Forget Im Sol and Sun-jae - This Lovely Runner character deserves their own K-drama

Lovely Runner
Actor Song Geon-hee (Image Source: Instagram @songgeonhee)

In the middle of all the time-travel craziness and big feelings in Lovely Runner, Kim Tae-sung really shines as a surprising hero. At first, he seems like a high school heartthrob who’s a bit of a rebel. But as we get to know him more we see he’s got lots of layers.

His story goes way beyond just the love. Even if Im Sol’s heart is mostly with Ryu Sun-jae, it’s Tae-sung's constant support that really leaves a mark. He changes from a laid-back teen into a serious detective showing real growth.

One of the coolest things about Kim Tae-sung in Lovely Runner is how he plays a major role in stopping the main bad guy, Kim Young-soo. By taking down this villain, Tae-sung makes life better for the people around him.

Throughout this K-drama, Tae-sung tries hard to make up for his past mistakes. In the last episodes, he stays loyal no matter what happens. He loves Im Sol quietly and doesn’t expect her to feel the same way back.

Then how could a character this lovable not have a series of his own? Maybe in another timeline, Tae-sung finally ends up with the love he’s been waiting for or meets someone who loves him the way he truly deserves.

Keep reading to learn more about the character in this acclaimed K-drama.


From Rebel to redeemer: The evolution of Kim Tae-sung in Lovely Runner

When we first meet Tae-sung in Lovely Runner, he seems like a cool and a bit lost teenager. He's definitely charming, but Tae-sung doesn't really know where he's going in life.

At first, especially when he talks to Im Sol he acts like a regular teenage guy trying to impress. But as the story goes on, we start to see a different side of him. The walls start coming down, and you can tell he’s got a lot on his mind.

Things change after Im Sol time-travels and unexpectedly influences him. She makes him think about where his life is going. This leads him to become a detective, which is huge compared to where he began.

But this change isn’t just about his job. It shows something deeper: Tae-sung has a good heart, and he can change. He’s not just protecting people due to his job but truly cares for them.

This kind of growth, from a lost teen to someone with purpose and heart, is what makes his story in Lovely Runner feel so rich. There’s enough depth in Tae-sung’s journey that it could fill a whole series of its own.

Also Read: The truth behind Byeon Woo-seok’s heart-melting performance in Lovely Runner— Did he actually sing?


Kim Tae-sung's love for Im Sol in Lovely Runner

Kim Tae-sung in the K-drama (Image Source: TvN)
Kim Tae-sung in the K-drama (Image Source: TvN)

Apart from his transformation in Lovely Runner, Kim Tae-sung also stands out for his unconditional love for Im Sol. He knows that she doesn't feel the same for him, but what matters to him is Sol's happiness.

He even clashes with Sun-jae, but the rivalry always ends up in lighthearted moments in the K-drama. Remember his beloved Sunny? Yes, Tae-sung even sacrificed his car during a quest to help Im Sol and Sun-jae.

He even prevented Sun-jae's death in the last two episodes by acting as one of the key figures to take Young-soo down. So, a series based on these charming characters would not only excite fans but also give Tae-sung the spotlight he deserves.


Also Read: Lee Jong-suk returns to K-drama with True Beauty's Moon Ga-young – Everything we know so far

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Edited by Alisha Khan