The ending was everything I wanted, no exception.
This is def. one of those rare dramas with a GREAT and SATISFYING ending!
Not only that, but it was also a great drama over all. What a lovely show this team has given us!
I’m too giddy to be coherent right now, so I’ll leave my actual thoughts for tomorrow.
One thing is for sure though: This writer-nim is one to watch!
such a satisfying ending, a rare beast in dramaland sometimes, so great to see the otps life together as a beautiful jumping off point, not as an ending, so tempted to just binge it all over again
I was just watching this and thinking of sharing it here. Im shiwan is so cute. And I can’t believe that run on is his first romance project. He is totally nailing the romantic lead role.
That’s like a totally different meaning than what Netflix subs made me think. This drama’s strength is the dialogues and it’s such a pity that Netflix is doing that and not Viki. But I understand, they show MJ having a few laptops, using the latest smartphone, while Viki doesn’t even pay their subbers.
Thats exactly the difference between ones that do things as a job and getting paid, and ones that do things because they love it. When i did viki, i sometimes bypass the english sub, translates the korean or mandarin into my language in totally different words, but actually fits the overall translation.
and this is why learning Korean should be on my to-do list… * sigh *
Thank you so much for sharing this insight, Yuyuu, and God bless this @/what-breaks-my-heart on tumblr !
It’s really a shame that a show about a translator/subtitle creator would be so inadequately translated/subtitled… 🙁
I didn’t see anything wrong with the Netflix subs here.
SG didn’t know she was inviting him to sex. So it made sense that the following scene he asked, weren’t they supposed to eat ramyeon? To which MJ responded she forgot he’s that lame (dense).
I think the only misunderstanding for viewers would be if they also didn’t know the term “let’s have ramyeon at my place” = let’s have sex. Which really would be inappropriate to put in t/n at the time they were talking because it ruins the comedy imo.
Seongyeom DID know what she meant by “let’s have ramyeon.”
And he was just teasing around when he asked about it later.
When netflix translated Mijoo’s “원래 집은 갑자기 비어요” as ” Things like that usually happen suddenly” instead of “my house sometimes becomes empty all of a sudden” they made it sound ambigous enough for one to assume that Mijoo meant “sex usually happens all of a sudden” when in reality she was just making a joke.
Mijoo & SG were on the same page in the car talking about “ramyeon,” but when SG asked her why she was suddenly inviting him over (for sex), instead of answering directly, she joked around pretending like they were still talking about the house being empty.
Don’t you think him understanding the ramyeon reference is out of character and makes less sense? (I know Im Siwan was giggling but throughout this drama he’s been falling out of character during their date scenes)
I did not think ”Things like that usually happen suddenly” mean “sex usually happens all of a sudden”. When I was watching I thought it could mean one of two things: crave for ramyeon can come suddenly or the house does suddenly become available. Both makes sense to make the misunderstanding work for English audience.
So you don’t think Mi Joo invited him for sex? Just make jokes like that out of the blue?🤔
No i do think Mijoo invited him over for sex. I think she was just making a joke to lighten the mood.
Also, interesting how you interpreted that scene, cuz I wouldn’t have come to the conclusion that she means a LITERAL craving for ramyeon happens suddenly 😅
I think ultimately, how you see the subtext of that dialogue depends on how you interpret both characters and their relationship.
I DID think it was slightly out of character for Seongyeom to understand the ramyeon reference, but it’s also not unlikely when I think about him spending a lo of time with athlete bros & the fact that he’s not entirely unfamiliar with romantic relationships (maybe love, yes) since his friend Young-Il mentioned his one-month “girlfriends” and all.
Oh RUN ON! How much I love thee! 😭💖
Tonight’s ep. was wonderful. Between our OTP making up AND making out (😏😏😏), the hilarious movie vignettes interspersed throughout, the beautiful scenery… I’m already sad it’s ending next week. I’m really gonna miss this show’s vibe and characters.
Also– I loved the “ramyeon” scene! It was just so natural and subtle. And OMG look at SG joking around and teasing Mijoo! 😭 They are so well-written as a couple, and I always love their long conversations about life!
And even though I have my reservations about them together, for this ep. I have to shout out the Dan-Hwa couple, because their scenes were so beautifully shot and acted!
Aw, that “Young-hwa-ya” and his expression! Love their conversation so much and indeed it was beautifully shot. The way they stand not touching each other, but somehow feel like they are of one mind there at the end…
It hit me this episode that Dan-ah does not really have any experience with affection or expressing it. I know she laid that kiss on him a few eps back, but that was more heat (and maybe a little power play?) than warmth. He’s the one who pulled her in for the hug, which she allowed, but only briefly. YH even comments on the “physical distance” between them. The few times where she’s stroked his face briefly always seem to me like a momentary slip of her self-control.
It feels like…she wants to experience the physical manifestation of their affection but she’s scared and doesn’t really know how. She already feels fragile because of her heart condition; and here she realizes she is putting her fragility into his hands – literally. So when he pulls her into his arms to rock her to sleep, I thought: our 2 couples are so flipped. MJ and SG already have emotional intimacy, so ramyeon invites are a logical next step. But for DA and YH, they don’t need the flash of that flame, they need the warmth. And that’s why that scene felt really intimate to me (also, god, their eyes). He rocks her to sleep, he carries her to the medical tent. She sends him away, but with much less of her usual bark and doesn’t protest when he won’t go. She’s starting to let him be with her.
My treatise now over (😂), this episode hit close to home because I think I have felt many of the same things that all of these characters have felt in the course of inter-personal relationships, and it’s been a while since I’ve felt like I could relate so strongly to an ensemble. There is something refreshingly realistic about the way this drama looks at people, lives, and connections.
The angst in RUN ON tonight was DELICIOUSSSS! 😭😭💖💖
“You can teach me everything else, but can you not teach me how to break up?”
