Suspiciously addictive

I watch this without knowing about anything; whether the webtoon or any controversial issues. I was pleasantly surprised that I was hooked by the first episode. For me it's like a breath of fresh air. I've never met an antihero male lead in a kdrama that I couldn't help but to fall in love with. I root for him even though I know he is different. It's unusual for me to drawn to a character that screams as suspicious, cold, manipulative and conniving. His indifferent persona is really addictive.

Story
YJ is simply a textbook sociopath with good-looks-rich-cold-but-nice that everybody wants to be associates with. While Seul is the next-door-girl-hardworking-student that is doing her best to graduate and just want a secure future. Love is the last thing on her mind. The story started pretty strong, as being told from Seul's point of view. How a senior starting to act differently towards her. From him being indifferent to suddenly show some care and interest. And as it progressed, it somehow fails to bring the depth of what YJ character really is. We get to know him through Seul's eyes, and sadly sometimes its not being explored fully.

YJ and In-ho dynamics was a great potential arc but gone amiss by the usual-boring-pointless love triangle trope. Again because it was told from Seul's point of view, I guess the writer can't help but to go down the unnecessary cliche. If only they explored on how both men can mend back their broken relationship. It would have been better in my book. But no.. the show just want to divide and conquer us. It's team YJ versus team In-ho. I hated that the writer butchered such a great potential outcome from these two characters.

Then the story revolved more on Seul's surrounding rather than focus more on her relationship with YJ. It's confusing at times; When a tiny issue like a lost keychain could be blown up into a highly-tensed-pulling-each-other's-hair drama, or when stealing other people's notes/belonging could be tolerable and forgiveable. I find its hard to relate as some of these actions did not resonates to me back when I was a student. It's fictional yes but it's too far fetched if you ask me.

The ending although somehow can be considered as a happy one, is a bit letdown. Again, as being told from Seul's point of view and her surrounding, the growth of YJ as a character was being neglected and treated as less important (He was the main lead for goodness sake). I wish that Seul could play a role in his growth to be a better person instead of just being the catalyst.

Cast
Park Hae-jin as YJ is brilliant. He really brings out the cold and suspicious vibe as the senior who can be manipulative but charming at the same time. His little devilish smile really gets me everytime. What a performance. I became his avid fan ever since.

Kim Go-eun as Seul is good but a bit annoying at times. She did brings out Seul's insecurities and curiosity but her immature-clueless demeanor sometimes puzzles me. I wish the character could be more consistent. If she can be so sensitive about YJ's behaviour shouldn't she be more sensitive about her surrounding and pull herself together.

In-ho is annoying to me. I didn't find him to be that interesting as a character or a better love prospect for Seul. I refused to be sucked into a pointless-unnecessary love triangle trope when his real issues with YJ were being ignored entirely by the writer. Same goes with In-ha. The manic and bizzare acting by her didn't connect to me at all. I am struggling to skip the scene each time I see her.

The overall cast are commendable and convicing enough whether as students, professors, parents and office workers.

Music
It's pretty good and the musical score really helps to bring the right mood of each scenes.

As always : Would I watch it all again?
Yes to YJ parts and skip the rest.

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Missed The Train

I'm dropping it after 8 episodes. This is hardly a rom-com. Idk why they misled viewers like this. Please take note that I am an easy to please kind of viewer and being critical is the last thing on my mind but I had to put my feet down on this one. I was tagged along with all the hype about this show, and after 8 episodes, I don't think this drama is worth the buzz. Coz usually by now, for a rom-com genre, I'll be all giddy, excited and anxious to wait for new episodes every week. But this drama is doing the opposite. It's frustrating.

I guess I have to miss the train on this one and to everybody else who is still onboard, have a safe and pleasant journey.

Story
The show opens up with the introduction of the mothers (Suk-sisters/ Lavender), which is adequately interesting. We can see the dynamics and the rivalry of who has the better daughter/ son. However as it progresses, somehow their relationship felt a bit forced especially when the characters (not all) acted way too comical than it should, by age appropriately. I'm not saying that adults can't be childish and act silly but usually they don't. Yes, I have issues with my parents/ siblings/ friends (that includes wrestling with my brother but it stops as we grow old) but no matter how disappointing/ annoying/ hateful they can be, there is always room for privacy, not some public service announcement out in the street. So, aside from cursing, hitting, head-locking, bantering or physical altercations; Is this the kind of comedy the show would offer? For example, the news about Seok-ryu's broken engagement and quitting her job, were revealed in a most chaotic (unhealthy) setup and it made me hard to relate and empathize with any of them including Seok-ryu herself. So, is this scene served to be funny? If it is, I'm finding it hard to laugh and wish I could go back in time and skip/ fast-forward the whole shenanigans.

