The drama Lovely Runner follows the intriguing story of Lim Sol (played by Kim Hye Yoon), a devoted fan who finds herself transported back in time after learning about the tragic death of her idol, Ryu Seon Jae (Byeon Wook). Seon Jae, the lead vocalist of the band Eclipse, reportedly died on January 1, 2023. Lim Sol, deeply affected by his death, wakes up in 2008 in her younger self’s body, just 19 years old. This drama, set mainly in 2008-2009, features several nostalgic songs from the early 2000s, enhancing the storyline with a touch of musical nostalgia. One of these songs is “I Think I Did.” Here are three fascinating facts about this memorable song from Lovely Runner.
1. “I Think I Did” is an Old Song Released in 2003
In episode three, there is a touching scene where Ryu Seon Jae and Lim Sol listen to music together while at a swimming pool. The song playing on Lim Sol’s music player is “I Think I Did” by Kim Hyung Joong. Lim Sol mentions that this song was frequently sung by Ryu Seon Jae to his fans. This detail makes the inclusion of “I Think I Did” in the drama feel very authentic and fitting.
Eclipse, the fictional band in Lovely Runner, made their debut in 2009. The song by Kim Hyung Joong, having been released in 2003, brings a genuine nostalgic feel that wouldn’t be achieved with a newly created soundtrack. The choice to use this older song helps viewers connect more deeply with the era and the emotions of the characters.
2. The Lyrics of “I Think I Did” Speak of Confession and Unspoken Love
The song “I Think I Did” is rich with emotions conveyed through both its instruments and lyrics. Even without understanding the lyrics, the melody alone can evoke a mixture of sincerity, warmth, and a touch of bittersweet happiness. This emotional depth allows listeners to feel the nostalgia and the stirring sentiments the song aims to convey.
The lyrics tell the story of a man who is constantly drawn to a woman who captivates him. He recognizes her scent and gradually realizes that he has strong feelings for her. Despite his growing affection, he struggles to muster the courage to confess his love, ultimately leaving his feelings unspoken. This narrative beautifully mirrors the feelings of Ryu Seon Jae in Lovely Runner, making the song a perfect fit for the scenes it accompanies.
3. “I Think I Did” Enhances Scenes Expressing Ryu Seon Jae’s Feelings
The initial episodes of Lovely Runner focus on Lim Sol’s perspective, showcasing her struggle and growth. Lim Sol, who was at a low point in life, finds a new purpose after hearing Ryu Seon Jae’s inspiring words and becoming a dedicated fan of Eclipse. However, the storyline takes a poignant turn when Ryu Seon Jae, the person who gave Lim Sol hope, ends his life. Lim Sol’s unexpected journey back in time gives her a new mission: to prevent Seon Jae from becoming an idol and eventually taking his own life.
In the closing moments of episode two, an unexpected and touching scene unfolds. Ryu Seon Jae rescues Lim Sol from a dangerous situation on the highway, and the song “I Think I Did” starts playing. This scene reveals the story from Seon Jae’s perspective through a flashback, showing his first encounter with Lim Sol when she mistook him for a delivery person and he gave her a yellow umbrella. This meeting sparked love at first sight for Seon Jae, who then secretly followed Lim Sol’s activities, displaying his affection in subtle ways.
All these moments, seen from Seon Jae’s viewpoint and accompanied by “I Think I Did,” create a heartwarming and nostalgic depiction of teenage love. The song amplifies the emotional resonance of these scenes, making the revelation of Seon Jae as Lim Sol’s secret admirer a beautifully touching moment and a near-perfect ending to the episode.
Lovely Runner excels in its execution and attention to detail. The inclusion of “I Think I Did” as a background song to express Ryu Seon Jae’s unspoken love was a brilliant choice. Anyone listening to this song in the context of the drama can feel the deep confession and untold love story of Ryu Seon Jae, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
