[DRAMA]What to Expect When Your Expecting the Upcoming tvN Drama "Reply 1988"?

Fans of the popular cable drama series, Answer Me also known as The Reply Series were very happy with the anouncement that was made last January. A third installment will be set to open later this year with the drama timeframe that is set during the 1988 era of South Korea.

Reply 1997, the first installment of the series revolves around six friends who lives in Busan that gathered together in a class reunion and came up with their memorable moments when they were still in highschool. It centers around idol fan culture, highschool love and achieving dreams. The drama had established the acting careers of Jung Eunji and Seo Inguk. Meanwhile, the second installment Reply 1994 centers around the lives of college students living in a dorm. It tackles events that happened in the 1994 era which includes the happenings in Korean Basketball League and the popularity of Kpop boyband Seo Taiji and the boys. The drama made a great impact to the careers of Go Ara, Jung Woo, Yoo Yeon-seok and other stars that participated in it.

Last May 18, the six frontrunners of Reply 1988 was confirmed. Idol Hyeri will be playing the female lead character with Go Kyung-pyo and Park Bo-gum that will likely play as rivals. New faces were also confirmed to star in the drama namely Ryu Joon-yeol, Ryu Hye-young, and Ahn Jae-hong.

Shin Won Ho PD told the media that this time the drama will revolve around stories of families that live in the same small neighborhood.. So we can expect to not guess who the husband may be.. Yes, Please?..

With the nostalgic feeling that the series wanted the viewers to feel we all can expect that the drama will tackle the important things that happened during the year of 1988. I am kinda curious of what were the things that happened in 1988 South Korea so I will play as a fortuneteller this time and I will try to point out the happenings that may be included in the upcoming drama.. Here are my forecast:

5. 1988 films- example: Chilsu and Mansu (칠수와 만수)

The past year before 1988 was a crucial year in Korea's film industry. The government had a big say on what will the audience were able to see in the theaters. They would censor every film that would be seen by the public. With a country that was gradually moving into a democratic cone, the film Chilsu and Mansu was a great step depicting the Korean youth dreams and hopes that comes with freedom. Although not a box office, the film had cemented talents like director Park Kwang-su, actors  Ahn Sung-ki, Park Joong-hoon and Bae Jong-ok. 

 

Chilsu and Mansu Poster

The film was a major turn over for the freedom of expression of Korean films. So I think that with the major characters in Reply 1988 set to play characters in their youths, we can obviously see them blossoming as a generation with growing freedom and more aspirations.

4. Elections and New President

I think South Korea having a new president that year will also be tackled in the drama. The year 1988 was the first term for President Roh Tae-woo whose major contribution for the country was the hosting of the 1988 Summer Olympics and his true words about the democratic reforms for South Korea. He was said to be the first cleanly elected president in the history of the country. But then, a lot of events had happened after his term and I shall not cover on that.. because I can't relate already..better just read their country's history if you wanna know more...

3. Video Games, Anime, 80s fashion

Remember those scenes in Reply 1997 where floppy disk, cassettes, walkmans, VHS, pagers, beepers, tamagochi, and huge desktops were just so important to the characters? Also that scene when Seo Inguk was so proud that he was wearing a Guess shirt only that his friend blurted out that it was obviously an imitation because Guess should be with a question mark and not with an exclamation mark.. haha, hilarious!  

Also, those nostalgia in Reply 1994, example were that game of Haitai in his super obsolete computer, the big phones, ridiculous hairstyles and fashion. Well obviously we will get another nostalgic effect from the year 1988 with what tvN is planning.

My guess is that video games will have a part for this upcoming drama. The game Super Mario 2 was introduced in the year 1988. I'm not sure though because you must be kinda rich to be able to possess those things in the 80s but maybe with the timeline.. I don't know... Also I read about the Ghostbuster toys being so popular in that year that it was sold out. The animated film My Neighbor Totoro, Akira and The Grave of Fireflies were also major success those days so maybe we could expect for those to be included in the list of cameos.

