Reply 1988 (2015–2016) User Reviews

Your friend told you to watch this right?

[rainerraff-87519 · 10/10 · 3 June 2020]

I can't stress it enough that watching a piece that is so simple will be the one that touches your soul very closely.

If you are doubting whether you should watch this show or not because one of your friend suggested you to, TRUST THEM COMPLETELY.

I will tell you how your days will go after watching this show. First, you have to trust all the good reviews in the world and start watching. Second, you will enjoy this show starting from the first episode. Third, nobody will tell you to continue watching further, but you will anyway. Then after finishing this show, you thank your friend. Or should I say you will thank yourself because you chose to finish this show? Doesn't really matter.

I find at least 3 reasons why people are doubting this show.

First. "Isn't this show just like any other friendships movie/series?". Short answer, it's NOT. Don't get me wrong, any kind of good friendships film will definitely warm your heart, I always love friendships films. However, there are too many other treasures to talk about that you can find in this show. Role of moms, dads, admirers, crushes, dreams, siblings, fate, boys gang, girls gang, exes, education, morals, marriages. And why are they even important? Because you will then REALLY understand to be in other people's shoes.

Second. "There are not much going on in 1988, is this even relevant? Isn't this extremely boring?". Well, definitely you won't find any fancy things here. No fancy fiction things just like any other korean dramas, no major plot twist or whatsoever. My question is, why is that even a problem? Really you don't have to worry all of those questions. The show will still feel very close to us that you really want to be one of the characters. Unfortunately, rewatching the show again and again will be the only way you can make your dream come true.

Third. "I can guess the plot. There is one girl in those friendships, so it will just be triangle or rectangle love story, just like any others." Again. Please do yourself a favor not to worry these things. There are sooo many things that you can talk about rather than worrying if there is good romance aspects or not.

Last thing I want to remind you because you have arrived to this review. PLEASE. THANK. YOUR. FRIEND.

a bittersweet but very moving portrayal of youth, love, family and friendship.

[aminifatimaaa · 10/10 · 12 March 2019]

Reply 1988 outshines its predecessors. This drama connects us to the nostalgic memory lane of simpleness of life for average people and emphasizes the camaraderie between families, friends, neighbors & every one. It is correlated with the cultural aspects of the past and shows us the boundaries where one might stopped existing. But this drama helps us relive the past and appreciate the generosity and oneness of humanity. This is a genuine drama that gives moral lessons. It motivates us to be courageous, take care other people, to give love and don't expect anything in return. Made with infinite class.

This wasn't just a show

[dreameryk · 9/10 · 28 May 2020]

A show means you watch you get entertained and after that you continue with the life you have, but im lost on which episode i started living with this show, culture, characters and life routine. Im broken now that its ended, too much attached and i think the reason for it can be explained as the mellowness of the show, you are peeling an orange the show is being played and a small laugh brightens your day followed by a goat sound, after a while you are attached truly.

Warm drama

[n-54742 · 10/10 · 16 August 2018]

Actually, I am not South Korean, even I was not born in 1988. But this drama makes me feel deeply in the same way. I love them all forever.

A masterpiece.

[sakshijha-74984 · 10/10 · 23 February 2020]

I'm just thankful I got to experience this drama. It's the best one I've ever seen. It made me feel like I'm living in 1988. It was so relatable even though it's from a different timeline and a different country. It's heartwarming, funny and makes you feel empty when it's over. The second time I watched it I was depressed for 3 days because it felt like I've lost life long friends, it's that good and I know I'll feel the same again. I was amazed that it was the first time I didn't have any complaints with a drama. Great acting, great story, great music. You'll feel like you're watching normal people live their lives but it's interesting.

Most realistic kdrama/series I ever watched .

[johnalbertreyes · 10/10 · 12 June 2020]

This series made me reminisce my youth days. I can relate so much too about family, neighbors, friendship, and even the culture because korean and filipinos has so much alike when it comes to culture. It made me realize that youth days with friends are the best day of our life although we didn't know it before.

Superb!

[xeniamd-35210 · 10/10 · 29 May 2020]

REPLY 1988 (2015-2016)

Family. Friendship. Love. Youth.

One the best kdramas I've watched. Most scenes have touched my soul. Made me miss my family and friends back in the Philippines.

Big salute to the screenwriter, Lee Weo-Jeong and the director, Shin Won-ho! The actors played their parts brilliantly! I love Deok-Sun(Hyeri) and Taek(Park Bo-gum) the most. Colourful characters! Thank you all for making me laugh, cry, laugh, cry and ruminate on life.

