Run On

Ki Seon-gyeom is a former national track star who has been living life according to a strict plan, measuring success in time and medals. That changes when he meets Oh Mi-joo, a blunt, principled film subtitle translator whose work and worldview are shaped by language and other people’s stories. Their slow-forming relationship forces Seon-gyeom to question routines and feelings he long ignored, while Mi-joo learns to trust someone whose life runs at a different speed. Around them a circle of friends and rivals complicates career ambitions and romantic choices, and the show keeps its focus on small, everyday moments instead of big melodrama.

Released in 2020, the series was created by Park Si-hyeon and directed by Lee Jae-hoon, with Yim Si-wan and Shin Se-kyung leading an ensemble cast that includes Sooyoung Choi, Kang Tae-oh, and Lee Bong-ryeon.

Critics and viewers reacted positively overall, reflected in a 7.4/10 average from 118 votes on one aggregator. Reviewers often praised the leads' chemistry, the unhurried pacing, and the way the show treats career and communication as parts of relationships rather than mere plot devices. Themes include emotional literacy, the gap between public persona and private need, and how work shapes identity.

The series stood out for spotlighting lesser-seen professions, like film translation, and for portraying modern dating and friendship in a calmer register than many romantic dramas. It built a dedicated fanbase online, where viewers discussed character choices, thoughtful dialogue, and scenes that felt quietly realistic rather than exaggerated.

While Run On didn’t sweep major international award shows, it earned steady attention from domestic audiences and TV reviewers who appreciated its restraint and sincerity. The series helped reinforce a trend in Korean drama toward more modest, character-driven storytelling, and it kept fans engaged through strong performances and consistent tone.