Reply 1988

Resolution leaves something to be desired

I have two review versions.

Reply 1988 is

like a Michael Jackson song
like the youth you never had
like the youth you had
like a warm blanket

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There is not a lot that hasn’t been said about Reply 1988. That’s why rather than trying to simply rehash what others have written before I want to focus my attention on the love triangle, its resolution, on the last episodes and the ways in which they might be lacking.

It seems to me that there is some fluff during the last episodes and uncharacteristically the focus shifts from Deok Sun to Bo-ra, and from the young to the older generation. My theory for this is that Jung Hwan made up a huge amount of the drama, and when they finish the love triangle story arch with episode 18 it changes the dynamic very much.

Deok Sun and Taek, despite being really sweet together, have no real romantic chemistry and the moment Jung Hwan leaves the triangle their romance plot falls flat on its face. The writer/producers might have seen that and tried to stuff the episodes with other people's issues which is honestly fine, but it nevertheless leaves something to be desired. You can argue that even the writer/producers have not enough confidence in the Deok Sun/Taek storyline from the moment the love triangle is over to give them a proper ending. So did they make a mistake in choosing Taek over Jung Hwan?

I am sure Taek was supposed to be the one from the start, something many people in #teamJungHwan are doubting who say they switched the one Deok Sun ends up with midway. I don’t think that. But what couldn't and can't be accounted for, what nobody could anticipate, is the real-life chemistry between the actors on set, something that develops during filming, the chemistry which surely favores Jung Hwan over Taek. The other point is simply what an actor makes out of a role, and clearly Ryu Joon Yeol is an outstanding actor who gives depth and complexity to this character and is immensely charismatic. Everything he does is simply unmissable. This, too couldn’t be foreseen. Equally, Park Bo Gum is a terrific actor with a delicacy that is quite rare in Korean dramas.

Jung Hwan is notably absent form large portions of the last episodes, but so are Deok Sun and Taek. Basically the makers seemed to go out of their way to leave Jung Hwan out of the plot, and whenever he wasn't around something was lacking. Reply 1988 being based on a real story means Jung Hwan's ending originally was different (he was supposed to die in a plane crash, being a fighter pilot), which luckily they changed. They could've changed it even more and changed Taek's role too, if they wanted to.

Both the chemistry and acting point toward Jung Hwan's role having a bigger ending than somehow fizzling out. But be that as it may, crucially, the makers seemed to also not have been very confident about the main couple, so they circumvented putting more time and effort into their storyline by embroidering other's. This goes above and beyond of the mechanisms of Second Lead Syndrome where it might be calculated that viewers favor the second lead getting the girl because it spices things up. There is a weird vacuum because these miscalculations are not properly addressed. There is no solution to the plot being somehow anticlimactic, but I am kind of glad they didn't add insult to injury by making up a happy-go-lucky ending for Jung Hwan.

Not having romantic or sexual chemistry is one thing but the writing has Deok Sun/Taek's relationship as more of a child/caretaker or sibling one. Taek maybe needs a mother or noona more than a girlfriend, and I don't think it's desirable to couple a young woman with a young man who is unable to "tie his own show laces" because she is so good at caring for him.

Of course the equally valid point can be made, and has been made, that no woman would want a man who continuously treats her badly and calls her ugly and stupid because he can not deal with his own feelings. He consistently chooses a negative, petty, mean approach, to protect himself from hurt, or because he is somewhat of an asshole. There is no good explanation why he can not even be different when he is alone: He wishes for Taek to be a jerk which would be bad for her too, and he secretly enjoys the fact that Sun Woo doesn’t like Deok Sun back. He resorts to negative thoughts and wants nobody else to have her instead of wishing the best for her.

Some people say Jung Hwan doesn't deserve her, yes, but the way he behaves until the end is a writing decision. Others say Jung Hwan is stronger and can deal with losing Deok Sun, but it would hurt Taek, maybe send him into even worse drug problems, which he would never recover from. While this is an intriguing point I don't think Taek should be coddled the way he always was coddled, well into his adulthood, just because he is supposedly weaker. Jung Hwan might be able to get over Deok Sun but to say he has to because he can deal with it is kind of cruel. The way he tends to bottle up his emotions is no sign of strength and I would have loved to see him open up and be vulnerable for once.