10/10 for me. 👌💞👌

Funny but with depth. 💖

An authentic portrayal of the 85-90's period!

[7ZEN · 10/10 · 23 December 2018]

Initially, I would have started this review with "first of all"... but it would have been inconsistent with the tens of "first of all" I'd started with. Why? Because this Korean drama is amazingly accurate in depicting the '85-90's period and idiosyncrasies!... And this appreciation comes from a non-Korean, non-Asian, Hollywood movie-goer, >30's person. Nevertheless, I have never seen a more realistic depiction of common people and their struggles throughout that particular period. I know what I'm talking about because I've experienced it in my neighbourhood and with my family. Because of this and others more, I felt compelled to add my unacquainted review to IMDb. Bottom line... if you really want to see some great acting (Kudos to the actors!!!) and get an amazing feel of the 85-90's (and this is coming from a non-American, non-Western point of view), I highly recommend this series!

Best korean drama ever in my watching list

[asyiqinadnan · 10/10 · 21 February 2019]

When i saw this drama.i'm speechless and it was absolutely make me tears in every episodes.also at first it makes you laughh and then without realize it can make you cry.the song also the best which is lee juck - dont worry my dear. I'm happy and sad at the same time because first i'm happy duk seon and taek at least get married and sad for jung hwan.he never get his first love and what jung hwan say is true.its about timing !

It's amazing, funny and emotional but also interesting

[vanadra · 10/10 · 21 August 2020]

I've never liked rewatching, but now I've just finished rewatching it and enjoying it, maybe even more than the first time, I will certainly re-watch it because I miss the characters so much. In the meantime I've watched Reply 1994 and 1997 which were very good but not as good as the 1988 Maybe it's one of the very best TV series of all time

Best Kdrama I have watched in years.

[iansalvacion · 10/10 · 17 August 2020]

Best Kdrama I have watched in years. It officially dethrones My Mister (My Ahjussi) as my favorite Korean series.

Reply 1988 is set in the year 1988, it revolves around five friends and their families living in the same neighborhood of Ssangmun-dong, Dobong District, Northern Seoul.

This series resonates the family values that everyone should foster but most failed to accomplish. Reply 1988 teaches its audience about hope, generosity, unconditional love, gratefulness, friendship, hard work, perseverance, acceptance and a lot more. It's so good that it knocks your humanity and questions your core values. The series has no villain but only misfortunes and heartbreaks. The show's impact lingers to your senses and encourages you to choose the good path, appreciate your loved ones more and be the best version of yourself.

Reply 1988 has 20 episodes with more than an hour long each. Despite of that, it never wavered its greatness from beginning to end. I cried and laughed almost every episode. None of the characters has failed to deliver. Even young Jin-ju's cuteness will leave you a mark. Watch out for Jung-Bong! This young man has skills and tricks up his sleeves.

One of the photos for this post is Jung-hwan and Duk-seon. Why? Because I shipped them so much and I extremely felt sad when the show ended without giving their romance a chance. Not even a genuine confession. Nonetheless, I am celebrating because the two actors who portrays those characters are dating in real life.

The camaraderie of Ssangmun-dong neighborhood is unparalleled. It manifests how a small community builds, changes and cultivates someone's life and legacy. If this series doesn't move you, it's time to evaluate your values and principles.

Watch this series and thank me later.

Rose tinted spectacles

[alaningle7 · 7/10 · 4 October 2020]

A nostalgic look as a group of families living in Seoul. The highs and lows as they face heartbreak, disappointment, and success and jubilation. Each episode is one and a half hours and is quite slow in evolving the drama, but is well acted and the underlying story of we may be poor but we are richer in many other ways is the theme. Although it is a romanticised and dramatic account of family life, people will recognise small snippets of their own families. A little too sentimental for my tastes but I can understand why people rate it so highly as it does have a rich positive message.

Good Story lines throughout 18 episodes but ruined with such an awful finale

[namiraalhasni · 4/10 · 16 January 2016]

Obviously the writers tried to make Reply 1988 as an unpredictable story but look how they failed miserably because it was so absurd, unclear with so many unanswered questions and it just put us in so much pain I am pretty sure something odd happened during new year's holiday so they changed the script. I mean, come on, You already built 90% of the story about Dukseon and Junghwan and then you destroyed all those moments, clues, Dukseon's husband personality which was obviously Junghwan, with those 10%? Waenyeol and you did not give him a proper ending. Don't you ever think I'm gonna watch your next project. Finale ruined everything and does not make sense.

