There were plenty of surprises for Lovely Runner (2024) viewers in episodes 7 and 8. One of them was the sudden appearance of Kim Tae Sung in the future.
Initially, viewers thought Kim Tae Sung had died. So, why has Kim Tae Sung only shown up now? Could he have been alive all along?
Warning: Spoilers Ahead!
1. In the initial future, Kim Tae Sung’s absence sparks audience debate.
Still cut of Korean drama Lovely Runner (doc. Viu/Lovely Runner)Viewers had only encountered Kim Tae Sung (played by Song Geon Hee) in the past. Back in high school, Kim Tae Sung was part of Baek In Hyuk’s band. In the present timeline, Im Sol (Kim Hye Yeon) meets Kim Tae Sung for the first time when Ryu Seon Jae’s school friend is cornered by thugs.
In the future, Lee Hyun Joo (Seo Hye Won) mentions that Kim Tae Sung, known for his mischievousness, suddenly vanished. This led viewers to speculate that Kim Tae Sung might be deceased.
Additionally, viewers once believed that Kim Tae Sung was the person who aided Im Sol after she was struck by a taxi, resulting in her demise. However, this theory was debunked when Im Sol remembered that it was Ryu Seon Jae who helped her.
2. Perhaps Kim Tae Sung is working as a police officer and appeared at Im Sol’s residence to safeguard her.
Still cut of Korean drama Lovely Runner (doc. Viu/Lovely Runner)Kim Tae Sung only appears in the future when Im Sol (Kim Hye Yeon) successfully alters her fate. In episode 7, Kim Tae Sung shows up in front of Im Sol’s apartment.
Viewers speculate that due to the changes in Im Sol’s past, Kim Tae Sung’s past might have changed as well. It’s possible that in the future, Kim Tae Sung will follow in his father’s footsteps and become a police officer.
In episode 7, there’s a scene where Im Sol receives several letters, one of which is from the prosecutor’s office. It’s plausible that the letter informed her that the taxi driver, Kim Young Soo (Heo Hyeong Gyu), was released.
Furthermore, it appears that events from the real Im Sol’s past, not from the future, have occurred. This prompts Kim Tae Sung to vow to protect Im Sol in the future.
3. Viewers speculate that Kim Tae Sung might be responsible for turning Ryu Seon Jae’s watch into a time travel device.
Still cut of Korean drama Lovely Runner (doc. Viu/Lovely Runnerdok. KakaoWebtoon/Lovely Runner)Interestingly, the character Kim Tae Sung doesn’t appear in the novel or webtoon versions of The Best of Tomorrow. However, viewers have developed a new theory regarding the original owner of the watch in the webtoon.
In the drama, it’s revealed that Ryu Seon Jae owns the watch that serves as a means for time travel. Yet, viewers suspect that Kim Tae Sung might hold the key to time travel in the drama adaptation.
This speculation arises because the Kim Tae Sung who appears in Im Sol’s apartment resembles the owner of the watch in episode 39 of the webtoon. However, this theory remains unproven, as some believe that the original owner of the watch in the novel version is Ryu Seon Jae’s friend’s younger brother.
The three theories mentioned above remain unverified. Viewers are hopeful that Kim Tae Sung in the future will aid Im Sol and Ryu Seon Jae. Do you have another theory about Kim Tae Sung?