I don't know if it's because this was my first drama after I turned 18, on May 14th, or if I'm simply a sensitive mess. But this show broke me apart. I have so many things to say and I will make sure to go through all of them because I want to reread this review in the future and remember these feelings, although they hurt. I think that Reply 1988, even more than 1997 and 1994, really explored the theme of "Youth". And how hard, yet crucial, it is to leave it behind.
This review will contain spoilers from now on so read at your own risk. :


First things first, I'm an easy-crier. And when I start crying, it's really hard for me to stop. I cried in all the Reply dramas. Specially in 1994 (SPOILER COMING). Remember that Chilbongie scene in the baseball field, where he basically gave up on her? HEARTBREAKING. But nothing (not even Train To Busan, that I watched in May as well and destroyed me) can compare to the amount of tears I shed while watching the last episode. I had already cried in some of the scenes throughout the drama but as soon as the wedding started, I almost cried my insides out until the end. When it ended, with that throwback scene in the neighbourhood, the same as the first episode, and Deok Seon saying goodbye to her youth and saying that we must "reply" to it when it calls us, I closed my eyes and thanked every actor in this show. I kid you not, I spent 30 minutes crying like a baby and thanking every actor mentally, as if they were next to me. Crazy right? I had never felt the need to do that with any movie, drama or tv show. So, for this review, I will go through most of the characters and basically talk about them individually. I'm sorry if this is exhausting but I know that no one except me will read this anyway hahahaha.


Deokseon: Out of the three main girls, she is my favorite. She's the one I relate the most with and the one I admire the most as well. She was an amazing friend, daughter and sister. I wish I could meet someone like her in real life. Of course she had flaws but, at the end of the day, she followed her heart and really did what she wanted to do. I'm really happy with how her character developed throughout the series. I really am. Thank you, Deokseon-ah. I won't forget you.
P.S: how stunning is she????????? wow the visuals. So beautiful. I'll Stan for the rest of my life.

Taek: Ah... our baby. His smile is the most stunning smile, I swear. I have to admit his personality frustrated me at times because I wanted him to take care of himself and he kept taking those pills and smoking. But his older self seems to have things under control... at least a bit more hahaha. He warmed my heart. His love for his friends was so obvious, always. Although he didn't know much about life, he certainly did about friendship. He would never hurt Junghwan, even though he loved Deokseon to death. Honestly, the friends had such an amazing dynamic, I can't even be mad at the love triangle.

Junghwan: Speaking of love triangle... this was more than heartbreaking. I kind of spoiled myself before watching this show because I saw deakseon and junghwan as the thumbnail for a video Calle d"worst second male lead syndrome in dramas" but I wasn't sure because it was a long time ago. But yeah, it still hurt like hell. The way he kept hesitating and then gave her up because of his good friend Taek... we need more people like him. Although he had a quiet and cold personality comparing to the others, he was worth more than gold. OMG THE WALL SCENE........ one of the best scenes in ANY drama EVER. Sooooo good. He really had some amazing scenes. If there is one thing I want to complain about his ending is that Deokseon and Taek didn't talk much about him. If he got married and had kids eventually... I really wish the whole group of friends in the present time would be having a meeting or something, spending time together, just like in 1994 and 1997. But I also appreciated the fact that it was different. We all know that their families are intertwined anyways and that they see each other often. But for Junghwan... I just want him to be happy. More than any other drama character. I really really really want him to be happy. Our precious handsome guy. I'm really glad they are dating in real life. My heart feels more at ease hahahaha.

Sunwoo: When I saw him smiling when he was walking down the aisle, I broke down. I was already teary eyed because of Bora's father but seeing him smile so genuinely and his friends seeing his happiness... my heart went out to him. Don't we all want to be like this character? Of course we do. Honestly, such an amazing actor, his relationship with Bora was so cute. Best kisses. Hands down.

Bora: I have to admit that Bora, at first at least, wasn't someone I thought I could get along with. Lol, no one really liked her. But asI got to know her, I started to understand and appreciate her personality. Her scenes with her father is the one that made me cry the most. Them eating together the night before her wedding, her crying when she saw her father's shoes, them reading the letters. I felt that so deeply. I think that their dynamic is the one I'll remember the most in this drama. Bora... thank you for growing well. Honestly, what a f*cking boss.
P.S: Her wedding dress is my dream dress. Classic and simple. She looked so pretty.

Ryu Dong Ryong: He has such a funny face. Not saying he isn't handsome. He simply has a funny face that matches his character sooooo well. His scenes with his mother are also some of my favorite and they made me cry. I could understand him completely. His joyful personality brought so much light to the group, I was really thankful he was there. We all know someone like him. Thankfully.

Sung Dong II and Lee II Hwa: At this point they are the nation's parents. We really got to grow close to them after all these hours spent with them, throughout the three shows. There is no doubt in my mind that they are true professionals and two of the best in the industry. Their characters weren't always likeable, I must admit. Specially the father. Sometimes I think the actor forced it a little. But looking back at it now, I look at his as a father hahahahaha it's so strange! His scenes with his children were the best. I was happy they stayed with us in the three dramas. And I'm sure than even if I watch them perform completely different characters, I'll always feel like I'm at home with them.

Jung Bong, No Eul, JinJoo: The siblings. There is not much to say about them. Only that I'm grateful. Amazing characters, specially Bongie. I'm so thankful they made the show even more interesting and exciting. I'm always rooting for them. Jinjoo, the cutest baby ever, yes or of course?

Ra Mi Ran and Sung Kyun: Loved loved loved loved them. I think I even liked Sung Kyun more in 1988 than in 1994. His character was so endearing. And Mi Ran is our hyungnim, a queen. Their relationship was my favorite among the adults and they raised their children so well... I'm so happy we got to see these two actors together. Phenomenal, Really.

Moo Seong and Seon Yong: How adorable were they? Healthy relationship, amazing parenthood, whats there not to love? I was so happy when they got together! They were really interesting to watch. What a beautiful family.

The three mothers: I loved them. I just wanted to say that. Thank you.

The other characters: Dong Ryong's parents, Deokseon's friends, other friends and such: thank you. You did an amazing job.


By the way, the soundtrack was amazing too. As expected from a Reply drama. My most memorable song is Don't Worry by Lee Juck.



While I was watching this, I wondered if it would be better than 1997 and 1994. To me, before watching this one, 1994 was the best one and then 1997. But when the last few episodes came, I realised I could never pick a favorite. I don't have to make myself go through that, so why would I??? I appreciate each of them individually and for different yet similar reasons. I will remember all of them, keep them with as a sweet memory in my heart. This series means a lot to me. I hope one day I'm able to rewatch all of them. One day when I'm no longer young. One day when I have finally had to leave my youth behind. I hope I'm able to rewatch them and remember, not the years 1994 or 1997 or 1988 because I wasn't even here at that time, but 2019. 2019, the year I turned 18 and my life had just begun.