Fans Fight Back Against Accusations That K-Drama “Lovely Runner” Is Disrespectful To Jonghyun
Content Warning
tvN‘s newest drama, Lovely Runner, is set to air in April 2024, but it has already been met with some backlash. A group of fans found the coincidences the drama had with SHINee Jonghyun‘s life story unsettling.
Upcoming K-Drama “Lovely Runner” Accused Of “Disrespecting” SHINee’s Jonghyun
The drama is based on a webtoon. In the original, top star Ryu Sun Jae takes his own life. His fan, Im Sol, is saddened by the news. One day, she finds herself time-traveling back to the time when Ryu Sun Jae was a mere high school student. She tries to change his future.
Fans have found that not only does the plot written on Asian Wiki involves a singer that takes their own life, but Im Sol is also seen wearing a mint green sweater in the poster. The color is similar to the Pearl Aqua color that SHINee takes as their official fanclub color. The release date, April 8, also coincides with Jonghyun’s birthday.
this is the drama that is using Jonghyun's beautiful existence for their sick plot and releasing it on his birthday on top of it
BOYCOTT, SHAWOLS https://t.co/DlSWQbtjlt
— isSHINeeback? (@isSHINeeback) March 7, 2024
Other fans have spoken up to fight back against the accusations. They claim that Korean sources for the drama show that the main character did not take his own life. According to those who have read the webtoon, he dies from incorrect medical consumption.
Sorry to spoil, but the male lead has accidental death from incorrect medicine consumption in the drama….it is made very clear that the man didn't die by suicide….please just stop with this reaching….the broadcast date is likely a coincidence https://t.co/YtEngPxcYf
— Renee (@Aditiya_renee) March 7, 2024
Upon verification with other Korean news sources and tvN’s homepage, sources also only mention Ryu’s death, but not the method. Presumably, this is done to keep suspense about the drama’s plot.
As for the date of release, fans claim that it was meant to air in November 2023, but was met with filming delays. Paired with hot dramas Wedding Impossible and Marry My Husband taking up consecutive time slots, it had to take the April 8 air date. Furthermore, the plot of Lovely Runner is more than just about saving an idol from death. The female lead also goes back in time to change her own fate, as she had met with a tragic accident that prevented her from achieving her dreams.
The date was inevitable due to delays in the schedule.
On the other hand, some have argued that the drama still does not serve to comfort any fans affected by the tragic loss of Jonghyun.
okay, let's say the date is pure coincidence, It happens, I definitely can see that but lemme also say this,
the show is not gonna give comfort to shawols or any fan of an idol from any group who has lost them in an untimely death.https://t.co/B9Q4aeBSAG— Kibum's burnt gucci ✨💜🍋🥀♠️ (@Wander_ingSheep) March 7, 2024
Other fans have already begun to fight back against accounts who have spread misinformation.
Me when I don't research properly and decide to act spontaneously and spread misinformation: https://t.co/ymSMAZVXLz
— ray saw 2/5 1d (@gintokisshoe) March 7, 2024
Please stop spreading misinformation. It’s just a series of coincidences which can be explained if u actually research what the drama is about. You’re tarnishing the actors/actresses names https://t.co/JAWjTOJA7N
— Bushra | 🇵🇸🇨🇩 (@ewulpyd) March 7, 2024
The filming for Lovely Runner is still ongoing due to multiple delays. The drama will air its initial episodes while the rest are still in production.
