Tving's 'Running Mate' Delivers a Unique Take on High School Politics

Tving's latest original series, 'Running Mate' (러닝메이트), premiered all episodes on June 19, 2025, to much anticipation. The show explores the lives of students at Yeongjin High School, whose dynamics shift dramatically when they enter the student council president election. Amidst a competition that lacks clear answers, the characters experience painful awakenings and growth, all while delivering humor and depth. The performances of emerging actors such as Yoon Hyun-soo (윤현수), Lee Jung-sik (이정식), Choi Woo-sung (최우성), Hong Hwa-yeon (홍화연), Lee Bong-jun (이봉준), and Kim Ji-woo (김지우) have received widespread acclaim for their dynamic portrayals of the election's intense backdrop.

The story kicks off with No Se-hoon (윤현수), who becomes the target of ridicule due to an unexpected incident. To revamp his image, he decides to run as a running mate in the student council election. Not only is he chosen by Yang Won-dae (최우성), the choir president and a prominent figure at the school, but he also receives attention from the students' idol, Kwak Sang-hyun (이정식). This transformation from the school's 'embarrassment' to a hot topic captivates the audience. As No Se-hoon grapples with his feelings for both Yang Won-dae and Kwak Sang-hyun, he learns that he was actually the twelfth candidate for Yang Won-dae, leading him to join forces with Kwak Sang-hyun. The addition of the top student, Yoon Jeong-hee (홍화연), to Kwak Sang-hyun's camp further intensifies the competition. Meanwhile, Yang Won-dae's camp faces a setback when No Se-hoon leaves, prompting vice-presidential candidate Ha Yoo-kyung (김지우) to recruit No Se-hoon's best friend, Park Ji-hoon (이봉준), to complete their team. This sets the stage for a fierce battle in the student council election.

As the campaign heats up, Kwak Sang-hyun's camp promotes 'trends' and 'innovation,' while Yang Won-dae's camp emphasizes 'tradition' and 'unity.' The first campaign event sees Park Ji-hoon's charisma shine through a school trip promise song, giving Yang Won-dae's camp an early advantage. However, Kwak Sang-hyun's camp retaliates with a promise to bring a popular coffee brand to the school, shaking up the race. Trouble arises for Kwak Sang-hyun's camp when they become embroiled in a scandal involving the defacement of Yang Won-dae's campaign materials, leading to a crisis. Yang Won-dae's camp capitalizes on this by conducting a silent campaign, further cornering their opponents.

As the election intensifies, the true ambitions of both Kwak Sang-hyun and Yang Won-dae come to light, leading to a malicious war of frames. Kwak Sang-hyun, shedding his friendly facade, attacks No Se-hoon, while Yang Won-dae's deceit escalates, pushing No Se-hoon to his breaking point. The situation worsens when allegations arise regarding Park Ji-hoon's academic record, with No Se-hoon being implicated in a voice manipulation scandal. The election devolves into personal attacks and fake news, transforming into an emotional battleground. The students, who initially had their reasons for entering the race, find themselves in a fight where winning becomes the only priority, leading to a no-holds-barred conflict.

In the final joint speech, Yang Won-dae deflects criticism by attributing the blame for the smear campaign to Nam Kyung-tae's personal misconduct, attempting to regain control of the narrative. However, it is No Se-hoon who turns the tide. After enduring a public egging, he confronts Kwak Sang-hyun, stating, "If you don't go crazy, you won't win this election." This provocation prompts Kwak Sang-hyun to kneel and admit, "This election has turned out this way because of me. I will serve with a sense of remorse for the next year."

After the fierce election concludes, No Se-hoon undergoes a painful realization. Reflecting on his past as someone who was neither a 'need' nor a 'want,' he recognizes that he had become disposable. Beyond the election's outcome, he loses friends and himself, ultimately standing at a new starting line for his own journey. The growth that emerges from this 'answerless' competition leaves a profound impact.