Edited by Seo Hayne
Translated by Yu Jin Kim
Lovely Runner has taken the K-drama world by storm. The story kicked off with Im Sol traveling back in time to save her beloved idol, Ryu Sun Jae. But what truly stole viewers’ hearts is how it blossomed into a beautiful tale of “mutual salvation romance.” Fueled by the close chemistry between Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon, the drama weaves a fateful narrative that leaves viewers wanting more. Craving more stories of love that heals and uplifts? Here are five K-dramas that showcase the power of mutual salvation between the protagonists:
>> ‘Lovely Runner’ Kiss Scene: Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon’s Chemistry Explodes
Come and Hug Me (2018)
Come and Hug Me follows the twisted fate of a man and a woman entangled in a murder case. Chae Do Jin (played by Jang Ki Yong) and Han Jae Yi (Jin Ki Joo) meet in middle school and become each other’s first love. However, Do Jin’s father turns out to be Yoon Hee Jae (Huh Joon Ho), the psychopathic serial killer, and Jae Yi loses her beloved parents to him. The drama masterfully blends the suspense of the serial killings with the emotional turmoil of Do Jin and Jae Yi, as they find peace in each other amidst societal stigma and prejudice. Marking the first lead roles for then-rookies Jang Ki Yong and Jin Ki Joo, the drama garnered praise for their delicate and captivating performances.
Angel’s Last Mission: Love (2019)
Angel’s Last Mission: Love is about an unconventional love story between a ballerina who has lost faith in love and an angel who plays cupid for her. Kim Dan (Kim Myung Soo), a mischievous angel, causes trouble while returning to heaven after completing his mission on Earth. As a last chance for redemption, he takes on the task of becoming a cupid for someone. His target is Lee Yeon Seo ((Shin Hye Sun), a talented ballerina who was forced to give up her dream due to an unfortunate accident. Yeon Seo has grown cold and cynical, having sworn off love altogether. This unlikely pair embark on a heartwarming journey, each unexpectedly becoming the other’s savior. Dan’s efforts to rekindle Yeon Seo’s passion for dance and belief in love are both endearing and hilarious. But the stakes are high. Angels who interfere with human lives face erasure from existence. The scene where Dan defies this rule to save Yeon Seo is particularly moving.
Flower of Evil (2020)
Flower of Evil is a drama that dares to ask the chilling question, “What if your husband of 14 years turns out to be a serial killer?” Baek Hee Sung (Lee Joon Gi) is the son of a serial killer and a wanted suspect who had long ago shed his old identity of Hyun Soo and disguised himself as an ordinary craftsman running an atelier. Unable to feel emotions, he lives a lie, even faking love in his marriage to Cha Ji Won (Moon Chae Won). In the meantime, Detective Cha Ji Won begins to suspect Hee Sung’s true identity and eventually confronts a truth she wanted to avoid. Lee Joon Gi and Moon Chae Won delivered powerful performances as Hyun Soo, a man with a dark and violent past, and Ji Won, a woman who understands and fully embraces her husband. Interestingly, the drama is helmed by director Yoon Jong Ho of Lovely Runner.
My Lovely Liar (2023)
My Lovely Liar is a romantic drama that follows the story of Mok Sol Hee (Kim So Hyun), a woman with the ability to hear lies, and Kim Do Ha (Hwang Min Hyun), a music composer with a hidden secret. Sol Lee uses her ability at work and lives a busy life. One day, a man with his face covered in a mask moves in next door. Sol Hee discovers that he can’t lie and becomes intrigued. Her mysterious neighbor is Do Ha, a successful composer who suffers from social anxiety disorder and insomnia due to a painful past. The two begin as awkward neighbors and eventually become each other’s only salvation. Kim So Hyun and Hwang Min Hyun’s close on-screen chemistry had fans comparing them to Zootopia‘s beloved Nick and Judy. The drama conveys the message that it’s more important to trust someone’s heart sincerely than to distinguish between truth and lies.
My Demon (2023)
My Demon is a romantic fantasy drama that follows the story of Gu Won (Song Kang), a demon who loses his powers, and Do Hee (Kim Yoo Jung), the heiress of a chaebol family. Gu Won, once a guardian angel who protected humans, has become a demon who trades wishes for soul. One day, his path crosses with Do Hee, who mistakes him for a swindler. Gu Won offers her to strike a deal with him to save Do Hee from a mysterious attacker, but an unexpected accident transfers his powers to her. Gu Won proposes a fake marriage to her to prevent his own demise and regain his power. Despite their initial clashes, they find themselves reaching out to each other in times of crisis. The drama deepens as Gu Won’s past as a soul sent to hell is revealed, adding a poignant layer to their relationship. In the final episode, Do Hee’s narration perfectly encapsulates their bond, “We destroy each other, but we also save each other. To us, we are both destroyers and saviors.”
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.