A masterpiece

[celine_briones · 10/10 · 28 May 2020]

My boyfriend and I made it a nightly routine to watch one episode of Reply 1988 through Netflix party before we go to sleep. We're both not used to watching super long episodes and have no expectations at first but we're glad we tried this one! Loved how the show not just depicted romantic love, but love for friends and family in its purest form. Super worth it with all the feelings it gave us. I loved it so much, hence this post, that I wanted to jump into my screen and live in Ssangmun. I loved Sun Woo, Jin-ju, Mi-ran, Jung bong, Dong Ryong -all of them actually, but definitely #TeamJungHwan!

I loved it. I will miss it.

[shaheenharandi · 10/10 · 3 August 2020]

I felt so close to the characters in the story. Now that it's finished, I feel I will miss it. I don't think I've ever felt that so much as I do with this series. I am relatively new to Korean TV series, and am not well-versed in Korean culture, nevertheless, I loved every thing about this show. It walked me through the happy occasions as well as trials and tribulations of friends in a small neighborhood in Korea, set in 1988. You see the characters develop, while failing and succeeding in their individual endeavors. Ultimately, it all comes together into an incredibly warm and at times emotional conclusion. This show made me nostalgic for something I never experienced. That is quite a feat.

Almost 2 hours for each series

[sutantoandry · 10/10 · 12 July 2020]

First time ever to watch K-drama Series for each episode almost 2 hours (between 1,5 hours until 1:50 hours) and it's addictive, sad, funny blend perfectly in one. The setting year in 1988 so great, very detail for cast wardrobe, houses, electronic etc. one of a kind for this K-drama Series, rare to find series similar to Reply 1988.

A story of Love, Friendship and Warmth. <3

[yeppunyeojaa · 10/10 · 24 May 2020]

I can't say goodbye to Ssangmundong. This show is one of the best shows i've watched in a while. I liked how this didn't focus only on the leads' romance but the love between friends, and family. I feel like i grew up with them, in that same Ssangmundong street 10-2. I laughed,cried, screamed at the characters every episode like i was a part of their group. It was so heartwarming to see all the relationships between the families..i mean where do we get to see friends like this and neighbours bonding with each other! This show was so realistic without being overly dramatic and cringy(i like that too ;) ) The best thing about this was the simplicity of the show and the characters. They didn't use mobile phones or any hi-tech gadgets..it was just pure communication with landline phones and face to face <3 This show taught me the value of friendship and family. I cried more in this last episode than i did in any other episode Thankyou, the families and friends living in Ssangmundong. I'm glad i grew up with you. T.T I'll make sure i visit often.

What is youth?

[yoggwork · 9/10 · 18 February 2019]

Every emotion is concentrated in everyday life. Every character has flesh and blood. Every sensation can make people cry. It's just a funny story.

Bittersweet family-friendship story

[fadilahdp · 10/10 · 3 November 2019]

Adore the 90s ambience and neighborhood-friendship chemistry they build. Those super relatable life lessons at the last 20 minutes in every episodes. Despite how annoying your family are, they wont make you feeling the pain of exclusion.

Hilarious and painful in the same time!

This is an experience not just a show!

[11ovz11 · 9/10 · 6 September 2021]

What a wonderful drama this was. It had the 90's nostalgia, the simple life style, great characters that felt like our own relatives, relationships that we got us so invested, heat warming messages, great comedy, and even better tear jerking moments. This drama is a master piece.

The reason I do not have 10 is because I am bummed that they did not show the progress of the main couple and their wedding. I will forever be angry at that.

Also, heads up: You will fall in love with Park Bogum!

So very good!

[misswritercreates · 9/10 · 23 March 2019]

I loved this one! All the reply shows are very good and so is this one. I loved it so much! The characters and actors were so enjoyable to watch! The storyline was solid throughout and let me just say I love the guessing who she marries part and not revealing it until the end! It sets these series apart from others. Really unique! I'd highly recommend if you enjoy nostalgia shows and Kdrama! And I'm shred you'll enjoy who the girl marries in this one too. Although this one was the toughest one in my opinion on who she chooses. I really loved both guys but the one I had pictured she loved was correct and I was happy but can't help but feel for the second lead. You'll understand what I mean when you watch it.

A very vivid and realistic portrayal of the 90's .

