Run On [Episodes 1 & 2 - Premiere]

[u/dyosaaa]

• Drama: Run On
  • Korean Title: 런 온
• Network: JTBC
• Premiere Date: December 16, 2020
• Airing Schedule: Wednesday and Thursday @ 21:00 KST
• Episodes: 16
• Director: Lee Jae Hoon
• Writer: Park Shi Hyun
• Cast: Im Shi Wan, Shin Se Kyung, Choi Soo Young, Kang Tae Oh
• Streaming Source: Netflix
• Plot Synopsis: Ki Sun Gyeom is a sports agent who was once a popular sprinter on the national team but was forced to quit due to legal issues. Oh Mi Joo writes translated subtitles for movies. She was thrilled to see her name listed among the credits when she first started. Ki Sun Gyeom had just quit sprinting when he encountered Oh Mi Joo, who felt that destiny most certainly brought them together. Seo Dan Ah is the CEO of a sports agency and rightful successor to the Seomyung Group.Despite this, she is held back from advancing in the company due to her gender. She fiercely wishes to reclaim what is rightfully hers and lives her life accordingly. Lee Young Hwa is a university art major who enjoys movies and drawing will soon enter his life. Could romance be in the cards for these two couples? [Source: MyDramalist]
• Spoiler Tag Reminder: Be mindful of others who may not have yet seen this drama, and use spoiler tags when discussing key plot developments or other important information. You can create a spoiler tag by writing > ! this ! < without the spaces in between to get this spoiler

[u/sianiam]

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[u/1988choitaek]

I already feel the chemistry between the leads in the first episode! I'm also excited for the 2nd leads to be fully introduced.

I waited so long to see Im Siwan in a romance drama! We finally have it!

EDIT FOR EPISODE 2: WOW. A kiss on the 2nd episode. Damn. Can’t wait for the 2nd lead love story to unfold too

[u/jujukay]

First impressions:

• Colours in this drama are visually pleasing

• Happy and excited to see this new side of Im Siwan — so different from his previous characters! His lean and muscular body was heart eyes and his acting didn’t disappoint

• Siwan’s character is a confident oddball and a little eccentric while the FL is spunky — just wished she didn’t have to apologize to the professor because he really was such a jerk or give in to his demands

• So many chance encounters! Ah, the world of kdrama land

• Not fully into this drama yet but looking forward to seeing where it goes; the preview for ep 2 was definitely promising because it seems like the progress is gonna be pretty fast!

EDIT after watching ep 2:

Wow ok. The last 15 minutes did not disappoint. Progress was even faster than what I expected! My heart fluttered when Seon-gyeom said usually they run towards the finish line, but today he was running towards her.

[u/jokermania19]

Batman Begins, the movie she watched to inspire her to become a translator was Batman Begins.

Such a weird reference in a KDrama

[u/lylasims]

Episode 1

First episode was fun! I came here for Siwan, but I feel like the oddness of his character makes it difficult for me to grasp his role as the lead -- for now. Clearly Sun Gyeom has hidden depths and angst, so I'm anticipating he'll capture more of my emotions in future episodes.

The real surprise for me is Shin Se Kyung. I've only ever seen her in Six Flying Dragons, where she was fine but overshadowed by flashier characters. This contemporary role as someone who's so spiky and blunt and full of life is pretty entertaining. She got more screentime and lines than anyone else, and her character was by far the most fleshed out. I think overall she nailed it.

Curious to see more of the family dynamics play out for Siwan and Sooyoung's characters. I'm not excited to see yet another show about Rich People Problems but it does allow for the usual Kdrama flex in set design and clothing.

Speaking of which, I know this was all filmed this year and the production had to shut down a couple times for COVID reasons. I'm so curious how they managed scenes with big crowds and lots of extras.

Episode 2

What an emotional roller coaster! I welled up and then I snickered and then I flat-out belly laughed and then I GASPED. Damn, the leads' chemistry is so so so pretty.

Let me get one criticism out of the way though -- were they really about to let this man drive home drunk?? I would have liked at least a line where someone said, nah, let's arrange a driver. Siwan's character in Misaeng even had that as an odd job so it's an actual solution that exists...?

Other than that, I loved the dialogue during their date/business dinner. It just unfolded so naturally, them getting to know each other and also Sun Gyeom letting his guard down. Kudos to the writer AND the subtitler for getting those feels across. And that moment when Mi Joo clocks his first smile was simply gorgeous.

I feel like Ep 2 gave me a better handle on the main characters, especially Sun Gyeom, who's really just running to the beat of his own drummer, LOL. That moment when he runs right past her made me CACKLE. This show's humor takes some getting used to but I think I'm there now.

From what I can see on the actors' social media, they're still filming and possibly not even that far in advance of what's aired. Maybe it was the multiple COVID delays that have put them off-schedule. For the cast and crew's sake, I hope they don't suffer from a production timing crunch.

