Ryu Sun Jae (Byeon Woo Seok) in Lovely Runner is a constant source of encouragement for Im Sol (Kim Hye Yoon). Similarly, Im Sol serves as a major motivation for Sun Jae, especially after he loses his dream of becoming a swimming athlete. Her presence inspires Sun Jae to dream again and engage in positive actions. Here are five key motivations Ryu Sun Jae has for Im Sol in Lovely Runner.
1. Looking Cool and Stylish
excerpt from the drama Lovely Runner (doc. tvN/Lovely Runner)Before dating Ryu Sun Jae, Im Sol was in a relationship with Kim Tae Sung (Song Geo Hee). Despite feeling jealous, Sun Jae is curious about what Im Sol finds attractive in Tae Sung. Im Sol reveals that Tae Sung is handsome, cool, and popular. Motivated by this, Sun Jae decides to upgrade his appearance. He starts dressing in stylish outfits, much to the surprise of his best friend Baek In Hyuk (Lee Seung Hyub), who wonders who Sun Jae is trying to impress. This marks a significant change from Sun Jae’s usual sportswear.
2. Singing on Stage
excerpt from the drama Lovely Runner (doc. tvN/Lovely Runner)During a time-travel episode, Im Sol attempts to prevent Sun Jae from becoming an idol. Unexpectedly, she witnesses Sun Jae’s debut performance at a school band festival. Sun Jae, who had previously been focused solely on swimming, steps in as the vocalist for the band Eclipse when their original singer can’t make it. His performance is well-received, earning him a cellphone as a reward. He later gifts this phone to Im Sol, who had recently lost hers.
3. Memorizing English Vocabulary
excerpt from the drama Lovely Runner (doc. tvN/Lovely Runner)After Im Sol breaks up with Kim Tae Sung, Sun Jae notices that she often seems distracted and sad. Assuming she is upset about the breakup, he invites her to a baseball game to cheer her up. Despite knowing Sun Jae’s feelings for her, Im Sol initially declines, citing her upcoming CSAT exam. Determined, Sun Jae agrees to memorize the English vocabulary from her book if she agrees to go out with him. He diligently studies, eager to spend time with her.
4. Meeting Im Sol in 2023
excerpt from the drama Lovely Runner (doc. tvN/Lovely Runner)In another time-travel scenario, Im Sol worries about Sun Jae’s safety in the future. Initially hesitant to reconnect with him, she is reassured when Sun Jae promises to protect himself and continue running until 2023, where Im Sol resides. This promise reflects Sun Jae’s dedication to both his own well-being and his commitment to Im Sol.
5. Deciding to Debut as an Idol
excerpt from the drama Lovely Runner (doc. tvN/Lovely Runner)Due to Im Sol’s time travels, the future changes, and she fears it might negatively impact Sun Jae’s destiny as an idol. However, Sun Jae gets another chance to perform on stage with Eclipse. He is motivated to sing to show Im Sol a song he wrote. This rekindles his passion for music, and he receives an offer to debut with Eclipse, securing a contract with an agency. Im Sol’s influence thus helps Sun Jae find his path again.
For Ryu Sun Jae in Lovely Runner, Im Sol is the center of his universe. She is his main priority, driving him to go to great lengths to win her attention and make her happy. Ryu Sun Jae’s dedication to Im Sol showcases the depth of his feelings and his willingness to do whatever it takes to keep her in his life.