Reply 1988 10th Anniversary: Cast Reunion on Viu

Reply 1988 10th Anniversary

A decade has passed since Ssangmun-dong’s five families first captured the hearts of millions. Now, in 2026, the beloved cast of Reply 1988—the groundbreaking Kdrama that sparked the global K-drama boom—reunite for a special K variety Show. All three episodes of Reply 1988 10th Anniversary are now available on Viu, and this heartwarming reunion is exactly what fans have been waiting for.

What is Reply 1988? The Drama That Changed Everything

Before we dive into the reunion special, let’s remember why Reply 1988 matters. Aired in 2015–2016 on Viu, this nostalgic masterpiece followed five families and their teenage children living in the Ssangmun-dong neighborhood of Seoul during the late 1980s—a time of political upheaval, economic boom, and cherished innocence.

The series became a cultural phenomenon. Its finale episode achieved 18.8% nationwide audience share, making it the highest-rated drama in Korean cable television history at the time. But beyond the numbers, Reply 1988 captured something universal: the warmth of family, the complexity of first love, the loyalty of friendship, and the bittersweet passage of youth. The BBC called it a “television masterpiece,” and for good reason.

The mystery that kept viewers hooked for 20 episodes: which of her male friends would Sung Deok-sun (played by Lee Hye-ri) marry? The love triangle between Deok-sun, Kim Jung-hwan (Ryu Jun-yeol), and Choi Taek (Park Bo-gum) drove the entire narrative, but what truly made the drama legendary was its cast—a perfectly balanced ensemble that felt like real people, not characters.

The Cast That Became Family

Lee Hye-ri as Sung Deok-sun

The heart of the series. Lee Hye-ri’s portrayal of the free-spirited, warm-hearted Deok-sun made her a household name. Her ability to shift between comedic moments and genuine emotional vulnerability set the tone for the entire show.

Park Bo-gum as Choi Taek

The Go champion with the gentle soul. Park Bo-gum’s quiet charisma and nuanced performance earned him awards and a devoted fanbase. His chemistry with Lee Hye-ri created the show’s central romantic tension.

Ryu Jun-yeol as Kim Jung-hwan

The electric rebel of the group. Ryu Jun-yeol brought intensity and passion to Jung-hwan, earning the “Best New Actor” award at the 52nd Baeksang Arts Awards.

Go Kyung-pyo as Sung Sun-woo

The reliable best friend. Go Kyung-pyo’s grounded performance balanced the show’s more volatile moments.

Lee Dong-hwi as Ryu Dong-ryong

The comic relief with heart. Lee Dong-hwi provided laughter while keeping the group emotionally honest.

Supporting Cast (Ra Mi-ran, Sung Dong-il, Kim Sung-kyun, Ahn Jae-hong & more)

The parents and younger siblings of Ssangmun-dong. These actors created the foundation of family warmth that made Reply 1988 so universally resonant. Ra Mi-ran’s portrayal of Deok-sun’s mother and Sung Dong-il’s role as her father brought authenticity and comedic timing in equal measure.

Reply 1988 10th Anniversary: The Reunion Special

Now, a decade later, the cast has reunited for a special Korean variety program directed by the legendary Na Young-seok (known for Seasoned City and Camping Club). The three-episode special documents a two-day, one-night retreat in Gangwon Province where the entire Ssangmun-dong family gathers to celebrate their shared legacy.

All three episodes are now available on Viu—making this the perfect time to relive the magic.

Episode 1 – The Reunion of Ssangmun-Dong Families

Despite their busy schedules as successful actors and professionals, the five families gather together for the first time in a decade. And they do it in style—recreating the iconic outfits from the original drama, stepping back into 1988 as if no time had passed at all.

The episode kicks off with nostalgic games designed to fund their lunch, and as each family tries to navigate the challenges, they display the same chemistry and teamwork that made the show legendary. Behind-the-scenes stories surface, favorite items from the drama era are unveiled, and the emotional weight of a decade-long separation starts to lift.

Episode 2 – The Five Ssangmun-Dong Families’ Fun Trip to Goseong

The families arrive at their Goseong lodging, where they recreate one of the series’ most iconic moments—taking a poster photo together, marking the 10 years that have passed. Nostalgia peaks as they recall the filming days.

Then comes the highlight: Family Entertainment, where the cast splits into three teams and competes for Korean beef prizes. Speed Quiz, Music Scholarship Quiz, and games testing their memories of the drama keep everyone laughing. Expect unexpected answers from Park Bo-gum and continuous dancing from Lee Hye-ri—moments that prove the actors’ chemistry remains unshaken.

The episode concludes with a barbecue dinner, where genuine camaraderie shines through. You can feel the weight of ten years of life—career changes, personal milestones, family growth—balanced against the timeless bond they share.

Episode 3 – The Last Member of Ssangmun-Dong

The final episode brings a surprise guest: Kim Seol, who played the lovable younger character Jin-ju in the original series. Her unexpected appearance delights the entire cast.

The dads (Sung Dong-il, Choi Moo-sung, Yoo Jae-myung, and Kim Sung-kyun) face a special mission challenge competing for prizes. As the special missions unfold, the warmth, laughter, and genuine affection between cast members becomes the real prize.

Why This Reunion Matters

The 10th Anniversary special isn’t just nostalgia bait—it’s a genuine celebration of how deeply Reply 1988 impacted Korean culture and the global K-drama landscape. When the show aired in 2015–2016, it fundamentally changed how audiences viewed Korean television. It proved that cable dramas could match (and exceed) broadcast network quality. It proved that nostalgia, family values, and genuine human connection could drive massive viewership. It launched the careers of its young leads and created a template for the “Reply” franchise that continues to influence K-dramas today.

But beyond the cultural impact, this reunion is proof that real friendships formed on set can withstand the test of time. In an industry where cast reunions often feel obligatory, the chemistry between these actors feels authentic—like old friends who genuinely missed each other.

Stream Reply 1988 10th Anniversary on Viu

All three episodes are available now on Viu with multiple subtitle options. If you haven’t watched the original Reply 1988 series, you can also stream all 20 episodes on Viu.

Why Watch Both:

The Original Series Reply 1988 (2015–2016): Experience the drama that started it all. Follow Deok-sun’s journey from teenager to adult, solve the love triangle mystery, and understand why this show became a “National Drama” in South Korea.

The 10th Anniversary Special (2025): Watch the cast reflect on their shared past, celebrate their accomplishments, and prove that the magic of Ssangmun-dong transcends a single show.

Together, they tell a complete story: not just of fictional characters, but of real people whose lives were changed by one extraordinary project.