Of course, Jung Hwan as emotionally unavailable, distant love interest with an equally huge amount of meanspirited quips as well as wordless galantries is the kind of guy women easily fall for. He seems like a mixture of a Tsundere with a Kuudere type character. Mean, harsh, jealous, vengeful, unemotional, guarded who has a huge amount of belligerent sexual tension with Deok Sun. But the extent to which I would argue this is abused here makes Jung Hwan seem like a cheap plot device. He is good enough to provide heartfluttering moments, raise the tension and keep the love triangle alive but not good enough to be developed into something more. He deserves better.

Maybe, just maybe, this is not a bad plot device, and not bad writing, maybe this is intentional and what I am just writing proves just how great Jung Hwan is written and played, and just how they have succeeded in breaking our hearts. And the heartbreak, sorrow, even trauma wouldn't have happened if it were any other way.

With motherhood being such a huge part of Korean culture and even of this drama, I can see why the writers don't have a huge problem with choosing a partner who is essentially child-like in many ways, who needs mothering, and have this be a fundamental part of their relationship. I think it romanticizes motherhood and leaves Deuk Sun with the short end of the stick. From a Western perspective at least it seems strange, if not icky, to show marriage largely as one taking care of the other. From this perspective a romantic relationship is about two people meeting at eye level, not one looking down on the other. Maybe the flaw lies in the writing and Taek/Deuk Sun is never shown to evolve into a more equal kind of relationship. Taek has his moments and is mature in different ways, but he always stays a needy child in others. To be fair, Jung Hwan equally is never shown to fully evolve into someone who treats Deuk Sun well. So you have someone who looks down on her or someone who looks up to her, and of course you would want the latter for your female lead character.

You can complain that Deok Sun has been forced into a caretaking role just because it is her nature, which is unfair. You can also look at it from another angle - Deok Sun is simply a stronger person. She can take care of Taek and be a grounding influence on him just because she is smart, pragmatic, realistic, tough and mentally strong. This makes her not stuck in an antiquated role but, quite the opposite, a very modern heroine.

Jung Hwan hurts himself as well as Deok Sun by pushing her away, hesitating, ruminating and giving major mixed signals. Taek never once deliberately hurts her. That in and of itself should be enough to give Taek the upper hand. But it also makes Jung Hwan so much more interesting, because you can never forget the people who hurt you and there will always be lingering questions like 'why....' and 'what if....?'.

There is a scene when Dong Ryung asks Deok Sun whom she likes more, Taek or him, and without hesitation she says Taek. But when he asks whom she likes more between Jung Hwan and Sun Woo, she answers evasively. This seems to mirror Taek's/Jung Hwan's feelings. I always felt that Deok Sun loves Taek, and isn't afraid to express it, and that she likes to take care of him and is very protective of him, but that she is in love with Jung Hwan. It is fitting that after being very vocal about her feelings for Sun Woo she would tread lightly and be cautious to not get burned again.

Mid-drama it is clear that both Taek and Jung Hwan have romantic interest in Deok Sun, but there is never an easy answer as to what she feels. If there is an imbalance of feelings the final episode unwisely exacerbates it: Once more we learn about Taek’s feelings which were never in doubt. This emphasizes even more that her feelings are still somewhat of a mistery, which leaves a bitter aftertaste. It makes me think of the cheesy male-written line from Titanic: “A woman’s heart is a deep ocean of secrets”. If that were the case the writer could’ve worked that into the script, they could’ve left room for doubt, longing, inner conflict – particularly in a drama centered around sentimentality. Instead the romance is resolved and everything else is simply left to be forgotten, which is offensively stupid.

In a way whom Deok Sun ends up with is very fitting to who she is as a person. She has always been a people pleaser and never had a dream of her own, she always reacts to being liked rather than liking someone herself. So she ends up with the one capable of consistently showing his affection towards her. We'll never know whether what she likes herself is actually different. Probably she doesn't know herself.

Deok Sun is also pragmatic, and her whole personality is grounded in reality. Despite what other characters say about him I believe Jung Hwan is romantic, and sensitive, and the fact that he is not capable of expressing his feelings adequately only makes him more so. Jung Hwan has the most romantic gestures of the two love interests, and quietly he is very perceptive, very sweet, and very idolizing. I don't really know whether this at all translates into a real-life relationship and maybe Jung Hwan feels that adoring Deuk Sun from afar is already the best part of it. Maybe he wants her to remain an idea in his mind, untouched by reality. Maybe, like he says, he isn't very courageous and hides his insecurity behind a mean facade. In this regard Taek is very confident, he doesn't need to hide behind anything. He also experiences many tough moments with Deuk Sun (the flasher, being in China, carrying her out of the stadium, giving her medicine) and his strength lies in being there and dealing with it all like a mature person. Taek is already real-life tried and tested.