[snigdhasiddharth · 27 November 2020]

The web series has captured all emotions and character . Each character has justified their role . The importance and love and respect of family and friends is the main thing that will stick you though out the drama . The drama shows the life in 90's and how is it like growing up in a middle class . Never at a moment the drama slowed down , the grip of the content and screenplay was phenomenal . Even if you are not born in South Korea , you will relate a lot to this . It is a must watch K drama list from me .

First 16 Episodes nearly flawless!!!....

[divemabini · 7/10 · 3 February 2023]

Then, Episode 17 happens, and you're left scratching your head in frustration. But more on that later.

The first 16 episodes are a beautifully crafted coming of age drama/comedy. Interesting characters, their ups, their downs. Amazing chemistry. You can sink into your chair and watch these actors do their work for hours at a time. It is comfortable...and comforting. A soul food kind of show. A few gripes regarding prolonged (excessively) teen angst and indecision. But its perfectly forgivable.

Important nuggets of information are presented from the past. So, unlike many shows, the flashbacks work!

The flash-forwards however DON'T. The time spent in 2015 is a complete waste of screentime. And it adds nothing to the flow of the show. In fact, the way it is presented is a bit cringe worthy.

THEN.... EPISODE 17. Now I don't know if they realized they were going to run out of money before completing more episodes, or there was a contract dispute, or the ratings were low so they had to cut the show shorter than planned, but EPISODE 17 is an ABOMINATION of epic proportions!

They took a perfectly paced comfortable show for 16 episodes and sped it up like playing an old 33 record on 45 speed. Plus, plot lines that just end. Others that begin out of nowhere. And this jumping year after year until it is 1994. Terribly executed and totally unnecessary to the spirit of the show up to that point. Compound it with inexcusable life choices, inexplicable relationship break-ups, and your left with an utter mess. Gone is all the good feeling. Now, you're left with an abridged version of a show that is speeding its main characters towards adulthood, all in the span of 60 minutes. This after close to 20 hours is spent developing their beautiful formative years. It seemed like such a cop out. And you knew the inevitable was coming.....

What is it you ask? Well, what does every Korean show have, and can't do without?

Yup, you guessed it....an EPILOGUE.

But in this case, the epilogue is FIVE HOURS LONG spanning the last three episodes (ep.18 through 20). It is pointless. All the events could have been hinted at back in 1989, and left to the viewers imagination. But no! The writers have to show you exactly what you knew would happen, and cram all the plotlines into 3 episodes. Highly disappointing last 20% of the show. All that time would have been better spent finishing up the high school years and leaving the rest to the viewer's imagination.

A strong NINE (9) stars for the first 16 Episodes.

A weak THREE (3) stars for the last 4 Episodes.

My advice, watch the first 16 episodes and stop. Then think up whatever ending you want in your head. You'd probably do a better job than the writers did.

Simple Soap.

[rookiewookie · 5/10 · 16 June 2021]

This literally is a simple Soap. If you are just a binger like me it will be tough to sit through and watch the tiny winy bits from the day to day activities of the characters.

And the episodes are 1.5 hr long on Netflix.

I hardly managed to sit through till ep5. I am giving up :-p.

Update: Finally I did manage and finish watching it. Now I am frustrated that I resumed. Through the entire series they built a great Love stroy just to give it an unfinoshed, unsatisfactory and disappointing ending.

An absolute gem to watch

[drsearch · 10/10 · 15 December 2020]

After Parasite winning the Oscars, I became curious in other film and TV works from Korea. I watched Reply 1988 and it opened a whole new world to me. I have never seen a TV show like this. It was absolutely amazing how well the storylines are written and the characters are developing each episode.

The cast is top notch. They blend drama, romance and comedy perfectly. The older experience cast gave the story richness. The younger cast did an amazing job and the chemistry was real. This is what real friendship looks like. Their coming-of-age story lines are touching and entertaining.

The show is much more than the often discussed love triangle. It shows love in a much broader and deeper way between friends, parents, siblings and family.

The story has a lot depth. It has references to actual events happening at the end of the 80s, like the Seoul Olympics and the pro-democracy protests. It captures that zeitgeist perfectly. I did not understand all the cultural references to pop culture around that time, but I could certainly appreciate it.

Reply 1988 is Korean, but at the same time it tells a universal story in a unique and brilliant way. Therefore, it transcends different cultures. It will actually teach you valuable life lessons. And that makes this show an absolute gem to watch.