Since childhood up to high school, Ryu Sun Jae (played by Byeon Woo Seok) starred in the Korean drama “Lovely Runner” with a dream of becoming a professional swimmer. He trained hard and took part in many competitions. Sadly, an injury forced him to retire early, crushing his dream.
Ryu Sun Jae isn’t alone. In early 2024 Korean dramas, many characters share a similar fate. Here are some examples:
1. Ryu Sun Jae had to give up his dream of competing in the Olympics as a swimmer due to a serious shoulder injury in “Lovely Runner” (played by Byeon Woo Seok).
Byeon Woo Seok in Lovely Runner (twitter.com/CJnDrama)2. In the same drama, Im Sol (played by Kim Hye Yoon) couldn’t land her dream job because the office wasn’t accessible for people with disabilities.
Kim Hye Yoon in Lovely Runner (doc. tvN/Lovely Runner)3. Im Sol’s older sister, Im Geum (played by Song Ji Ho), stopped chasing her dream of acting after numerous failed auditions. She settled for an office job, often overworking herself.
Song Ji Ho behind the scenes of Lovely Runner (instagram.com/ziffffo)4. Despite all his efforts, Kang In Ha (played by Lee Jun Young) couldn’t become the heir recognized by his father in “The Impossible Heir.”
Lee Jun Young in The Impossible Heir (twitter.com/DisneyPlusID)5. Cho Jin Dal (played by Shin Dong Mi) couldn’t continue her job as a flight attendant due to interference from her wealthy ex-in-laws in “Welcome to Samdalri.”
Shin Dong Mi in Welcome to Samdalri (doc. JTBC/Welcome to Samdalri)6. In the same drama, Cho Hae Dal (played by Kang Mina) had to abandon her dream of being a national team swimmer because she became pregnant.
Kang Mina in Welcome to Samdalri (doc. JTBC/Welcome to Samdalri)7. Choi Yee Jae (played by Seo In Guk) in “Death’s Game” felt hopeless after failing to secure a permanent job for seven years.
Seo In Guk in Death’s Game (doc. TVING/Death’s Game)8. Noh Do Gyeong (played by Kang Seung Ho) wanted to live peacefully with his mother away from his abusive father, but that dream didn’t come true in “My Demon.”
Kang Seung Ho in My Demon (twitter.com/SBSNOW)These characters had different dreams, from career aspirations to simply wanting a peaceful life with loved ones. Unfortunately, their dreams remained unfulfilled due to their harsh circumstances.
