Reply 1997

Every once in a while, amidst the multitudes of Korean dramas which employ all the stereotypical clichés such as Cinderella story lines, hapless women who have tear ducts the size of the Pacific Ocean, and men fighting over mates like gorillas, a show such as Reply 1997 comes along to provide viewers with a breath of fresh air. I recently undertook a marathon session of this drama after many recommendations from friends, and I don't know why I waited so long; everything about Reply 1997 is believable, relatable, and most of all entertaining. This drama will transport you to 1990's S. Korea, as several high school students wrestle with the ups and downs of life while dealing with one another. Reply 1997 will make you yearn for the good ol' days of your adolescence, as well as reminisce about the golden years of S. Korea. I guarantee that you go straight to your computer and make a playlist of most of the songs that are wonderfully woven into the drama.

Many different and surprisingly complex themes are explored in every episode; many of the experiences portrayed are those that you or someone close to you have probably gone through, and this drama recognizes that real life happens. One quip I had with Reply 1997 is that some of these themes could have been developed a little more, such as that involving Joon Hee. Another issue I could see arising is that viewers who are not familiar with the pop culture of 1990's S. Korea could have difficulty catching onto some of the references made. This is minor, however, as the top-notch acting and stellar writing more than make up for this.

Seriously, just go watch this thing. The only regret you'll have after you're done is that you won't be able to watch anymore episodes.

I just finished Reply 1988 and was IN LOVE with it - everything about it! So thought I would watch this next given its high rating/reviews.

I am 5 episodes in and MAJORLY disappointed to say the least. Most characters were super abnoxious and too annoying to even tolerate watching with absolutely no redeeming qualities about them. 70% of the dialogue was stupid arguments about nothing and doesnt add to the story and i felt myself being annoyed all through EVERY episode so far. These 5 episodes could have been half of one if they removed the bickering fluff. I also find myself not caring/interested enough in any character or what happens next or to anyone.

I feel like I gave it a fair chance and I am glad i won't be hearing people scream and fight about nonesence anymore.

7 start just for Seo In-guk acting he is really talented, I fell in love with each scene of him

Unfortunately, perhaps, saw Reply 1988 which is very good (later learned in reading reviews to understand why Reply 1994 and 1997 were so bad that this was the third effort by the writer/directors and they "finally got it right"). Unlike 1988, this series follows superficial characters focused on insipid, high school drivel. Not that the high schoolers in 1988 never act like high schoolers, but in 1988 it is part of their reality, not the focus of the plotlines. In 1994 and 1997 we follow characters who are so superficial that how anyone could care what happens is beyond me. My wife is Korean and even she couldnt get through 1997 (worse 1994). I can only imagine the entire country of Korea must be highly rating this program as the rating is ridiculous. I would have given this a 5 but to redress it's over rating, giving it a 2. Don't waste your time.

This is the kdrama that I fell on love with In Guk. I don't like eunji but tgey have great chemistry and they sang together perfectly. It was not as great as reply 1988, but it was funny and romantic as well. It emphasized the kpop era of sechs kies H.O.T and Fin. K.L and the lofe of a fan girl.