Time Walking on Memory (2024)

Refreshing

Classic example of how actors, directors, writers can transform a rather run of the mill story to a quite quite enjoyable and wonderful drama. Lovely Runner does not have a great story, nor is it unique.. But its presentation is charming, refreshing and enjoyable. Major kudos to the actors, director and the team.

The plot does have some loopholes but that is to be expected of a time travel drama. My only gripe is that we don’t get to know why the villain does what he does in every effing time line. He is just incorrigible and sticks around like a two day old candy. But in the finale, poof.. he goes away very easily. I don’t want to put any major spoilers here but such an easy end makes him just a prop to make the show last for 16 episodes. It didn’t detract from this otherwise charming drama for me. But it just kept bothering me like a mosquito bite. Why did he keep on keeping on? Like either say why or just go away.

Music is wonderful; it stays with you afterwards. But the USP is the actors. Casting a good looking pair sure works lol, but if they just look good then the drama loses its momentum around eighth or ninth episode. Here ML and FL, SML, friends, mom, dad, bros and grandma’s are all just fantastic. The mix somehow really works. Apart from the OTP, the healthy and positive family dynamics on both sides were so nice. Keeps you engaged. I’m rather getting tired of the over-demanding, shrewish, moms and dads who look down on their kids. Plus as many have said before the height difference between ML and FL makes it cuter. The last episode also kept me smiling like a simp. I know.. I’m very shallow.. eh..

Loved this one. Wanted to give it a 10 but the caricature-ish villain deducts half a point for me.

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Edit:

Rewatched it today.. very unusual for me to revisit the drama so soon after the first watch but was feeling low because of something, wanted to get lost in the k-drama world and this was a random pick.. It struck me once again. How on earth our ML and FL are so darn cute together! It’s not silly cute but cute cute. Our leads’ strong performances actually change the tone of that cuteness as per their age. To me at least, the cutes of their teen age romance was different from the cutes of their mature romance. The pitch and vibe of their togetherness changes as per their age. Hats off to both the leads for throwing themselves in their characters. Sometimes the couple-ness (I know I made up this word..anyhoo) feels amazing in the high school years. But when the characters enter the matured phase, the chemistry either fizzles out or it seems contrived. It’s very difficult to see the leads as grown ups, in spite of all the hair style changes or wardrobe changes. I had this difficulty in WIFTY and Our Secrets. But here the transition was smooth. And the credit fully goes to Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon. Job well done you guys!! And that’s why I am bumping this to 10, in spite of my gripe with that very bad man.

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Beautiful

This drama was fantastic from beginning to end. It's a beautiful story, directed impeccably, and all of the acting is superb. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and sometimes it made md do both at once. Truly a love story, not just between the main couple, but also the love between friends. I'm writing this review immediately after finishing, and I'm still feeling emotional about it.

One funny thing worth mentioning - Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin are mentioned in the show - and this was the most chemistry on screen I have seen between romantic leads since watching Crash Landing on You.

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DESTINY or COINCIDENCE, FIND THE RIGHT MOMENT

A time travel to save her idol. Go back to the past and try to change 2 things:
- the accident in the swimming pool for him who left this sport and joined this boy band to end up committing suicide
- avoid the accident that forces her into a wheelchair.

It seems impossible to fight fate.

Many times he claims his love for her but it is never the right time. They are as close as 2 magnets but there is always something that divides them.

I really like their relationship, his awkwardness was so cute while she wanted to protect him, not to mention the "umbrella moments" that were the best.
Those tears in their eyes are touching and emotional. So cute together.

The thirteenth episode was the worst and also the last 3 episodes are badder than first 12.
Certain scenes and situations left me stunned. For example when he was stabbed and he's about to fall off the cliff, nobody help him... neither she nor one of the policemen!!! Disappointing

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It is hilarious! The best romcom!

It is the best drama I have seen and just what I needed. I was laughing so hard with Sol & Seon Jae. Their time together is just hilarious. The OST is amazing and I love that Woo Seok recorded all the Enclipse songs. In Hyuk is hilarious ?

I love how they presented the time travel storyline as we get the best of school, college and preset eras. Also I like that they did not make the second lead turned stupid or make him do terrible things as it usually is in dramas and he ended being our hero who saved the day. I am glad that they did not pay much attention to the villain and concentrated more on Sol trying to save Seon Jae as it could ruin the drama. ( as for me it was with Queen of tears).

They made me giggle so many times! I love the acting and their chemistry is unbelievable. We could not wish for better pairing. I am so happy that the last episode was pure happiness! As it is not the case in most dramas.
As you can see I had to use the word ‘love’ so many times as I don’t know how else to describe it. I totally get why the drama is so popular and getting so much attention.

It will always have a place in my heart.
I will miss them.

