Home / Arts and Entertainment / 'Lovely Runner' Becomes Surprise Global Hit, Showcasing K-Drama's Emotional Power
'Lovely Runner' Becomes Surprise Global Hit, Showcasing K-Drama's Emotional Power
2 Oct
Summary
- 'Lovely Runner' emerged as a defining K-drama of 2024
- Show blended fantasy, romance, and emotional depth
- Producers credit high standards of Korean viewers for global appeal
In 2024, the K-drama 'Lovely Runner' surprised many by becoming one of the defining shows of the year. Produced by Bon Factory and backed by entertainment giant CJ ENM, the time-slip romance, led by rising stars Byeon Woo-seok and Kim Hye-yoon, turned into a global sensation, sparking viral fan moments and intense social media chatter.
According to the show's producer, Park Soon-tae, the success of 'Lovely Runner' reflects a larger truth about Korean dramas. He explains that if a K-drama resonates with Korean viewers, it is more likely to be loved globally, as Korean audiences have high standards for content. "Even if a drama is made by top actors and creators, if it's not interesting, Korean viewers will completely ignore it. So, dramas that are already proven popular with Korean audiences naturally bring fun and emotion to viewers everywhere in the world," Park said.
The producers' gamble on casting lesser-known actors also paid off, as Byeon Woo-seok and Kim Hye-yoon went on to become breakout sensations, captivating fans with their emotional performances. The drama's popularity in India, in particular, surprised the makers, who attribute it to the show's focus on character arcs and emotional depth, beautifully expressed through visuals.
