Lovely Runner is officially over, with protagonists Im Sol and Ryu Sun-jae going through an emotional and dangerous timeline in its finale. For almost one month, the lead-up to the ending of the time-slip K-drama pondered what fate would have in store for the couple. Does Im Sol and Sun-jae’s love prevail? Here we break down the ending of the tvN original K-drama Lovely Runner.
A love story that defies time, Lovely Runner is penned by True Beauty fame scriptwriter Lee Shi-eun and is inspired by the web novel The Best of Tomorrow, also serialised as a webtoon by illustrator Doong Doong.
One of the highest-rated Korean dramas of 2024, it tells the story of popular idol Ryu Sun-jae (played by Byeon Woo-seok), who ends up losing his life because of the glamourous showbiz. The sudden demise shatters his number one fan Im Sol (played by Kim Hye-yoon). However, when she mysteriously travels back in time, Im Sol finds Sun-jae alive and vows to alter the events that could lead to his demise.
Directed by Yoon Jong-ho and Kim Tae-yeop, Lovely Runner has skyrocketed to fame for all the good reasons. The show will make you swoon more often than not, as the naive Im Sol defies time to save her one true love, Sun-jae. However, the ending of Lovely Runner is more likely to have you reaching for a tissue box.
Warning: Spoilers ahead.
Lovely Runner ending: Does Sun-jae remember Im Sol?
근데 이거 먼저… 드르륵 탁…
근데 이거 먼저… 드르륵 탁…
이게 바로 으른 솔선재（˶ᵔᵕᵔ˶)♡ᐝ#선재업고튀어 #LovelyRunner pic.twitter.com/3LiEP1uNIvSee Also'Happy Endings' 10 Best Episodes, RankedSamuel Small explains what Bonus Track's happy yet "terrifying" ending means to himRoerig seizoen Tilburg krijgt happy end: 'Met lef gespeeld'Burnham & Book's Discovery Happy Ending Is Something I've Wanted From Star Trek Forever— tvN drama (@CJnDrama) May 28, 2024
Ahead of its ending, Lovely Runner takes fans down memory lane in episode 15, the show’s penultimate episode.
Ryu Sun-jae (Byeon) recollects everything that has happened between him and Im Sol (Kim) in each of the timelines — from their first meeting and their college era to Im Sol’s accident and his tragic death.
Just after recording the demo for his new song “Sudden Shower” (which also makes for one of the best K-drama OSTs from Lovely Runner), all of Sun-jae’s lost memories start rushing back to him, followed by intense pain in his head and chest. Eventually, he ends up recognising his one true love, Im Sol.
Does Sun-jae survive in the present timeline?
Unable to stay away from Im Sol anymore in the present timeline, Sun-Jae rushes to her. But he comes in front of Kim Young-soo’s (played by Heo Hyeong-yu) car while crossing the road. The former, who has had a grudge against Sun-jae and Im Sol in all timelines, is no better in the present. However, when the ruthless criminal is about to run over Sun-Jae, police inspector Kim Tae-sung’s (played by Song Geon-hee) car comes in between them, saving Sun-Jae.
What happens to Kim Young-soo?
While Tae-sung continues chasing Young-soo’s car, the latter escapes. However, during this intense chase, a truck hits him. It is later revealed that the accident pushed Young-soo down a river, eventually taking his life.
The big reveal: Does Im Sol and Sun-jae get their happy ending in the K-drama Lovely Runner?
솔선재는 오래오래 행복하게 살았답니다
결혼식 축하하러 갈 하객 구함(1/999999)#선재업고튀어 #LovelyRunner pic.twitter.com/loAwtxxtHX— tvN drama (@CJnDrama) May 28, 2024
YES! tvN lives up to the expectations of K-drama fans and offers a happily ever after to one of the most favourite on-screen couples of 2024.
The finale episode 16 of Lovely Runner begins with Im Sol learning about the attack on Sun-jae. The latter, who lost consciousness after the incident with Young-soo, is now admitted to a hospital. When he regains consciousness, Sun-jae rushes outside the hospital and finally meets Im Sol. Sun-jae then reveals that he remembers their love and the couple share a kiss.
Soon, the duo start dating but decide to keep their relationship private due to Sun-Jae’s popularity in Korea. Towards the end of episode 16, Sun-Jae plans to propose to Im Sol. However, when he arrives at Sol’s nephew’s birthday party, Sun-jae discovers Sol’s desire to start her journey to become a movie director and postpones his proposal plan.
In the final moments, the episode takes a time jump. Sol is now a director and has completed her first movie. Sun-jae, on the other hand, is ready to propose to Im Sol for marriage but decides to keep the event simple. While taking a regular walk with Sol, he proposes to her with a beautiful ring saying, “Sol, spend every moment with me from now on”. The latter accepts the proposal with tears in her eyes.
The episode ends with the happy couple imagining their wedding ceremony, allowing fans to enjoy glimpses of Sol and Sun-Jae’s special day.
All episodes of Lovely Runner are now available to stream on Rakuten Viki.
(Hero and Featured image: Courtesy Byeon Woo-seok/Instagram)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– Does Lovely Runner have a happy ending or a sad ending?
Lovely Runner has a happy ending, with Sun-jae proposing marriage to Im Sol.
– Is the Lovely Runner K-drama finished?
Yes, tvN aired the finale episode of Lovely Runner on 28 May 2024. It was later released on the streaming platform Viki the same day.
– How many episodes are there in Lovely Runner?
Lovely Runner has a total of 16 episodes.
– Is Lovely Runner based on a true story?
No, Lovely Runner is based on the web novel The Best of Tomorrow, also serialised as a webtoon by illustrator Doong Doong.
