Na Direção do Amor (2020)

Slice of national athlete and translator life with two compelling romances

9/10 is my rating. This is a 2021/2022 Romantic Sports Drama with 16, 60 Minute Episodes.
Seon-gyeom (Im Si-wan) is a runner on the National Track and Field Team. He is the visual for the team but also a strong runner who has consistently scored second. Heading into retirement his goal is to finally take first place, but a bullying episode with a mentee leads him to put his career on the line for principle. Some would argue he is able to do this as he grew up with priviledge but he suffers intense criticism and malice for his action from his family and from the sports world.
Seon-gyeom grew up with a politician father and a famous actress mother and an older sister who is a pro golfer. He was a latch key kid who did not get much social interaction and whose family was all about expectations and less about caring and love. His older sister is his only ally against his father's unreasonable expectations. Oh Mi-joo (Shin Se-kyung) was an orphan who worked hard for every opportunity she ever had. She is an interpreter for films and takes great pride in high quality subtitles to the extent she will watch each movie multiple times. Her and Seon-gyeom cross paths when she is hired to interpret for him as he attends several key sporting functions that could benefit his father's political career. The father hired her thinking, since she had such modest means, she would be easy to manipulate but what he did not count on was Mi-joo's pride in her work and high ethical standards. As the two get to know each other they discover they are more alike than different and love may change both their lives for the better.

2nd Couple: Lee Yeong-hwa (Kang Tae-oh) is a young artist who displays his art works in a local coffee shop where Chaebol CEO, Seo Dan-ah (Choi Soo-young) grabs coffee. She grew up in a severe family environment as her mother died early and her father had multiple relationships resulting in half and illigitimate siblings. Competion for inheritance is fierce in the household so the siblings do not develop loving relationships among themselves or with their father. As a result Dan-ah is sarcastic, rude and has no social filter - she pushes most people away. She had a close relationship with Seon-gyeom when she managed his sports career and they even appeared on each other's blind date lists as they both come from wealthy and elite backgrounds. The lively and engaging artist Yeong-hwa is able to crack through the frozen exteriors of both elites and befriend one and romance the other. Yeong-hwa and his infallible good humor and persistence may be the only one able to break through Dan-ah's icy exterior.

Spoiler Alert** I mostly liked this series. I wish it had focused more on the running culture and was a bit disappointed that his career as a national athlete ended so early in the series. The statement he made about bullying among athletes really fizzled out. The coach who was allowing it continued to coach. He was never exposed for enabling and actually condoning the behavior. The bullies were sent off but it did not feel like they got the punishment they actually deserved. In terms of exposing the issue - it did that - but I personally like seeing the good guys win. The way it played out it was like don't bother blowing the whistle as it will only ruin your career and no one will want to have you on their team. The bullies belonged in jail for what they did. I know it may have been more reality based that way but I like the positive outcome when I am watching fiction - I want the good/positive outcome. Show the possibility and give people hope. I really liked the slice of life of a sub-title writer/editor. It was interesting to think about how much control they have over how things are said and how that can flavor the whole movie or whatever piece they are working on. I liked that her career took off and it was a result of her hard work and strong ethics. I loved the ML and FL characters and they were so similar in so many ways. He was extremely socially awkward but she was a bit too. She had no filter when it came to voicing what she was thinking. I could see how they fit together in personality so nicely but also why they might bicker. I felt a bit irritated in this part where she got angry with him for being out all night and not telling her where he was. She was insecure he may have been with another woman and that he did not care enough about her to keep her informed. I understood she was upset he didn't bother to text or call but when he apologized and was trying to make it up to her I thought she should have forgiven him. I was also disappointed in the way she reacted when his father threatened her. The man could be terrifying no doubt but I wouldn't hurt someone I loved because of it.
I would find a way. When the mix up was cleared up though she remained angry with him until she needed something. She even commented that she was being bad for only making up with him because she needed something. The second couple had a very interesting dynamic. I understood her damage yet still thought she could be somewhat abusive to him. The ending was less than satisfying for me. It showed everyone back together but there was no type of permanence in any of the relationships. Everyone was just dating. And given they had broken up so many times before it did not feel like a happy ending. My daughter who watched with me is in her late 20s and was perfectly happy with the end. But, in my early 50s, I am in the generation where marriage or at least engagement was the happy outcome. So I think whether or not the ending will feel happy and wrapped up is somewhat generational. It was really good - kept me interested the whole time but just a few things that kept it from being perfect. Definitely worth watching for the great acting, insight on national athleticism, and sub title writers and the character development and chemistry between the leads was on point.

