TVING’s highly anticipated teen political drama “I Am a Running Mate” has postponed its premiere, just a week before its originally scheduled release on March 6, 2025.
The streaming platform announced that the drama’s release date has been pushed back to an undetermined date, citing the need for a revised programming strategy.
This unexpected delay has sparked curiosity among fans, as “I Am a Running Mate” is one of TVING’s key original productions for 2025 and marks the directorial debut of Han Jin Won, the Oscar-winning screenwriter of “Parasite”.
A Unique Teen Political Drama
“I Am a Running Mate” is a high school political drama that follows the journey of Noh Se Hoon (played by Yoon Hyun Soo), a student who becomes the laughingstock of his school due to an unfortunate incident.
However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he is nominated as a candidate for vice president in the student council elections.
What starts as an embarrassing situation soon transforms into a cutthroat political battle, filled with strategic alliances, betrayals, and intense competition.
Determined to reclaim his dignity and prove himself, Noh Se Hoon navigates the high-stakes world of student politics in hopes of securing victory.
The drama’s unique premise blends themes of political strategy, youth empowerment, and personal redemption, making it a standout addition to the growing list of innovative K-dramas in 2025.
Why Was the Premiere Postponed?
On February 26, 2025, TVING released an official statement to StarNews, explaining their decision to delay the premiere:
“As part of our programming strategy, we plan to change the release schedule for ‘I Am a Running Mate.’ In an industry competition where the situation changes every minute, we intend to rediscuss the optimal release timing for this key original production.”
The platform further elaborated that all episodes will now be released at once, instead of the previously planned weekly episode format. This decision aligns with TVING’s strategy to enhance the immersive experience for viewers and maximize engagement upon release.
TVING reassured fans that they would provide updates once the new premiere date is finalized.
Impact on TVING’s Lineup
The postponement of “I Am a Running Mate” raises questions about how TVING is adjusting its programming strategy for 2025.
The streaming platform faces increasing competition from major players like Netflix, Disney+, and Coupang Play, leading them to re-evaluate their content release schedule.
By opting for a binge-release model, TVING may be aiming to capitalize on the growing demand for full-season drops, a strategy that has proven successful for streaming giants.
Despite the delay, anticipation for the drama remains high, especially due to Han Jin Won’s involvement as a first-time director and the strong cast led by Yoon Hyun Soo.
What’s Next?
While an exact new release date is yet to be announced, fans can expect TVING to make further announcements in the coming weeks. Given the shift to an all-at-once release format, the drama could be strategically launched to coincide with other major content drops or special events.
For now, audiences can look forward to an intense, high-stakes student election battle, filled with gripping political maneuvers and emotional depth, when “I Am a Running Mate” finally premieres.
