frankly, i did not have high expectations for this drama - i thought it was going to be silly drama about a fangirl and her idol, nothing that would profoundly move me. but oh was i wrong. from episode one, the hospital scene leaves this unforgettable mark in your mind. kim hyeyoon soulfully portrays her character’s anguish and despair where i tear up not even 5 minutes into the drama. this overwhelming sense of loss and pain im sol feels is real. it is impactful.

from then on, i knew this drama was going to have a special place in my heart. yes, the plots not that unique. it’s another time travel romantic comedy woooo - i can admit to that - but it’s the presentation of the narrative that makes it such a beautiful, heartwarming story. the switches to melodramatic moments to romantic moments to comedic moments are seamless - i go from laughing my ass off when sunjae is being a loser toward sol to bawling my eyes out when fate tests their love’s longevity. it’s this mix of emotions that make this drama feel so real.

but mainly, i want to give my flowers to the cast. oh what a perfect cast this was. kim hyeyoon has always been in my radar for her excellent acting in sky castle and extraordinary you. i’m honestly shocked she has not blown up more before this. she has such a realistic portrayal of emotions because she fully immerses herself into the character. her passion and hard work in the craft is apparent and has made me respect her so so much. there are not enough words to describe how talented she is. i hope the industry gives her the opportunities she has always deserved. next, byeon wooseok. he was such a shocker to me. although i’ve watched some of his work, i feel he fully explored his potential in lovely runner. his comedy was always on point, his portrayal of downbad sunjae was spot-on that it made everyone watching fall in love with sunjae as well. wooseok, you have big things ahead and i know you’re bound to do well.

to be honest, this is less a review than me spewing my undying love to this series. after 8 weeks of emotional turmoil, i have closed a book on this drama and move ahead. yet, i can’t seem to forget how undeniably, lovely runner has influenced me and made me feel happiness. that is the purpose of media. to feel emotions and to convey stories of us and others. this ‘silly’ romcom has made my day so much brighter and i thank that to the cast, writers, directors, and more. goodbye, lovely runner! you were a beautiful moment in my life.

- from a happy but sad subeom ❤️‍🩹