The hit drama “Lovely Runner” is sparking fierce debates among K-pop fans on various forums
Recently, the popular Asian TV drama “Lovely Runner” has finally come to an end. The show won the hearts of young audiences, especially those in the fandom community, due to its interesting and romantic storyline. “Lovely Runner” revolves around the female protagonist, Im Sol, a passionate fan who doesn’t hesitate to go back in time to save her idol, Ryu Sun Jae, from danger. This leads to unexpected and humorous events between the fan and the idol.
The drama, starring Byun Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon, features a light-hearted and romantic plot. It quickly went viral across Asia, captivating fangirls. “Lovely Runner” concluded satisfactorily, with all the main characters finding happiness. The beautiful love story of the main couple has become a symbol of a new generation’s romance.
However, after the drama ended, it sparked intense debates among K-pop fans. On Twitter, a user created a topic titled “Lovely Runner is not a role model for idols,” which attracted millions of views.
In particular, netizens fervently discussed the issue of idols dating, going public, and getting married. Many believe that while the story in the drama is well-constructed and sweet, idols should not view the male lead, Sun Jae, as a role model. Announcing a sudden marriage while at the peak of their career can shock fans.
Some viral quotes on Twitter:
– If my idol, who is still active, announces their marriage, I will **** immediately.
– Imagine your idol loving a girl for 15 years, singing songs supposedly for fans but actually for her, dating publicly before rumors, being spotted taking her home, and then announcing marriage.
– Are there any male idols who might follow this drama’s example? Wake up.
– Just like Sun Jae, die and come back to life multiple times, and then become a normal person.
– I’m not too happy about idols watching this drama. It’s fine for me to watch it, though.
Indeed, this is a sensitive issue. Dating is often taboo in idol culture, especially in K-pop. Dating news is a nightmare for idols, particularly for rookie groups or those at the peak of their careers. Many artists face fan backlash, and their careers suffer due to dating. Conversely, public pressure often leads to the demise of their love.
In reality, stories like “Lovely Runner” are not always smoothly received by the public. For instance, the shocking news of Chen (EXO) in 2020, when he unexpectedly announced in a handwritten letter that his girlfriend was pregnant, left the famous group’s fans in shock.
Chen faced a wave of backlash, criticized for affecting the group’s reputation. Even now, as he has settled down and has a second child, some extreme fans have not forgiven him. After his military discharge, Chen resumed activities with EXO and pursued a solo career. However, due to a lack of support from Korean fans, his activities remain low-profile.
A similar story to “Lovely Runner” is that of Kim Hyun Joong. Rising to fame from “Boys Over Flowers,” Kim Hyun Joong was once one of the most popular stars. However, 2015 marked his downfall when he was accused of assault by his ex-girlfriend and had to go to court. He also shocked fans by confirming he had a child with her.
Since his scandal, Kim Hyun Joong has almost disappeared, with his fame dwindling. In 2022, he announced his marriage to his first love, a non-celebrity. By then, his name no longer stirred public interest, and his marriage was low-key.
In contrast, K-pop has beautiful love stories, such as the marriage of Taeyang and actress Min Hyo Rin. Although private, their warm family has inspired many fans. When Taeyang revealed his relationship and announced his marriage, BIGBANG fans reacted positively, offering blessings and pride.
While some believe idols should be discreet and not hurt fans by publicly dating, many K-pop fans are becoming more open. Especially for idols over 30, fans accept their private love lives without much interference. Some even urge idols in their 40s to get married. What do you think?
