The creation of the enchanting “Lovely Runner” universe took writer Lee Shi-eun three years of diligent work, complemented by the nuanced direction of Yoon Jong-ho and Kim Tae-yeop. The compelling performances of the actors were the cherry on top, securing the drama favorable reception from the audience.
In an intimate session on May 31st, News1 had the chance to converse with director Yoon, director Kim, and writer Lee, unveiling various anecdotes from the production phase of the drama.
– Throughout filming, what challenges were encountered?
Yoon Jong-ho: Witnessing the actors grapple with filming conditions was hard. Take the scene in the first episode where the clock plummets into the lake, and Im Sol (Kim Hye-yoon) endeavors to recover it – shot in the freezing cold of -10°C. We would’ve liked milder weather, but it wasn’t on our side. I aimed to reduce the actors’ discomfort by pre-filming scenes sans them when feasible. During the lake rehearsal, Hye-yoon became so affected by the cold that she couldn’t perform, prompting a halt for reorganization. Though it was distressing to watch, she delivered a fantastic performance, which I deeply appreciated.
Lee Shi-eun: Guilt overwrote my resolve after writing a water scene, realizing the actors’ ordeal in the bitter cold. Post filming, remorse washed over me, and I wept – the actors’ unwavering commitment really drove home the significance of my screenplay.
– Were there concerns regarding if the converging destinies of two leads might culminate in an unfavorable finale?
Lee Shi-eun: The audience’s worry caught me off guard. Don’t romantic comedies traditionally promise a cheerful resolution? (laugh) The cherry blossom proposal scene was foreseen from the beginning; another finale never crossed my mind. I wanted to portray genuine joy for my characters, and the directors excelled in delivering this blissful finish.
– The onset clips seem to exude a familial warmth, with the directors’ gaze upon the actors bordering on parental. (laugh)
Kim Tae-yeop: Indeed, we felt parental. It’s a reciprocal bond. Our cast’s exceptional talent was matched by their endearing personalities. Fortunate to work with such a team, our attachment to the actors only deepened with time. Their amiable nature was instrumental in fostering on-set positivity.
Yoon Jong-ho: The making videos reveal our contrasting directorial approaches. While on set, I embodied the father figure, and director Kim, the mother – I’d be stern, and Kim would soothe, creating a genuine family dynamic. The initial challenge soon eased, and understanding the actors’ stories helped. This project’s making videos attracted unprecedented attention. We even experienced recognition during screenings, a rarity in one’s career. It’s left me with a commitment to pursue even greater endeavors in the future.
FAQ about ‘Lovely Runner’ Production and Behind-the-Scenes
- What was the temperature during the filming of the lake scene in “Lovely Runner”?
- The lake scene was filmed in -10°C weather, which posed a challenge for the cast and crew.
- How did writer Lee Shi-eun feel after filming the water scene?
- Lee Shi-eun felt remorseful and cried after witnessing the dedication and suffering of the actors during the challenging cold weather scene.
- Was a happy ending always intended for “Lovely Runner”?
- Yes, writer Lee Shi-eun always planned for a happy ending and had envisioned the cherry blossom proposal scene from the start.
- What was the atmosphere on the set of “Lovely Runner” like?
- The set of “Lovely Runner” had a warm and familial atmosphere, where the directors and actors formed a close-knit bond, with the directors feeling almost parental towards the actors.
- Did the making videos of “Lovely Runner” receive a lot of attention?
- Yes, the making videos gained significant views, and the recognition from those videos was surprising and gratifying for the directors.