The South Korean network tvN Drama’s official social media recently unveiled that the K-drama “Lovely Runner” is set to premiere on April 8.
“Lovely Runner” features a plot where the protagonist, Im Sol (played by Kim Hye-yoon), is a die-hard fan of the idol Ryu Sun-jae (Byun Woo-seok), who tragically takes his own life. This greatly impacts her.
![Controversy Surrounds New K-drama “Lovely Runner” for Alleged Misuse of SHINee Jonghyun’s Legacy 3 Lovely Runner](https://i0.wp.com/theubj.com/uae/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Lovely-Runner-11-030724-1.jpg?resize=1170%2C780)
After coming across a magic pocket watch, Im Sol travels 15 years into the past to her high-school days and meets the young Ryu Sun-jae, aiming to stop his eventual suicide.
The origins of “Lovely Runner” can be traced back to the webtoon “The Best of Tomorrow”, sparking considerable interest. Nonetheless, tvN’s decision to release the drama on what would have been the birthday of the late SHINee member Jonghyun has raised ire among his fans.
Concerned fans suggest that “Lovely Runner” borrows from Jonghyun’s life, who also died by suicide, and the drama incorporates dates that hold significance in Jonghyun’s life story.
Previously, tvN was criticized for not giving credit to Jonghyun when using one of his quotes in the drama “It’s Okay Not To Be Okay.”
This latest plot development has led to accusations that tvN is capitalizing on Jonghyun’s narrative, prompting fans to express their outrage on social media and to call for a boycott of “Lovely Runner.”
Given past instances of Jonghyun’s personal experiences being exploited, his supporters are particularly sensitive to this issue.
Source: Krb, X
FAQ Section
What is the central theme of “Lovely Runner”?
The drama centers around Im Sol’s journey back in time to prevent the suicide of her idol, Ryu Sun-jae.
Why are fans upset with the release of “Lovely Runner”?
Fans are upset because the release date coincides with the birthday of the late SHINee member Jonghyun, and they believe the show exploits his life and death.
Have there been past issues with tvN related to Jonghyun?
Yes, tvN previously used a quote from Jonghyun in another drama without crediting him, resulting in backlash from fans.
Is there a call to boycott the drama?
Yes, SHINee fans, known as SHAWOLS, are calling for a boycott of the drama due to the reasons mentioned above.
Conclusion
The announcement of tvN Drama’s “Lovely Runner” has stirred controversy and reignited painful memories within the SHINee community. Fans argue that the network has shown insensitivity by aligning the drama’s narrative too closely with the real and tragic story of Jonghyun’s life and death. This has sparked a conversation about respect for the legacies of public figures and the ethical boundaries of fictional storytelling. As the debate continues, it exemplifies the deep connection fans have with their idols and the potent influence of K-dramas in both reflecting and shaping public sentiment.