Fans of the popular dramas Lovely Runner and Love Next Door have discovered an intriguing connection between the two shows, focusing on their male protagonists who share a past in competitive swimming. Both Byeon Woo Seok and Jung Hae In portray characters with similar backgrounds in their respective series, sparking excitement among viewers.
Swimming Champions in Fiction
In the latest episode of Love Next Door, Jung Hae In’s character, Choi Seung Hyo, clinches victory in a swimming competition and immediately turns to see Jung So Min’s character, Bae Seok Ryu, cheering him on. This scene bears a striking resemblance to a moment in Lovely Runner, where Byeon Woo Seokโs character, Ryu Sun Jae, a former high school swimmer, also wins a competition and looks toward Kim Hye Yoonโs character, Im Sol, who is there to support him.
“In both shows, the protagonists are seen competing in swimming events and sharing their triumphs with their love interests,” noted a fan on social media.
Olympic Dreams and Missed Opportunities
Another fascinating connection lies in the potential Olympic journey of these characters. Both Choi Seung Hyo and Ryu Sun Jae were portrayed as high school swimmers with the talent to compete in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. While neither pursued a swimming career furtherโChoi Seung Hyo transitioned to architecture and Ryu Sun Jae became an idolโthe parallel offers a glimpse into what might have been.
“Had they continued swimming, they could have been teammates at the Olympics,” a fan commented.
Dramatic Success and Plot Details
Lovely Runner, a time-slip romantic comedy, has achieved notable success. The drama features Byeon Woo Seok as Ryu Sun Jae, a former swimmer turned successful singer and actor, and Kim Hye Yoon as Im Sol, a fan who travels back to 2008 to alter their fates. The series, which also became a webtoon, explores themes of love and destiny through time travel.
Love Next Door follows Jung Hae In’s Choi Seung Hyo and Jung So Min’s Bae Seok Ryu. Directed by Yoo Je Won and written by Shin Ha Eun, the show explores themes of redemption and romance against the backdrop of past conflicts. The creative team behind the series includes those responsible for the hit show Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha.
For more updates on Byeon Woo Seok, Jung Hae In, and their respective dramas, tune in to VvipTimes.
