Feel-good dramas give us a new and brighter perspective sometimes. I really enjoy how this new trend which has become a genre on its own, shows life and its ups and downs. For today’s drama review we will be sharing our thoughts about ‘Run-On’ a 2020-2021 drama that focuses on life, growth, and battling with adulthood.
New Perspectives
Written by Park Shi-hyun and directed by Lee Jae-hoon, ‘Run-On’ tells the story of Oh Mi-joo (Shin Se-Kyung), a translator who has focused on succeeding throughout her life. She is a hard worker, and wants to be the best at her work. She has encountered many difficulties in life, but has brought herself up and she’s become a professional despite all the odds being against her.
Ki Seon-Gyeom (Im Si-wan) is an athlete that comes from a well-known and connected family, he is straightforward and has a good sense of justice. He keeps it real and tries to be truthful to himself and the people around him. However, these qualities put a halt on his fast-paced career growth after he refuses to overlook the wrongdoing done by people surrounding him.
Mi-joo and Seon-Gyeom meet by chance one evening, after Mi-joo storms out of a dinner party hosted by a co-worker of hers after having a big argument. As she leaves, a co-worker follows her, demanding her to say she is sorry, Seon-Gyeom stops the co-worker and she is able to leave.
After this encounter, this pair keep meeting up in very particular scenarios, and end-up becoming close friends after a while. This friendship puts a new perspective in their lives, they come from different backgrounds and have different stories, their honesty and truthfulness help them see life differently and eventually they develop feelings for each other.
Rich Girl – Poor Guy
Seo Dan-ah (Choi Soo-young) is the owner of an entertainment agency and is also a very important figure in her family business. When she was young she dreamt of becoming a football player, but due to her family she had to find her own way to happiness and give up her dreams.
Searching for a new artist to feature in her family’s art foundation museum, she meets Lee Young-hwa (§), an art student with a bright personality and a lot of passion for his art. He falls for Dan-ah, but she wants to maintain their relationship to be strictly business, until she also starts liking him back.
These two characters are opposite ends, Dan-ah worked hard to get where she is now, she is amazing and trustworthy at her job. She’s able to get her way with anyone, however, Young-hwa refuses to become one of her subjects who follow her orders.
Throughout the story, they learn from each other and try to become better people while doing so, it’s 100% wholesome content.
Communication is Key
While trying to find a new life path, Seon-gyeom struggles to find meaning and direction. He feels lost and purposeless, however, Mi-joo helps him find his new path in life by being honest and approachable. She lets him be open and emotional, which he was never able to do before.
The communication and dynamics of this couple is amazing. They understand each other and also give space to each other. This relationship is healthy and well-balanced, a true gem that is not seen so often unfortunately.
Even when Mi-joo is hurt emotionally by Seon-gyeom’s father, he knows he needs to step back and let her reconsider their relationship on her terms. This type of scene is not as common in the drama world, and I loved seeing how they were both able to work out their relationship in a way in which they will both be happy and true to themselves.
In a Nutshell
‘Run-On’ is a feel-good, slice-of-life drama that might not be liked by everyone. This production doesn’t try to portray extraordinary relationships, but rather healthy and wholesome ones. Characters don’t try to change based on everyone’s standards but they try to become better people by doing and failing.
They have their own terms to carry their life. On the other hand, I would have loved it if the drama had developed Yough-hwa’s male friend’s relationship with the boyfriend. It would have made this drama even better, however, he had a wholesome plot about acceptance and coming out. We stan diversity!
Big shoutout to the actors and actresses who portrayed and gave life to these characters. It was amazing.
‘Run-On’ is available on Netflix. And you can watch the trailer below.
