Run On (2020)

It’s hidden in the writing…

**** WORK IN PROGRESS****

Run On completely surprised me. I was expecting a generic but sweet romance with an emphasis on athleticism/competition and the ML’s journey to finding new dreams and accomplishing his goals… type of thing. This isn’t what Run On is about at all, and in the very best way possible. In fact, if you asked me to describe what the plot of this drama is, I would find it very difficult to put together the right words. Because this drama isn’t about the actual plot so much as it is about the underlying messages hidden in the writing.

I don’t even feel like I have to check the credits to know its a woman who wrote the script; it’s clear as day. The female lead characters have more depth and grit to them than the usual in dramas, and not just in the stereotypical strong/dominating way that tends to be depicted in dramas. (You know… FLs who portray masculine behavior to almost over-compensate for the fact that they aren’t the stereotypical “feminine” character. Although there isn’t anything particularly wrong with that if done right!) Even though they can be emotional, experience self-doubt, rely on others, be made to feel weak, they are consistent in one thing: sticking to their values. And although less uncommon, the male lead characters also display this behavior of placing an importance on their values. In fact, a majority of the dialogue

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Better Than I Expected

Okay so I wasn't expecting A LOT but I had been putting off watching this drama for a while. Mainly because it didn't look as complex/intense as how I usually like my dramas. And it's not. But it was soooo good.

I'm no way implying the story was simple or lackluster. The plot was well formed and well executed. It kept me engaged and I didn't feel bored at all while watching - I don't think I even skipped a scene! The plot and the diverse characters was refreshing to experience. There was nothing unnecessary and I loved the messages this story tells. There was also quite a bit of development within friendships and dynamics that I really appreciated and loved. It's hard to really say my thoughts on the story and such without spoiling it but I hope y'all get the idea.

I think the cast did a great job with their acting performances and everyone had great chemistry. Personally, I loved the second couple - and their chemistry - more but the main coupling was also great to see develop. Since I know a lot of people are probably wanting to know about the kisses before watching, I'll say that I've 100% seen better and there aren't many but I hardly noticed because the chemistry between the couples were great nonetheless. I didn't feel like I needed to see them kiss a lot or anything. I would say this show focuses more on character development and plot rather than fan service, which I liked.

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I was bored

I loved the ML, both the actor and his acting and the character himself, it weren't for the fact that I didn't enjoy this drama he would 100% be one of my favorite MLs. He's sweet and funny, a pushover when it doesn't matter but never when it does, he's a little weird and overall lovable. I enjoyed his storyline regarding him and Wooshik and everything else regarding track and his family. However I just couldn’t care less about the romance in this drama, I found it boring, uninteresting, unsatifying and plain. I also personally didn’t care about the FL at all, just like the romance she was also plain and overall just not an interesting character to follow. I tryied really hard to push myself to finish this because I really did love the ML but alas I just couldn’t.

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it was a light romance, about life kind of drama. very very very very light. there wasn't like a big conflict, and rather a daily life kind of drama where some small conflicts happen at times. and that's where this drama is different from others. my fav part of the drama would be the characters, they are so so relatable, it's like I could meet these kind of people in real life. oh and the lines were amazing, they are full of messages, beautiful ones. I don't fully understand some of it, but I know it's beautiful. tbh, I don't remember more than half of the drama, if someone asks me to summarise their plot I probably could do it in less than 20 words. but I guess, this is the charm of this drama. feels like it was really slow since there was no conflict but as I watched this during ongoing it's not really a big deal. it was fun, cute and very relaxing, so do watch it :)

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Run on, and on, and on….

This drama did not hold my interest. I watched the first few episodes, thinking it would get better, but it didn’t. I fast forwarded through most of it just to finish it. By the time I realized how long and boring it was starting to be, I had too much time invested in it to drop it. I’m actually surprised at the fairly high rating, because for me, it was hard to stay awake while I watched it. But to each their own, because a lot of viewers loved it. The acting was very good, some good comedic moments, some good serious moments as well. Romance was in it, but not enough for me. I at least like some passionate kissing once in a while, but nothing in this drama. I guess it was a story to teach you how to love yourself, and stand up for what you believe. This could have been done with fewer episodes. Just very drawn out, and boring.

