선재 업고 튀어
"I will protect both you and me."
Lovely Runner - Symbolism & Philosophy
Symbols & Motifs
Yellow Umbrella
The yellow umbrella symbolizes their fateful first meeting, protection, and salvation. Yellow is Im Sol's representative color, signifying her as Sun-jae's savior and source of happiness. The umbrella acts as a shield, bringing them together under one roof and marking the moment Sun-jae falls in love at first sight, shielding her from the rain and her from his gaze.
It appears in their very first encounter in 2008, when Sol runs up to Sun-jae under a yellow umbrella, a moment that becomes the catalyst for his 15-year crush. The motif recurs in various pivotal scenes, often during moments of emotional significance or reunion, consistently reinforcing the beginning of their intertwined destiny.
The Stopwatch
The stopwatch is the literal mechanism for time travel, but it also symbolizes regret, missed opportunities, and the limited chances they have to change their fate. Initially belonging to Sun-jae, it represents his time being frozen in his guilt and unspoken love. For Sol, it's a countdown, with each of its three uses representing a precious and finite opportunity to rewrite history.
Sol acquires the watch at an auction in 2023. After Sun-jae's death, she accidentally activates it, triggering her first time jump. The watch's display counts down from three with each trip, creating immense pressure and stakes. It is later revealed that Sol's grandmother played a key role in the watch's magic, ultimately discarding it once their happy ending is secured.
Cherry Blossoms
Cherry blossoms symbolize the beginning of their romantic relationship, wishes, and the beautiful, fleeting nature of their moments together. They represent hope and the promise of a happy future. Making a wish as a cherry blossom falls is a key romantic trope used to seal their love.
In episode 9, Sol and Sun-jae officially become a couple under a shower of cherry blossoms, making a wish together. This moment is beautifully paralleled in the final episode, where Sun-jae proposes to Sol under cherry blossoms, bringing their journey full circle and fulfilling their wish for a lasting future together.
The Colors Yellow and Blue
Yellow represents Im Sol, symbolizing her bright, life-saving presence in Sun-jae's world. She is his "yellow," a term for a person who is your hero and source of profound happiness. Conversely, blue represents Ryu Sun-jae, symbolizing the peace, comfort, and deep, irreplaceable love he provides for Sol. He is her "blue," someone cherished beyond words.
Throughout the series, Sol is often seen wearing yellow or associated with yellow objects like sunflowers and her iconic umbrella. Sun-jae is frequently framed against blue backdrops or wears blue clothing, especially in moments where he is a source of calm and protection for Sol. The color-coding visually reinforces their symbolic roles in each other's lives.
Philosophical Questions
Can destiny be changed, or is it an immutable force?
The series constantly grapples with this question. Im Sol's repeated attempts to save Sun-jae are often met with failure, as fate seems to course-correct, leading to a similar tragic outcome. The antagonist, Kim Young-soo, appears in every timeline, acting as a seemingly unavoidable agent of their tragic fate. However, the narrative ultimately argues that while certain events may be fated to occur, the outcomes can be changed through persistent action, sacrifice, and the power of human connection. The ending suggests that destiny isn't a single path but a web of possibilities, and with enough love and determination, a new, happier path can be forged.
What is the nature of true love and sacrifice?
"Lovely Runner" explores sacrificial love in its most extreme forms. Both Sol and Sun-jae are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for each other. Sol is willing to never have met Sun-jae, erasing their entire love story, just so he can live. Sun-jae explicitly states he would rather die saving Sol than live without her. The series posits that the purest form of love is selfless and centered on the well-being of the other person. This is further explored through Tae-sung, who sacrifices his own feelings to ensure their happiness, suggesting that true love can also mean letting go for the greater good.
Core Meaning
"Lovely Runner" explores the profound idea that love is a powerful force capable of defying fate and transcending time. At its core, the series is a testament to mutual salvation, where two souls, seemingly distant, are intrinsically linked and repeatedly save each other from despair across different timelines. It suggests that even small acts of kindness can have a life-altering impact, as Sun-jae's comforting words on a radio show gave Sol the will to live. The narrative champions the themes of selfless sacrifice and unwavering devotion, questioning whether destiny is a fixed path or a series of choices that can be altered by love and determination. Ultimately, the creators convey a message of hope, resilience, and the belief that some connections are fated, destined to find their way back to each other no matter the obstacle.