Lovely Runner has become one of the standout dramas of 2024, adapted from the web novel The Best of Tomorrow. The story follows Im Sol (Kim Hye Yoon), who time-travels to save her idol, Ryu Sun Jae (Byeon Woo Seok), only to discover that he has feelings for her and is willing to risk his life. While the central love story is captivating, the drama also deeply moves viewers with its portrayal of single parents. Here are three single-parent characters in Lovely Runner whose struggles are truly touching.
Kim Won Chul (Park Yoon Hee)
Kim Won Chul, portrayed by Park Yoon Hee, is the biological father of Kim Tae Sung (Song Geon Hee). Although the drama doesn’t delve deeply into his backstory, it is evident that Tae Sung’s mother moved abroad and is uninvolved in his life, leaving Kim Won Chul to raise him alone.
As a detective, Kim Won Chul is strict and disciplined, but he is also very caring and affectionate towards his son. Despite his demanding job, he finds ways to show his love and even play pranks on Tae Sung, providing moments of levity and warmth in their relationship.
Park Bok Son (Jung Young Joo)
Park Bok Son, played by Jung Young Joo, is the biological mother of Im Sol (Kim Hye Yoon) and Im Geum (Song Ji Ho). After her husband’s death, Park Bok Son had to raise her two children alone. She is depicted as a fierce and fussy mother but is also a hard worker, running a DVD rental shop to support her family.
Despite her busy life, Park Bok Son always tries to solve her problems without worrying her children. When she had to undergo surgery due to an illness, she told her children she was going on holiday to Jeju Island. It was only thanks to Tae Sung that Im Sol discovered the truth and was able to be with her mother during her recovery. Park Bok Son’s strength and resilience make her a truly inspiring character.
Ryu Geun Deok (Kim Won Hae)
Ryu Geun Deok, played by Kim Won Hae, is the father of Ryu Sun Jae (Byeon Woo Seok). After his wife’s death, Ryu Geun Deok has been both a father and mother to his only child. He is always supportive, doing everything he can to help Ryu Sun Jae achieve his dream of becoming a professional swimmer.
When Ryu Sun Jae was injured, Ryu Geun Deok spared no expense to ensure his son’s recovery. Although he was initially disappointed when Ryu Sun Jae decided to quit swimming, he never stopped providing moral support. His touching and often humorous actions, such as quickly turning off the TV during a swimming match to avoid upsetting his son, have endeared him to viewers.
Being a single parent is no easy task, but the three characters in Lovely Runner strive to provide their children with love and support despite the challenges they face. Their stories are a testament to the resilience and dedication of single parents, making them some of the most memorable and touching aspects of the drama. Which one is your favorite?