We was cryiiiing in da club,fam! Figuratively. 😭💔
Also, I’m pretty sure Mijoo was just gonna let that kid’s aunt know Seongyeom was there or something & not running from him. Poor Puppy.
And is that some sexy times they’re promising us next ep? Cuz thank fuck, not a moment too soon eh.
On a serious note, I really understand Mijoo’s reasoning this time. Her pulling away is her coping mechanism to protect herself from getting hurt *first.* And while she hurt KSG by doing that, the masochist part in me absolutely ENJOYED watching him beg her to stay. 🙊
Was like, Mi-joo, you made him cry, how could you! >< And yea, I think Mi-joo was juts going to call Su-bin…
Am seeing the promise of ramyeon everywhere this week! *wolf howl*
It’s a little weird, but when I watched the last scene I thought, I wonder if anyone has ever begged Mi-joo for anything before. Usually it’s Mi-joo hustling for the work, getting the scholarship, taking the envelope (maybe with reluctance but also with need). It’s Mi-joo doing the asking, with her hand out – often because she’s pragmatic and needs to survive. And here was this beautiful scene of someone that she loves, loving her back so much that he is begging, showing her his pain, giving her all the power, because she means that much to him. In light of her struggles with the very real class dynamic between them, I wonder how that lands with her. But I could also be reading a bit too much into what is otherwise a romantic drama moment. 😉
Oh no, I think you’re quite right! While i’m using the word “beg” here because he was literally clinging onto her (which made for a great dramatic effect and all), I very much see it as Seongyeom asserting himself & putting all his cards on the table. I was so proud of him for displaying that level of vulnerability, it was very brave on his part. He’s come a long way!
And like you, I also think it meant a lot to Mijoo, bc SG was stating it plain and simple that he wants her in his life. There was no room for interpretation like the way he so often speaks & no room for misunderstaning. For Mijoo, who feels like she was abandonned bc of losing her parents, and who’s been treated less than and disposable all her life, SG words & actions must’ve been major.
I also think in that moment, she realized how much he was hurting bc of her words/actions earlier
Yes, I completely agree with you! He really has come a long way. There was so much packed into this scene, as you have so well noted, actually. But it’s just always so subtly done, it never slaps you across the face with it’s obviousness. I love it.
Sun kyum has changed so much from the first we have seen him. Him asserting himself at the beginning telling mijoo what she did wrong and what hurt him and being selfish in the last scene begging mijoo to get back together. Because now he knows what he wants for himself and what brings him happiness. So proud of him.
I already liked him & thought he was great, but now i’ll really be looking forward to his projects.
His dramas were few after Misaeng and i ended up not watching any of them bc The King Loves is not my thing & Hell is Other People is so fucking creepy. After this, i know i’ll dive into his movies!
All this teasing and lowkey insinuations better be leading to some bomb kiss or sumn?! 😭
How come the second OTP is better at kissing? LOL. I really really like their long conversations though 💖
Read a person said they doing a pun on the word movie. Young Hwa name also means movie, so he means he sees Young Hwa at home. Netflix doing bad job with the translation as many puns or the meaning of dialog is often lost….
LOL i can see how they would’ve thought though. The tone was rather suggestive, for a minute i was also like 👀 but luckily i understood it.
But the show is doing it on purpose for sure
Definitely done on purpose. I guess it also show that SG want to do this right, taking things slowly. Maybe we gonna get a passionate kiss as it looks like we gonna see intense emotions soon.
Maybe the writer and the director thought they we would spontaneously combust if they give 2 kisses in one episode.
I love their long conversations and one of the main reason why I love this drama.
We’ve had three in the drama so far (across OTP and second OTP). All dead fish though. I think that is the USP of this drama sadly 😂 I’m hoping my prediction is undone by the end, but it’s not really looking like it.
Like this is the one annoying thing in this show. I really hate it when dramas desexualize their characters. In this show though it’s kinda worse bc 1) they’ve done some much BUILD UP we’re at a point when SOMETHING should happen, but nothing has happened & they keep throwing in a lot of suggestive shit which makes anticipat something even more… but i’m afraid they’ll leave it just at that
Maybe we can do a daily or weekly theme like the #2020Roundup reviews? I know part of the magic is leaving it a free topic, but I was quite overwhelmed by the flood of posts last year.
That said, I don’t want to stop all the love. Just ignore me 😂
Hey! Sorry I’m late to this. Love February will be happening this year, and as usual it will be up to people’s own amounts of time/desire/energy to do it.
However, that said I will not be doing roundup posts like I have the last couple of years, just don’t honestly have time…
Love February began five years ago when I was sick and alone in my apartment during grad school, the exercise was my way of refocusing myself on the little things that comprise love, not just despairing the big moments that I didn’t have right then.
Love February is about recognizing that bit of love, be it a sandwich, a soup, a tree, a person, that helps defeat that despair this world is so full of.
I took an important exam tonight & I was very nervous at the beginning, but I *think* it went well. I really hope so.
I had to treat myself afterwards, so here’s a gif I made of the Gyeom-Mi couple, from one of their super duper cute episode-recap videos 😭😭💖💕
Im shi wan loves teasing shin se kyung!! And I think she is very easy to tease and that makes him tease her so much more. So cute.. and im shi wan really acts like an oppa to her. I love them.
(this is a bit of a RUN ON rant):
These two scenes really put Seon-gyeom’s personality and motives in perspective for me!
(1) The one with his mom exposed the source of his weirdness, his childlike traits that read almost as autism. It makes sense that with an upbringing that didn’t meet his emotional needs & was also abusive, he is now who he is– low on emotional intelligence and wide-eyed in the face of social situations and relationships.
