Today’s Episode The Lovely Runner June 25, 2026 is here. Get the detailed review and top highlights below. Follow our social channels for fresh updates on your favorite Pinoy shows.
The Lovely Runner (2026) Highlights
Some K-dramas leave you smiling for days. The Lovely Runner is one of them. This South Korean romantic comedy is loved by viewers around the world. Even in 2026, many people are still watching it and discovering it for the first time.
If you want to learn more about the show, this guide will help you. Here, you can find information about the story, cast, streaming platforms, popular moments, and why so many viewers enjoy watching it.
What Is The Lovely Runner?
The Lovely Runner (also known as Lovely Runner or its Korean title 선재 업고 튀어) is a South Korean romantic comedy drama. The series was directed by Yoon Jong Ho and Kim Tae Yub, and written by Lee Shi Eun. It was broadcast on the South Korean network tvN between April 8, 2024, and May 28, 2024.
The show was adapted from a web novel named “The Best of Tomorrow” by Kim Bbang and was produced by CJ ENM Co. Ltd.
The story blends romance, time travel, and second chances in a way that feels genuinely fresh. It isn’t just another love story. It’s about what happens when one person’s life becomes the reason another person wants to live — and what they’ll do to protect that.
The Story: What The Lovely Runner Is About
Kim Hye Yoon plays Im Sol, a young woman who greatly admires Ryu Sun Jae. When she hears the sad news about his death, her world changes. Ryu Sun Jae, played by Byeon Woo Seok, was a popular singer who was once a swimmer. In the middle of her grief, she magically time slips back to 2008, when Sun Jae is still only 19 years old. Determined to help him avoid his terrible fate, Sol makes it her mission to change the future — and maybe find love along the way.
What makes the story hit so hard is the emotional core underneath the fantasy. Sol didn’t just love Sun Jae as a fan. His music kept her alive during the darkest period of her life. This story is not only about love. It is also about appreciation, difficult choices, and the journey of falling in love with someone she once admired from afar.
The time travel mechanics are clever, the humor lands naturally, and the emotional payoffs are earned. That’s a rare combination.
Program Information
| Detail | Information |
| Original Title | 선재 업고 튀어 |
| English Title | Lovely Runner / The Lovely Runner |
| Genre | Romantic Comedy, Fantasy, Time Travel |
| Original Network | tvN (South Korea) |
| Production Company | Studio Dragon, CJ ENM Co. Ltd. |
| Directors | Yoon Jong Ho, Kim Tae Yub |
| Writer | Lee Shi Eun |
| Based On | The Best of Tomorrow (web novel by Kim Bbang) |
| Country of Origin | South Korea |
| Target Audience | Teens, young adults, and K-drama fans worldwide |
| Latest Updates & Recaps | PinoyFlixSu |
Who Stars in The Lovely Runner?
The series starred Byeon Woo Seok, who played Ryu Sun Jae a popular singer with a devoted fan named Sol, portrayed by Kim Hye Yoon.
Kim Hye Yoon as Im Sol : Sol is the emotional anchor of the show. She’s imperfect, funny, and deeply human. Kim Hye Yoon’s performance is widely praised for making a complex character feel completely real.
Byeon Woo Seok as Ryu Sun Jae : Sun Jae is warm, passionate, and quietly intense. Byeon Woo Seok is known for his roles in other series including 20th Century Girl, Record of Youth, Strong Girl Nam-soon, and Soulmate.
The supporting cast includes Song Geon-Hee, Lee Seung-hyub, and Kwon Yuri.
The chemistry between the two leads is a huge part of why the show works so well. Their scenes feel natural, not staged , which is harder to pull off than it looks.
The Lovely Runner in the Philippines: GMA Network Broadcast
The show found a huge audience in the Philippines, and it got a proper free-to-air run. The Lovely Runner aired on GMA Network from June 23, 2025, and ended its run on August 22, 2026. It was replaced by the K-drama One Ordinary Day, which aired on August 25, 2026.
The series aired on GMA Network Monday to Friday at 5:10 PM – 5:40 PM. That afternoon timeslot put it right in the sweet spot for students and working adults who tune in after school or during a break.
