Not only does it tell the story of Im Sol’s (Kim Hye Yoon) struggle to save Ryu Sun Jae’s (Byeon Woo Seok) future, the drama Lovely Runner also depicts the twists and turns of their lives in high school. Consequently, several social issues arise in the storyline.
One notable social issue portrayed in this drama is juvenile delinquency, which manifests both within and outside the school environment. What are the specific instances of juvenile delinquency highlighted in the Korean drama Lovely Runner? Let’s explore them below:
1. Smoking
still cut drama Lovely Runner (doc. tvN/Lovely Runner)In Lovely Runner, Kim Tae Sung (Song Geon Hee) is depicted as the only character known to smoke. When Im Sol attempts to dispose of the cigarettes, she is mistakenly accused of smoking by a teacher at Jagam High School. This misunderstanding leads Ryu Sun Jae to also believe that Im Sol is a smoker.
2. Skipping School
still cut drama Lovely Runner (doc. tvN/Lovely Runner)Skipping classes is a common phenomenon portrayed in dramas, and Lovely Runner is no exception. Ryu Sun Jae, Im Sol, and Kim Tae Sung all skip school for various reasons. However, Kim Tae Sung’s lack of interest in education leads him to frequently skip classes.
3. Bullying
still cut drama Lovely Runner (doc. tvN/Lovely Runner)In Lovely Runner, both Ryu Sun Jae and Im Sol are depicted as victims of bullying by their fellow students. The bullying they endure is often motivated by social jealousy or a desire to mock their circumstances. Fortunately, they are able to stand up for themselves and confront the bullies.
4. Alcohol Consumption
still cut drama Lovely Runner (doc. tvN/Lovely Runner)Despite being a high school student in 2008, Im Sol, at 34 years old, is underage for drinking alcohol. Nevertheless, she inadvertently consumes an alcoholic beverage provided by Ryu Sun Jae’s father, resulting in her becoming heavily intoxicated.
5. Physical Altercations
still cut drama Lovely Runner (doc. tvN/Lovely Runner)While both Ryu Sun Jae and Im Sol experience conflicts, it is Kim Tae Sung who engages in a significant physical altercation. The cause of the fight is relatively trivial, but it results in Kim Tae Sung being taken to the police station for questioning, causing embarrassment to his father, who is a police officer.
While these instances are portrayed within the context of a story, they represent negative behaviors that should not be emulated. Therefore, it is important to watch Lovely Runner with discernment and understanding.