Recently released for the first time on April 8, 2024, on Viu, “Lovely Runner” quickly grabbed attention. Starring Kim Hye Yoon and Byeon Woo Seok, the drama faces a potential boycott due to allegations of referencing the late Jonghyun from SHINee.
In response to these accusations, CJ ENM, the production company, also addressed the issue. They clarified that “Lovely Runner,” adapted from a web novel, does not depict the life of the deceased. Let’s delve into the details below for a clearer understanding.
1. Alleged Reference to Jonghyun in “Lovely Runner”
trailer for the drama Lovely Runner (Instagram.com/tvn_drama)“Lovely Runner” is based on the web novel “Tomorrow’s #1” (2020), which was later adapted into webtoons in 2021. Penned by Lee Si Eun, the drama revolves around Im Sol (played by Kim Hye Yoon), a fan of an idol named Ryu Sun Jae (portrayed by Byeon Woo Seok). Tragedy strikes when Sun Jae loses his life due to an incident.
Following the drama’s release, many viewers, especially SHINee fans, suspected that the storyline paralleled the life of Jonghyun, who passed away in 2017. This suspicion intensified as “Lovely Runner” premiered on April 8, coinciding with Jonghyun’s birthdate. Additionally, elements such as time travel back to 2008 are seen as nods to SHINee’s debut year.
Fans point out various details supporting their suspicions, such as Sun Jae’s character being described as a radio DJ, reminiscent of Jonghyun’s past as a radio host. Moreover, certain details in the drama were not present in the original work, causing discomfort among fans and leading to threats of boycott.
2. CJ ENM’s Clarification on “Lovely Runner”
trailer for the drama Lovely Runner (Instagram.com/tvn_drama)CJ ENM responded to the accusations, emphasizing that “Lovely Runner” does not reference any specific individual. They stated that the drama, based on an original work, does not depict events or real-life individuals.
“The debut year of Ryu, the male protagonist of ‘Lovely Runner,’ is 2009, and the drama is adapted from the web novel ‘Tomorrow’s #1,’ not intended to mirror events or the lives of specific individuals,” CJ ENM stated in a release.
Regarding the time setting in 2008, they explained that aligning with the original work’s timeline would not highlight significant historical differences. Therefore, they opted for 2008, 15 years before 2023, to underscore era distinctions.
3. Director’s Explanation on Premiere Date
trailer for the drama Lovely Runner (Instagram.com/tvn_drama)During a press conference for the drama, director Yoon Jong Ho addressed concerns about the premiere date’s connection to Jonghyun. He clarified that the choice of date was unrelated to Jonghyun and instead tied to the significance of the Beijing Olympics held in 2008, which garnered national attention.
“Since there were many renowned athletes during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, it provides a memorable setting for the drama,” said Yoon Jong Ho.
Have you watched “Lovely Runner”?