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HIghly addictive

I admit, I loved everything about this drama. The love between Im Sol and Ryu Sun Jae was undeniable. Lovely Runner was a drama that was highly addictive and I couldn’t wait until an episode came out each week. Superb storyline and amazing acting throughout. The cast was a match made in heaven. Lovely Runner had me laugh out loud and brought tears to my eyes at the touching storyline. Also, it was nice change to see Kim Hye Yoon and Byeon Woo-Seok in lead roles where there weren't a villains. I would highly recommend Lovely Runner as I would watch this over and over again.

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an ode to lovely runner

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 ❤️‍?

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When the rom-com is rom-comming

I cannot recall the last time I smiled this much while watching a kdrama, Sol and Sun Jae are PERFECT together. Lovely Runner was successful in getting me out of my kdrama slump and the main credit goes to Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon seamlessly becoming their characters, and creating this 11/10 chemistry we get to witness. I have always liked Kim Hye Yoon and I’m glad she got to showcase her range in this show, but I am SUPER happy for Byeon Woo Seok. I’ve liked him ever since I saw Record of Youth. I love seeing the fame he’s getting and I want more people to marvel him for his acting caliber and how drop dead GORGEOUS he is. I died really, I did.

Coming back to the show, what I also really like is that it never strays from being a ‘rom-com’. What really bothers me is when a rom-com turns into a melodrama or just turns down the comedy as the show progresses, but that never happens here. Even with the time travel, memory loss, Sun Jae’s infinite deaths, the show finds its way to go back to being a rom-com. Their strong support cast also helps in this case. I see a lot of well-deserved love for Tae Sung, but even In-Hyuk was a very loveable character who was a delight to watch on screen (Lee Seung Hyub is so HOT, anyone who has seen Shooting Stars will agree).

However, the show does have its flaws. What could have worked very well as a 12 or maybe even a 14 epsiode show, is drawn out to 16 episodes. Somehow they still managed to make the leads the focal point in all those episodes, and that really deserves an applaud, but I still feel the storyline could have easily wrapped up earlier. There is a repetition in scenarios, but the show is lucky that the main couple is such a joy on screen that the viewers would not mind. I would not change anything from epsiode 1-8, but post that, they could have condensed the show. Also let’s not forget the taxi driver storyline - stretched out for too long.

Another point that I want to address, which in no way is a bother, is Sun Jae’s career. The way the pilot goes, makes the audience feel he does not enjoy his role in Eclipse. In the subsequent episodes, we see the whole swimming storyline. I truly thought they would put emphasis on his career choice being linked to his unhappiness and he would end up doing something he truly enjoys. Somehow all these career-option battles were treated more as plot points instead of being something integral to Sun Jae’s storyline. There’s nothing wrong in it but I just felt a little duped by those initial episodes focus on it.

All in all, my love for our main couple easily trumps any complaints I have for the show. I will truly cherish this show for getting me out of my slump, and making me look forward to the upcoming episodes, and the release of SPRING SNOW (THANK THE HEAVENS FOR THAT), and for giving Byeon Woo Seok his extremely well-deserved popularity!

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Tale of love wrapped in time travel

"Let's Kidnap Sun Jae and run".

Wearing this on her headgear, Im Sol arrives to attend a concert of her favorite star Ryu Sun Jae. Bound on a wheelchair the thirty-something lost her ticket and was forced to enjoy the show from outside of the auditorium. Her agony vanishes as she meets the star on her way home. But was it their first time meeting?Ever since its inception, the love of Im Sol and Sun Jae has undergone more changes than the weather itself. Im Sol who has been fangirling over Sun Jae finds him as her next-door neighbor as she travels back to 2009. Seeing her dead K-pop star alive makes her feel alive again and the chaotic love story begins.

Attempting to time travel love is not a big thing for Korean dramas. The list is endless, from Scarlett Heart Ryeo to Go Back Couple, to recently ended Marry My husband.

Then, why Lovely Runner is creating so much hype:

1. The timeline

Sol is not living in a fixed time zone. She has travelled through various time of her life, while looking for ways to save Sun Jae. Some time, she is living for few months and sometime she is living for few days. It is like a staycation and not a total shift to that time zone.

2. Differences in characters

Characters are different. Modern Sol is polar opposite of her eighteen year old self. In fact, as she is going back to modern time, her cackling eighteen year old self is coming back. Sun Jae is not aware, so his character is not facing any transition in the process.

3. Constant changes

It is very important to keep audience hooked. Monotonous storyline make audience wander whether to watch the next episode or not. However, in this story, the suspense is getting bigger with the magic of time travelling. Whether Sol will have her feet or Sun Jae will live...the answer is still uncertain.

The story deserves an extra credit for giving space to additional characters of the story.