Respectively classic childhood-neighbour-friends-to-lovers trope is definitely superior in general, but for me, I've seen too many and it has caused me to be critical/ skeptical of this setup, and as of now LND seems to be nothing new or special. I can't help but to compare it with previous similar settings like in the REPLY series or the recent Lovely Runner (idol/ time travel hiatus), My Sweet Mobster (long-lost relationship/ redemption arc) and Dr Slump (rivalry/ mental health). So I'm searching for that 'it' factor which would make LND stand out and shine on its own, so far there is none. They did some flashback/ parallel scenes (like in LR); They even did a 'he said she said' with their childhood perspective (like in Flipped, an American movie; if you haven't seen it, I highly recommend that you do) but both couldn't deliver the same effect that I had as the latter.

Some of the plot was revealed so abruptly that it doesn't fit well to the story; somehow it doesn't reflect or do justice as to what was happening in the present. For example, Seong-hyo's accident; How can Seok-ryu forget that he lost his Olympic dream due to an accident. I'm a bit perplexed as to how it was scripted/ presented. It's a major setback in his life, so for her to diss and shrug him off about having a dream is mind-blowing to me. To make my point even stronger, she can recall him being hurt because of the fence back when he was a child, but clueless about him being injured in a car accident when he was a teenager? Yeah, mind-blowing pfft.. and not to include the bomb that they dropped in episode 8. There, I rest my case. Goodbye LND.

Casting
Main Couple :
Jung So-min is a versatile actress and I really love her works in this genre. In LND she portrays Seok-ryu as this competitive-chaotic gal, who does and says as she pleases, come and go as she wants and hardly takes no for an answer; in other words, imho came across like a big sister who likes to bully around. Her tone sometimes sounded a bit condescending and it's not really that funny being all bossy. I'm not really charmed by her but I still hope that her character is redeemable and is actually a work in progress. Other than her setback in her career/ love life, I still couldn't really relate with her. Even if she still holds some unknown baggage, I'm not that curious about finding it out. Unfortunately, that unknown baggage caused me to drop the whole thing.

As for Jung Hae-in, depicting Seong-hyo as this stoic-aloof guy, who marvels in his work but kind of circling in his own orbit. I find his portrayal to be not that really appealing, even when he delivers his witty lines and opposite reactions (says one thing but does the other). He is becoming predictable to the point that I didn't find any exciting element in him anymore. Despite that, I still hope to see some more colour in his expressions and fresh antics rather than being poker-face all the time. Because it felt way too repetitive and becoming a bit bland; especially in this genre. I get it that he is a newbie, but Uhm Tae Goo also made his first rom-com debut in MSM and he delivers. Sorry, I just can't help but to compare because both do have that same good-looking-stoic face.

Their chemistry? I hate to say it but... feels a bit mediocre. Why? Because as of now, I'm not really drawn towards them or rooting for their development. Usually by now, I could have picked a side and root for him/her to succeed but currently I'm still in the middle, undecided and sort of confused. The revelation/ introduction of 'he fell first and probably fell harder' trope somehow fell flat and ineffective. I mean, how can he forget about his time capsule-letter? It's quite acceptable if he has it way back when he was a little child, but as a teenager? Shouldn't those feelings linger and stay on a lot longer? And even if the feelings were being ignored/ gone, he would have still remembered it at the back of his mind, right? Even Mo-eum is aware of his letter. It's not adding up. Especially if Seok-ryu is that ONE person who really gets him, calls his bluff and pulls his leg (or pants); his so called biggest supporter whom he can't seem to hate and likes to be around. So the contradiction here is hard to overlook.. so yeah sorry, I'm not buying it. Not even the revelation of Seok-ryu's POV is going to make any difference.

Supporting Couple :
As for Mo-eum and Dan-ho, both actors are commendable. Their introduction is simple, short yet effective and pretty solid. I'm sold at a kind-hearted-klutz guy versus a strong-dependable gal. Their chemistry is good and probably still brewing. I look forward to their development despite their limited screening-time, but I guess their story is not that strong enough to make me stay around. Sorry.

Other Cast :
Suk-sisters/ Lavender - Love the dynamics and the antics. Kudos to Mo-eum's mom, whom I think is the anchor of the group.
Seok-ryu's Family - Relatable at certain points however pretty hard to watch especially with the over-reactions/ exaggerated bickerings and banterings (including the drum).
Seong-hyo's Family - Intriguing but awkwardly sad. My heart goes to all who have difficulty in communicating with their spouse/ children/ parents.
Atelier In - Okay and skippable at times.

Music
I was surprised with the intro. I guess it wanted to give the old nostalgic feelings but honestly not my cup of tea. Overall it's a bit mellow for a romantic comedy.

Should I rewatch it all again?
Nope.

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Overrated! Full on make-up with no substance

This drama is just forgetful. I did enjoy some of it but most of the time was a painful experience. Simply because I'm struggling to focus and try to care for the characters; Any character. Having not to fastforward everything is no joke. Cliches done right? Now that is a joke.

The Story
It is nothing new. A handsome, perfect but broken rich-man who falls in love with a normal hardworking girl. The premise is already starting to make me yawn but I still try to give this show a chance. I crave for something, anything to draw me in. Sadly, none. Not even the comedy parts was that fun. The hidden past also not that intriguing. It would have a stronger effect on me if it was explored further but again, none.

