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 will reunite through a special commemorative OST project, sending shockwaves through the world of K-entertainment.
To celebrate a decade since the beloved tvN drama first aired, the Reply 1988 production team has 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 of the entire Reply series, the 1988 Reply OST will be rearranged and re-recorded for the occasion. What makes this project especially significant is that instead of professional singers, members of the drama’s original cast will personally perform the songs as a heartfelt gift to fans.
Director Shin Won-ho shared his thoughts on the project: “I hope this OST will become a gift to viewers who have loved the drama for the past 10 years.”
According to the release plan, the first part of the album will be released on the 19th, with a solo track by Park Bo-gum. The second part, scheduled for the 26th, will include performances by the group Wild Dogs (Lee Il-hwa, Ra Mi-ran, Kim Sung-kyun) and 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.
Because this reunion is turning heads
While the project itself is steeped in nostalgia, public attention has focused 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 after Reply 1988, officially confirming their relationship in 2017. Their long-term, low-key romance gained widespread public support until news broke in 2023 that the couple had quietly ended their relationship after about seven years.
Initially, the split was met with muted reactions, as neither party publicly addressed the split. However, controversy later erupted when Hyeri posted a cryptic Instagram story “Interesting” shortly after reports surfaced that Ryu Jun-yeol was dating actress Han So-hee in Hawaii. Speculation about a possible timeline overlap quickly spread online.
Although Dispatch later clarified that Han So-hee was not a third party, lingering doubts fueled a prolonged debate and increased sensitivity around any interactions involving the former couple.
Avoidance turned into reunion
Following the dating controversy, Hyeri and Ryu Jun-yeol seemed to deliberately avoid joint appearances. During a recent Reply 1988 cast trip filmed for the 10th anniversary, Ryu Jun-yeol reportedly only participated in limited segments and was filmed separately, notably absent from the group photos that included Hyeri.
This story makes their joint participation in the anniversary OST even more surprising and compelling.
News that the former couple contributed to the same OST has sparked intense interest in online communities. Many fans expressed a mix of excitement and bittersweet nostalgia, noting that both actors are inseparable from Reply 1988’s emotional legacy.
At the same time, some viewers called for restraint, hoping the project would be met with a celebratory spirit rather than reigniting personal disputes.
However, the reunion is widely seen as a symbolic milestone, powerful enough to revive memories of youth, first love and the lasting impact of Reply 1988.
Sources: K14