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"Call me when you are in pain or struggling."

Not going to lie, I did not know much about this drama going into it, I had not even really seen much talk about it on social media like other dramas. I came across one TikTok where someone mentioned that the actors were "emotionless" and that it made the drama less enjoyable. That one video, it what made me want to watch it, I knew nothing about the storyline other than the small synopsis on Netflix.

Let's talk storyline, you'd think because it focuses on the fact that the main male lead is a national athlete, you would actually see him complete in competitions or that the story would be more about maintaining his career to continue to be one. Whereas this drama does something completely different, it was interesting that Ki Seon-Gyeom's (aka Siwan) story really just focused on the him not really benign a national athlete at all and more focuses on his life and career afterwards. As for Oh Mi-Joo (aka Shin Se-Kyung) her story really took over the drama as a whole, was was really both the main female lead as well as the main lead in the story.

This story itself really did bring an everyday aspect to dramas, typically dramas tend to sugarcoat a lot of daily life situations and problems within relationships, but not in Run On. Run On focused on fact that Ki Seon-Gyeom and Oh Mi-Joo are two individuals coming into a relationship together, rather than focusing on them just being an item. Bring forth issues that everyday couples can having, having problems individually and deciding whether or not to involve your significant other. This concept was very well depicted throughout the whole drama, both within the main couple and the second main couple.

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I got tired of nothing actually happening

I liked the leads together, I think they really fit for each other. But it was a little disappointing that when they finally become a couple it lacked emotion and... idk... catarsis is the word maybe. They just talk and that's it. Maybe that's a lot like them and how it should've been anyways, but I missed smth more wow yk. And now that they're a couple I don't see any change in them. They just look like friends that hold hands sometimes. I think as a romance story this drama has failed a little. It lacked, at least in my opinion, those swoony-butterflies-in-the-stomach-romantic moments. Maybe it was just me, maybe it was a chemistry thing, maybe not, I really saw potential in the couple, but they just didn't happen for me. I think they focused too much on the running and translating thing that they forgot that this should be a romance drama above all. Both leads are boring. I think it was a narrative thing, but it had to do with their personalities as well. I didn't hate them, they were just meh.

Yeong-hwa was the highlight of this drama. The best character. He carried the whole thing by himself. He was funny and he might've seemed silly and easy to be laid over by Dan-ah, but when it was too much for him he just walked away. He didn't let her do whatever she wanted with him, which I thought would kinda be their dynamic, but it wasn't and that was good. Way to go man. I actually think they were a better couple than the leads. Both of them are more interesting characters than the leads. Maybe because their relationship has those aspects we are used to see in dramas, which the leads don't. In summary, the second couple was more engaging to watch than the main couple.

Seriously, what was that sort of break up in the 12th ep?! I mean, why would his father getting in the way of their relationship be a problem if he never really gave a damn for what his father thinks?! He broke up with his father way before dating her, right when he decided not to run in that competition. I couldn't bring myself to watch the drama after that. I got tired of nothing actually happening.

The osts are actually good, not so memorable, but the drama isn't as well. The photography is good too. The vibes overall were good It is a beautiful drama apart from its story. Liked the film references. The production work was really good.

Overall, this was purely a median, neutral, wishy-washy drama. It wasn't a bad watch but not good either. I didn't get irritated by anything but it didn't give me the feels yk. It was boring and dull.

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by the end of the last episode, I knew I had to make a review for this beautiful and soothing drama.