In terms of fashion, I predict there will be a lot of suspenders coming with colorful tops and pants, and also denim fashion. I mean not that it’s very different from the styles that we use today, right? We can expect for brands like Nike, Billabong and Calvin Klein to have an appearance. On the other hand, the style will always come with the hair, so expect a lot of Princess Diana hairstyling and long and wide curly with bangs hairdo for women. While on men, expect the kind of hairstyle that Johnny Depp had in 21 Jump Street movie... Haha

2. Cho Youngpil's Music

In Reply 1997, we had the music of then popular boygroups, H.O.T, Sech Kies and also then popular girlgroups, S.E.S, Baby V.O.X and Fin.K.L. while in Reply 1994 we had Seo Taiji and the Boys who gave us the blast from the past feeling while watching both dramas. Well in the year 1988, it was Cho Youngpil who had the most successful act. The Reply series had always been good in interacting and reproducing the songs from that specific year that the viewers can appreciate it and later be a fan of the singer so we can expect ourselves to be smitten by Cho Youngpil's music. 

I also can smell someone from the main character of Reply 1988 to be a hardcore fan of Cho Youngpil so we will see a lot of the life happening in Cho Youngpil's career in the year of 1988. Here are his most popular song Mona Lisa and Seoul Seoul Seoul that he released that year.

Mona Lisa by Cho Youngpil

Seoul Seoul Seoul by Cho Youngpil

1. 1988 Summer Olympics

The biggest event that had happened during the year 1988 and probably was also one of the biggest milestones for South Korea was the 1988 Summer Olympics. It was one of the most important happenings in the country. The government's prime motive was to let the whole world know that South Korea is a changing country with capabilities and potential and the biggest move was to let the most popular and greatest sports event that most people know to be held in their country.

The events theme song is entitled "Hand and Hand" which was sung by the group Koreana. It was immediately a top chart hit so we can probably hear it in the drama. Also, notable was the official mascot named "Hodori" which was said to be a Siberian tiger that depicted the warmness and friendliness of Korean people.

Hand in Hand 1988 Summer Olympics Theme Song 

By Koreana

Hodori, 1988 Summer Olympics Official Mascot

On the downside, a lot of unfortunate happenings had also happened with the year's Olympic celebration. One example was the boycotting of some countries including the country's neighbor who was still officially at war that time North Korea and its allies, Albania, Cuba, Madagascar, and Seychelles. The opening ceremony was also the talk of the world because of the alleged burning of live doves that supposed to be a symbol of world peace.

Anyways all of those events would probably take charge within the dramas plot because it was such a big and popular event that had happened during the year of 1988.

So far, the two installments had become a success... There was a famous saying that "It takes two to tango".. So what will happen to the third dancer then? Truthfully, I had enjoyed watching 1997 more than 1994 because the husband thing was just so overused in the second installment. Honestly, I think this time I expected too much with the 1988 castings and so I got so disappointed. But still I don't want to judge until the actual drama airs. Maybe, I'll just wait for the reviews until I watch it myself.. Ha! 

Credits [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10]

[DRAMA REVIEW] Let's Eat Season 1 vs Let's Eat Season 2 - Why Season 2 is yummier than Season 1.....

Let's Eat is a 2013 korean cable drama that has been a success because of its unique theme that revolves around people with different likings about food. It stars acting idol Yoon Doojoon, actress Lee Soo Kyung and Yoon So Hee and actor Shim Hyung Tak. Because of the positive reactions of viewers a Season 2 was created and is currently airing this year. Unfortunately, only Yoon Doojoon who plays the main role named Go Daeyoung returned from the original cast. As the changes happen many fans of the original cast had low hopes for the success of Season 2 but the new cast and story proved that there was a reason a second season was made. Currently, the drama is gaining positive comments and ratings.

I personally like Season 2 because of the great story and character development. Truthfully I haven't finished watching Season 1 because I honestly felt bored by it. I will let you know how can the second season catch your heart more than its first. Here are the five elements that I think are well done in Season 2 more than Season 1:

--------------------------[REMINDER: SPOILER ALERT]----------------------------

5.  Supporting Characters

As I mentioned earlier I haven't finished watching Season 1. I am currently in episode six but I already read about its story in websites that recapped the drama so nonetheless I already know the story. While I'm watching it I always feel that I wanted to watch episodes of the second season. I don't know its just what I feel. I think that the acting in Let's Eat 2 is better than that of the first.

For example: Yoon SoHee's acting as Yoon JinYi is not that appealing. Her extreme use of her Jjang Jjang Man expression is not that cute at all. The only one from the supporting cast that I think was outstanding is Atty. Oh which was played by actress Lee Do Yun.