(2) The scene where he goes “If I’ve become too boring, then tell me so” just broke my heart 😭. First of all who’s the bitch that hurt him so that he looked so crestfallen at the suspicion of being found “boring?!” What it did tell me was that he’s used to such rejections, and his prior hesitance on what to do about his feelings for MJ made so much more sense, bc that was just him trying to protect himself.
What I didn’t understand though was some of Mijoo’s reasoning. It’s true that Seon-gyeom can be confusing and needs to sharpen his communication skills. It’s also true that he has the tendency to bottle things up and make decisions all on his own, which makes it hard to judge where’s his mind is at, so I understand why MJ would feel “left out” (even though I don’t think he owes her anything).
HOWEVER, I really think Seon-gyeom stepped up in ep.9. He was so much more open and only had eyes for her. He even SAID he liked her ffs! So I was really confused when she pushed him away???
I did think (before watching ep.10) that her reaction stemmed from fear of abandonment, esp. since the show has mentioned the loss of her parents a lot– but that required a lot of mental gymnastics. As opposed to Seon-gyeom, whose past we’ve explored with clarity, we actually don’t know much about Mijoo’s past in detail (yet) and I find that a bit lacking. It’s much easier to understand Seon-gyeom’s actions in the context of their relationship- given all that we do know for sure about him, but we can only take Mijoo at her word when she says things like “I was too scared of loosing him, that I didn’t dare make a move … Like okay, but WHY is that?
(Anyways, if you’ve actually read this far, thanks)
It was the manner in which he confessed: she thought he was liking her as a favour to her, especially when he blindsided her about his departure from her house after she had just indirectly confessed to him earlier at the anchor-shaped pier. Her insecurity was made worse by the “Mr. One Month” nickname shared by Young Il earlier (which revealed why he said the line in the gif you posted).
As for her background, I thought the end of Episode 8 covered that quite a bit with the car ride where Sun Gyum escorted the sick Mi Joo: they talked about her experience having no parents to comfort her while she had meningitis and how she had to learn how to blend in with the other kids to avoid being ostracised. The cliffhanger scene also shows her attachment issues with Sun Gyum stepping in to help her become her anchor that she can rely on.
I tend to think that MJ is unconsciously strongly influenced by movies and she has few possible scenarios in her head ready (like we saw when she was back at home) for the situation and when it happened in different direction it spoiled her mood and even when she doesn’t want to be mad she is mad. They are both very direct and spare on physical contact unless they’re drunk. Even when SG confess that he wants to hold her hand, hug her and kiss her more they’re not able to do so. They need more courage and forget about past relationships.
“It was the manner in which he confessed: she thought he was liking her as a favour to her”
I agree with you on this, even though I find it wasn’t easily discernible. Hadn’t thought of it this way, thanks!
And yes we do know about her background and can theorize with all that you said, but idk… I find that it’s not explored enough still, especially in comparison to how KSG is characterized.
Most of the issue stems from choice of words and interpretations. They both have issues. He states things in his own way. She interprets these in her own way (add to this her job which requires her to add context and subtexts). This seems to be the running theme. Communication and lost in translation.
They both have been sending feelers since ep 2. But neither of them are confident and are not willing to take the leap of faith and move forward. He is not used to getting close to people and she is careful about not getting hurt by people she is close to. ( both of them don’t have the ‘family’ experience)
Thanks Yuyuu. I just finished episode 9.
Re No. 1. I thought that was a beautifully written and acted mother/son scene.
Re No. 2. I really think at key moments in their developing relationship Mi-joo has unnecessarily complicated things. Seon-gyeom had done so many things in the episode to show his feelings for her when because of the shoes she gets all worked up and then winds up taking the bus back to Seoul which I thought was ridiculous. She could of joked about it by saying something like, “don’t you know it is bad luck to give someone (you like maybe romantically) shoes”? It probably would have gone right over his head. “Give me a few minutes to get my stuff and let’s get on the road”.
In an earlier episode (I think at the door to Seon-gyeom’s hotel room she said something to the effect, “when I am around you I feel crappy”. My response was, “why is that his fault”? He is not playing passive/aggressive games with you. Lay off the booze.
Actually my favorite scene in episode 9 was the lunch break conversation between Seo-gyeom and Woo-shik.
So far the writing and acting in RUN ON has been excellent.
EXACTLY. So much of their conflict is about miscommunication. A lot of Mijoo’s anger comes from how she (incorrectly) interprets SG’s words. When she says why she’s mad, SG is always like “That’s not it, that’s not what I mean.” I wish their confrontations wouldn’t end there, that they have a heart-to-heart on what exactly is ticking them both off.
We do know about MiJoo background: her parents died when she was a kid and she grew up in foster homes, and had to navigate her childhood being nice to others to fit (the scene in the hotel when she was given the wedding invitation and was so meanly treated by the bride), had to accept all kind of money and works to survive. She dated a director for years who, when they broke up, spread rumors that she only got any job because of him. She only find a place to call home when after finishing high school she met May (her Eun-bi?). She’s lived a tough life and even if she decided to walk on the sunny side of the street, she’s struggling every single day. Her heart was broken with her last boyfriend… will she give her heart again to SK? I think she feels she likes him so much she can’t handle another disappointment and that’s why she keeps the distance while she tries to read the signals.
I really like the inclusion of her ex into your interpretation! It really adds a layer to why she’s keeping her distance from SG, on top of everything else.
That much I do understand, but the way I see it is that her actions aren’t just her distancing herself from Seon-gyeom, but veer into pushing him away. I understand where she’s coming from, but also think she’s given SG too much grief for his missteps, while not owning up to hers
Thank you all for commenting on this! I loved all the discussions, and now I feel like I understand Mijoo better as character! The writing here is so strong that we’re able to have this much discussion about ONE character @radily@kerouregan@mayhemf@marcusnyc20@eazal
YO JUST KISS– OMFG!!! 😭😭😭
The pining is too much, my heart can’t take it.
