By Honorary Reporter Ghada Mohamed Ali from Egypt

Photos = tvN's official Instagram page

"Lovely Runner" is an acclaimed series about a wheelchair-confined K-pop fan who goes back in time to save her favorite star from dying and prevent the accident that disables her. 

Despite modest ratings, it grew popular abroad after its April 8 debut. Taiwanese fans made a video of leading actor Byeon Woo-seok for billboard display at New York's Times Square and Time magazine on May 30 called it the year's best K-drama.

Songwriter Kim Soo-yoon in Korea wrote songs from the series' soundtrack like "Sudden Shower" and "Run Run," performed by the fictional boy band Eclipse. In an e-mail interview from June 3-4, Kim talked about his career and composing the music for "Lovely Runner."

How did you get involved in the drama?

As a producer at FNC Entertainment, I contributed to the drama's original soundtrack. Though I typically produce music for K-pop idol acts, this project's focus on rock bands allowed me to leverage my expertise effectively.

How did you get into songwriting?

Playing snare drum for my high school marching band sparked my initial interest in music. I then studied at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood and earned a graduate degree in music in Korea. I was also a member of the band Royal Pirates, for which I wrote most of its songs. After the band disbanded, I became a professional songwriter.

How did your musical influences shape your creative vision for "Lovely Runner?"

Instead of specific artists, we aimed for a nostalgic feel to complement the time travel theme. Influenced by 2000s rock ballads and other bands, I incorporated these elements into the soundtrack, fitting the drama's setting in the 2000s.

Eclipse is the fictional boy band portrayed in the K-drama "Lovely Runner." 

Ryu Sun-jae (played by actor Byeon Woo-seok) is the main vocalist of the fictional boy band Eclipse in the K-drama "Lovely Runner." 

What projects are coming up for you?

I expect the release of many K-pop songs soon showcasing the talents of idol groups. I aspire to reunite with my former band to produce new music. Last year, we worked on the soundtrack for "Twinkling Watermelon," focusing on a band concept, and will work on another project this year.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.