One of K-drama’s most unexpected and emotionally charged reunions is officially happening. As Reply 1988 celebrates its 10th anniversary, former on-screen couple and real-life exes Hyeri and Ryu Jun-yeol are set to reunite through a special commemorative OST project, sending shockwaves through the K-entertainment world.
To mark a decade since the beloved tvN drama first aired, the Reply 1988 production team announced the release of a special anniversary OST album following the conclusion of its official commemorative broadcast.
A Nostalgic Gift From the Cast
Long considered the most iconic soundtrack in the entire Reply series, the Reply 1988 OST will be newly rearranged and re-recorded for the occasion. What makes this project particularly meaningful is that instead of professional singers the drama’s original cast members will perform the songs themselves as a heartfelt gift to fans.
Director Shin Won-ho shared his thoughts on the project: “I hope this OST becomes a gift for the viewers who have loved the drama for the past 10 years.”
According to the release plan, Part 1 of the album will drop on the 19th, featuring a solo track by Park Bo-gum. Part 2, scheduled for the 26th, will include performances by the Wild Dogs group (Lee Il-hwa, Ra Mi-ran, Kim Sung-kyun) and the Ssangmun-dong Kids Ryu Hye-young, Hyeri, Go Kyung-pyo, Ryu Jun-yeol, Park Bo-gum, Ahn Jae-hong, Lee Dong-hwi, and Choi Sung-won.
Why This Reunion Is Turning Heads
While the project itself is steeped in nostalgia, public attention has centered on one detail in particular: the simultaneous participation of Hyeri and Ryu Jun-yeol.
The two stars became one of Korea’s most beloved “reel-to-real” couples following Reply 1988, officially confirming their relationship in 2017. Their long-term, low-key romance earned widespread public support until news broke in 2023 that the pair had quietly ended their relationship after approximately seven years.
Initially, the breakup was met with calm reactions, as neither party publicly addressed the split. However, controversy later erupted when Hyeri posted a cryptic “Interesting” Instagram story shortly after reports surfaced that Ryu Jun-yeol was dating actress Han So-hee in Hawaii. Speculation over possible timeline overlap quickly spread online.
Although Dispatch later clarified that Han So-hee was not a third party, lingering doubts fueled prolonged debate and heightened sensitivity around any interaction involving the former couple.
Avoidance Turned Reunion
Following the dating controversy, Hyeri and Ryu Jun-yeol appeared to deliberately avoid joint appearances. During a recent Reply 1988 cast trip filmed for the 10th anniversary, Ryu Jun-yeol reportedly participated only in limited segments and was filmed separately, notably absent from group photos that included Hyeri.
This history makes their joint participation in the anniversary OST all the more surprising and compelling.
News of the former couple contributing to the same OST has sparked intense interest across online communities. Many fans expressed a mix of excitement and bittersweet nostalgia, noting that both actors are inseparable from the emotional legacy of Reply 1988.
At the same time, some viewers urged restraint, hoping the project would be received in the spirit of celebration rather than reigniting personal controversies.
Still, the reunion is widely seen as a symbolic milestone one powerful enough to revive memories of youth, first love, and the enduring impact of Reply 1988.
Sources: K14
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