At first, I was hesitant to watch this drama. I just know that it won't fit my usual k-drama genre which is action, mystery, thriller. But boy, was I wrong!!!
Run On is not your usual romance drama. It gives off meaning and fulfillment. With sooo many different characters, different personality, and different story, you may find a little bit of yourself in each and every one of them. Run On portrays a realistic view of life. How sometimes it is not always family first, as it is known from the beginning that both of the leads do not have a good relationship with their blood-related family.

This drama also provides diversity in the sexuality of the characters, and if you are not a fan of that, please don't bother watching. For me, this is something fresh and new from a k-drama.
The character development of is also veryyy interesting and fun to watch. You can feel that there's a different person from the beginning of the drama to the end of the drama.

The visuals, backdrop, views, and color tone are AMAZING. its just.... so satisfying. The real "good vibes only". The plot and storyline is honestly, pretty typical, but you will find interesting and heartwarming messages in between every scene. I love how everyone got their own portion of their own story without exaggerating the ending, but more of the process.

By the end of the drama, everyone got their own happy ending depending to their story. Some got what they expected, but some didn't. Those who didn't then found happiness after they understand and make peace with their expected happy ending. This drama is worth the while, and I assure you, worth the happy tears.

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It's Okay.

Took me a long time to finish this ngl. Story could've been done a bit better. Characters' chemistry was okay at best, nothing special. Second leads saved this. Acting was good considering their character's personalities (Shin Se Kyung's acting has always irked me a bit before, but this was one of her better performances). Beware of those who don't like slow burn, since this is superrr slow. OST's were great as well, they really set the show nicely and I find myself humming to some of the songs at times. It's a great listen by itself, so I really recommend it. However, I don't really plan to rewatch this, and knowing what I know now, I don't think that I would have the motivation to really start this drama. But idk, I have this feeling that I'm actually really glad that I watched this. Overall, it's very comforting, has its sweet moments, and great witty banter between the actors (especially the second leads). It can be very confusing at times, and you often wonder where is this story going. But still, it's a good watch and isn't the worst I've seen (though there are tons of better dramas out there). I recommend it for the casual viewer, but don't go into it thinking it's a top tier drama.

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perfect light drama

if you want a light drama to watch, this is totally recommended for you!
it totally deserve 10/10 rating! the storyline, the plots and the ending doesn't seems too cliche, its also refreshing! atleast for me hhh since the ending is satisfying
but im a liiiiiiitle bit disappointed for second lead couple ending :( but since it doesn't affect much to the whole plot, its okay :] but i guess it better to end that way or else, yes, cliche hh
not to mention all of the casts chemistry with each other, there can't be any better than them ?!? and i just like how STRONG ALL the FEMALE CHARACTERS too, and sooyoung OMGGGG SHE PLAYED HER ROLE VERY WELL ;-; though im actually watching this solely because of the main leads ;D
OST: 10/10 (i just found out the boyz sang one of the ost too haha so thats why sunwoo ... iykyk xD)

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"Just out of breath"

In one ep the fl asks the ml how does it feel to be a runner and he responded with "just always out of breath". When i first watched the drama it comforted me, i do not know why it just did. I love the plot of the show, its entertaining enough to keep you entertained to simple enough to relate to it. The characters are so well written, their back storys make us understand why they are the way they are, the actors did an amazing job to express to us the emotions the characters felt. My favourite thing about this drama is the writing, i have rewatched this drama many times, but some of the things the characters say never stop comforting me. No matter what some of the lines just have a special place in my heart, they offer comfort no other things can offer me. I truly recommend this drama to everyone.

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Drama for not everyone's liking

Just wanted to say that this drama is not for everyone because the drama is a slice of life genre.For me this drama is hilarious from Ki Seon Gyeom's idiot face to Lee Yeong Hwa's personality is just *chef's kiss.The cast here was so amazing and every character in here isn't normal and that's what kept me watching this drama even though the story itself is just plain but the characters makes me stay through out this drama.I would recommend this drama for anyone who has nothing to watch for a moment and give sometime for the characters to interact with each other then you will love this drama.

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What I love most is the script. The script is very impressive. There are lines that hit differently.

Now I know why people liked this drama so much and now I understand why it is a healing drama for them.

This might be a boring drama for some, I also thought it is, but I really enjoyed it.