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What a Fantastic Drama.....

So finally finished Run on and all i can say that am with full satisfaction now.... one of the best drama that i watched recently. I just want to say many things that i find particularly in this drama, So the biggest thing that every other dramas must learn from this drama is, how to maintain a good balance and satisfy the viewers throughout the whole show without any lacking in screenplay, the unwanted plot deviations, too annoying love traingle and the worst pity second lead syndrome etc.. Here everything was completely different..

In my case to be honest i find its very unusual the style of making in the start, so infact the first 2 or 3 Episodes are not that impressive to me. The main character Seon gyeom was not so likable in the beginning .. But the funniest thing was the character i hate the most later ended up being my favourite character in the drama, it's so much happened during the coming Episodes and i kind a relate or understand his nature after that. Being a very lonely person without any friends even from his own family was not there for him. His behaviour makes sense, It was very beautifully portrayed.

And for the rest of the character's the main female lead oh mi joo was also done an absolutely fabulous job with her performance and cuteness. The moments between the main leads was the best. Because its very simple and not too complicated way of expressing their feelings to each other, So every time they together it really interesting to see them. And next, coming to the 2nd couple ( i already mentioned a few points in the 1st paragraph, the learning things from this drama, yes there was not a single drop of love triangle or second lead syndrome) again one of the best 2nd lead romance in here. Because it makes logical, the way they slowly begin everything from two totally different personalities was really interesting to look forward. Also another thing was Lee yong Hwa the 2nd male lead character , just Wow what a character he was. Just his enthusiasm was good enough to make him attractive. His performance was also fabulous and also his friendship with Seom Gyeom was just awesome...

Coming to the story and the different style of narration. We knew the fact that this drama is a melo drama so it slowly tells the story, there must be a deep narration l and it was totally a worth and very interesting way without any lag. I seen in many dramas that they lost the pace in some point after 8th Episode. But here it eventually getting better and better with all the Episodes. Done justice to all the characters and it concluded very beautifully, by the way it a kind of a different ending that what i felt. The way they started and the way they ended was completely different, Another Magical romantic slice of life melodrama ❤️

Final word , so many people may feel not interested in the start, because it's all a new style of drama , but it definitely slowly move to you later. So patiently watch and explore the magic behind Run On.. Once Again Thanks to JTBC for bringing an outstanding drama again.. i just also want to thanks the writer for this superb screenplay

A Must watch Drama ( its very personal opinion)

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ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT

One of the most realistic drama I've ever watched.
Let me tell you Run On was my guilty pleasure. I was anxiously waiting for the next episode every week. Do we have to talk about chemistry? Bam! It's there and it's oozing, both the couples were so well written. The lines were so out of real life I was sure the writers were narrating someones life with just a bit of fiction.
I love how the awkward Seon Gyeom was always paying attention to free spirited Mi Joo and how she was supporting him in every step he took. Dan Ah and Young Hwa where the cutest, it's refreshing how they reversed the roles of the serious male and happy go lucky female of Kdrama standard.
I will definetely rewatch it after a while.

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Living Life and Love

{I'm writing this before the last two episodes are broadcast.}

I'm giving accolades to this drama because it has a story that draws you in, is well enacted, and is highly enjoyable. I like the way each character stays true to their own psychological place, and their reactions to their life experiences within the drama. Each person has to keep pushing on to fulfill their own lives.

Oh my goodness, writer Park Shi Hyun, you are good. I love your story arch. You reflect how quirky life can be, and the variety of viewpoints of your different characters. I love how you keep people guessing about orientation of some of the characters. Your dialog is unstilted, and natural. The one liner actor Im Shi Wan says about the clothing that he was supposed to wear rates in one of the top moments of the series for me, since Shi Wan is purportedly a clothes hound. As he was picking up the bag he said something off the cuff like, "I guess they were worried that I might go naked." That was funny. Very cute.