I think Taek is a great guy and I'd have no problem with Deok Sun ending up with him, if it weren't for Jung Hwan. In fact, they are both tremendously intriguing, flawed, complicated characters whom I love from the bottom of my heart and choosing between them is literally like Sophie's Choice, only worse.

As it stands this might be one of the most traumatic, heartwrenching, tragic endings I have ever seen. Maybe the impossibility to find a perfect solution with everything wrapped up neatly is part of what makes Reply 1988 so good. When all is said and done, and reality sets in, the reality we see drawn out which seems not a bad place to be in, there is still that someone in your memory, there is still something unfulfilled, just one more reason to be sentimental for your youth.

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That sheep sound will always be in my head

I honestly don't know why I waited so long to watch this. Maybe I had to be in the 80s mood.
I didn't find the drama realistic at all but it was so enjoyable on so many levels
The cast was amazing that it was hard to pick a favorite. I honestly loved every single character

Now that it's finished (but this is definitely on the rewatch list) What I will miss the most:
1. The sheep sound. I loved it!
2. Purest of the kids friendships. Being 18 in the 80s isn't the same as being 18 now. Things felt simpler....
3. Every kid character was unique and likable. There isn't that one sided antagonist in this
4. Parents, all crazy but loving parents in their own ways. Highly exaggerated but also funny at the same time
5. Everything funny about the 80s!!! ridiculous curls, Crazy funky 80s Dance, phone w/ cord, old looking TV with that rainbow stand by screen, tapes, 80s pop culture: Tom Cruise! Night Rider! A Better Tomorrow! Maggie Cheung! Ok yeah I am old.
6. Everything lovely about the 80s: friendly neighbors, purest of 1st loves, 1st heart breaks, 1st friendship betrayal, 1st everything ....
7. Every monologue about youth and life


I am going to miss 1988

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A Brilliant Tapestry of Family Bonds and Friendship and Growing Up

"Reply 1988" is not just a drama; it’s an emotional journey that takes us back to a simpler time, filled with warmth, humor, and life lessons. Directed by Shin Won-ho and starring Park Bo-gum, Hyeri, Ryu Jun-yeol, Go Kyung-pyo, Lee Dong-hwi, and the brilliant Sung Dong-il, this series beautifully captures the essence of family, friendship, and first love.


■ Story & Pacing
"Reply 1988" tells the story of five childhood friends growing up in the Ssangmun-dong neighborhood of Seoul. While the series follows the classic Reply format of teasing the mystery of the female lead’s eventual husband, it is much more than a love story. It focuses on family dynamics, community bonds, and the struggles of ordinary people in the late '80s.
The pacing is deliberately slow, allowing viewers to truly immerse themselves in the characters’ lives. While some may find the episodes long, every scene serves a purpose—whether it’s making you laugh, cry, or reminisce about your own past.


■ Main Cast
(The ensemble cast is one of Reply 1988's biggest strengths)

● Hyeri delivers a career-defining performance as Deok-sun, a bright, energetic, and sometimes clueless teenager trying to find her place in the world. Her charm and comedic timing make Deok-sun one of the most lovable K-drama protagonists.
● Ryu Jun-yeol portrays Jung-hwan, the reserved and sarcastic friend whose unspoken love story tugs at the heartstrings. His subtle acting and realistic portrayal of teenage emotions make his character unforgettable.
● Park Bo-gum shines as Choi Taek, the quiet and genius baduk (Go) player. His soft-spoken nature, innocence, and unwavering love make him one of the most endearing characters in the series. Park Bo-gum’s nuanced performance captures Taek’s emotional depth, making his presence unforgettable.
● Go Kyung-pyo as Sun-woo and Lee Dong-hwi as Dong-ryong bring their own charm, humor, and emotional depth to the group, rounding out the perfect friend dynamic.

*Each character is richly developed, making it impossible not to root for them.


■ Production & Cinematography
The production team perfectly recreates the 1980s, from fashion and hairstyles to the smallest details in set design. The cinematography is warm and nostalgic, enhancing the drama’s cozy and sentimental atmosphere. The soundtrack, featuring iconic 80s Korean songs, further elevates the experience, making viewers feel like they’ve stepped back in time.


