Lovely Runner (2024) is a Korean drama that surprised many by achieving great popularity, despite facing initial rejections and a production delay of nearly three years. The drama features Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon, who have become the most talked-about actors on social media, according to Good Data Corporation.
Based on the popular 2019 webtoon The Best of Tomorrow by Kim Bbang, the drama’s storyline differs significantly from its webtoon version. Here are four key modifications that contributed to the success of Lovely Runner.
Please note this article contains spoilers.
1. Set in the 2000s
still cut Lovely Runner (instagram.com/garagelab.official)In the webtoon The Best of Tomorrow, the future setting is different from that in the drama. In the drama version, Ryu Sun Jae (played by Byeon Woo Seok) is an idol who tragically dies from depression in 2023. His high school years with Im Sol (played by Kim Hye Yoon) were set in 2008, creating a 15-year time gap.
In contrast, the webtoon features a shorter time gap of only six years, with both Im Sol and Sun Jae still in their twenties in the future. However, the production team of Lovely Runner decided to extend this gap to 15 years. This change allowed for a more significant depiction of societal changes and aimed to appeal to a broader audience, particularly those aged 30-40 who would feel nostalgic about the 2000s.
2. Ryu Sun Jae’s One-Sided Love
still cut Lovely Runner (instagram.com/garagelab.official)In the webtoon, Im Sol travels back in time to prevent Sun Jae from becoming depressed, and initially, Sun Jae does not know her. The drama adds a more romantic twist: Sun Jae had secretly loved Im Sol for nearly 15 years before she travels through time.
This unrequited love aspect adds depth to Sun Jae’s character, making his struggles and the storyline more engaging for viewers. The element of Sun Jae’s enduring love not only deepens the emotional impact but also garners sympathy and investment from the audience.
3. Thriller Elements with a Murder Case
still cut Lovely Runner (instagram.com/garagelab.official)A major difference between the drama and the webtoon is the inclusion of a murder mystery. In the drama, Im Sol initially believes that Sun Jae died from depression, but she later discovers that his death is linked to a kidnapping incident from his past. This thriller element, with its unfolding mystery in each episode, keeps viewers hooked and eager to uncover the truth.
The addition of this suspenseful plotline adds layers of complexity and intrigue, making the drama more than just a romance and appealing to fans of multiple genres.
4. Kim Tae Sung as Rival and Hero
still cut Lovely Runner (instagram.com/garagelab.official)Kim Tae Sung (played by Song Geon Hee) plays a pivotal role in the drama as both Sun Jae’s romantic rival and a crucial figure in the narrative. He is the son of Detective Kim (played by Park Yoon Hee) and becomes central to solving the kidnapping case involving Im Sol.
Interestingly, Kim Tae Sung’s character does not exist in the webtoon. His inclusion in the drama introduces new dynamics and conflict, enhancing the storyline and contributing to the drama’s appeal. By episode 10, Tae Sung’s involvement in the kidnapping case adds another layer of suspense and drama, making the series more compelling.
These four significant modifications from the webtoon to the drama version of Lovely Runner have undoubtedly played a crucial role in its popularity. The extended timeline, the deepened romantic storyline, the added thriller elements, and the introduction of new characters all contributed to a richer and more engaging narrative. As a result, Lovely Runner has captured the hearts of many viewers and has become the most popular drama in Korea in the first week of May, according to Good Data Corporation.
The creative liberties taken by the production team have not only set the drama apart from its webtoon counterpart but have also allowed it to resonate with a wider audience, ensuring its success and enduring popularity.