Good thing ep.10 is here to save me. I need to calm down before I watch it though.
I\’m just catching up on RUN ON ep.9, and i just need to know WHO WROTE THAT GAY JOKE IN? 😭😭😭😭😭😭
It\’s kind of a lame old joke, but i neve expected to see it in a k-drama. I don\’t think Mijoo got it LOL.
It totally went over my head that today was wednesday, so i didn\’t schedule RUN ON in my day 😭
I only remembered cuz i saw my sister watching it & at first i thought she was rewatching last week\’s ep.
I already can\’t keep track of time & it\’s only the 2nd week of the year? Last week was completely bonkers
Yuyuu, The Drama Queen
February 4, 2021 at 4:38 PM
Now, that dyson PPL in the Run On finale montage is what I call a POWER MOVE 😂😂😂
meowingme
February 4, 2021 at 6:25 PM
The hair straightener must’ve auditioned better, it got into an important scene ><
transient
February 4, 2021 at 7:32 PM
Comment was deleted
transient
February 4, 2021 at 7:34 PM
The hair straightener probably has a bigger cable
BC
February 4, 2021 at 9:25 PM
It was also a portable one, but Dyson stepped up the game – it’s a hair vacuum cleaner 🤣
earthna
February 4, 2021 at 9:24 PM
I can just imagine how happy the advertisement manager for this drama. The writer incorporated all PPL smoothly and gave them long screen time.
Yuyuu, The Drama Queen
February 4, 2021 at 4:25 PM
STANDING OVATION for RUN ON!!! 😭😭💖💖
The ending was everything I wanted, no exception.
This is def. one of those rare dramas with a GREAT and SATISFYING ending!
Not only that, but it was also a great drama over all. What a lovely show this team has given us!
I’m too giddy to be coherent right now, so I’ll leave my actual thoughts for tomorrow.
One thing is for sure though: This writer-nim is one to watch!
A solid 4.5/5 ⭐
Katrina
February 4, 2021 at 9:44 PM
such a satisfying ending, a rare beast in dramaland sometimes, so great to see the otps life together as a beautiful jumping off point, not as an ending, so tempted to just binge it all over again
Yuyuu, The Drama Queen
February 2, 2021 at 7:17 AM
My dear Beanies, I\’m so happy to see Love, February back on the timeline again! I will soon go through all of them.
Yuyuu, The Drama Queen
February 2, 2021 at 7:17 AM
@katakwasabi
@leetennant
@ally-le
@snarkyjellyfish
@bebeswtz
@msrabbit
@kat23
@hebang
@ndlessjoie
@yuyuu
@lugirl131415
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Yuyuu, The Drama Queen
January 29, 2021 at 9:43 AM
Yeah, I’ve fallen down the Im Siwan content rabbit hole. Run On has really solidified my love for him.
His shy laugh is so cute! 😍
Orientedstar
January 29, 2021 at 10:32 AM
I was just watching this and thinking of sharing it here. Im shiwan is so cute. And I can’t believe that run on is his first romance project. He is totally nailing the romantic lead role.
Maq
January 29, 2021 at 12:16 PM
I luff him
purplesheesh
January 29, 2021 at 2:42 PM
My heart 🥺🥺🥺
Yuyuu, The Drama Queen
January 28, 2021 at 5:20 PM
“NO MINORS.” Nice one show 😏😉
I’ve long been waiting for an actual make-out session, so thank god it’s here! 💋🔥
Yuyuu, The Drama Queen
January 28, 2021 at 5:13 PM
nth reason why we hate netflix subs:
On SG and Mijoo’s scene at the beginning of ep.14
(from @/what-breaks-my-heart on tumblr)
wapz
January 29, 2021 at 1:03 AM
That’s like a totally different meaning than what Netflix subs made me think. This drama’s strength is the dialogues and it’s such a pity that Netflix is doing that and not Viki. But I understand, they show MJ having a few laptops, using the latest smartphone, while Viki doesn’t even pay their subbers.
Yuyuu, The Drama Queen
January 29, 2021 at 5:53 AM
Sometimes i catch things with my limited understanding of Korean, but i really wonder how much i’m missing
nilsche
January 29, 2021 at 8:08 AM
Thats exactly the difference between ones that do things as a job and getting paid, and ones that do things because they love it. When i did viki, i sometimes bypass the english sub, translates the korean or mandarin into my language in totally different words, but actually fits the overall translation.
KSKalways
January 29, 2021 at 11:33 AM
and this is why learning Korean should be on my to-do list… * sigh *
Thank you so much for sharing this insight, Yuyuu, and God bless this @/what-breaks-my-heart on tumblr !
It’s really a shame that a show about a translator/subtitle creator would be so inadequately translated/subtitled… 🙁
sph_7
January 30, 2021 at 3:29 AM
I didn’t see anything wrong with the Netflix subs here.
SG didn’t know she was inviting him to sex. So it made sense that the following scene he asked, weren’t they supposed to eat ramyeon? To which MJ responded she forgot he’s that lame (dense).
I think the only misunderstanding for viewers would be if they also didn’t know the term “let’s have ramyeon at my place” = let’s have sex. Which really would be inappropriate to put in t/n at the time they were talking because it ruins the comedy imo.
Yuyuu, The Drama Queen
January 30, 2021 at 4:38 AM
Seongyeom DID know what she meant by “let’s have ramyeon.”
And he was just teasing around when he asked about it later.
When netflix translated Mijoo’s “원래 집은 갑자기 비어요” as ” Things like that usually happen suddenly” instead of “my house sometimes becomes empty all of a sudden” they made it sound ambigous enough for one to assume that Mijoo meant “sex usually happens all of a sudden” when in reality she was just making a joke.
