Revisiting Run On: The K-drama lesson in empathy and self-love

K-dramas are often erroneously categorised under the section of daily soap. However, over time, its writers have evolved and so have their perspectives on creating human-centric stories. In this new weekly special, we revisit the 2020 Netflix K-drama Run On, starring Yim Si-wang and Shin Sae-kyong.

In Short

• K-dramas like Run On offer nuanced human-centric stories
• Run On explores empathy and relationships in 16 episodes
• Run On is available to stream on Netflix

One of the many things we expect from art is this, to soothe our soul. And sometimes, if they are produced with enough care and passion, such pieces can even help us reflect and ponder about the state of society, and ourselves, in turn. Korean dramas or K-dramas also possess the ability to do that, but they often get slotted in the category of daily soaps. However, over the years, the dramas have evolved, and its writers have managed to come up with a more nuanced take on human-centric stories. The 2020 release, Run On, starring Yim Si-wang and Shin Sae-kyong, is an example in case.

OF DEVELOPING AND PRACTISING EMPATHY

Following the staple K-drama format of 16 episodes, Run On shows in broad strokes how human beings can help alleviate each other's existential pain by just being empathetic. Run On writer Park Shi-hyun does a wonderful job of depicting various kinds of relationships -- romantic, filial and a mentor-mentee bond -- to represent how our own mental state can affect our deepest and most meaningful ties.

That things we take as basic, like having self-respect and self-love, and understanding of someone else's pain and grief, and how they process it, should be the primary tenets of leading a fulfilling life. After all, isn't that what everyone is after? Seeking to understand how to live in a world that often seems unfair?

AN EXEMPLARY FEMALE LEAD

One of the primary highlights of Run On is its treatment of its female lead, played by the talented Shin Sae-kyong, who brings in the unmatchable combination of wit, passion, and understanding with her understated performance as translator Oh Mi-joo, a cinephile with an infectious energy. We are given to understand that Oh Mi-joo has been through a lot in her life, especially when she was a child, which has shaped her as an adult. While it is not talked about, it seems likely that Mi-joo underwent therapy for a considerable amount of time and did the heavy work of sitting with herself, doing some self-introspection.

Oh Mi-joo's path crosses with the versatile Yim Si-wang's Ki Seon-gyeom (a runner), and the proverbial sparks fly. Mi-joo is expressive and knows herself better than many come to know in their lifetime, while Seon-gyeom finds it hard to speak for himself, that is, until he meets our lovely heroine, who predictably ends up teaching him a few life lessons about loving and leaving.

While there are many sequences that jump out of the screen and demand special attention thanks to its subtle but honest writing, the one bit that stands out is the break-up scene, when Oh Mi-joo decides to end things with Seon-gyeom. Oh Mi-joo had been disrespected by the male lead's father and while breaking up with Seon-gyeom, she lets him know that it is not that she doesn't love him anymore, but is instead choosing to love herself better.

There are several moments like that in the course of Run On's sixteen long episodes, and all of them are completely worth their time.

THE PERFECT TEAM

A shout-out to the technical department. The soft palettes and the usage of certain camera angles when it zooms out to show the longing and distance between the lovers, or how Mi-joo perceives Seon-gyeom when he runs, is used intelligently. The soundtrack also complements the pacing of the drama, especially the track 'Ride or Die' by Kai and Joohoney.

The only drawback is that Run On can sometimes appear to be a bit slow-paced. However, the second lead couple of Choi Soo-young and Kang Tae-oh provide the sass and energy that can seem a bit lacking in the drama. Their 'opposites attract' chemistry is both electric and sweet. The ensemble cast does their job well, be it Choi Soo-young's secretary, played by Yeon Je-wook or Seo Jeong-yeon, the male lead's former coach.

So, if you are looking to start a new entertaining, solid K-drama or even revisit one, Run On should be right up your alley. The JTBC series is currently available to stream on Netflix.