It’s been a year since the rom-com Lovely Runner stole hearts with its charming storyline and undeniable chemistry between leads Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon. The drama became a sleeper hit, defying expectations and garnering critical acclaim, including five Baeksang nominations.
What is the plot of Lovely Runner?
The story follows Im Sol, whose life is forever changed by the comforting words of Ryu Sun Jae, a member of the boy band Eclipse. When she discovers Sun Jae has tragically taken his own life, she’s unable to accept the reality. But fate gives her a second chance when she stumbles upon a mysterious watch that allows her to travel back in time and alter the course of his destiny – and perhaps her own.
How Lovely Runner became a pop culture sensation
Despite limited promotion and a relatively new cast, Lovely Runner became a cultural phenomenon, introducing terms like “loserism” and captivating fans worldwide. The drama premiered on tvN and TVING on April 8, 2024, and was also made available on Viki for international viewers.
Time Magazine picked Lovely Runner as the best drama of 2024, writing, “Lovely Runner was never supposed to be 2024’s best K-drama. It didn’t have the industry’s biggest budgets or its most high-profile stars,” the magazine said. “Instead, it had a good, well-executed story—in the end, the thing that matters most.”
Fans celebrate #OneYearWithLovelyRunner
One year on, “Lovely Runner” has gained a cult following, with fans taking to social media to celebrate its anniversary. The hashtag #OneYearWithLovelyRunner is trending, with nostalgic fans sharing their favourite moments and quotes from the show.
“At some point, I think I forgot how much I loved Lovrun, & looking back on those days really brought tears to my eyes. Happy anniversary, my lifetime drama; you will forever be the best thing that has happened to me,” one person wrote.
at some point i think i forgot how much i loved lovrun & looking back on those days really brought tears to my eyes.
happy anniversary my lifetime drama, you will forever be the best thing that has happened to me♡#OneYearwithLovelyRunner #LovelyRunner pic.twitter.com/G30DPdIope
— 𓍯𝓂.𓂃 (@seoksamo) April 7, 2025
Another person mentioned, “365 days later and Lovely Runner is still as magical, a story with so much heart and sincerity that has brought me joy and warmth in ways words can’t fully capture. Happy first anniversary to my forever comfort drama.”
365 days later and lovely runner is still as magical, a story with so much heart and sincerity that has brought me joy and warmth in ways words can’t fully capture. happy first anniversary to my forever comfort drama ♡#OneYearWithLovelyRunner pic.twitter.com/GhBQeAEuQB
— 𝓵 ⊹ (@soljaeverse) April 7, 2025
A third X user wrote, “Happy one year to lovely runner!! I’m so proud of everything this drama achieved; it will forever hold a special place in my heart, & thank you for all the joy and comfort you’ve given me. my forever drama.”
happy one year to lovely runner!! i’m so proud of everything this drama achieved, it will forever hold a special place in my heart & thank you for all the joy and comfort you’ve given me. my forever drama 🤍#OneYearWithLovelyRunner #LovelyRunner pic.twitter.com/99xxfXyYUh
— ً (@byeonngi) April 7, 2025
One individual wrote, “The drama of life that single-handedly cured my and everyone’s depression and boring lives last year.”
the drama of life that single-handedly cured my and everyone’s depression, and boring lives last year
happy one year dearest suneoptwiz 🥺🫶#LovelyRunner1stAnniversary#OneYearWithLovelyRunnerpic.twitter.com/FFiwjha21n
— 𝖯𝗋𝗂 ~♡ (@octobershiuli) April 7, 2025
“Exactly one year ago we witnessed how Sunjae became the biggest loser in K-drama history… God, I miss him so bad,” stated one user.
exactly one year ago we witnessed how sunjae became the biggest loser in kdrama history.. god i miss him so bad#LovelyRunner #OneYearWithLovelyRunnerpic.twitter.com/WtNKoW8eJr
— westie psych ward (@smotteeee) April 7, 2025
To celebrate the one-year anniversary of the beloved fantasy romance, Stone Music Entertainment has announced a special treat for fans: an exclusive and limited-edition EP.
After its popularity on social media and viewership records, Lovely Runner was later released on Netflix.
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