The drama Lovely Runner (2024) has reached its midpoint in episode 8. One of the mysteries grabbing viewers’ attention is the attempt to murder Ryu Sun Jae (Byeon Woo Seok).
Initially, Im Sol (Kim Hye Yoon) believed Ryu Sun Jae took his own life due to depression. Later, upon returning to 2023, Ryu Sun Jae was suddenly stabbed by Kim Young Soo (Heo Hyeong Gyu), the taxi driver who abducted Im Sol.
Still a puzzle, here are several fan theories regarding the attempt on Ryu Sun Jae’s life in Lovely Runner. Can you guess who tried to kill him?
Attention: This article contains spoilers.
1. Young Soo’s Grudge
still cut drama Lovely Runner (instagram.com/tvn_drama)In episode 7, one of Im Sol’s memories vanished after she returned to 2023. Im Sol found it odd that she couldn’t recall the rest of the kidnapping story. When she asked her mother, Park Bok Soon (Jung Young Joo), she said the kidnapper had been caught. However, Im Sol believed the kidnapping occurred in 2008, but others disagreed about the timing. Many fans speculate that in 2009, a year after the lake kidnapping, Young Soo kidnapped Im Sol again, possibly involving Ryu Sun Jae. When Young Soo is released in 2023, he seeks revenge on Ryu Sun Jae.
2. Kim Tae Sung’s Disappearance
still cut Lovely Runner (doc. tvN/Lovely Runner)Since the beginning of Lovely Runner, Kim Tae Sung (Song Geon Hee) was Im Sol’s love interest in 2009. However, his name suddenly vanished from her life in episodes 7-8. Some fans theorize that Kim Tae Sung may also be linked to Ryu Sun Jae’s death.
3. CEO Kim Seok Hyun’s Behavior
still cut Lovely Runner (doc. tvN/Lovely Runner)Besides Kim Tae Sung, Eclipse band CEO Kim Seok Hyun (Ahn Sang Woo) is also under suspicion. When announcing Ryu Sun Jae’s death, the CEO’s expression seemed odd to fans. He quickly hinted that Ryu Sun Jae died from depression, despite the ongoing investigation into his death.
4. Hyung Gu, Ryu Sun Jae’s Rival
still cut Lovely Runner (doc. tvN/Lovely Runner)Ryu Sun Jae’s swimming rival, Hyung Gu (Lee Chul Woo), is another figure fans suspect in Ryu Sun Jae’s death. They had disputes during high school. However, this theory is weak because Ryu Sun Jae lost contact with Hyung Gu after quitting swimming.
5. Baek In Hyuk’s Involvement
still cut drama Lovely Runner (instagram.com/tvn_drama)The most distant theory suggests Baek In Hyuk (Lee Seung Hyub) may be related to Ryu Sun Jae’s death. Supporters of this theory draw parallels with the Korean drama My Lovely Liar (2023), where the murderer is a close friend of the main character. However, fans who also follow the webtoon The Best of Tomorrow (2019) argue against this theory, citing Baek In Hyuk’s close friendship with Ryu Sun Jae and his positive influence on Ryu Sun Jae and Im Sol’s relationship.
These theories demonstrate fans’ keen interest in the Lovely Runner storyline. What are your theories on Ryu Sun Jae’s death? Share your thoughts in the comments!