■ Supporting Cast
Beyond the main group, this drama boasts one of the most well-rounded supporting casts in K-drama history. The parents*, in particular, steal the show.

● Sung Dong-il (as Deok-sun’s father) is outstanding, as always. His ability to seamlessly shift from comedy to deep, emotional moments is a testament to his acting prowess. Whether he’s scolding his kids or shedding tears of gratitude, he brings raw authenticity to the role.
● Lee Il-hwa, as Deok-sun’s mother, delivers a heartfelt performance, portraying the sacrifices and worries of a working-class mom.
● Kim Sung-kyun, playing Jung-hwan’s father, is a standout in his own right. While he initially appears to be a clumsy and awkward man, his character is layered with deep love and care for his family. His transformation throughout the drama—from a humble, hardworking man to one of the most lovable father figures—adds depth to the show’s portrayal of parenthood. His comedic chemistry with Ra Mi-ran (who plays his wife) is pure gold, providing some of the most hilarious yet heartwarming moments in the series. Kim Sung-kyun and Hyeri’s on-screen dynamic is one of the drama’s cutest relationships.
*Every supporting cast feels real, making Ssangmun-dong feel like a second home for viewers.

■ Final Verdict
"Reply 1988" is not just a drama—it’s an experience. It masterfully blends comedy, romance, and family drama into a story that feels deeply personal yet universally relatable. The entire cast shines, the storytelling is exceptional, and the nostalgic atmosphere makes it one of the best K-dramas of all time. The series leaves a lasting impact, reminding viewers of the importance of family, friendship, and the simple joys of life.


☆My Favourite Sung Dong-il☆
Sung Dong-il’s performance is a true standout, anchoring the series with his warmth and emotional depth. His and Hyeri’s on-screen dynamic as father and daughter is one of the drama’s most touching relationships. Despite their constant bickering and comedic misunderstandings, their bond is one of unconditional love. The way Deok-sun slowly realizes her father’s quiet sacrifices for their family adds an emotional weight that makes their scenes especially moving.

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I absolutely adored this series.
It's a simple story about ordinary people with ordinary problems (which doesn't mean we're before an ordinary drama) with which almost everyone can relate to.
All of the characters are endearing and lovable without exception. There are no shrew ahjummas overprotective of their rich flower-boy sons or vamps trying to steal your boyfriend.
I didn't even want to finish it because I knew I would miss them all, since they had become something as old acquaintances.
It's actually really difficult to reach this level of sympathy and empathy with the characters in other series, which means that the writers did a great job.

Reply 1988 is a tribute to a certain time not just in the life of many Koreans and Korean families, but as I said, many people who watch it from over the world can relate to this nostalgic look to youth and family relationships.
The cast is amazing and the situation comedy gags are really funny. The story is well balanced between family and love issues. I really appreciate the fact that the older characters are not stereotypes. I actually believe that if Reply 1988 works so well is because of the great acting and the character design.
The soundtrack adds to an impecable production that recreates the atmosphere of nostalgia.

Also, it's full of hidden jokes and tributes to Korean culture -about which I found out after watching it- that make the series richer (I recommend looking them up when you're finished, since some might spoil the plot).

Summing up, I REALLY recommend this. You don't even have to be a Korean drama junkie to enjoy it.

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A heartwarming story

This drama is first and foremost about family, but also about growing up and about love. In this drama we get to experience the day to day lives of different families that live near each other back in 1988. The story starts in 1988 and ends in current day. You have the usual husband "hunting" fun (trying to guess who she ends up with) that these series are known for. But my favorite part about this drama is how relatable it is. It invokes nostalgia, even though I was not even born in 1988, yet their problems and issues are so similar to ours these days. It is warm, and wholesome, and realistic, and makes us think about our parents and their struggles and the love a family has for each other. Hands-down the best drama I have ever seen, and I re-watch it constantly.

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Reply 1988 reminds us how love and family can turn ordinary days into timeless memories

I watched Reply 1988 a long time ago, but it remains one of the most beautiful dramas I’ve ever seen. Set in the late 1980s to early 1990s, this series truly makes you feel like you’re growing up alongside the characters. The way it captures family, friendship, and love feels so real — maybe that’s why it resonates deeply with me as a 90s kid. I could relate to so many moments — the neighborhood vibes, childhood friends, and that strong sense of togetherness we used to have.