Wherein in Lets Eat 2, we can see the characters mingle and connect to each other like the role of Grandma JeomYi to Mi Ran adjumma which is the owner of the place where Daeyoung lives; Grandma to Joo Seung who has yet to unveil his mysterious character; Grandma to Taeksoo hyung; Joo Seung to Hye Rim, the partimer.

We can also see where the characters are coming from and why they act like that to one another. For example why Grandma is so obsess of taking care of Joo Seung is because she treats him as her own son now because her son is living far away from her. The obsession of Taeksoo hyung to Daeyoung because he doesn't want to be alone and his missing his family in Seoul.

4. The Food

In every episode of Let's Eat there always be an eating segment, hence the drama title right? Because our hero Go Daeyoung is a #food enthusiasts #foodblogger he would always take us to food trips. Who wouldn't want him in reality?

But personally, I think that foods that were being served this second season are much more outstanding and delicious than that of season one. Who would forget that Chinese food fiesta in episode 1? I think that the writers had fully researched the foods that will make the audience drool each episodes. Enough said, its better to compare it with visuals right?

Haemul jjim (Seafood Stir fry) vs Chinese food

Mackerel Stew vs Oysters

3. Go Daeyoung's Changes

Because Let's Eat really revolves with the life of Go Daeyoung, our hero, I would totally be wrong if I excluded him in the list. It was a nice move for the staff to let his character explore a different area with different characters that he will meet all throughout the second season. Go Daeyoung was such a charming character and picking Yoon Doojoon to portray him was a miracle. I just like tvN drama productions for picking such talented actors for the dramas that they produce. Who would forget about the drama Nine (Lee Jinwook), Misaeng (Im Siwan), and Ten (Joo Sang wook)? The characters just fits them all its like all are tailored-made for them.

We saw Go Daeyoung as a mysterious man in Season 1. He was even mistaken as a criminal. He didn't fully let us know and connect with his character and I believe that was one of the purpose of the Season 2, for us to fully understand him and like him. This season, we can see a different and more matured Go Daeyoung. He even is not that messy anymore. Maybe because of the things that he had experience from the past that he became much mature at his age of 31. I mean, who wouldn't be like that when you had experienced a lawsuit, loss of money and break up from a previous relationship (all revealed in episode 1 of the season). Still here in season 2, we can all watch  a funny, caring, somethimes cold, frustrated, angry, hurt and jealous Go Daeyoung. I also think that the present Go Daeyoung is more handsome than the season 1 Go Daeyoung...keke

Also, I think that the acting skill of Yoon Doojoon had definitely upgraded in this Season. He is such a great and handsome young actor that we should look forward to.

2. Sookyung nuna vs Baek Dwiji ; Lee Sookyung vs Seo Hyunjin

As I already mentioned Go Daeyoung, next to include is of course his leading ladies. In Season 1, there is Sookyung noona while in Season 2 there is Baek Sooji. First, let's jot down the characters similarities.

Sookyung and Sooji are both comical characters. They both are fun to watch. They live their lives with a fun kind of clumsiness and of course they are both heavy eater.  But the thing is Sookyung's character was a divorced woman so she was definitely older than Daeyoung while its a good fact for the writers to pick Sooji as Daeyoung's chingu meaning they have the same age. We saw Daeyoung as a dongsaeng and oppa in Season 1 so seeing him interacting with Sooji so comfortably was a breathe of fresh air. 

I already mentioned that both female leads love food so I also have to regard their eating styles.  For me, I love how Seo Hyunjin portrayed Sooji's character espeacially when eating which is the highlight of the drama's every episode. I always hear Sookyung moaning when eating and I don't feel that hungry whenever I watch her...

In Sooji, she has a way of eating that is not that over acting and I can feel that she is enjoying her food from the bottom of her heart. I also like how she speaks random words while eating..

There is no denying that Daeyoung (Yoon Doojoon) is so shippable with his female counterparts. Fans of Season 1 were beaming with frustrations when the new casting was confirmed. It was that part when Sookyung straightened her hair that I think she has charms too. But I think that her being a divorcee became a big problem with her realationship with Daeyoung. Remember that we still don't know what was the reason why they broke up. I mean Daeyoung has still so many milestones to achieve with his age while Sookyung needs some other man that can already settle down and make her happy all throughout her life. She was not in the age of playing yes or no with relationship. Although fans know that Daeyoung and Sookyung both have the same taste in food but thats not enough in a relationship, right? 

