On November 6, YouTube channel Channel 15ya shared several photos with the caption, “Reply 1988 10th anniversary. See you this winter.” The images featured cast members dressed in fashion and hairstyles true to the 1988 setting, sparking excitement among fans.
Present at the shoot were Hyeri, Park Bo Gum, Lee Il Hwa, Lee Dong Hwi, Go Kyung Pyo, Lee Min Ji, Ra Mi Ran, Kim Sung Kyun, Ahn Jae Hong, Ryu Hye Young, Choi Sung Won, and Choi Moo Sung—all visibly enjoying the nostalgic reunion.
Reactions online were swift and mixed. Netizens commented, “Is this really happening?”, “Please edit carefully so viewers don’t feel awkward,” “Is this the Hollywood of Korea?”, and “Interesting.”
Previously, according to News1 on October 30, Ryu Jun-yeol took part in the recording of a special program commemorating the 10th anniversary of tvN’s beloved drama Reply 1988. Though initially reported to be absent due to scheduling conflicts, Ryu adjusted his calendar to join parts of the shoot.
A broadcast insider shared, “Although Ryu Jun-yeol couldn’t attend the entire MT (membership training) trip, he made time to participate in filming for the 10th-anniversary special.”
This led fans to speculate whether Hyeri and Ryu Jun-yeol, who ended their public relationship in November 2023 after dating since 2017, might reunite on screen after two years apart.
However, industry insiders clarified on October 30 that no such reunion took place. A broadcast representative told OSEN, “The main content of the Reply 1988 anniversary special is based on the MT footage. A dedicated crew filmed the entire event, and Ryu Jun-yeol only shot an opening segment separately at a different time. There was no overlap between his shoot and Hyeri’s participation.”
The anniversary project is being produced by Egg Is Coming, the company associated with Reply 1988’s director Shin Won-ho. The content is expected to include a variety of reunion footage, including the cast’s nostalgic MT gathering.
First aired in November 2015 and concluding in January 2016, Reply 1988 captured nationwide hearts with its nostalgic portrayal of five families living in Ssangmun-dong in 1988. The heartwarming blend of comedy, family bonds, and coming-of-age stories earned the drama a peak viewership rating of 18.8% (Nielsen Korea, nationwide paid households), solidifying its place as a cultural phenomenon.
The drama catapulted stars like Hyeri, Park Bo-gum, Ryu Jun-yeol, Go Kyung-pyo, and Lee Dong-hwi into stardom. Parental roles portrayed by Ra Mi-ran, Kim Sun-young, and Kim Sung-kyun also gained critical acclaim.
Off-screen, Reply 1988‘s impact continued to ripple, particularly when Hyeri and Ryu Jun-yeol became a real-life couple after the show. The pair confirmed their relationship in August 2017 and remained together until their breakup in 2023.
Despite the years, the cast has remained close, frequently holding informal gatherings. The upcoming anniversary content promises to showcase their enduring chemistry and affection for one another.
tvN will air the Reply 1988 10th-anniversary special, though an official broadcast date has yet to be announced.
Sources: Daum, Naver, Nate
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