One scene that always stays with me is when everyone shares food with their neighbors. It’s such a simple moment, yet it reminded me so much of my own childhood — when people genuinely cared for one another. It made me a little emotional every time I watched it.

As the story moves forward and the kids grow from high schoolers into adults, you can really feel that transition. Puberty, first love, dreams, and eventually going separate ways — we’ve all been there. The saddest part for me was when everyone finally moved out of Ssangmundong. I cried so hard watching that scene. It felt like saying goodbye to a piece of my own youth.

For the romance, the love triangle between Deoksun, Junghwan, and Choi Taek kept me wondering until the very end. Deoksun first falls for the cold and aloof Junghwan — that classic tsundere type — and then suddenly, there’s Choi Taek, who surprises everyone with his quiet gentleness. I loved watching how Deoksun slowly begins to fall for Taek and learns to move on from Junghwan.

Still, I felt more pity than sadness for Junghwan — that’s what happens when you hesitate to reach for something right in front of you. At first, he wasn’t sure about his feelings for her, but eventually, it became clear to everyone that he had fallen deeply. Sadly, his hesitation and poor timing cost him his chance.

Meanwhile, Choi Taek was the definition of a true gentleman — always honest about his feelings, never leaving Deoksun confused, and showing his affection through quiet yet sincere actions. That’s what every woman wants: clarity and real emotions, not endless guessing games or mixed signals.

Deoksun’s story as the middle child touched so many hearts — especially for those who know what it feels like to be “in between.” But as the eldest daughter myself, I found myself relating more to Bora (minus her fiery temper, haha). Her sense of responsibility and quiet love really hit home for me.

When I finished this drama, I felt that familiar emptiness — the kind only a truly special show can leave behind. The OST is absolutely top-notch, and even now, I still listen to it from time to time. The setting, costumes, and every little detail perfectly capture the 80s vibe.

In my opinion, Reply 1988 is the best among the Reply series. It’s not just about romance or youth — it’s about family. The people of Ssangmundong share a bond so strong and pure that it makes you miss something you might never have experienced firsthand. It’s a heartwarming drama that reminds us of the warmth of family and community — something that feels rare in this 21st century.

Reply 1988 is more than just a drama — it’s a memory, a feeling, and a reflection of growing up and cherishing the people around us. A true masterpiece of nostalgia and love.

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Nostalgia, Warmth, and Perfection: A Must-Watch Drama

What can I say? At the moment, this is the best drama I've watched among K-dramas (along with *Twinkling Watermelon*). I've seen quite a few, and while I like many of them, I almost always find flaws.

The nostalgic atmosphere is incredible. Even if it's not our culture, we can either discover it or relive our own era and childhood (I find many similarities with the culture of that time). The drama is full of positive moments and human values that modern society is gradually losing.

Deok-seon is an incredibly endearing character, and her actress, Lee Hye-ri, perfectly portrays her growth—from a slightly naive and immature girl who always cares for others to a responsible and charming young woman.

Bo Gum is perfect in this role, and his transformation from a gifted teenager into a man who knows exactly what he wants and goes for it without hesitation is impressive.

This drama has no villains—only kind-hearted people! The entire cast is amazing, and each character’s story is touching and beautiful. Despite its slow pacing, The entire cast plays wonderfully, transporting you into their neighborhood. the characters are well-developed, and the cinematography is simply stunning.

Overall, if I have two perfect dramas, this is one of them.

Warning: there are a lot of food scenes—some might find it a bit too much! 😆

And of course, Park Bo Gum in this role is simply flawless.

If you enjoy nostalgic, warm, and slow-paced dramas, this is exactly what you need!

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I absolutely adored this show. I love the reply series and I want to say that this one might be my favourite. I love how there is more of a family and friends theme in this one! The neighbourhood of Ssamsundong is a neighbourhood I've always wished I've grown up with: having close friends live right beside me, helping each other out and being a close knit family. The cast is wonderful! I just like the simplicity behind the series and how entertaining it was. It is a bit of a long show as it's usually an hour and thirty but I enjoyed every minute of it. It's the type of show that makes you feel like you grew up alongside the characters where you're just a part of the neighbourhood. I loved this drama, it's more than who the husband is (though the person I was rooting didn't end up being the husband). Overall the drama can make you go through a roller coaster of emotions and made me feel nostalgic in a time period I wasn't even born in.

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