Now all that said, I'm hoping that the story keeps going to the end of episode 16, and doesn't crash and burn like some of the other K-dramas I've invested 16 hours in. Maybe this is out of the hands of the writer though, as netizens might try to take over and influence the executive producers. Anyway, as you can tell from the comment, I am not happy about the strange endings I've had the misfortune to endure (along with obviously dismayed actors). I think we are going to get a very unexpected ending, so I'm looking forward to it. In any event, Park Shi Hyun and the entire team have achieved something very good. I hope you watch it.

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I don't normally write a review but this is an exception. At first you will say that the story is boring but as the episodes progressed you will noticed that it is not. I like how they build the characters as humans. Not overdressed ML AND FL. Heartwarming story. I also like the chemistry between so young and taeh oh. They are really perfect in this story as well. Simple yet heartwarming plot. Simple in a good way drama.

And I have known Im si wan since king is in love and moon embracing the son he is really a versatile actor as well. Shin she kyeong is beautiful but so far Im si wan is the best pair that I saw being paired with her. With good chemistry compared to her previous LM.

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Witty, clever and entertaining. All words I can use to describe Run On. Plus with strong, ranging performances from all four leading characters, Im Shi Wan especially with his deadpan expressions, made this quite the show to watch for the 8 weeks. Run On honestly doesn't have much of an overarching plot but rather mini happenings and events ranging from overbearing parents, bullying, being comfortable with yourself and the path you wish to go on in life. The show was strong despite a simplistic plot and just as entertaining as most of its “plot driven” contemporaries.

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Where can I find my own Ki Seon Gyeom?

Honestly, I started watching this because of my admiration for Siwan. But as a result, I also fell in love with
Run On(team) the casts, staff, crew, director (because of the bts), the writer, everyone! Admitting that first episode, I was a little confused but I'm not saying I don't like it. Actually I loved it so much, it was weird but, yeah I loved it. I like its humor, there is no episode that I don’t laugh too much. I also like the romance here, the high level chemistry of Siwan and Sekyung. All characters are lovable and admirable. The story is simple yet its deep and you’ll learn many things about life, with witty dialogues and perfect acting. The cinematography is great, and the OSTs are perfect too! I have nothing to criticize in Run On, if it has imperfections, it doesn't matter to me. I watch drama to satisfy my heart and technical things don't matter. In the end, only our own preference and opinion will remain important. For me it’s a great drama, from start to finish..
If I love marshmallow sooo much, RUN ON IS A LIKE A MARSHMALLOW. ; >

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Don't let this drama pass you by!

I can't understand why I don't see more of this drama in social media. The reason I started was because I was watching Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung e thought "I need to see more of this actress (Shin Se Kyung)" and I saw this drama was on air, and since I like to watch dramas before they finish, I said let's go. But the reason why I'm still watching is because is seriously one of the best dramas I've watched so far.

First thing I have to say so far is that if you're expecting a eventful drama, with major conflicts and romantic triangles, this is not what you're looking for (so far). But the simplicity of this drama is just so endearing you can't just stop watching and waiting for the next episode.

Both ML and FL interactions are quirky and at the same time straightforward and deep. Mi Joo is a hard-working woman who deeply loves her job, seems to not have had a perfect home life and it looks like there aren't much work opportunities, but she doesn't act like a victim of life circumstances, and is strong e realistic. Ki Seon Gyeom to some may seem like a poor rich boy who followed the path his family paved for him and one day decided "screw this", but to me he actually is just a very strong and smart person who decided to transform his family's expectation to something he would also enjoy and when the time came for him to take a stance and make a choice he didn't hesitated (it was not a rebellion out of the blue). His personality is very endearing and his chemistry with the FL is very good too. He may seem aloof at times but is actually very self-conscious and observant.

The second lead couple is also evolving pretty nicely. Seo Dan Ah is also a very strong and driven woman, and also with family issues, especially with her (half?)brothers, and Lee Young Hwa comes to add more funny moments in the show, but is also a hard-working man. I see some drama coming for Dan Ah towards de second-half of the show and I'm expecting Young Hwa to support her.

All four leads are very strong and nice people just dealing with life. For some the show might seem boring and uneventful, but it's just so well written, well directed, the acting is spot on and the visuals very appealing. Highly recommend everyone to watch and give a chance. I'm not very picky so I gave 10/10 for everything because so far nothing turned me off.

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