Edited by Seo Hayne
Translated by Yu Jin Kim
What choice would you make if you had the chance to save your favorite idol? Lovely Runner has been receiving positive reviews for its story of a fan who travels back in time to save an idol who has lost his will to live. This article introduces 5 dramas that depict romance between a star and a non-celebrity, similar to Lovely Runner.
Fanletter, Please! (2022)
Fanletter, Please! is a romantic comedy about a top star whose career takes a nosedive when a scandalous rumor explodes online, accusing her of throwing away a fan letter from her special fan. Han Kang Hee (Choi Soo Young) has been beloved since childhood, but as her popularity grows, so do the envious stares and hopes for her downfall. Bang Jeong Suk (Yoon Park) pens a fake letter to fulfill his daughter’s heartfelt wish of receiving a reply from her favorite idol, Kang Hee. Kang Hee and Jeong Suk meet as a star and a fan’s parent, but it turns out that the two were each other’s first love in high school. The drama naturally depicts the world of show business surrounding Kang Hee and the romance with Jeong Suk, who reunites through a fan letter, bringing both fun and emotion.
Doona! (2023)
Doona! follows an ordinary college student named Won Jun (Yang Se Jong) and a retired idol singer named Doona (Suzy) who meet at a shared house. Based on a popular webtoon, the drama garnered attention from its casting stage with idol-turned-singer Suzy taking on the role of Doona. It depicts the unlikely connection between two people – a celebrated idol and a student – who have lived vastly different lives despite their similar ages. As they navigate their encounters, they develop a growing understanding and blossoming feelings. Suzy and Yang Se Jong’s performances received positive responses, with Suzy drawing on her experience as a member of Miss A to embody Doona, and Yang Se Jong meticulously portraying Won Jun’s inner turmoil sparked by his encounters with Doona.
>> Suzy Talks About Ending of ‘Doona!’ and Her Chemistry With Yang Se Jong
The Heavenly Idol (2023)
The Heavenly Idol is a fantasy drama that blends K-pop with a unique isekai setting. The story follows Rembrary, the High Priest who serves as the voice of God in another world, who finds himself waking up in the body of Woo Yeon Woo, a struggling idol singer, one morning. Kim Min Kyu plays both Rembrary and Woo Yeon Woo, hilariously portraying the High Priest’s struggles between his beliefs and his newfound idol status, along with his unpredictable words and actions. The drama stands out by adding a romance between Kim Dal (Go Bo Gyeol), a fan and manager, to the original web novel’s premise of an “idol-turned-High Priest’s sacred and chaotic adaptation to the entertainment industry.”
Shooting Stars (2022)
Shooting Stars takes viewers behind the dazzling lights of the entertainment industry, focusing on the tireless workers who make the stars shine. It’s a captivating blend of the busy world of show business and a heartwarming love story. Lee Sung Kyung stars as Oh Han Byeol, the talented head of Star Force Entertainment’s PR team. Her biggest challenge is Gong Tae Sung (played by Kim Young-dae), a top actor at the agency and her sworn nemesis. Sparks fly whenever Han Byeol and Tae Sung clash over work, keeping their colleagues entertained with their constant bickering. But what no one knows is that these two actually have a history. Back in college, they were both school promotional models and secretly harbored crushes on each other. Unfortunately, Tae Sung’s rising fame drove a wedge between them, leaving Han Byeol heartbroken. Now, fate brings them back together, and they finally find themselves falling for each other after years of misunderstandings. As their relationship blossoms, viewers can’t help but root for this unlikely couple.
Let Me Be Your Knight (2021)
Let Me Be Your Night is a romantic drama about an idol with sleepwalking disorder and a doctor who secretly treats him. Lee Jun Young, Kim Jong Hyun, Yoon Ji Sung, and Kim Dong Hyun play the members of the popular idol band LUNA in the drama. Jung In Sun plays the role of Yoon Joo Joo, a tour guide who becomes the live-in doctor for the leader of the famous idol band. The drama deals with the struggles and difficulties of being a popular idol without making the plot too heavy and serious. It also explores the dreams and love of youth. The drama has been praised for its realistic portrayal of idol culture and the excellent OST sung by the idol cast members.
Editor Seo Hayne: I like actors as they faithfully lead through their long running-time. I also like idols who accomplish everything on stage within 3 minutes.
