Lovely Runner narrates Im Sol’s journey (played by Kim Hye Yoon), who travels back to 2008 to save her idol from a tragic fate. Her idol, Ryu Sun Jae (portrayed by Byeon Woo Seok), the lead vocalist of the band Esclipse, faces an untimely demise in 2023. Im Sol encounters her idol during his high school days and endeavors to alter destiny.
Beyond Ryu Sun Jae’s demise, several significant incidents unfold in the initial episodes of Lovely Runner. Are they intertwined? Let’s delve into the summary below!
Caution: Spoilers Ahead!
1. New Year’s Eve Events (December 31, 2022—January 1, 2023)
Kim Hye Yoon in Lovely Runner (doc. tvN/Lovely Runner)On December 31, 2022, Im Sol misses the Eclipse concert due to a job interview. Despite this, she coincidentally encounters Ryu Sun Jae on the street afterward and engages in conversation with the band’s vocalist. Im Sol also receives an umbrella from her idol. Shortly after, news breaks of Ryu Sun Jae’s death on January 1, 2023, plunging Im Sol into shock. She intends to verify the news at the hospital but gets thrust into the past due to unforeseen circumstances.
2. July 22, 2009 Incident
Kim Hye Yoon in Lovely Runner (doc. tvN/Lovely Runner)July 22, 2009, marks a solar eclipse. Im Sol, hospitalized after an accident, receives a call from Eclipse, who are promoting on the radio. Ryu Sun Jae personally contacts Im Sol, offering comforting words despite her initial cold response. This interaction marks the beginning of Im Sol’s admiration for Ryu Sun Jae.
3. Events of 2008
Byeon Woo Seok in Lovely Runner (doc. tvN/Lovely Runner)Im Sol’s time-travel journey takes her to June 2008, coinciding with a swimming competition between Ryu Sun Jae and national athlete Park Tae Hwan. Additionally, Im Sol confesses her love to Kim Tae Sung (played by Song Geon Hee), the charismatic bassist of Jagam High School’s band. Tragedy strikes as Im Sol’s house burns down, leaving her with nothing, including a photo of her deceased father. Fortunately, her time-travel intervention prevents the fire. Meanwhile, Ryu Sun Jae’s successful swimming career ends abruptly due to a severe shoulder injury, leading to his transition to a trainee and eventual debut as a band member alongside his friend Baek In Hyuk (portrayed by Lee Seung Hyub).
4. Unspecified Events
Song Geon Hee in Lovely Runner (doc. tvN/Lovely Runner)Im Sol suffers a life-altering accident, resulting in paralysis. While the exact date remains unknown, episode 3 hints at a potential date, September 1, 2008. Meanwhile, Kim Tae Sung, Im Sol’s high school idol, is embroiled in a scandal involving a fight with students from another school, prompting his disappearance from Jagam High School. The circumstances surrounding the altercation remain shrouded in mystery.
Lovely Runner unfolds a series of crises impacting its characters profoundly. These incidents catalyze drastic life changes for Im Sol and others. Yet, the connections between these events remain enigmatic. Stay tuned for more revelations in upcoming episodes of Lovely Runner!