5 Differences in the Ending of the Drama Lovely Runner from the Webtoon

The last episode of Lovely Runner (2024) was considered satisfactory by the audience, offering a happy ending much like its source material, the webtoon The Best of Tomorrow. However, there are notable differences between the drama and the webtoon that fans of both may find intriguing. Let’s dive into these key differences and explore how they affect the overall story.

Ryu Sun Jae and Im Sol’s Relationship

In the drama, Ryu Sun Jae (Byeon Woo Seok) finally remembers his past with Im Sol (Kim Hye Yoon) after Kim Young Soo’s (Heo Hyeong Gyu) death, allowing them to date more freely. The ending hints at their marriage, suggesting a more committed future together.

Contrastingly, in the webtoon The Best of Tomorrow‘s second season, Ryu Sun Jae and Im Sol reunite with the help of Baek In Hyuk. Their relationship becomes closer, but there is no mention of marriage, leaving their future more open-ended. This difference in commitment levels gives the drama a more conclusive and satisfying ending for fans who enjoy seeing their favorite characters settle down.

Career Paths of Ryu Sun Jae

In the drama’s ending, Ryu Sun Jae is still a member of the band Eclipse but is focusing on developing his career as an actor, showcasing his versatility in both romantic and action genres.

On the other hand, the webtoon depicts Ryu Sun Jae as continuing his journey as a member of the idol group Kamjajeon, with no mention of an acting career. This shift in career focus adds a layer of depth to Sun Jae’s character in the drama, portraying his growth and ambition beyond his musical talents.

Im Sol’s Professional Journey

Im Sol’s career paths also diverge between the drama and the webtoon. In the drama, after a significant change in her fate, Im Sol works at a film production house as a scriptwriter. By the end, she resigns to focus on being a director, producing her first short film based on her own experiences.

Conversely, the webtoon has Im Sol working at a broadcasting station as a program director. She meets Ryu Sun Jae again during a team dinner, but her career remains more grounded in television production. This change in the drama highlights Im Sol’s ambition and creativity, offering a more inspiring and empowering narrative for her character.

Absence of Supporting Characters

Several characters in the drama do not appear in the webtoon, such as Kim Tae Sung (Song Geon Hee), Jung Mal Ja (Sung Byoung Sook), Im Geum (Song Ji Ho), Ryu Geun Deok (Kim Won Hae), and Kim Young Soo (Heo Hyeong Gyu). Their absence significantly alters the storyline and character dynamics in the webtoon.

For instance, in the webtoon, the taxi driver Kim Young Soo is not the cause of Ryu Sun Jae’s death, and Im Sol’s best friend does not marry Im Geum. These differences change the narrative’s emotional weight and character interactions, making each version unique in its storytelling approach.

The Mystery of Sun Jae’s Watch

In the drama, Jung Mal Ja, Im Sol’s grandmother, is suspiciously linked to Sun Jae’s watch, which she eventually throws away, revealing it as a time machine. This plot twist adds a layer of mystery and intrigue to the drama’s ending.

However, in the webtoon, the pocket watch belongs to a mysterious figure wearing a hat, whose identity remains unrevealed until the end of The Best of Tomorrow episode 50. This unresolved mystery in the webtoon leaves fans speculating, whereas the drama provides a more satisfying resolution.

Both Lovely Runner and The Best of Tomorrow deliver a happy ending, but their differences in plot and character development offer unique experiences for their audiences. Personally, I found the drama’s ending more fulfilling, as it provides closure and deeper character arcs. The webtoon, however, keeps the mystery alive, which can be equally engaging for those who enjoy open-ended narratives. Each version has its charm, and fans of both should appreciate the creative liberties taken to adapt the story across different mediums.