days, the music and presence of idol star
Ryu Sun-jae
(Byeon Woo-seok) gave her strength.
But everything changes when Sol learns of Sun-jae’s sudden death. Overcome with grief, she finds herself mysteriously transported back to 2008—15 years in the past—before either of their fates were sealed. Now in her teenage body but with memories intact, Sol is determined to rewrite Sun-jae’s story and protect him from his looming fate.
As Sol navigates high school again and tries to steer events away from heartbreak, the two form a growing bond. But time is fragile, and every action has consequences. With a mysterious figure lurking in the shadows and memories shifting, Sol must decide how much she’s willing to risk to save someone she loves—someone who doesn’t even know her yet.
Lovely Runner
is a deeply emotional ride through time, capturing the innocence of first love, the pain of loss, and the power of second chances.
Highlight Moments / Key Episodes
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Episode 1:
Sol wakes up in 2008, back in her teenage body, and sees Sun-jae alive for the first time.
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Episode 4:
A sweet after-school moment hints at the spark between them—set to Eclipse’s rising OST track.
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Episode 8:
Sol confronts her inability to control fate as Sun-jae faces a brush with tragedy.
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Episode 11:
Emotional flashbacks and future visions collide, shifting the entire course of the story.
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Finale:
A gut-wrenching yet hopeful conclusion that ties the past and present in the most satisfying way.
Memorable Lines
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Ep. 2:
"You saved me before you even knew me." — Im Sol, watching Sun-jae from afar in the past.
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Ep. 6:
"If you’re from the future, then stay in mine too." — Sun-jae, unknowingly speaking into her secret.
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Ep. 13:
"Even if we start over a thousand times, I’ll find you again." — Sun-jae, in a heart-stopping confession.
Why It’s Special
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Emotion-Driven Time Travel:
Rather than complex sci-fi, the show focuses on the emotional cost of rewriting fate.
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Stellar Performances:
Byeon Woo-seok and Kim Hye-yoon deliver nuanced, heart-tugging roles that won over audiences and critics alike.
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Unforgettable OST:
Original songs by the fictional band Eclipse are charting in real life, making the series a musical as well as emotional hit.
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Visual Nostalgia:
2000s settings, vintage cell phones, and school uniforms add charming throwback aesthetics.
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Built-In Fandom:
Adapted from a popular web novel and webtoon, the drama already had buzz—and exceeded expectations.
Popularity & Reception
Lovely Runner
became a breakout hit across Asia and quickly developed an international fanbase thanks to its unique premise and magnetic leads. In South Korea, it topped TV rankings and trended weekly. Online, fans created fan edits, covers of OST songs, and even viral TikToks quoting key lines. The drama was praised for being both comforting and heart-wrenching—making it a binge-worthy gem.
Cast & Fun Facts
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Byeon Woo-seok as Ryu Sun-jae:
His breakout lead role, Byeon underwent guitar and vocal training to portray a believable band frontman. His performance was lauded for capturing both Sun-jae’s idol charisma and quiet vulnerability.
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Kim Hye-yoon as Im Sol:
Already known for her expressive acting, Kim shines here as a girl caught between timelines and emotions. The character of Sol was written with her in mind, and her comedic timing and emotional beats are perfectly balanced.
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Song Geon-hee as Kim Tae-seong:
Brings humor and depth as the bassist-turned-cop, a role that contrasts his past and present lives in a clever narrative arc.
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Lee Seung-hyub as Baek In-hyuk:
As the band leader and Sun-jae’s best friend, Lee (of N.Flying) adds authenticity and charm to the fictional band Eclipse.
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Adaptation Origins:
The show is based on the popular web novel
Tomorrow’s Best
, also serialized as a webtoon. Fans appreciated how faithfully the adaptation retained the original’s emotional tone.
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U.S. Streaming Info:
Available with English subtitles on
Rakuten Viki
(free with ads or via Viki Pass), and for purchase on
Apple TV
. It is not available on Netflix U.S.
Conclusion / Warm Reminders
Lovely Runner
is a moving blend of fantasy, music, and romance that speaks to anyone who has loved from afar or wished for one more chance. Its strength lies in its characters’ sincerity and the emotional resonance that lingers long after the credits roll. Whether you’re new to K-dramas or a seasoned fan, this is one series you won’t want to miss.
Hashtags
#LovelyRunner #선재업고튀어 #ByeonWooseok #KimHyeyoon #TimeTravelRomance #KDrama2024 #RakutenViki #AppleTV #EclipseBand #MustWatchKDrama
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