I now appreciates the job of translators and athletes after watching this.

It is thanks to translators that I get to enjoy and watch Korean dramas even though I can’t understand Korean. I am also able to know other countries' languages, cultures and more thanks to translators.

It’s pure gem! I just can’t hate it.

Im Si Wan's role was just so cute. He's like a cute street dog and you can’t help but love him even though you don’t like dogs. His character is just soooooo nice, so selfless and it makes me wonder if there’s someone like him in real life.

Shin Se Kyung's character is a simple strong independent woman. I love how she loves herself and that she encourages the ML to love himself and take care of himself more.

Other characters are also adorable. ML's Mom and sister are the best. And the 2nd lead couple's story is very interesting that I want more from them.

Lastly, there’s this conversation between ML and FL where the FL asked ML who he thinks she will end up living with and she said herself. That we only have ourselves until the end and that we should love ourselves more. That’s my favorite scene and it really makes a lot of sense.

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My Favorite Parts

In this review, I would like to share highlights of why I distinctively enjoyed this drama. I liked the way the drama opened in the first episode by showing two different types of footwear, how it's worn and two individual running for different reason. This scene alone was a lightbulb moment for me -- running is not only for athletes but people run for many reasons. It could be they're late, to catch a bus, run away from something or someone or fitness, etc. Still on the subject of shoes, I liked the style of Seo Dan-ah -- runners with corporate attire. Something worth emulating. In the scene she shares the reason behind the fashion statement gave that scene a different impact. Another scene that I really like when Seo Dan-ah realized that he sees the painter in the painting that is why she's so drawn and fixated in owning pieces from the artist. I like the positive message and motivation that transcends in the episodes. A very nice element in the drama was the unexpected friendship that budded when the characters' lives intertwined. Siwan portrayed his role in this drama uniquely. He had this naive yet profound personality that is undaunted by challenges and seeks to find his own dreams and purpose. One of the biggest take-away of this drama for me is the message of discovering and prioritizing oneself. There is no timeline in doing so and the balance of integrating perspective of significant people around you without necessarily being swayed. It is not the cheesy romantic comedy type of drama. The casts portrayed their respective role naturally. I like how the story unfolded from the first episode till the end -- steady pace without the momentum stealing the spotlight off the story. Other themes were tackled in the drama cohesively and added depth to the story. One of my highly recommended drama!

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One of the best dramas I've ever watched.

To be honest, I wasn't very fond of dramas in the past. This changed when I watched Run On. I love movies, so one of the show's first scenes taking place in a movie festival already caught my attention. And the second I found out Oh Mijoo works as a MOVIE TRANSLATOR I decided to stay since I am also studying translation.
What I dislike about dramas, and sorry to say this, is the love stories. They seem cheesy and for some reason most of the times I dislike how the love story unfolds. But this time, it did not happen. Ki Seongyeom is an amazing character, well constructed, selfless, kind. At first you may think something is wrong with him, or that he is the typical self centered rich guy. But no, he is nothing like that. I also struggle with loving myself. My self esteem is low, and I don't care about myself the way I should. I think this made me relate with Seongyeom too, and made me fell in love with this character even more. Taking care of yourself is something in important, and I am glad he has Mijoo to help him with that. That is one of the aspects I loved the most about their relationship.
What is more, I cared about all the characters. Danah and Yeongwha's relationship was interesting too (sometimes even more fun and entertaining than Seongyeom and Mijoo's). They are both incredible characters.
And what it surprised me the most about this drama, is how they handled some important issues that we don't get to see much often in other dramas. Gay characters, MEN CRYING and not being ridiculized because of that, and gender issues.
At first, when we find out Seo Danah talking about how bad it is to out people, how hard being a woman in the industry is, and apologizing to Yejoon after pretending to be a lesbian so her dad wouldn't force her to marry some guy, understanding how hard it is to some people to come out, and it's not an issue to be taken lightly.

There are a million more things I could say about Run On, but I guess I can't find the words to express it. One thing I know is that it is definitely one of my favorite shows ever. I am glad I came across it and I hope we can see more dramas like this one in the future.

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