Kim Hye-yoon stars as Im Sol in the time travel romance drama “Lovely Runner.” Sol is a devoted fan of the singer Sun-jae, a member of the band Eclipse. She is grateful for Sun-jae’s kind words of encouragement, which helped her when she was in a dark place. Sol becomes such a passionate fan that news of Sun-jae’s death crushes her, leading her to pray for a way to reverse fate. She is then sent back in time to prevent Sun-jae from making fatal decisions in order to save him. Kim shared that playing Sol helped her experience what it’s like to be a fan and appreciate her own fans even more.
Throughout the series, Sol works diligently to save Sun-jae by protecting him, even if it means she has to suffer. Sun-jae, played by Byeon Woo-seok, also tries to save Sol, often getting hurt in the process. The varied plot twists in the story provide the characters with multiple opportunities to save each other and change their destinies. Kim enjoyed the script because it allowed her to portray Sol at various stages in her life, from her teens to her 30s. She also had fun with the costume changes required for the character’s transformation over the years.
Time travel dramas, especially second-chance romances, are a popular theme in Korean dramas. Kim believes that these stories resonate with audiences because they tap into a fundamental aspect of human nature: regret. She explains that many people have moments in the past that they wish they could change, making the idea of going back in time relatable due to the choices people face every day. “Lovely Runner” is based on the web novel “The Best of Tomorrow” by Kim Bbang and was adapted for the screen by Lee Si-eun, known for writing the screenplay for “True Beauty.” The drama is directed by Yoon Jong-ho and Kim Tae-yeop, known for their work on popular dramas such as “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God” and “When My Love Blooms.”
Kim Hye-yoon’s portrayal of Sol in “Lovely Runner” offers a glimpse into the life of a devoted fan who will do anything to save her idol. The series explores themes of devotion, fandom, and the lengths one is willing to go to protect the people they care about. Kim’s character undergoes various challenges and learns valuable lessons along the way as she navigates the complexities of time travel to change the course of her and Sun-jae’s fates. Fans of Kim Hye-yoon and the genre of second-chance romances are sure to enjoy the heartfelt and engaging storyline of “Lovely Runner.”
As Kim continues to captivate audiences with her performance in “Lovely Runner,” she reflects on the importance of portraying diverse characters who undergo growth and transformation. Through Sol, Kim explores the depths of devotion, friendship, and sacrifice, offering viewers a poignant and relatable narrative. The drama delves into the complexities of relationships, the power of love, and the impact of one’s actions on the lives of others. With its compelling storyline, talented cast, and captivating performances, “Lovely Runner” is set to leave a lasting impression on viewers and solidify Kim Hye-yoon’s reputation as one of Korea’s most promising young talents.