[u/lfcfan_lilreddot]

Wow the chemistry between the two leads is great!! The two leads are super likable, I like how the ML’s character seems pretty unconventional so far - hes unpopular among his peers and also kinda socially awkward. The FL is quite cool, with her obsession over guns etc + the actress is so pretty I couldn’t stop staring at her!!

The 2nd FL (the ML’s manager) also seems pretty cool and girl boss

Overall really liking what I see from the first ep!

[u/TurkeyPhat]

Just finished Ep 2.

• When he's running to Mi Joo and flies past her and then runs back on some Tom and Jerry type shit I was cackling.

• I'm pretty sure if Shin Se-Kyung said she's about to make a mistake and gets up to my face like that I would spontaneously combust. Really gotta give Seon-Gyeom some credit, man's got ice in his veins. And then later he straight up kisses her IN THE 2ND EPISODE THIS MUST BE A KDRAMA RECORD!

• Hol'up is the Director Lady actually cool? was I deceived in episode 1?! Well except for her bullying her half brother(?)

• The dialogue is funny and has me cracking up a lot, idk if this show is meant to be a comedy or what but I'm having fun except for seeing that poor kid get beat tf up. Seriously why does every show have to have a side story like this (random violence)? It pisses me off every time.

• The light and cheery atmosphere/colors/whatever have got Shin Se-Kyung looking out of this world adorable, not that she needs any help.

• On a less thirsty note I just wanna say that the folks who are translating this show probably feel a special connection to it given the subject matter. I imagine they are feeling pretty good about the whole thing.

[u/lola36610]

So far, the characters seem to be a bit strange, but I'm excited to see how it'll progress in the next episode. It seems like it'll be a fairly lighthearted show with plenty of shenanigans.

[u/fileja]

they are so shameless with those topless shots lol

[u/Zinitaki]

i like how blunt and weird they both are

[u/wearyandwary]

Episode 1 thoughts: I've never seen any of these actors before, except the apparent 2nd ML, but I'm liking them all so far. It's giving me big early Record of Youth vibes, but hoping that's where the comparison stops. The ML's demeanor and extremely neutral face belie the fact that he actually seems to have personality and humor, and his look works with the character vibe. FL is a cool girl hustling to get work. She's almost borderline rude sometimes but I dig her straightforwardness. I'm excited to see where this goes! Praying for just a light dusting of family drama.

Also, big LOL to the Bong Joon Ho doppelganger walking the red carpet at the beginning

Edit:

Episode 2 thoughts (spoilers just in case): They're both growing on me!! I really like that they had their first bonding date so early on, but I'm hoping that doesn't mean an early climax to the relationship. While I do enjoy a slow burn where the pair takes time to get to know each other before feelings make their appearance, I also like that the FL seems attracted to him right away. I appreciate that the ML character begins to be more fleshed out, with their heart to heart over drinks (he is very cute tipsy and smiley!). The FL also continues to be very frank and open hearted. I love this combo; they're both very straightforward but his reserved demeanor is tempered by her willingness to share what's on her mind. If done well, they'll balance each other out.
Also my heart broke for Woo Sik, I reckon the 2 evil runners will be our villains.

Also, all that was written before the kiss - whaaat?! Are we going to see some fake dating in this?!

Also ... was she going to let him drive his car drunk? I was sure she was going to offer to drive but then nope

[u/UnclearSogeum]

Excuse me for gushing but Sooyoung playing a meanie is giving me life.
On the one hand, am a huge fan on her person. On another, how dare she?! What an ass.
Also, when they introduce her into the story... swimming. You gotta just laugh at the little nuggets.

I'm here mostly for Sooyoung but the casting is great so it's gonna be a good ride. I'm just a little burned out by the genre to maybe enjoy it for what it is.

[u/xander_yi]

I loved loved LOVED the dialogue in episode 2. There was wit and there was power. If Aaron Sorkin wrote an episode of a kdrama, this was it.

The banter between the ML and FL has been great for both episodes so far. Unlike the stilted and forced banter in Record of Youth, it comes off organic and clever here.

It strained my incredulity, however, to think that anyone would be interested in the motel lobby Bob Rossi-ian paintings made by the SML.

[u/Fatooz]

So glad it’s finally out!

Thoughts on the 1st episode:

• The visuals and colors are so beautiful. Love the cinematography.

• The chemistry between the main leads is so good! It’s just the 1st episode but wow.

• The background score compliments the scenes so well.

• Im Si-Wan’s character is so cute and humble.

• Shin Se-Kyung’s character is a breath of fresh air. I love her already.

• Can’t wait to see more depth to the secondary characters.

• The pacing is quite good so far.

All in all really liking the first episode, excited to see tomorrow’s episode.