Mijoo & SG were on the same page in the car talking about “ramyeon,” but when SG asked her why she was suddenly inviting him over (for sex), instead of answering directly, she joked around pretending like they were still talking about the house being empty.
sph_7
January 30, 2021 at 5:13 PM
Don’t you think him understanding the ramyeon reference is out of character and makes less sense? (I know Im Siwan was giggling but throughout this drama he’s been falling out of character during their date scenes)
I did not think ”Things like that usually happen suddenly” mean “sex usually happens all of a sudden”. When I was watching I thought it could mean one of two things: crave for ramyeon can come suddenly or the house does suddenly become available. Both makes sense to make the misunderstanding work for English audience.
So you don’t think Mi Joo invited him for sex? Just make jokes like that out of the blue?🤔
Yuyuu, The Drama Queen
January 30, 2021 at 5:26 PM
No i do think Mijoo invited him over for sex. I think she was just making a joke to lighten the mood.
Also, interesting how you interpreted that scene, cuz I wouldn’t have come to the conclusion that she means a LITERAL craving for ramyeon happens suddenly 😅
I think ultimately, how you see the subtext of that dialogue depends on how you interpret both characters and their relationship.
I DID think it was slightly out of character for Seongyeom to understand the ramyeon reference, but it’s also not unlikely when I think about him spending a lo of time with athlete bros & the fact that he’s not entirely unfamiliar with romantic relationships (maybe love, yes) since his friend Young-Il mentioned his one-month “girlfriends” and all.
Yuyuu, The Drama Queen
January 28, 2021 at 4:38 PM
Oh RUN ON! How much I love thee! 😭💖
Tonight’s ep. was wonderful. Between our OTP making up AND making out (😏😏😏), the hilarious movie vignettes interspersed throughout, the beautiful scenery… I’m already sad it’s ending next week. I’m really gonna miss this show’s vibe and characters.
Also– I loved the “ramyeon” scene! It was just so natural and subtle. And OMG look at SG joking around and teasing Mijoo! 😭 They are so well-written as a couple, and I always love their long conversations about life!
And even though I have my reservations about them together, for this ep. I have to shout out the Dan-Hwa couple, because their scenes were so beautifully shot and acted!
meowingme
January 28, 2021 at 5:49 PM
Aw, that “Young-hwa-ya” and his expression! Love their conversation so much and indeed it was beautifully shot. The way they stand not touching each other, but somehow feel like they are of one mind there at the end…
CBme
January 29, 2021 at 12:22 AM
It hit me this episode that Dan-ah does not really have any experience with affection or expressing it. I know she laid that kiss on him a few eps back, but that was more heat (and maybe a little power play?) than warmth. He’s the one who pulled her in for the hug, which she allowed, but only briefly. YH even comments on the “physical distance” between them. The few times where she’s stroked his face briefly always seem to me like a momentary slip of her self-control.
It feels like…she wants to experience the physical manifestation of their affection but she’s scared and doesn’t really know how. She already feels fragile because of her heart condition; and here she realizes she is putting her fragility into his hands – literally. So when he pulls her into his arms to rock her to sleep, I thought: our 2 couples are so flipped. MJ and SG already have emotional intimacy, so ramyeon invites are a logical next step. But for DA and YH, they don’t need the flash of that flame, they need the warmth. And that’s why that scene felt really intimate to me (also, god, their eyes). He rocks her to sleep, he carries her to the medical tent. She sends him away, but with much less of her usual bark and doesn’t protest when he won’t go. She’s starting to let him be with her.
My treatise now over (😂), this episode hit close to home because I think I have felt many of the same things that all of these characters have felt in the course of inter-personal relationships, and it’s been a while since I’ve felt like I could relate so strongly to an ensemble. There is something refreshingly realistic about the way this drama looks at people, lives, and connections.
meowingme
January 29, 2021 at 4:51 AM
Aw, beautifully said about warmth and not flash of flame… Feels like calling him by his name is her starting to drop her guard bit by bit…
CBme
January 29, 2021 at 5:37 AM
That was so intense. Their facial expressions are conveying so much.
miss h
January 28, 2021 at 6:01 PM
It was a wonderful episode.
I was kind of surprised SG knew what “ramyeon” meant to tease MJ lol. Happy for a proper make out scene.
Yuyuu, The Drama Queen
January 27, 2021 at 5:40 PM
The angst in RUN ON tonight was DELICIOUSSSS! 😭😭💖💖
We was cryiiiing in da club,fam! Figuratively. 😭💔
Also, I’m pretty sure Mijoo was just gonna let that kid’s aunt know Seongyeom was there or something & not running from him. Poor Puppy.
And is that some sexy times they’re promising us next ep? Cuz thank fuck, not a moment too soon eh.
On a serious note, I really understand Mijoo’s reasoning this time. Her pulling away is her coping mechanism to protect herself from getting hurt *first.* And while she hurt KSG by doing that, the masochist part in me absolutely ENJOYED watching him beg her to stay. 🙊
meowingme
January 27, 2021 at 6:30 PM
Was like, Mi-joo, you made him cry, how could you! >< And yea, I think Mi-joo was juts going to call Su-bin…
Am seeing the promise of ramyeon everywhere this week! *wolf howl*
CBme
January 28, 2021 at 12:42 AM
It’s a little weird, but when I watched the last scene I thought, I wonder if anyone has ever begged Mi-joo for anything before. Usually it’s Mi-joo hustling for the work, getting the scholarship, taking the envelope (maybe with reluctance but also with need). It’s Mi-joo doing the asking, with her hand out – often because she’s pragmatic and needs to survive. And here was this beautiful scene of someone that she loves, loving her back so much that he is begging, showing her his pain, giving her all the power, because she means that much to him. In light of her struggles with the very real class dynamic between them, I wonder how that lands with her. But I could also be reading a bit too much into what is otherwise a romantic drama moment. 😉
Yuyuu, The Drama Queen
January 28, 2021 at 7:04 AM
Oh no, I think you’re quite right! While i’m using the word “beg” here because he was literally clinging onto her (which made for a great dramatic effect and all), I very much see it as Seongyeom asserting himself & putting all his cards on the table. I was so proud of him for displaying that level of vulnerability, it was very brave on his part. He’s come a long way!
