Ryu Sun-jae and Im Sol’s story comes to an end after their efforts to defy destiny. Their dangerous journey forces them to confront emotional challenges.
tvN’s original K-drama Lovely Runner wrapped up on May 28, 2024. The series has a total of 16 episodes and is available for streaming on Netflix. It was written by Lee Shi-eun, the scriptwriter of True Beauty.
The story follows Ryu Sun-jae (played by Byeon Woo-seok), who faces a tragic demise due to the harsh demands of showbiz. His sudden death devastates his number one fan, Im Sol (portrayed by Kim Hye-yoon). However, Sol travels back in time, finds teenage Sun-jae, and tries to alter his fate.
Lovely Runner is directed by Yoon Jong-ho and Kim Tae-yeop, and has become one of the highest-rated K-dramas of 2024. The series skyrocketed to fame with its swoon-worthy characters and engaging storyline.
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Disclaimer: This article will explore and explain the ending of Lovely Runner, so spoilers are ahead. Read at your own risk.
Did Sun-jae Remember Sol in Lovely Runner?
In episode 15, Sun-jae’s buried memories resurface, and he recalls every moment with Im Sol—from their first meeting to their university days, Sol’s accident, and ultimately his own death. This flood of memories leaves him with a pounding headache.
Episode 16, the finale, begins with Tae-seong in the middle of chasing down a criminal (the same man responsible for Sol’s accident in the past). Because of his intense headache, Sun-jae fails to avoid the man’s car, but Tae-seong saves him just in time by crashing into it.
In the end, Sun-jae remembers everything about Sol and the truth of what happened between them. Meanwhile, the criminal Tae-seong was chasing falls into a river and dies.
Sun-jae Runs to Im Sol After Regaining His Memories
When love strikes, it strikes hard. Even before fully recovering, Sun-jae runs as fast as he can to find Sol. To him, his memories of her were like a missing piece of himself finally restored.
Sol, on the other hand, rushes toward the hospital after hearing about Sun-jae’s accident. The two meet halfway, their faces filled with emotion. Sun-jae asks Sol why she chose to erase his memories, knowing he couldn’t live without her.
Shocked by his words, Sol breaks into tears, realizing that Sun-jae remembers her and everything they shared. It’s as if two puzzle pieces finally fit together to form the perfect picture.
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What Happened to Sun-jae and Sol After That?
Sun-jae wastes no time. He spends every day with Sol—going on dates, cuddling at home, and cherishing the moments they lost. After all, it had been years since they held each other.
Sun-jae can’t seem to get enough of Sol; even at work, he constantly finds excuses to bother her. But Sol lets him, grateful for the time they finally get to share.
What’s Next for Tae-seong After Letting Sol Go?
Tae-seong’s feelings for Sol have always been genuine. While his ways may not have always shown it, deep down, he truly loved her. But he knew exactly who Sol’s heart belonged to—and it wasn’t him.
Even after accepting that, Tae-seong continues to be a loyal friend to Sol, supporting and protecting her whenever he can.
Beyond that, Tae-seong finally reconciles with his father. His father comforts him over the death of the criminal, reminding him that it wasn’t his fault and that blaming himself is meaningless. The small gesture of a comforting tap from his father is something Tae-seong had longed for since his youth.
He also shares a heartfelt moment with Sun-jae. After a night of drinking, Sun-jae thanks Tae-seong for everything he’s done. Even if Tae-seong doesn’t remember the full story, Sun-jae will always be grateful—for ending the cycle of fate.
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Sun-jae and Sol’s Happily Ever After
Im Sol’s family finally meets Sun-jae as her boyfriend. In the past, Sol’s mother and Sun-jae’s father didn’t get along, but now they support the couple’s relationship wholeheartedly.
After all the tragedies that Sun-jae and Sol endured, ending up together feels like the most fitting conclusion. The finale even shows Sun-jae proposing to Sol, followed by their wedding.
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Lovely Runner Ending Explained
While the ending of Lovely Runner may feel cliché—like many other K-drama finales—what sets it apart are the struggles Sun-jae and Sol had to overcome. The true antagonist of their story wasn’t just the man who caused Sol’s accident.
It was fate. It was time. It was death.
They fought against the impossible, but in the end, none of it mattered—because they chose each other, again and again. The drama proves that in the most mysterious revolutions of life, love only grows stronger.
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If you’re missing Lovely Runner, you might also enjoy Love Next Door (2024), When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025), Our Beloved Summer (2021), and Melo Movie (2025).
Source: tvN