For the Philippine broadcast, some character names were changed to make them easier for local viewers to remember. For example, Sun-jae was renamed Sandro, Tae-seong became Tyrone, and In-hyuk was changed to Ian. This is a common practice for dubbed K-dramas on Philippine free TV, making it easier for local audiences to connect with the characters.
Where to Watch The Lovely Runner Online in 2026
Fans have several good options depending on where they live.
After missing out on Lovely Runner for over two years, a select number of countries received the K-drama on Netflix at the end of May 2026. At least ten countries will get the series, including the UK, Australia, and South Korea.
This marks the first occasion that Lovely Runner is added to the Netflix library in South Korea, as it was previously exclusive to TVING. Sadly, the K-drama is not listed to be coming to Netflix US. However, audiences in the US can stream the series with subscriptions to either Amazon Prime, Apple TV, or Rakuten Viki.
In the Philippines, Lovely Runner is available in Tagalog dubbed format on Viu Philippines.
Quick Streaming Guide:
- Netflix : Available in UK, Australia, South Korea, and select regions (from May/June 2026)
- Viu : Philippines (Tagalog dubbed)
- Amazon Prime Video — United States
- Apple TV : United States
- Rakuten Viki : United States and other regions
The Lovely Runner Highlights
What are people actually talking about? Here are the highlights that made this show a genuine phenomenon.
The Time Slip Reveal
The first time Sol slips back to 2008, the show immediately changes gear. The confusion, the wonder, and the realization of what she can actually do , it sets up the entire emotional journey perfectly.
High School Sun Jae
Many viewers agree that young Sun Jae scenes are some of the best in the whole series. He’s earnest, passionate about swimming, and completely unaware that this strange girl from the future is trying to save his life. The dramatic irony runs deep.
Sol and Sun Jae’s First Genuine Connection
A special moment in the story comes when their connection begins to grow beyond that of a fan and a celebrity. Over time, their relationship becomes more personal and meaningful. It doesn’t rush. That patience pays off.
The Concert Scene
Without giving too much away , the concert sequence near the end of the series is where everything converges. Emotionally and visually, it’s the kind of scene people rewatch and talk about for years.
What Fans Are Saying in 2026
The show continues to win new viewers nearly two years after its original run. Viewers on review sites consistently highlight the writing and lead performances.
One viewer shared that they watch the show again every April and still become emotional during many scenes. They also liked the way the story was presented and said that Kim Hye Yoon did a great job in her role.
Another viewer who watched the drama in 2026 said it was recommended by a friend. They enjoyed Sol and Sun Jae’s story from start to finish and felt that both characters were realistic and easy to connect with.
FAQ: The Lovely Runner
What is The Lovely Runner about?
The Lovely Runner follows Im Sol, a devoted fan who travels back in time to 2008 to save the life of her favorite K-pop star, Ryu Sun Jae. Along the way, the two form a deep and unexpected bond that goes far beyond fan and idol.
Where can I watch The Lovely Runner online in 2026?
You can watch the show on Netflix, Viu Philippines, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Rakuten Viki. Filipino viewers can also check popular local TV channels and streaming services, as the drama may be available there from time to time.
How many episodes does The Lovely Runner have?
The original Korean series has 16 episodes. The Philippine GMA Network broadcast aired an expanded version over multiple weeks.
Who are the main cast members?
Kim Hye Yoon plays Im Sol and Byeon Woo Seok plays Ryu Sun Jae. The supporting cast includes Song Geon-Hee, Lee Seung-hyub, and Kwon Yuri.
Is The Lovely Runner available in Filipino?
Yes. It aired on GMA Network in a Tagalog dubbed version and is also available in Tagalog on Viu Philippines.
When did The Lovely Runner air on GMA Network?
It aired on GMA Network from June 23, 2026, to August 22, 2026, Monday to Friday at 5:10 PM.
Is The Lovely Runner based on a true story or book?
It’s based on a web novel called The Best of Tomorrow, written by Kim Bbang and published in 2020.
Why is The Lovely Runner so popular?
Many people enjoyed watching the show because of its good story, interesting characters, and the time travel plot. The main actors also helped make the show enjoyable from beginning to end. The drama gained a lot of attention in 2024 and is still finding new fans worldwide in 2026.
