The Finale of Lovely Runner: Its Popularity Forming a Trend Between High Schoolers in Irvine, California.
“Lovely Runner,” a popular K-Drama, has taken the world by storm with its captivating time-lapse romance story. For six consecutive weeks, it has held the number one spot on Viki, even outshining the highly anticipated “Queen of Tears” ; another 2024 hit.
“Lovely Runner” has garnered the highest viewer count among dramas released this year, illustrating its immense popularity.
Today, the final episode of “Lovely Runner” was released (May 28, 2024), marking the end of a beloved series. To understand the show’s impact, I spoke with Catherine Chang, an 11 th -grader at Northwood High School in Irvine, California. I found Catherine watching the latest episode on her phone, using AirPods, at the lunch table before school.
When I asked Catherine, “What are you watching?” she replied with excitement, “Did you not watch the new episode? Omg, it was released this morning! Her enthusiastic response highlights the show’s significant influence on high school students in Irvine. Watching “Lovely Runner” has become a social ritual, a shared experience that fosters connection and belonging among peers.
Interestingly, Catherine’s assumption that I was referring to “Lovely Runner” without any prior context underscores the drama’s dominance in conversations. The widespread popularity among students suggests that keeping up with the latest episodes is almost a necessity.
However, with finals week approaching rapidly, there’s a growing concern about the potential distractions posed by binge-watching dramas like “Lovely Runner”
High school students must find a balance between staying current with entertainment trends and dedicating sufficient time to their studies. While it is essential to engage in social activities and maintain friendships, prioritizing academics remains crucial, especially for rising Juniors and Seniors.
“Lovely Runner” has undoubtedly become a cultural phenomenon among high school students. Yet, students need to manage their time wisely to ensure academic success while enjoying their favorite shows.
<Jade Shin Student reporter>jhyjadeshin@gmail.com
Jade Shin is a junior student at Northwood High School in Irvine.
