‘Lovely Runner’ Easter Eggs Explained: No. 34 Bus, Sun Jae’s Watch, and More

The drama adaptation of ‘Lovely Runner’, which is based on the web novel ‘The Best of Tomorrow’, underwent multiple changes and intricate modifications to its settings during the production process.

Similar to a Rubik’s cube where altering one side affects another, the exhilarating enjoyment of rearranging time and events brings a sense of thrill. Additionally, hidden surprises can be found throughout the drama.

Ryu Sun Jae runs after the No. 34 bus

Episode 2 features a scene that perfectly embodies the drama’s English title, ‘Lovely Runner.’ Sol and Sun Jae both board a bus, but Sol becomes trapped in the crowd and is unable to exit at their intended stop, the school. Sun Jae quickly realizes this and races after the bus to rescue Sol from being tardy.

Despite Sun Jae’s romantic sprint being quite captivating, what’s even more interesting is the fact that it took place on bus No. 34. In episode 4, Sol unintentionally falls asleep on the same bus and ends up getting off at Juyang Reservoir, where she faces a dangerous situation.

The bus Sol took on the day of the tragic accident that left her lower body paralyzed was also No. 34, and it was Sun Jae who saved her on every single one of those occasions.

In the first episode, Ryu Sun Jae and Sol first encounter each other on December 31, 2022. Sadly, Sun Jae passes away at the age of 34, at exactly 0:00 on January 1. The moment when Sol goes back in time 15 years is coincidentally the same moment. Ultimately, the underlying message of ‘Lovely Runner’ is seen as the pursuit of fate for two individuals who tragically remain frozen at the age of 34.

The address of Sol’s house is 34-1, while Sun Jae’s house is located at 35-1.

The house numbers of Sol and Sun Jae’s houses, situated opposite each other across the alley, serve as an additional hidden feature. Sol resides at Nuri-dong 34-1, while Sun Jae’s address is 35-1. In the finale of episode 2, Sun Jae retrieves a package that was mistakenly delivered to his doorstep and walks over to the neighboring house. It is here that he encounters Sol for the first time, who runs towards him with a cheerful grin and a vibrant yellow umbrella.

Despite her dislike for rainy days, Sol still approaches Sun Jae with a sunny smile and shields him from the rain with an umbrella. She also gives him a lollipop before quickly returning to her own house.

At the age of 34, Ryu Sun Jae tragically falls to his death in a sudden accident at a hotel swimming pool in the present. However, in the past, he successfully prevents Sol’s kidnapping, which alters the course of events in the future. As a result, in 2023, Sol is able to walk on both legs with good health, and the renowned celebrity Ryu Sun Jae is alive once more.

Despite being in critical condition due to a retaliatory murder by the serial killer, Sun Jae’s fate in 2023 vanishes from the news after Sol learns of her own impending death by opening the time capsule she buried, just one day after they had a happy relationship. This leads to Sun Jae’s disappearance from the news regarding his condition.

Despite the time slip, the incident that resulted in Sol’s paralysis from the killer’s car in 2008 and Sun Jae’s passing in 2023 remain the same. As a new 34th year and 35th year begin, even the house numbers align perfectly.

Both Sun Jae’s Watch and the Leaf Watch were placed in the Time Capsule.

During episode 1, Sol attends Eclipse’s Concert and subsequently encounters Ryu Sun Jae on the snowy Han River Bridge. After arriving home, she gently cleans the umbrella given to her by Sun Jae and places it in a jewelry box along with the hot pack he gifted her. The box also contains a wristwatch belonging to Ryu Sun Jae, which Sol had purchased at an auction for 3 million won. Underneath Sun Jae’s watch, there is another leaf watch stored in a brown leather case.

Sol’s wristwatch and Sun Jae’s wristwatch both play crucial roles in the time slips featured in ‘Lovely Runner.’ By accidentally activating Sun Jae’s wristwatch, Sol experienced three time slips to the ages of 19 and 20. However, she is now unable to use time slips to return to the past.

In the second time slip, Sol buries a time capsule with Sun Jae, hoping that he will still be alive in 2023. When the year arrives, Sol’s wish is granted as Sun Jae opens the time capsule and extends his life.

In episode 10, Sun Jae, who is 20 years old, opens the time capsule, once again altering the future. The upcoming episodes are expected to unveil the remaining mystery surrounding the leaf watch, which Sol had carefully kept along with Sun Jae’s watch.

In the preview for episode 11, Sun Jae comprehends and embraces Sol’s actions of saving his life, expressing his love with the words, “I promise to work hard and reach the year 2023, where you will be.”

Ultimately, once Sol departs, Sun Jae will remain by himself in the past. However, audiences are thrilled by the indications of a positive conclusion.

The source of the information can be found on the website of “nate”at //news.nate.com/view/20240513n30210?mid=n1008.