Lovely Runner
A heart-fluttering fantasy romance that paints a vibrant, nostalgic portrait of fate and devotion, where love becomes a desperate race against time itself.
Lovely Runner
Lovely Runner

선재 업고 튀어

"I will protect both you and me."

08 April 2024 — 28 May 2024 South Korea 1 season 16 episode Ended ⭐ 8.6 (214)
Cast: Byeon Woo-seok, Kim Hye-yoon, Song Geon-hee, Lee Seung-hyub, Jung Young-ju
Drama Sci-Fi & Fantasy Comedy Mystery
Fate vs. Free Will Mutual Salvation and Devotion The Power of Memory Sacrificial Love

Lovely Runner - Episode Highlights

Episode Highlights

I Want to Protect You

S1E2

This episode establishes the central romantic twist of the series. While the audience sees Sol's frantic attempts to get close to the cold and distant high schooler Sun-jae, the final scene flips the entire narrative on its head. It reveals through a flashback that Sun-jae had actually fallen in love with Sol at first sight when she approached him with a yellow umbrella.

Significance:

This reveal is a game-changer, transforming the story from a one-sided fan's quest into a story of a long-unrequited first love. It recontextualizes all of Sun-jae's past and present actions, adding immense depth and emotional weight to their relationship. It hooked viewers by establishing that their connection existed long before Sol became his fan.

Thank You for Being Alive

S1E7

After successfully saving Sun-jae from an attack in the past, Sol is abruptly transported back to the present (2023). She discovers that the timeline has changed significantly: she is no longer paralyzed and is working at a film production company. Relieved, she goes to Sun-jae's concert to see him alive and well, leading to an emotional reunion on a bridge.

Significance:

This episode marks the first major success in Sol's mission, showing the tangible results of her efforts. Her reunion with Sun-jae in the new timeline is a poignant and highly anticipated moment, confirming that her actions have had a positive impact, even if new challenges arise.

I Figured It All Out

S1E10

A pivotal episode where the secrets of the time travel are finally revealed to Sun-jae. After finding the time capsule letter Sol wrote, he connects the dots and understands that she is from the future. This leads to a powerful and emotional confrontation where he confesses that he is willing to die to save her, and they share a passionate kiss.

Significance:

This episode fundamentally shifts the dynamic between the leads. Sun-jae is no longer an unknowing subject of Sol's protection but an active participant in their fight against fate. His emotional confession deepens their bond and raises the stakes of their romance.

Memories Don't Disappear

S1E15

In the final timeline where Sol has erased herself from his past, Sun-jae, now a famous actor, feels an inexplicable pull towards her. After a series of encounters, he begins to see flashes of his erased memories. The episode culminates with all his memories from every timeline flooding back to him in a powerful, overwhelming sequence.

Significance:

This episode affirms the show's theme that their bond transcends time and memory. It's an incredibly satisfying moment for the audience, proving that their love is fated and cannot be erased. It sets the stage for the final resolution, as Sun-jae now remembers everything he has to fight for.

I Remember Everything

S1E16

The series finale. Sun-jae, with his memories restored, reunites with Sol. The villain, Kim Young-soo, is permanently dealt with thanks to Tae-sung's intervention. The episode focuses on Sol and Sun-jae finally enjoying a normal, happy relationship, with Sol achieving her dream of becoming a film director. It concludes with Sun-jae's romantic proposal under the cherry blossoms.

Significance:

This episode delivers a deeply satisfying and happy ending that fans had yearned for. It successfully resolves all major plotlines, including the thriller subplot and the central romance. It beautifully brings their journey full circle, ending with a promise of a shared future, rewarding viewers for their emotional investment.