tvN's "Reply" series is a classic example of retro sensibility that will forever be remembered in Korean drama history. Consisting of three films—"Reply 1997" (2012), "Reply 1994" (2013), and "Reply 1988" (2015), the series meticulously captures the unique characteristics of each era, focusing on memories, family, love, and friendship. This series garnered explosive support from viewers. More than simply a retro drama, it resonated deeply with viewers, resonating deeply with the emotions of those who lived through it. This resonance earned it acclaim from critics and the public alike..
Key Plot and Features by Series
Reply 1997 (2012)
Cast: Jung Eun-ji, Seo In-guk
Set: Busan, 1997
Key Elements: First-generation idols, fan culture, regional dialects, and the innocent love of high school students
"Reply 1997" tells the story of H.O.T. and Sechs Kies, first-generation fandom culture, as well as the daily lives, love, and family history of local high school students. Siwon, played by Jung Eun-ji, is a passionate H.O.T. fan who grows up with a clumsy yet intense love, garnering much sympathy. The drama's strengths lie in its refreshingly parallel perspectives of adults and teenagers, and the realism embedded in every line of dialogue.
Reply 1994 (2013)
Cast: Go Ara, Jung Woo, Yoo Yeon-seok, Son Ho-jun, etc.
Setting: A boarding house in Sinchon, Seoul, 1994
Key elements: The influx of college students from around the country to Seoul, a basketball festival, Seo Taiji, boarding house culture
"Reply 1994" depicts the daily lives of college students from the countryside living in boarding houses in Seoul, their relationships, and the bonds they form with friends who are like family. It depicts the changing times of South Korea in the mid-1990s, incorporating episodes such as Seo Taiji and Boys, the University Song Festival, the collapse of the Sampoong Department Store, and the IMF crisis. Jung Woo's character, "Trash Oppa," has become a household name among South Korean female viewers.
Reply 1988 (2015)
Cast: Hyeri, Park Bo-gum, Ryu Jun-yeol, Go Kyung-pyo, Lee Dong-hwi, etc.
Set: Ssangmun-dong alley in 1988
Key elements: Family, neighbors, friendship, first love, Seoul Olympics
Regarded as one of the most heartwarming series, "Reply 1988" goes beyond simple romance to illuminate the meaning of family and community. Centered around the stories of five families in Ssangmun-dong, it delicately portrays the affection and understanding between parents, children, and friends, as well as the ups and downs of youth. The historical backdrop is poignantly portrayed with elements of the Seoul Olympics, the housing lottery, and clairvoyance. This drama is considered a series that deeply embodies the bonds between family and neighbors, rather than the romance itself.
Popularity Analysis
1. Perfect Combination of Era and Emotion
The Reply series goes beyond simply recreating the atmosphere of the past; it emotionally and compellingly portrays the concerns, loves, and dreams of the characters living in that era. Viewers were able to deeply empathize with the characters' emotions, along with the cultural codes of each era.
2. Everyday and Realistic Directing
Every line of dialogue is imbued with a sense of life, and the characters, who feel like real friends, parents, and neighbors, add to the sense of realism. Furthermore, the narrative's focus on everyday details, rather than emotional outbursts, resonated deeply with viewers.
3. The Mystery Element of "Finding a Husband"
Each series' structure, solving the mystery of "Who is the current husband?", stimulated viewers' curiosity and fueled online communities. This device maximized immersion and generated buzz after each episode aired.
4. Casting and Growth of Newcomers
Despite the fact that most of the main characters were newcomers or up-and-coming actors at the time, they received rave reviews for their outstanding acting skills, demonstrating their growth alongside the drama. This influence later influenced Korean drama casting culture.
5. The Emotional Power of the OST
It's no exaggeration to say that the series' emotional impact was fully realized by its OST. Popular songs of the time and reimagined versions enhanced the drama's atmosphere and achieved significant chart success. Songs like "Girl," "Youth," and "Hyehwadong" embody the drama's emotional essence.
Meaning in Korean Drama History
The Reply series marked a monumental shift in the history of Korean dramas in the following ways:
1. Popularization of Retro Content
Previously, retro-themed content was limited to somewhat heavy period dramas, but the Reply series popularized the retro genre with its playful and heartwarming presentation. This led to a boom in the production of diverse retro content.
2. Elevation of the Status of Cable Channels
tvN, a cable channel, achieved sensationalism and viewership ratings surpassing those of terrestrial broadcasters, shifting the center of gravity in the drama industry. This was followed by a wave of premium dramas centered on tvN, including "Goblin" and "Mr. Sunshine."
3. A Model for Discovering New Talent and Experimenting with Content
Breaking away from the traditional star-driven casting process, the series pioneered a model of discovering new talent through auditions and developing them alongside the project. This presented new possibilities and diversity in drama production.
4. Empathy and Emotion-Centered Narrative
The Reply series established a new paradigm for emotional dramas by focusing on the inner workings and emotions of the characters rather than dramatic events. This trend was later carried on in dramas like "My Liberation Diary" and "Hospital Playlist."
Introduction to Key OSTs from the Reply Series
Reply 1997
- All For You (Seo In-guk & Jung Eun-ji) : The theme song for the couple in the series, one of the most popular.
- Our Love Like This (Jung Eun-ji & Seo In-guk) : A sentimental duet.
Reply 1994
- To You (Sung Si-kyung) : A remake of the original by Seo Taiji and Boys, maximizing its retro sensibility.
- Seoul This Place (Roy Kim) : A theme song capturing the excitement of youth.
Reply 1988
- Hyehwa-dong (Park Bo-ram) : A song that best captures the sentiment of Ssangmun-dong.
- Youth (Kim Pil): A song that represents the characters' growth and emotions.
- Girl (Oh Hyuk) :A masterpiece capturing the innocence of first love.
A heartfelt story that transcends time.
I've watched the entire Reply series, and this drama isn't just a flashback to the past; it meticulously recreates the emotions and sentiments of that era. Each era is meticulously interwoven with political, social, cultural, sports, and criminal issues, and even the smallest props are meticulously considered to perfectly capture the essence of that era. Every detail of the background props was a testament to the hard work of the prop team. All the songs playing in the background evoke nostalgia, and the fashion is especially striking. Events, incidents, and news from that era are also seamlessly portrayed, creating a genuine sense of time travel. While the cast boldly cast relatively new faces, they each perfectly embodied their characters, and the fact that they weren't established actors made the experience all the more refreshing. The characters' dialects were natural enough to be appreciated by even locals, and the comical sound effects interspersed throughout were a refreshing break from the drama's conventional formula. The director, a former variety show producer, was incredibly dedicated to the drama, effectively incorporating elements of variety shows to create a compelling and engaging twist on the genre. Each episode, while seemingly connected, is self-contained, making it one of the few dramas I can easily switch on and enjoy whenever I'm bored. While I initially thought it was a very Korean drama, my students surprisingly found it resonating with nostalgia. It made me wonder if the nostalgia for that era is similar across the globe, even if the countries are different. It was surprising to see how even foreigners could relate to this sentiment while watching the Reply series. Even younger generations who didn't live through that era can look at it with fresh eyes, making it a truly enjoyable experience for all generations. While each series had its own unique story and characters, they all shared a common thread: a story that resonates with both laughter and tears. As a drama that comforts and connects each generation, it will remain a "national drama" series that continues to be talked about and revived even after the time of "Reply" has passed.
