Ryu Sun Jae, portrayed by Byeon Woo Seok in the show Lovely Runner, is the lead vocalist of the famous band ECLIPSE. In this drama, Sun Jae discovers he has a devoted fan named Im Sol (Kim Hye Yoon).
Plot twist: Sun Jae and Sol have known each other since their teenage years. Before Sol became a fan, Sun Jae harbored feelings for her.
It’s revealed that Sol travels back in time upon hearing news of Sun Jae’s supposed suicide. She returns to 2008, their high school years. During this time, Sun Jae often appears distant from Sol. What motivates his behavior? Let’s explore the reasons below.
Warning: Spoilers ahead.
1. He Was Holding Back Due to Irritation with Sol’s Adorable Behavior
excerpt from the drama Lovely Runner (doc. tvN/Lovely Runner)In a scene from Lovely Runner, Sun Jae moves to a new house opposite Sol’s. Their close proximity leads to packages being misdelivered. Sun Jae meets Sol while trying to return one of these packages, and he immediately falls for her sincerity, especially when she shields him from the rain.
However, Sun Jae feels awkward around Sol, who openly admires him. Despite being seen as cool, Sun Jae hides his true feelings behind playful teasing, actually annoyed by Sol’s idolization.
For instance, when Sol gets drunk on alcohol-laced syrup from her father, Sun Jae stifles his laughter at her antics. He also tries to keep his distance, feeling nervous when she’s too close.
2. Caught in Awkward Timing, Ruining the Moment
excerpt from the drama Lovely Runner (doc. tvN/Lovely Runner)Sun Jae repeatedly attempts to confess his feelings to Sol but is thwarted by untimely interruptions. Whenever he tries to express himself, circumstances intervene, and he struggles to convey his emotions clearly. Misunderstandings further complicate matters.
3. Sol’s Affection for Kim Tae Sung, a Source of Confusion
excerpt from the drama Lovely Runner (doc. tvN/Lovely Runner)Sol, having time-traveled from 2023 to 2008, reminisces about her past crush, Kim Tae Sung. They even had a relationship during her teenage years.
This revelation confuses Sun Jae, who is hurt that Sol is involved with someone else despite his own feelings for her. Unaware that he’s dating Sol from 2008, while the supportive Sol is from the future, Sun Jae grapples with conflicting emotions but remains unable to dismiss his feelings for Sol.
These reasons shed light on why Sun Jae often appears distant toward Sol. Here’s hoping that future episodes of Lovely Runner resolve the misunderstandings between them.