One of the vibrant characters bringing the Korean drama Lovely Runner to life is Im Sol, played by the talented Kim Hye Yoon. The show explores time travel and features Im Sol across various stages of her life. Here’s a look at the five distinct roles Kim Hye Yoon masterfully portrays as Im Sol.
Fangirl
Kim Hye Yoon first portrays Im Sol as a passionate fangirl. Im Sol is an ardent admirer of Ryu Sun Jae, a famous K-pop idol from the band Eclipse. She collects all sorts of merchandise related to him, showing her dedication and enthusiasm. This character is relatable to many viewers who have experienced the excitement of being a devoted fan. Im Sol’s daydreams about Ryu Sun Jae add a light-hearted and comedic element to the show, highlighting the innocence and joy of youthful infatuation.
Excerpt from the drama Lovely Runner (doc. tvN/Lovely Runner)
Person with Disabilities
In another timeline, Im Sol is depicted as a person with disabilities due to an accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down. She uses a wheelchair and works from home as a video editor. This role is particularly impactful as it showcases Im Sol’s strength and determination to lead a fulfilling life despite her physical limitations. Kim Hye Yoon’s portrayal brings depth to the character, emphasizing the challenges and resilience of individuals with disabilities. It’s a touching and inspiring aspect of the story that adds emotional weight to the drama.
Excerpt from the drama Lovely Runner (doc. tvN/Lovely Runner)
High School Student
Kim Hye Yoon also plays Im Sol as a high school student in two different versions. The first version shows a 19-year-old Im Sol, reckless and infatuated with a famous bassist. This version of Im Sol is carefree and driven by her youthful passions, often getting into trouble and navigating the complexities of teenage life.
The second version features a 34-year-old Im Sol who has time-traveled back to her teenage years to save Ryu Sun Jae from a past event. This time-traveling Im Sol brings a mature perspective to her younger self’s experiences. Kim Hye Yoon’s ability to switch between these two versions with distinct mannerisms and attitudes is impressive, making each timeline believable and engaging.
Excerpt from the drama Lovely Runner (doc. tvN/Lovely Runner)
College Student
After altering her fate, Im Sol is shown as a college student majoring in Mass Communication. This timeline allows Im Sol to avoid interactions with Ryu Sun Jae, who reminds her of a traumatic incident. The first version of Im Sol in this timeline is a typical 20-year-old student, focusing on her studies and trying to navigate college life.
The second version of Im Sol, who comes from the future, avoids Ryu Sun Jae to prevent any potential harm. This portrayal demonstrates Kim Hye Yoon’s skill in handling complex emotions and dual roles, as she balances between a carefree college student and a cautious time traveler.
Excerpt from the drama Lovely Runner (doc. tvN/Lovely Runner)
Film Production Company Staff
In the future, Im Sol works at a film production company, Bon Cinema. Her role involves managing various tasks to ensure the smooth progress of film productions. This depiction of Im Sol shows her professional growth and adaptability over time. It highlights the diverse skill set she develops and the different challenges she faces in her career. Kim Hye Yoon’s portrayal of a determined and efficient staff member adds another layer to Im Sol’s character, showcasing her journey from a passionate fangirl to a competent professional .
Excerpt from the drama Lovely Runner (doc. tvN/Lovely Runner)
Kim Hye Yoon’s versatility in portraying these five roles as Im Sol is truly commendable. Her ability to switch between different stages of life and varying circumstances brings depth and realism to the character, making Lovely Runner a must-watch. In my opinion, this series is a fantastic showcase of Kim Hye Yoon’s talent, and her performances are nothing short of captivating.