And like you, I also think it meant a lot to Mijoo, bc SG was stating it plain and simple that he wants her in his life. There was no room for interpretation like the way he so often speaks & no room for misunderstaning. For Mijoo, who feels like she was abandonned bc of losing her parents, and who’s been treated less than and disposable all her life, SG words & actions must’ve been major.
I also think in that moment, she realized how much he was hurting bc of her words/actions earlier
CBme
January 28, 2021 at 7:34 AM
Yes, I completely agree with you! He really has come a long way. There was so much packed into this scene, as you have so well noted, actually. But it’s just always so subtly done, it never slaps you across the face with it’s obviousness. I love it.
purplesheesh
January 28, 2021 at 1:49 AM
I can’t even hate Mijoo for choosing herself over the pain. I also enjoyed watching SG beg.
Orientedstar
January 28, 2021 at 2:19 AM
Sun kyum has changed so much from the first we have seen him. Him asserting himself at the beginning telling mijoo what she did wrong and what hurt him and being selfish in the last scene begging mijoo to get back together. Because now he knows what he wants for himself and what brings him happiness. So proud of him.
Yuyuu, The Drama Queen
January 28, 2021 at 7:06 AM
I was so proud of him too! He has grown so much 💖
Yuyuu, The Drama Queen
January 27, 2021 at 7:28 AM
I’m even more excited by tonight’s episode seeing that Im Siwan is wearing ANOTHER normal outfit! 😀😂
Orientedstar
January 27, 2021 at 9:47 AM
Yes me too a normal black tshirt with a normal black coat. And he looked so dashing
Yuyuu, The Drama Queen
January 26, 2021 at 2:06 PM
I\’ve been rewatching the earlier episodes of Run On… and in my mind, Ki Seongyeom is Shimok\’s little brother in an alternate drama universe.
I\’ve been thinking this all series. They share traits as characters, but they\’re also so alike in mannerisms & expressions!
Yuyuu, The Drama Queen
January 21, 2021 at 2:12 PM
All angst aside… Seongyeom is such a fun hyung! 😂💖
I love how playful he is.
And him and Yeonghwa are a match made in heaven!
Maq
January 21, 2021 at 2:49 PM
Seongyeom begging Wooshik to call him “hyung” is hilarious.
Orientedstar
January 21, 2021 at 11:38 PM
Im shi wan is having excellent chemistry with almost everyone and the writing and the directing are helping a lot
Yuyuu, The Drama Queen
January 22, 2021 at 6:21 AM
I already liked him & thought he was great, but now i’ll really be looking forward to his projects.
His dramas were few after Misaeng and i ended up not watching any of them bc The King Loves is not my thing & Hell is Other People is so fucking creepy. After this, i know i’ll dive into his movies!
Yuyuu, The Drama Queen
January 20, 2021 at 3:51 PM
All this teasing and lowkey insinuations better be leading to some bomb kiss or sumn?! 😭
How come the second OTP is better at kissing? LOL. I really really like their long conversations though 💖
(SIRRR… the answer is yes). 👀💋
sal
January 20, 2021 at 5:14 PM
Read a person said they doing a pun on the word movie. Young Hwa name also means movie, so he means he sees Young Hwa at home. Netflix doing bad job with the translation as many puns or the meaning of dialog is often lost….
Yuyuu, The Drama Queen
January 20, 2021 at 6:05 PM
Are you sure your comment was meant for this post… i don’t see how that’s related? 😅
sal
January 20, 2021 at 6:31 PM
Sorry, Was Just some pople thinking That part had a sexuall meaning, but sure agree about this part. 😉
Yuyuu, The Drama Queen
January 21, 2021 at 4:28 AM
LOL i can see how they would’ve thought though. The tone was rather suggestive, for a minute i was also like 👀 but luckily i understood it.
But the show is doing it on purpose for sure
sal
January 21, 2021 at 4:37 AM
Definitely done on purpose. I guess it also show that SG want to do this right, taking things slowly. Maybe we gonna get a passionate kiss as it looks like we gonna see intense emotions soon.
Orientedstar
January 20, 2021 at 6:51 PM
Maybe the writer and the director thought they we would spontaneously combust if they give 2 kisses in one episode.
I love their long conversations and one of the main reason why I love this drama.
pickleddragon
January 20, 2021 at 10:53 PM
We’ve had three in the drama so far (across OTP and second OTP). All dead fish though. I think that is the USP of this drama sadly 😂 I’m hoping my prediction is undone by the end, but it’s not really looking like it.
Orientedstar
January 21, 2021 at 3:21 AM
Yes I understand but WHY WHY why waste so much chemistry and sexual tension between the leads. I want to throw a temper tantrum.
Yuyuu, The Drama Queen
January 21, 2021 at 4:32 AM
Like this is the one annoying thing in this show. I really hate it when dramas desexualize their characters. In this show though it’s kinda worse bc 1) they’ve done some much BUILD UP we’re at a point when SOMETHING should happen, but nothing has happened & they keep throwing in a lot of suggestive shit which makes anticipat something even more… but i’m afraid they’ll leave it just at that
Yuyuu, The Drama Queen
January 21, 2021 at 4:33 AM
Wow lots of typos there, sorry lol
Yuyuu, The Drama Queen
January 19, 2021 at 10:47 AM
Are we doing a Love, February this year too?
I feel like I\’ve \”run out\” of love this past year, so maybe reflecting on it would be good. Or at least read about it.
