The premiere of tvN's new Monday-Tuesday drama 'Lovely Runner' has sparked discussions among viewers, with some drawing parallels between the storyline and a specific real-life figure.

'Lovely Runner' follows the story of a renowned artist who tragically passes away, prompting a devoted fan to travel back in time to prevent his untimely demise. In the debut episode aired on April 8 KST, viewers witnessed the intricate tale of Im Sol (played by Kim Hye Yoon) as she transitions from an avid fan to a determined time traveler, encountering her idol Ryu Seon Jae (portrayed by Byun Woo Seok) along the way.

However, some international viewers expressed concerns about the drama's setting, particularly drawing connections between the dying artist in the storyline and the late Jonghyun. They pointed out that the year 2008, when the female lead travels back in time, coincides with SHINee's debut year, with the first episode airing on Jonghyun's birthday.

Responding to these concerns, CJ ENM clarified its stance through consultations with viewers. The production company emphasized that 'Lovely Runner' is based on the web novel of the same name and is not intended to depict any specific real-life character.

Regarding the choice of 2008 as the setting for the time travel, CJ ENM explained that it was selected to effectively illustrate the contrast between different time periods, rather than adhering strictly to the original work's timeline.

Lastly, the company dismissed any intentional connection between the drama's premiere date and Jonghyun's birthday, stating that programming orders are determined sequentially and do not involve deliberate planning.