American magazine Time has named the drama “Lovely Runner,” starring actors Byeon Woo-Seok (Ryu Seon-Jae) and Kim Hye-Yoon (Im Sol), as the year’s best K-drama so far.
Time Praises “Lovely Runner” Finale’s Emotional Storytelling
On the 30th of last month, Time magazine published a column titled “‘How Lovely Runner Nailed Its Finale to Become the Year’s Best K-Drama (So Far)'”
The article focused on the show’s ending, commending it for prioritizing “emotional storytelling over the logical cause and effect relationship characteristic of Korean dramas.”
Love Story Transcending Fate
Time Magazine elaborated on the show’s emotional core: “Instead of being realistic, it completed an emotional line that was completed through the consistency of the overall story and the characters’ three time slips, and unfolded it as a love story that transcends fate.”
The article further highlights Im Sol’s happy ending: “Sol’s happy ending was impressive in that it not only found the opportunity to fulfill her dream of becoming a film director, but also showed each other’s love and support.”
Portrayal of Disability Raises Concerns
While praising the show’s conclusion, Time acknowledges a point of criticism: “It was regrettable that Im Sol’s disability was portrayed as an obstacle to be ‘overcome’ or ‘cured’ in order to pursue the ultimate happy ending.”
Satisfactory Ending Leads to Success
Despite this point, the article concludes that the show’s overall satisfying ending was a key factor in its success: “He continued, ‘Lovely Runner’s mostly satisfying ending is further tied to its success as a series.'”
“Lovely Runner” tells the story of Im Sol, an ardent fan who fell into despair over the death of Ryu Seon-Jae, a famous artist who gave her the will to live. In a moment of hopelessness, she finds herself transported back in time to 2008, determined to save her favorite idol. The 16-episode drama concluded on the 28th of last month.
