Korean drama enthusiasts are captivated by the chemistry between Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon in “Lovely Runner.” This drama is adapted from the web novel by kimbbang, which was later visualized as a webtoon titled “The Best of Tomorrow.”
Despite sharing the same premise, the Korean drama “Lovely Runner” narrates Im Sol’s (Kim Hye Yoon) journey through time to save her idol, Ryu Seon Jae (Byeon Woo Seok), from a future demise. However, there are notable disparities between the drama and the webtoon version that could potentially shape the story’s conclusion.
What are these significant distinctions?
1. Im Sol’s Health Condition
differences between drama and webtoon Lovely Runner (doc. KAKAO WEBPAGEdok. tvN/Lovely Runner)The most noteworthy contrast lies in Im Sol’s health condition. In the webtoon version, Im Sol is a currently studying woman who can walk normally. Conversely, in the drama, Im Sol is portrayed as a person with a disability who relies on a wheelchair. The cause of her paralysis remains undisclosed, and her condition poses challenges in securing employment.
2. Methods of Time Travel
differences between drama and webtoon Lovely Runner (doc. KAKAO WEBPAGEdok. tvN/Lovely Runner)The mode of time travel differs significantly between the webtoon and the drama. In the webtoon, Im Sol stumbles upon a pocket watch by chance, which later becomes her means of time travel. Conversely, in the drama, Im Sol travels through time using Ryu Seon Jae’s watch, acquired at an auction for fans. Notably, Im Sol’s time jumps vary between returning five years ago in the webtoon and fifteen years ago in the drama.
3. Ryu Seon Jae’s Occupation
differences between drama and webtoon Lovely Runner (doc. KAKAO WEBPAGEdok. tvN/Lovely Runner)The character of Ryu Seon Jae undergoes notable changes between the drama and the webtoon. In the webtoon, Seon Jae trains alongside Bae In Hyuk and eventually debuts in the Kamjajeon group, facing criticism from anti-fans due to his late entry. However, in the drama, Seon Jae aspires to become a swimming athlete but is hindered by injury, leading him to join a band named Eclipse with only four members.
4. Family Backgrounds of Im Sol and Ryu Seon Jae
differences between drama and webtoon Lovely Runner (doc. KAKAO WEBPAGEdok. tvN/Lovely Runner)Im Sol and Ryu Seon Jae’s family backgrounds exhibit significant disparities between the webtoon and the drama. In the webtoon, Im Sol has both parents present, whereas in the drama, she only has a mother. Additionally, new characters such as Im Sol’s grandmother and sister are introduced in the drama. Similarly, Ryu Seon Jae’s family differs, with only his mother running a restaurant in the webtoon, while in the drama, he is depicted as living with his father.
5. Seon Jae’s Feelings for Im Sol
differences between drama and webtoon Lovely Runner (doc. KAKAO WEBPAGEdok. tvN/Lovely Runner)The relationship dynamics between Ryu Seon Jae and Im Sol are explored more profoundly in the drama. Seon Jae’s affection for Im Sol dates back to their childhood, where they were neighbors attending different schools. Conversely, in the webtoon, Seon Jae remains unaware of Im Sol until a future version of her intervenes and sparks his affection.
With such notable deviations between the webtoon and the drama, fans are left intrigued about how the story will conclude in “Lovely Runner.” If the webtoon promises a happy ending, how will the drama wrap up Im Sol and Ryu Seon Jae’s journey?