The new arc of character of Seo Hye Won and Song Ji Ho not only add humor to the tale but also add perfect love dose in the story of Sol and Sun Jae. As the story grows, not only love blooms but the threat intensifies. Now a days, Korean dramas loses track after the twelfth episode, but lovely runner ahs successfully kept the charm and suspicion alive. The future of the endearing couple is still behind clouds. Song Geon Hee in the role of sweet and savory Tae Sung has got little to do. The second lead got back seated by the shine of Byeon Woo seok. The director should have drew his role in a better light. His bromance with Sun Jae looked warm but is not creating goosebumps. We still miss our Jun Pyo and Ji Hoo. The supporting cast including well known ajumma and ajusshis are brilliant in their shoes but it is Im Sol and Sun Jae who are eating the cream in chunks.

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LOVE LOVE LOVE ITTT

“Cause I'm falling slowly love with you”
every time that line played, my heart MELTED
I don’t like yapping a lot, for someone who wants to read a short review before watching:
Watch it if you’re looking for a cute light hearted drama. It’s not too complex, yet very intriguing to follow. lots of lovey scenes that gets you kicking your feet, (the second lead in this one is less miserable so you won’t get a heart wrenching feeling lol) also if you’ve never experienced teenage love watch it, because it healed something in me.
the cast did such an amazing job that I laughed with them and cried with them.
THE OST are very emotional and beautiful, they have been playing in my head ever since I finished it

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Lovely RomCom

TLDR version:
I'll preface this review with this drama is not perfect. If you're looking for some in depth analysis on how time traveling works, a complex villain with a fully fleshed out back story, or strong social commentary on disability or mental health, this drama is not for you. If you're looking for a kdrama that has heart and the nostalgic feels of kdramas back in the day, then check it out. It reminds me of Strong Woman Do Bong Soon, where there were a lot of plot elements that didn't make sense, but the drama and leads are so charming. The OST is one of the best I've heard in a long time. The drama picture shows the lead in their high school uniform, but their love story spans high school, college, and adult era. There are many comedic moments that made me laugh out loud as well.

What I enjoyed:
(1) The leads chemistry is fire. They really make you believe they're in love and you have to reel yourself back from shipping them in real life.
Sol seems weak on the outside (I think she cries in pretty much every episode), but she's strong on the inside. I don't think I could go through even half the stuff she did without shutting down, but she powers through to save people important to her. Sunjae is a loser through and through. I like how they didn't make him a male lead where everyone swoons over him. He doesn't get popular until after his idol days. Girls in high school barely notice him and second male lead was more popular with the ladies. I tend to like dorky green flags, and did not understand why everyone was swooning over him in Strong Girl Nam Soon where he plays a villain.
(2) The second male lead doesn't create a significant love triangle and is super supportive. I like their friendship a lot. One of the best second male leads out there in kdrama world.
(3) There are some poignant messages mixed in with the silliness here and there. My dad has Alzheimer's and something grandma said near the end gave me a lot of comfort.
(4) The OST is my jam. I have it on repeat on spotify. I am super impressed that BWS sang all the Eclipse songs himself and actually hired a vocal coach to prepare for the role. I think a good OST is a very important ingredient to a great drama because the music they choose to play when an important scene happens will really elevate the moment.
(5) There are many great comedic scenes that I found to be very creative. The writer takes a lot of kdrama tropes and puts a funny spin on it. I literally laughed out loud a lot, and I don't do that often in dramas. I will also add that there was some low standard toilet humor used here and there that I did not love, but I could count them with less than one hand.
(6) I like that we weren't spoon fed information all the time. Sometimes, small details are given to us and we have to fill in the rest of the blanks. As a time travel drama with 3 chances, it's bound to get repetitive, so it's better to not overdo it. Some people may have issue with this as some things aren't directly explained. It just depends on your preference.
(6) Cinematography is very beautiful. I love their use of blue and yellow to represent the leads.
(7) There's no PPL. I get so irritated when I have to watch them drink instant coffee, vacuum with a dyson, or eat at subway.

What I didn't love:
(1) There's definitely noble idiocy in the drama. While the FL did a lot of smart things, she also made a series of rash decisions that I felt weren't the best. Similarly, the male lead, while dorky and loveable, also tends to rush head first into things. I give the FL a lot of grace though because she has limited time in the past and is making decisions under high stress situations.
(2) I found some of the characters that are in there for laughs were just too annoying, in particular her brother is a complete idiot.
(3) The villain. I understand he was added to raise the stakes, but I could've used without him. He didn't have a lot of screen time but his existence basically lasted through the entire drama. The inability of the cops to do their jobs was frustrating. Fortunately, the real life actor is hilarious and always posts funny things on his IG. While I didn't like his side arc , I found him less annoying than some other villains in recent dramas. Having a murderous subplot isn't anything new though. We've seen it before in Strong Woman Do Bong Soon, What's Wrong with Secretary Kim, When the Camelia Blooms, Crash Course in Romance etc. Some definitely do it better than others.

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