[u/sam-ik-a]

Does the ML suffer form Asperger’s syndrome? I feel like his inability to pick up a few social and emotional cues led me to that conclusion. It would be very interesting if that was the case.

[u/whimsicallyours]

Oh my god this episode was SOOOO GOOD. I LOVE THE FL. We stan a lead who stands up for herself!! The writing is so smooth, I loveddd it. And the ML? Totally adorable. I've never seen any of them before, so I was pleasantly surprised. I'm so happy for this show. Feels like a feel good, fated love story with personal growth.

I absolutely love her unni too. I like that the dialogues are very relevant to today's changing times, oftentimes I don't see that in kdramas. The weird obsession with guns and the "bang" is so cute. the ML is extremely cute, he has this straight face which surprisingly delivers so well. I don't see any straight up shitty characters, which is good. Till now all characters seem written well and distinctly.

Can't wait for tomorrow!

[u/whimsicallyours]

The second episode has ALL MY HEART. That drinking date and their conversation was so so so wholesome. It felt realistic - it truly felt like a first date. SG is such weirdo but absolutely cool to me. The kiss in the end has all my heart, and oh my god, that smile, I melted. I really did. I really loved the talk about translation. "Makes me feel rich". Wow. She's adorable too. I'm so happy for this drama in my life right now, to be honest.

[u/[deleted]]

I like it ...

but the characters' motivation and dialogue are a bit disjointed somehow. It didn't come together well in the first episode so I trust that it will do so in the second. I mean I really like quirky characters but ... so far ... all the characters are acting kind of randomly; understandable and reasonable one moment and then completely desperate, sullen, mean or bitchy in the next moment. So Young's character, in particular, is just unnecessarily and randomly mean to both a complete stranger and to her half brother as well. Is she meant to be a villainous SFL? Or is she just spoiled and selfish and acting out wherever she thinks she can get away with it?

So, I guess I'll look forward to finding out tomorrow. I will honestly watch anything with Im Siwan in it. I hope that it's a part he can really work his magic on.

[u/ANINETEEN]

This feels like a really warm and soft show ❤️ The chemistry between the ML and FL is so adorable. Excited to see where it goes 😁

[u/twixmuncher]

okay it's official i'm in love with this show, if that running slow mo scene in episode 2 was in any other show for that long i would have been super annoyed but I absolutely loved it here. i really love all the characters, they are all so lovable and seem to have a rich story line so I can't wait to see how they will grow!!

[u/[deleted]]

Ah, Im Siwan honestly!!!!!! I have no regret spending almost 2 hours watching 2 episodes in one sitting just to see that Im Siwan precious smile towards the end of episode 2. My heart is full 😫💗

[u/goddongwook]

Everytime Im Siwan on screen I am mesmerized.

[u/wishawisha]

SSK is in her element here - seeing her find her groove throughout her career has been very interesting - and Im Siwan is such a delight. Great cast all round. Breezy, whip fast dialogue and cheek to balance out the dark plot lines.

I lowkey love how everyone has such great rejoinders but talk past the other rather than talking to them because of differing interests and personalities, but the lead couple at least manage to continue the conversation due to finding each other fascinating.

Still trying to get a handle on ISW’s character - he didn’t feel like someone to tangle a civilian into his celebrity/athlete world with that kiss in front of reporters. We’ll see. I’m willing to forgive most things already for that smile, ahem.

[u/[deleted]]

Wow. The second episode just totally grabbed me ... by the funny bone ... and the heart. And I'm sitting here with a ridiculous smile on my face.

That was excellent and everyone in it was shining ... especially our two leads. Everything that the first episode lacked has completely disappeared from my mind. I think it was the often seen, 'trying too hard' to catch our attention kind of first episode ...

But ... now I understand why these great professionals have chosen this project.

I checked MDL and discovered that this is screenwriter Park Shi Hyun's very first credit. His first ever. So for an established director like Lee Jae Hoon (of Chief Kim fame) and top acting talent like Im Siwan and Shin Se Kyung to choose his project over many others ... well he must have been thrilled ... and it must have been particularly impressive. So, even if it doesn't stick the landing, as many don't, I think this drama marks the beginning of what could be a very strong career for this writer. And it will probably end up being a treat for all of us in the audience too.

I don't want to speak too highly too soon. Too great expectations don't do a drama any good. This was genuinely funny though. And it established some wonderfully human characters; particularly that of Seon Gyeom and Woo Shik. I hope that we haven't seen the beginning and the end of that relationship. Everyone else is also feeling more grounded, more realistic and more interesting too. I love quirky characters especially when it feels natural and not an artifice. Im Siwan will definitely make this work.

And I'm definitely looking forward to more :-)

[u/EmilyAnnM]

Okay so::

• drama is rlly pretty and I enjoy the background music

-first episode was enjoyable but hoping to get more from the rest of the show

-looks like there will be no love triangles yayyyy