Despite cherry blossom season coming to a close, audiences everywhere can still feel that spring-like bliss through the web novel based K-Drama, "Lovely Runner". Nearing its halfway mark, the show has become an undeniable source of serotonin to viewers across the globe. It's shaping up to be the perfect pick-me-up for the start of the week.

The drama is led by Byeon WooSeok and Kim HyeYoon, with N.Flying's Lee SeungHyub and Song GeonHee. It follows the story of Ryu SeonJae (Byeon WooSeok), a dearly beloved celebrity who has mesmerized since his debut. He meets Im Sol (Kim HyeYoon), his dedicated supporter who was comforted and healed through SeonJae's music. After something tragic happens to Ryu SeonJae, Im Sol finds herself thrust back 15 years in the past where she meets SeonJae's 19-year-old self as a fellow schoolmate. She makes every effort to alter the future and ultimately save him from a tragic fate.

Swooning story of romance aside, it tackles real life issues and showcases amazing chemistry between characters, all with a cast who are able to masterfully pilot their role to perfection. And as one looks directly at Kim HyeYoon, you're able to see an actress who remains at the top of her game and only seems to improve as her career progresses forward. She's been a delight to watch, making everyone feel a swarm of butterflies appear in their chest.

Considering the success of "Lovely Runner" so far, the actress is set to top the search engines and trend on social media even after the finale episode.

 

A Welcomed Comeback

Prior to the premiere of "Lovely Runner", Kim HyeYoon was absent from the K-Drama space for nearly three years. But now that she's returned to television screens, fans can't help but express their joy all across social media far and wide. Audiences are glad to once again witness Kim HyeYoon's naturally bright demeanor that also reveals itself through her portrayal of Im Sol. Moving back and forth between past and present, the actress shows that she's a master at her craft, a quality that has been worked on and refined since her humble debut.

The time she's spent away from the limelight certainly did not take away from her skills whatsoever, as she's still extremely skilled while remaining a much needed source of sunshine behind the scenes. Her ability to switch between the two modes speaks to her ability as an actress and that even a small break cannot deter her from putting on the best performance possible, immersing fans into yet another award-winning hit.

Her comeback with Im Sol seemed like the perfect move, as the character truly feels like an extension of Kim HyeYoon's sunshine-like persona herself. However, she's also able to make audiences feel crushingly sad heartache, a fear of losing someoen you love, and a hesitancy that would prevent anyone from acting upon their heart. Kim HyeYoon makes you sympathize for her character, while also hoping she doesn't lose her dazzling shine.

 

A Storied Career That Elevated Her Status As An Actress

Kim HyeYoon made her official debut through "Samsaengi" in 2013 and in the following year, gained attention for her appearance in "Bad Guys". And while some might think this is where the actress truly hits the ground running and she decides to shift her focus towards academics, attending the prestigious Konkuk University. While attending school, she was able to procure numerous guest roles in widely recognized dramas. Some of these series include "Doctors", "The Legend Of The Blue Sea", "Goblin", and "Let's Eat Season 3". While she participated in smaller roles, audiences quickly became accustomed to seeing Kim HyeYoon on the screen, excited for the moment she'll receive her big break.

After finally finishing her schooling, Kim HyeYoon was ready to audition for bigger roles. The first role that she landed in pursuing this endeavor was as Kang YeSeo in the highly acclaimed "Sky Castle".

Unlike the bright and bubbly Kim HyeYoon that we're so accustomed to, Kang YeSeo's academic excellence served as a double-edged sword which became even harsher under the pressure of her highly critical parents and pressure to achieve perfection. "Sky Castle" showed the dark side of the education system and how many students are pushed to the point of exhaustion in order to enter one of the most prestigious universities in South Korea.

"Sky Castle" served as one of Kim HyeYoon's most prominent stepping points, and still manages to retain its popularity today. Netizens continue to show "Sky Castle" favorably interest even in the past year when countless more series have premiered to raving success. Shortly afterwards, she was able to land yet another memorable main role in "Extraordinary You" (2018), which featured a cast of then rising stars in RoWoon, Lee JaeWook, Lee NaEun, Kim YoungDae, Jung GunJoo, and Lee TaeRi. Kim HyeYoon's acting was spectacular throughout the series. Then there was her chemistry with RoWoon that created waves of butterflies all throughout your stomach.

Even in the past year, it continues to remain a dearly beloved series among the K-Drama community worldwide as they continue to show it interest until today.

Kim HyeYoon would then continue proving herself through "Secret Royal Inspector & Joy" (2021) and "Snowdrop" (2021). Then before briefly stepping away from the spotlight, she made an appearance in "Cleaning Up" in 2022. These iconic K-Dramas continued to raise the bar of what audiences could expect out of Kim HyeYoon's acting. There was no doubt in anyone's mind that she was a marvelous talent, capable of taking on a myriad of different roles.