Seeing Daeyoung and Sooji from the very first episode was so fun and I already fell in love with their tandem. With their bickering and friendship, they were so fun and I always see how compatible they are as dramaland characters. Who would forget that confession of Sooji with Daeyoung that they are past elementary schoolmates? Whenever they are in the screen together I always feel so excited and my heart flutters. Yes, I am a shipper and I wish that Daeyoung and Sooji would end up together and maybe return for Season 3, Ha! I also think that its a good point that when it comes to eating the characters are both food lovers but with different eating styles which leads to bickering, haha.. The only problem that lies now is that Sooji is dating the character of Sangwoo which is a close hyung of Daeyoung and Daeyoung being in a friendzone by Sooji. 

When it comes to maturity, Sookyung is more mature than Sooji's character. Sooji has flaws like her insecurities and her pretending to be someone else she is not. But we still have more episodes to come so I guess the writer will pretty much do some development with her character. I hope that she would become more comfortable with herself in the future.

1. The Story

Season 1 to Season 2 was life changing for the character of Daeyoung. I like how Season 2 focuses on each character's lives and that each have their own contributions to the drama's progress while in Season 1 there is not that much character overview that we saw. Even Daeyoung was plainly seen as just a food blogger and a struggling insurance employee. We didn't see him expose his true nature as a human. There also are many filler scenes in Season 1 that just doesn't makes sense to me everytime.

I also love how the writer makes the drama much more of a reality with a roller coaster of emotions that she includes in each episodes. The fact that Sooji is struggling with money everytime, Taeksoo and Inha's characters being both lonely in life that they became each others companion, Hyerim's character as a struggling young woman and Grandma being obsess with Jo Seung because she doesn't have anyone to take care of were very relatable. 

We could definitely see that the staff had made a great discussion and planning with Season 2 more than the first Season. I just hope that Season 2 will wrap up in a great way that a Season 3 can open in the following months. In the meantime, let us still enjoy watching Let's Eat Season 2 with our hearts open.

[DRAMA/K-NEWS] Let's Eat Season 2 Confirmed with 2 episode extension and a Possible Season 3

Because of the positive reactions of viewers and netizens the korean cable drama that will let your tummy boil, Let's Eat Season 2 will have a 2 episode extension. The drama was supposed to be a 16 episode series but on the 4th of May producers had confirmed its extension. 

Being the second season, Let's Eat 2 had proved to be a good decision for tvN to make with its stunning cast choice and good storyline. The drama evolves on the life of protagonist Go Daeyoung played by idol Yoon Doojoon and him meeting his childhood classmate Bae Sooji played by Seo Hyunjin and other characters on his new life as a man living alone with a goal of being the Insurance King in Sejong City. 

There are also speculations that a Season 3 is already in talks by the producers of the drama but nothing has been confirmed yet so let's just all enjoy watching Let's Eat 2 which will hit its 11th episode in the coming week. Let's Eat 2 is scheduled every Monday and Tuesday 11:00 pm Korea time.

[K-NEWS] SHINee Onew in a Webtoon Drama

Last March 9, fans [including me of course] of SHINee leader Onew (25) were all very happy with the news about him starring in a lead role on a webtoon drama which is entitled "Dating was the easiest". Apparently, he auditioned for the role with more than 2,000 fellow aspirers but yay he got picked by the staffs because me too think that he was just so perfect to the male lead character. 

Onew-Howon, see the resemblance?

The story is about Howon, a mountain God in the from of tiger and a unique girl named Hari. Howon loves Hari and transforms into a human whenever his with her. The story will tackle the protagonist's relationship and yeah dating. [Its kinda like Fruits Basket with the transformations and we can probably see some skin of Onew because yeah sometimes when you transform your clothes can be ruined and all, Ha! Ha!]

Want to read "Dating was the easiest"? chapter 1 in english, here. If you know hangul read "Dating was the easiest" here

The casting will be nearly complete after the female lead has been chosen [choose me please...?]Some child actors and supporting characters had already been decided. The webrama will be aired in Beetm TV towards the end of April.



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