Eazal
January 19, 2021 at 11:36 AM
I hope we do!
WishfulToki
January 19, 2021 at 1:14 PM
Maybe we can do a daily or weekly theme like the #2020Roundup reviews? I know part of the magic is leaving it a free topic, but I was quite overwhelmed by the flood of posts last year.
That said, I don’t want to stop all the love. Just ignore me 😂
Ally
January 19, 2021 at 7:52 PM
@hotcocoagirl
Cocoa, The Fake Poet of February
January 31, 2021 at 2:10 PM
Hey! Sorry I’m late to this. Love February will be happening this year, and as usual it will be up to people’s own amounts of time/desire/energy to do it.
However, that said I will not be doing roundup posts like I have the last couple of years, just don’t honestly have time…
Love February began five years ago when I was sick and alone in my apartment during grad school, the exercise was my way of refocusing myself on the little things that comprise love, not just despairing the big moments that I didn’t have right then.
Love February is about recognizing that bit of love, be it a sandwich, a soup, a tree, a person, that helps defeat that despair this world is so full of.
Yuyuu, The Drama Queen
January 18, 2021 at 1:35 PM
I took an important exam tonight & I was very nervous at the beginning, but I *think* it went well. I really hope so.
I had to treat myself afterwards, so here’s a gif I made of the Gyeom-Mi couple, from one of their super duper cute episode-recap videos 😭😭💖💕
purplesheesh
January 18, 2021 at 5:33 PM
OMG DATE ALREADY YOU TWO!!!
suk
January 18, 2021 at 7:08 PM
I haven’t seen this much off-screen chemistry/flirting since Ryu Jun-yeol and Hyeri after Reply 1988!
pickleddragon
January 18, 2021 at 9:33 PM
And everyone said the CLOY couple had chemistry
*eyeroll
Yuyuu, The Drama Queen
January 19, 2021 at 6:15 AM
*picks up your eyeroll* cuz i was one of those people LOL.
These two are wayy cuter though
pickleddragon
January 19, 2021 at 7:22 AM
LoL. My bad! I forgot! 😀
Thank you for picking up 😀
Yes on the cuteness factor!, for sure!
Orientedstar
January 18, 2021 at 10:15 PM
Im shi wan loves teasing shin se kyung!! And I think she is very easy to tease and that makes him tease her so much more. So cute.. and im shi wan really acts like an oppa to her. I love them.
Yuyuu, The Drama Queen
January 16, 2021 at 9:30 AM
The DELIVERY was as good as the confession itself!💖
And the awkwardness after was so relatable 😂
(lets get a real kiss next time though)
mindy🐌
January 16, 2021 at 9:51 AM
Her awkward almost-hand-hold tho uffvjhfc
Yuyuu, The Drama Queen
January 16, 2021 at 10:26 AM
I was screaming like JUST DO IT
Yuyuu, The Drama Queen
January 15, 2021 at 4:29 PM
(this is a bit of a RUN ON rant):
These two scenes really put Seon-gyeom’s personality and motives in perspective for me!
(1) The one with his mom exposed the source of his weirdness, his childlike traits that read almost as autism. It makes sense that with an upbringing that didn’t meet his emotional needs & was also abusive, he is now who he is– low on emotional intelligence and wide-eyed in the face of social situations and relationships.
(2) The scene where he goes “If I’ve become too boring, then tell me so” just broke my heart 😭. First of all who’s the bitch that hurt him so that he looked so crestfallen at the suspicion of being found “boring?!” What it did tell me was that he’s used to such rejections, and his prior hesitance on what to do about his feelings for MJ made so much more sense, bc that was just him trying to protect himself.
What I didn’t understand though was some of Mijoo’s reasoning. It’s true that Seon-gyeom can be confusing and needs to sharpen his communication skills. It’s also true that he has the tendency to bottle things up and make decisions all on his own, which makes it hard to judge where’s his mind is at, so I understand why MJ would feel “left out” (even though I don’t think he owes her anything).
HOWEVER, I really think Seon-gyeom stepped up in ep.9. He was so much more open and only had eyes for her. He even SAID he liked her ffs! So I was really confused when she pushed him away???
I did think (before watching ep.10) that her reaction stemmed from fear of abandonment, esp. since the show has mentioned the loss of her parents a lot– but that required a lot of mental gymnastics. As opposed to Seon-gyeom, whose past we’ve explored with clarity, we actually don’t know much about Mijoo’s past in detail (yet) and I find that a bit lacking. It’s much easier to understand Seon-gyeom’s actions in the context of their relationship- given all that we do know for sure about him, but we can only take Mijoo at her word when she says things like “I was too scared of loosing him, that I didn’t dare make a move … Like okay, but WHY is that?
(Anyways, if you’ve actually read this far, thanks)
Radily
January 15, 2021 at 5:16 PM
It was the manner in which he confessed: she thought he was liking her as a favour to her, especially when he blindsided her about his departure from her house after she had just indirectly confessed to him earlier at the anchor-shaped pier. Her insecurity was made worse by the “Mr. One Month” nickname shared by Young Il earlier (which revealed why he said the line in the gif you posted).
As for her background, I thought the end of Episode 8 covered that quite a bit with the car ride where Sun Gyum escorted the sick Mi Joo: they talked about her experience having no parents to comfort her while she had meningitis and how she had to learn how to blend in with the other kids to avoid being ostracised. The cliffhanger scene also shows her attachment issues with Sun Gyum stepping in to help her become her anchor that she can rely on.
BC
January 16, 2021 at 5:27 AM
I tend to think that MJ is unconsciously strongly influenced by movies and she has few possible scenarios in her head ready (like we saw when she was back at home) for the situation and when it happened in different direction it spoiled her mood and even when she doesn’t want to be mad she is mad. They are both very direct and spare on physical contact unless they’re drunk. Even when SG confess that he wants to hold her hand, hug her and kiss her more they’re not able to do so. They need more courage and forget about past relationships.