 

Current Ratings Of "Lovely Runner"

In just three weeks, "Lovely Runner" was able to earn 3.946% ratings for its most recent episode, according to Nielsen Korea. Compared to the 3.176% of its first episode, the slow and steady increase showcases the drama's potential to take off even further. And part of the drama's success can be owed to Kim HyeYoon's acting prowess. Watching her pilot Im Sol as she navigates her relationship with Ryu SeonJae has offered a number of different experiences. Witnessing Kim HyeYoon's acting prowess acts as a form of healing, a beacon of hope, and a revitalizing vitamin that can be taken at any moment.

The moment "Lovely Runner" premiered, things started taking off once for the actress, as she was mentioned all across the internet. This has only increased with every passing episode. In addition, netizens have positively welcomed her back as she delivers another award-winning performance.

While both data and numbers can serve as one representation of Kim HyeYoon's current influence, but it is the kind and encouraging words that truly embody the hearts of fans. Found all across social media and forum sites are cheers from the actress' supportive fans that just won't stop talking about her endless talent.

Considering her unending perseverance, the success of her previous roles, and how well she's doing through "Lovely Runner" today, it's almost certain that Kim HyeYoon will continue to trend on search engines and social media. And once award season comes around, she's sure to be recognized for her amazing work.

Are you watching "Lovely Runner"? How do you like Kim HyeYoon's acting so far?

You know the feeling when you're watching a romance K-Drama, and you can feel your heartbeat getting faster? Or, perhaps when you're with your crush in real life and your heart feels like it's beating right out of your chest? In Korean, there's a word for that pit-a-pat feeling. It's called "두근두근" (dugeun dugeun).

"Dugeun dugeun" is an onomatopoeia that mimics the rhythmic sound of a heartbeat and is commonly used to express excitement, nervousness, or anticipation in various contexts, including romantic situations or moments of suspense. If you're a K-Pop or K-Drama fan, you must have heard this phrase often in dramas or song lyrics.

You can use "dugeun dugeun" when your heart is racing or pounding because of something or someone. For instance, in "Lovely Runner", Ryu SunJae (Byeon WooSeok) can feel his heart go dugeun dugeun for Im Sol (Kim HyeYoon).

You can use "dugeun dugeun" in a sentence (informal) as below:

만날 때마다 마음이 두근두근해

Mannal ttaemada maeumi dugeun dugeunhae

My heart races every time we meet

There's also a Korean abbreviation for dugeun dugeun that you can use in text messages or on the internet. It's ㄷㄱㄷㄱ.

What makes your heart go dugeun dugeun? Tell us on X!

To learn more fun Korean words, stay tuned to Your Korea Tutor - Kpopmap!

Reflecting on the 2nd week of April, the K-Drama landscape sparkled with series that intricately spun enchanting narratives and introduced memorable characters. These shows infused an additional layer of thrill into the new year, transforming the second week of April into a period brimming with endearing on-screen tales.

By the use of extensive data collection that involves analyzing netizen's reactions to various online platforms such as news websites, online communities, social media platforms, and videos, Good Data Corporation shows an insight into the Korean entertainment industry by providing a weekly ranking of the most talked about actors and dramas in Korea.

Wondering which K-Dramas and actors are trending in Korea at the moment? Read on to find out!

 

Hottest Korean Drama (On TV & OTT) For The 2nd Week of April

The most talked about drama was...

"Queen of Tears"

The K-Drama "Queen of Tears" first aired on March 9th, and it has since found its way to the top of the most-talked-about ranking. Viewers are loving the awesome cast, those laugh-out-loud moments, and the super interesting plot of the series.

Here is the full ranking of the hottest Korean dramas for the 2nd week of April:

1. "Queen of Tears"

2. "Lovely Runner"

3. "Parasyte: The Grey"

4. "Wonderful World"

5. "Blood Free"

6. "The Escape of Seven: Resurrection"

7. "Beauty and Mr. Romantic"

8. "Nothing Uncovered"

9. "Chief Detective 1958" 

10. "Missing Crown Prince" 

 

Hottest Korean Actor (On TV & OTT) For The 2nd Week of April

The most talked about Korean actor was...

Kim SooHyun - "Queen of Tears"

Kim SooHyun has topped the ranking again. He has been relishing in praises from K-Drama lovers and fans thanks to his endearing on-screen performance. It's no wonder drama fans can't seem to get enough of his character.

Here is the full ranking of the hottest Korean actors for the 2nd week of April:

1. Kim SooHyun - "Queen of Tears"

2. Kim JiWon - "Queen of Tears"

3. Byeon WooSeok - "Lovely Runner"

4. Kim HyeYoon - "Lovely Runner"

5. Park SungHoon - "Queen of Tears"

6. ASTRO's Cha EunWoo - "Wonderful World"

7. Kim NamJoo - "Wonderful World"

8. Kwak DongYeon - "Queen of Tears"

9. Kim KapSoo - "Queen of Tears"

10. Han HyoJoo - "Blood Free" 

It looks like "Queen of Tears" generated quite the buzz (again) in the second week of April. Other popular dramas included "Lovely Runner", "Parasyte: The Grey", and more.

Make sure to check out these shows and their talented cast members!