Lovely Runner has captivated audiences and sparked countless discussions even after its finale on May 28, 2024. This popular drama continues to be a hot topic, with fans eagerly talking about the cast and the production process. Recently, the team behind Lovely Runner shared some fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, offering a glimpse into the making of this beloved show. Let’s dive into four of these intriguing tales.
Writer Lee Si Eun’s Journey to Cast Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon
Kim Hye Yoon and Byeon Woo Seok in Lovely Runner (instagram.com/tvn_drama)
In multiple interviews, writer Lee Si Eun revealed his meticulous process of casting the main characters, Ryu Sun Jae and Im Sol. Lee wanted Ryu Sun Jae to be a unique romantic lead, characterized by the gentleness of a second lead male and a one-sided love story. Finding an actor who could portray Ryu from his teenage years to his thirties was no easy task. This search took three years due to the challenge of finding someone who could believably play both a high school student and a mature adult.
The breakthrough came when Lee Si Eun watched 20th Century Girls (2022) and saw Byeon Woo Seok’s versatility. Lee was convinced that Byeon could bring Ryu Sun Jae’s character to life across different ages. Similarly, for Im Sol, Lee Si Eun drew inspiration from Kim Hye Yoon’s performances in Extraordinary You (2019) and The Girl Riding a Bulldozer (2022). Kim’s ability to balance cheerfulness with a dark side made her the perfect fit for Im Sol, solidifying her as Lee’s muse for the character.
The Cast’s Winter Filming Struggles
Kim Hye Yoon in Lovely Runner (instagram.com/tvn_drama)
Shooting Lovely Runner took a grueling ten months, and winter brought its own set of challenges. One of the toughest scenes was in the first episode, where Im Sol falls into a river to retrieve Ryu Sun Jae’s watch. Filming this scene in minus 10-degree weather was harrowing for the cast and crew.
Director Yoon Jong Ho expressed his guilt over making Kim Hye Yoon enter the icy water. To minimize her exposure to the cold, they shot as much of the scene as possible before bringing in the actors. Despite their efforts, Kim turned pale and struggled to continue acting. Writer Lee Si Eun also felt deep remorse, embracing Kim and crying over the hardship.
The cast faced other winter hardships, including wearing thin, short-sleeved clothing. They even joked about chewing ice to reduce visible breath vapor while speaking. These stories highlight the dedication and resilience of the Lovely Runner team in creating authentic and engaging scenes.
The Necklace Dilemma
Kim Hye Yoon and Byeon Woo Seok in Lovely Runner (instagram.com/tvn_drama)
One of the memorable props in Lovely Runner is the necklace given to Im Sol by Ryu Sun Jae. Initially, writer Lee Si Eun envisioned an umbrella-shaped pendant with initials, but it seemed impractical for Ryu to wear. Without sponsors, the production team had to design the necklace themselves, resulting in a range of designs.
Director Yoon Jong Ho was unsure about the final design but had to proceed due to tight deadlines. After the scene aired, the necklace’s design drew criticism from viewers, adding another layer of behind-the-scenes drama. Despite this, the team’s creativity and resourcefulness shone through, demonstrating their commitment to the project.
The Accidental Sinking of Kim Tae Sung’s Car
Song Geon Hee, Lee Seung Hyub, and Byeon Woo Seok in Lovely Runner (instagram.com/tvn_drama)
In a memorable moment from episode twelve, an unexpected incident occurred involving Kim Tae Sung’s car, Sunny. The scene required the car to be pulled into the sea, but a malfunction caused the car to sink for real. With the cameras already rolling, the team decided to capture the unscripted moment.
This unexpected event caused panic on set, but it also brought laughter, showcasing the unpredictable nature of filmmaking. This anecdote exemplifies the spontaneous and sometimes chaotic reality of producing a drama, where not everything goes as planned.
A Final Thought
Lovely Runner has not only delivered an engaging story on-screen but also offered fans a wealth of behind-the-scenes tales. These stories reveal the dedication, creativity, and resilience of the cast and crew. As a fan, I appreciate the hard work and passion that went into making Lovely Runner a standout drama. Let’s eagerly await more captivating works from this talented team in the future!