Yuyuu, The Drama Queen
January 16, 2021 at 8:36 AM
“It was the manner in which he confessed: she thought he was liking her as a favour to her”
I agree with you on this, even though I find it wasn’t easily discernible. Hadn’t thought of it this way, thanks!
And yes we do know about her background and can theorize with all that you said, but idk… I find that it’s not explored enough still, especially in comparison to how KSG is characterized.
Blue (mayhemf)
January 15, 2021 at 6:27 PM
Most of the issue stems from choice of words and interpretations. They both have issues. He states things in his own way. She interprets these in her own way (add to this her job which requires her to add context and subtexts). This seems to be the running theme. Communication and lost in translation.
They both have been sending feelers since ep 2. But neither of them are confident and are not willing to take the leap of faith and move forward. He is not used to getting close to people and she is careful about not getting hurt by people she is close to. ( both of them don’t have the ‘family’ experience)
bong-soo
January 15, 2021 at 7:31 PM
Thanks Yuyuu. I just finished episode 9.
Re No. 1. I thought that was a beautifully written and acted mother/son scene.
Re No. 2. I really think at key moments in their developing relationship Mi-joo has unnecessarily complicated things. Seon-gyeom had done so many things in the episode to show his feelings for her when because of the shoes she gets all worked up and then winds up taking the bus back to Seoul which I thought was ridiculous. She could of joked about it by saying something like, “don’t you know it is bad luck to give someone (you like maybe romantically) shoes”? It probably would have gone right over his head. “Give me a few minutes to get my stuff and let’s get on the road”.
In an earlier episode (I think at the door to Seon-gyeom’s hotel room she said something to the effect, “when I am around you I feel crappy”. My response was, “why is that his fault”? He is not playing passive/aggressive games with you. Lay off the booze.
Actually my favorite scene in episode 9 was the lunch break conversation between Seo-gyeom and Woo-shik.
So far the writing and acting in RUN ON has been excellent.
Yuyuu, The Drama Queen
January 16, 2021 at 8:54 AM
EXACTLY. So much of their conflict is about miscommunication. A lot of Mijoo’s anger comes from how she (incorrectly) interprets SG’s words. When she says why she’s mad, SG is always like “That’s not it, that’s not what I mean.” I wish their confrontations wouldn’t end there, that they have a heart-to-heart on what exactly is ticking them both off.
Eazal
January 16, 2021 at 12:31 AM
We do know about MiJoo background: her parents died when she was a kid and she grew up in foster homes, and had to navigate her childhood being nice to others to fit (the scene in the hotel when she was given the wedding invitation and was so meanly treated by the bride), had to accept all kind of money and works to survive. She dated a director for years who, when they broke up, spread rumors that she only got any job because of him. She only find a place to call home when after finishing high school she met May (her Eun-bi?). She’s lived a tough life and even if she decided to walk on the sunny side of the street, she’s struggling every single day. Her heart was broken with her last boyfriend… will she give her heart again to SK? I think she feels she likes him so much she can’t handle another disappointment and that’s why she keeps the distance while she tries to read the signals.
Yuyuu, The Drama Queen
January 16, 2021 at 8:47 AM
I really like the inclusion of her ex into your interpretation! It really adds a layer to why she’s keeping her distance from SG, on top of everything else.
That much I do understand, but the way I see it is that her actions aren’t just her distancing herself from Seon-gyeom, but veer into pushing him away. I understand where she’s coming from, but also think she’s given SG too much grief for his missteps, while not owning up to hers
Yuyuu, The Drama Queen
January 16, 2021 at 8:59 AM
Thank you all for commenting on this! I loved all the discussions, and now I feel like I understand Mijoo better as character! The writing here is so strong that we’re able to have this much discussion about ONE character
@radily @kerouregan @mayhemf @marcusnyc20 @eazal
Yuyuu, The Drama Queen
January 15, 2021 at 11:31 AM
I have so much to say about RUN ON- but first: THIS OUTFIT!
Can he keep wearing these nice, normal outfits?!
Eazal
January 15, 2021 at 11:54 AM
If only…
Orientedstar
January 15, 2021 at 6:16 PM
I screamed when I saw him in this outfit. Yes please keep wearing these normal clothes which actually suits you!!
KSKalways
January 17, 2021 at 11:32 AM
“Normal” outfits for the win, yes!
Some of his more “runway fashion” choices are just so… 😅
Yuyuu, The Drama Queen
January 14, 2021 at 8:42 AM
YO JUST KISS– OMFG!!! 😭😭😭
The pining is too much, my heart can’t take it.
Good thing ep.10 is here to save me. I need to calm down before I watch it though.
Orientedstar
January 14, 2021 at 10:20 AM
Oh I was hoping someone would make gifs of the bridge scene. So heart fluttering.
diniyuukie
January 14, 2021 at 11:06 AM
wait till you see ep 10 heheheh
Eazal
January 14, 2021 at 11:46 AM
I was just crying: Get a room you two!!
hahahahaha
Yuyuu, The Drama Queen
January 14, 2021 at 6:21 AM
I\’m just catching up on RUN ON ep.9, and i just need to know WHO WROTE THAT GAY JOKE IN? 😭😭😭😭😭😭
It\’s kind of a lame old joke, but i neve expected to see it in a k-drama. I don\’t think Mijoo got it LOL.
Yuyuu, The Drama Queen
January 13, 2021 at 1:16 PM
It totally went over my head that today was wednesday, so i didn\’t schedule RUN ON in my day 😭
I only remembered cuz i saw my sister watching it & at first i thought she was rewatching last week\’s ep.
I already can\’t keep track of time & it\’s only the 2nd week of the year? Last week was completely bonkers