Lovely Runner is gaining attention for its portrayal of a love story intertwined with time travel, capturing the hearts of fans and their favorite characters. Im Sol (Kim Hye Yoon) is a devoted fan of Ryu Sun Jae (Byeon Woo Seok). However, her world is shattered when she receives devastating news about her idol’s demise.
Amidst disbelief and sorrow, Im Sol unexpectedly finds herself transported back to the year 2008, where she can directly engage with the teenage Ryu Sun Jae. Simultaneously, she relives a pivotal moment in his life, prompting him to recall forgotten memories and relationships.
Viewers of Lovely Runner suspect that besides Im Sol, there might be other characters who are also time travelers. Curious to know who they are? Keep reading to find out!
1. Ryu Sun Jae
Byeon Woo Seok in Lovely Runner (doc. tvN/Lovely Runner)Ryu Sun Jae, the lead vocalist of the band Esclipse, allegedly passed away on January 1, 2023, much to the grief of Im Sol, his ardent admirer. Surprisingly, it’s revealed that he was not just a distant idol but also a neighbor and a secret admirer of Im Sol.
Despite his supposed demise early in the series, many viewers suspect Ryu Sun Jae of being a time traveler. For instance, in episode 4, his watch mysteriously activates when he rescues Im Sol from a perilous situation.
Furthermore, some speculate that Ryu Sun Jae might become a time traveler in place of Im Sol, as she only has three opportunities to time travel. Once she exhausts these chances, the watch, which serves as the time-traveling device, may revert to Ryu Sun Jae, potentially altering their fates.
2. Kim Tae Sung
Song Geon Hee in Lovely Runner (doc. tvN/Lovely Runner)Kim Tae Sung (Song Geon Hee) was Im Sol’s high school idol and the bassist of the Jagam High School band, attending the same school as Ryu Sun Jae. Until episode 8, his future whereabouts remained a mystery, with a brief appearance outside Im Sol’s apartment.
There’s a theory circulating that Kim Tae Sung could be a time traveler. He might intervene to save Im Sol from a dangerous encounter with a taxi driver named Kim Young Soo. Additionally, his father, a detective, may hold crucial information about the unfolding events. Kim Tae Sung frequently appears in pivotal moments between Im Sol and Ryu Sun Jae, leading to speculation about his significance.
Moreover, there’s evidence suggesting that Im Sol can foresee future events and alter outcomes when in Kim Tae Sung’s presence, further fueling suspicions of time travel.
3. Jung Mal Ja
Sung Byeong Sook in Lovely Runner (doc. tvN/Lovely Runner)Jung Mal Ja (Sung Byeong Sook) is Im Sol’s grandmother, who suffers from dementia in the present timeline. She too is suspected of being a time traveler, often appearing before or after Im Sol’s time jumps.
Several incidents raise suspicion about Jung Mal Ja. In episode 1, she provides Im Sol with a watch, previously tucked away in a box. Furthermore, in episode 7, she mentions Im Sol’s brother’s healed leg, despite her condition. Im Sol is astonished by her grandmother’s ability to recall events from before her dementia.
While some argue that dementia may hinder one’s ability to time travel, others propose that Jung Mal Ja plays a crucial role in facilitating Im Sol’s time-traveling adventures.
All three characters in Lovely Runner mentioned above are under suspicion of being time travelers. Their peculiar behaviors and interactions have sparked numerous theories about their identities. What’s your take? Could one of them also be a time traveler?