We’re only halfway through 2024, but any upcoming Korean drama looking to steal the title of the year's best from Lovely Runner has a tough act to follow. The phenomenal chemistry between the lead actors—Kim Hye-yoon, known for Extraordinary You and Byeon Woo-seok from 20th Century Girl—has made this drama a standout hit.
One of the standout elements is Woo-seok’s character, Ryu Sun-jae, whose comedic moments have left fans laughing long after the drama ended. Here are some of the funniest moments featuring Sun-jae:
Lovely Runner’s Sun-jae Sliding Down Embarrassment
In episode 15, Sun-jae takes Sol to his place to care for her after she faints on a Ferris wheel. As she tries to leave, they have a playful standoff the following day. When Sun-jae realises Sol left her medication behind, he’s desperate to return it.
Spotting her at a playground, he panics when about to be caught and climbs a slide. His phone falls into the slide, and Sol sees it, answering a call from Baek In-hyuk (played by N. Flying’s Lee Seung Hyub). Sun-jae then slides down, trying to look cool, only to end up helping calm her crying nephew, who throws up all over him. The mix of Sun-jae’s awkwardness and charm makes this scene unforgettable.
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Sun-jae’s Hot Tea ‘Competition’ with Tae-sung
Sun-jae and Tae-sung’s rivalry peaks in episode 15 during a hot tea-drinking contest. When Tae-sung meets Sun-jae to ask for dashcam footage, they bicker about Sol, leading to a competition to drink boiling tea without flinching.
Their over-the-top declarations that the tea isn’t hot while clearly in pain make for one of the funniest moments in the series.
Related: Who Is Lee Chul-Woo, Who Plays Kim Hyung-Gu in Lovely Runner?
Lovely Runner Shows Sun-jae’s Desperately In Love Side
After it’s revealed that Sun-jae fell for Sol first, we start to see a different and silly side of him. In Episode 3, after taking Sol home, he adorably blows aggressive flying kisses at her as soon as she reaches her house. But his aggressive signs of affection didn’t go unnoticed.
His friend In-hyuk catches him in the act, leading to Sun-jae trying to play it cool by blowing kisses at In-hyuk too. This scene perfectly captures Sun-jae’s hopeless romantic side.
Related: Lovely Runner: Does Im Sol Remember Ryu Sun Jae’s Confession? Episode 3 Ending Explained
Waiting for Sol with the Time Capsule
Sun-jae and Sol promise to meet in 2023 to open up the time capsule they buried together in a new 2008 timeline. Sun-jae digs it up six months early in the future and waits for Sol on January 1 2023, rehearsing cool ways to greet her. His poses and attempts to look nonchalant are hilariously endearing, especially when she doesn’t show up.
It was even funnier when his manager informed him that fans had spotted him and posted pics of him looking weird alone at the Hanyang Bridge.
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Sun-jae Thinking His Fans Recognized Him
When Sol’s grandmother goes missing, she ends up at Sun-jae’s father’s restaurant. Sun-jae escorts her home and bumps into Sol. Despite trying to avoid him at all costs, Sol’s mother convinces her to thank Sun-jae by treating him to a cup of tea or coffee.
They end up at a convenience store where Sun-jae tries to convince her he’s a beloved star. He then mistakes two schoolgirls giggling as fans and offers them an autograph because he was such a "big" K-Drama star.
He was disappointed when they weren't fans and wanted him to buy them cigarettes. They still didn’t recognise him even after he pointed to his coffee ad. This misjudgment highlights Sun-jae’s endearing overconfidence and pettiness.
Related: Queen of Tears 2074 Time Jump: What Happened to Hae-In and Hyun-Woo?
Sun-jae Drinking and Screaming for Sol
In a new 2008 timeline created by Sol, Sun-jae is heartbroken when young Sol has no memory of their time together, nor does she want to see him. So, he lived with a heartache for Sol for years.
A flashback shows Sun-jae drunkenly visiting places they used to go, screaming her name, and being saved from embarrassment by In-hyuk.
This montage is funny and poignant, showcasing his deep feelings for Sol, even if it means dropping by her old house with flowers and desperately calling out her name.
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Sun-jae’s Drunken Night Out with Tae-sung
After Sol and Sun-jae make their relationship official, Sun-jae sets things straight with Tae-sung over drinks. Their drunken antics, from visiting a haunted house to singing karaoke, are hysterical.
The best scene was when Sun-Jae and Tae-sung were collecting pine cones. Each time they found one pine cone, they would scream “Sol.” This is because pine cone in Korean is “sol bangul.”
Related: Can Anyone Be Hae-In’s Guardian in Queen of Tears? Fans Mad About Episode 14's Inattention to Detail
The following day, Sun-jae wakes up cuddling with Tae-sung, leading to a hilarious exchange when Tae-sung cheerfully says, “Good morning.” Their newfound friendship adds a delightful twist to the love triangle.
The Condom Incident in Lovely Runner Episode 11
Sun-jae and Sol catch a petal together during a date under cherry blossoms, making wishes. After their date, they fall asleep at Sol’s family’s video rental shop.
Sol accidentally tears Sun-jae’s shirt in the morning, and all hell breaks loose. Sol’s brother attacks Sun-jae, Sol’s mother defends her daughter, and Sun-jae’s dad protects his son’s pride. Then, a tug-of-war over Sun-jae’s bag sends 100 condoms flying all over the room.
The ensuing chaos ended with both parents trying to pull them apart and forbidding them from seeing each other. Of course, the whole misunderstanding was all cleared up in the end. However, Sun-Jae’s pride was still up for debate.
Related: Queen of Tears: Did Eun-Sung Really Save Hae-in from Drowning? Fans Share Their Theories
Lovely Runner has given us countless memorable moments, but these hilarious scenes featuring Ryu Sun-jae are among the best. They highlight the perfect blend of humour and heart that makes this drama a standout hit.