The whole setup was so vain; It only has beautiful make-up with no substance. Like I said earlier, it's forgetful. And you know that there is something wrong and pretty messed up when the second couple is outshining the main couple. Don't deny it. Be honest.

Cast
Overall are just pleasing to the eyes. Thats it. With such shallow-no-depth characters, its really hard to judge if there was any acting involve. Convincing? Okay. Forgetful? 100%. Except for the grandfather.

Music
Okay.

No harm to watch it though. Proceed at your own discretion.

As always; Would I watch it again? No.

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Unusual at its BEST

What a lovely run that was...

Thank you for this rough gem. It has been forever for a youth drama to shine in this era. I’ve experienced from the huge fandom and crazy buzz over Meteor Garden, Itazura Na Kiss, Goong, Coffee Prince, Boys Over Flowers to name a few, and now I’ve found another in Lovely Runner (LR). It’s a masterpiece to me but maybe trash for others, and it's OK. They can enjoy their high tea-scones coz I like to eat my greasy street food.

Although there are certain poorly written fillers/ subplot, borderline unnecessary and annoying, it can be overlooked as the leads are just amazing; Yes, you may say that both leads carried and aced the show. The spotlight is on them and I'm not going to complain. The writer/director did an awesome job of telling their journey of overcoming an ill-fated love story.

Sometimes people just forget that some of us just like to watch a drama/ movie as a way to escape from reality. If you like to be a realist then this drama isn't for you. BUT having said that, if I have to be picky, I wished that the depression part for both leads were explored and explained further.

Plot
Story wise at the beginning suffers a bit of incoherent flow as we deal with a time slip theme however as the story progresses, it builds up a steady momentum of our curiosity, love and anticipation in rooting the leads and where would they take us. The twists and turns in this one are unexpected, thus creating opportunities of endless parallels or reverse perspectives which then were being used to the max. I’m amazed at how beautifully it was being executed, from the cinematography, the ambience and colour grading, the music and how naturally I was to be sucked in and stuck in LR’s Lalaland.

BUT what I love most about LR is that I was being blindsided, multiple times by the unexpected perspectives of SJ and the others. The iconic moment of SJ blowing his kisses remains forever and imprinted in my mind, added with his best friend’s reaction, it was truly unexpected. From here on, I knew that LR is not going to be your typical average rom-com drama.

Cast
Both leads has an amazing-out-of-this-world chemistry and we could feel their love for one another. Their energy genuinely bring warmth and charmed many of us into a fan. And I fell hard on both characters especially in SJ’s part. He is honestly not-your-usual boy who fell head over heels for Sol. His type is really rare to non-existent and only exist in dramaland ^^.

Byeon Woo-Seok as SJ is shining so bright that I went blind. I mean whenever he is on-screen I could not help but to smile whenever he smiles, cry whenever he’s sad, and scream whenever he did those silly little things that could make him look like a fool. Yes, a lovely fool in love. THANK YOU for bringing Seon-jae into life. Let’s just sums it all up as SJ the adorable silly guy in love, whether as a high-schooler, college student or famous star, he just can’t help himself from his destiny. His portrayal for each version of himself are superb and differ from one another yet share the same silliness traits except the one where he was in despair in the beginning; which sets him apart from your typical rom-com leads and I couldn't picture anyone else portraying SJ.

Kim Hye-Yoon as Im Sol is like reminiscing her portrayal in Extraordinary You but it's an upgraded one as she dealt with multiple version of herself. As a girl who originally suffers hardship and trauma, she grows into the adult Sol as a bright yellow sun just like she was when she was in high-school; full of drive, hope and desire. Her portrayals are commendable and I just love her for being able to make each portrayal distinct from one another yet share the same strong concern and anxiety in ensuring SJ's wellbeing. Although this is a rom-com, her dramatic portrayal was actually her strongest points, especially when she was depressed for being paralysed or yelling ungratefully at SJ for saving her; and of course in the final part where she reunites with her lost and forgotten love. Her wailing is full of relief, yearning and sadness mixed with happiness. Her journey throughout the show is definitely not one dimensional.

Other Cast (Overall)
Sol's family n best friend - Mixture of good and bad; Funny but can be annoying at times.
SJ's father and friends - Epic and never enough.
Kim Tae-Sung - Mixed; Funny but can be ignored at some point. Sorry if I'm not a fan LOL.

3 Favourite Scenes;
1) The iconic yellow umbrella, their first meeting.
2) The reunion, after SJ remembers everything.
3) The finale, wishing cherry blossom and its parallel.
3+1) Grandma’s blessing to SJ, I just need to add this one coz BWS is such a damn good actor.

Music
Awesome. It helps to create the mood of hope, youth, love and yearning. My top 3 favourites are Sonagi, Like A Dream and Spring Snow. For me they are truly LR's anthems that complete the story as a whole.

Would I watch this again?
Definitely YES YES YES!

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