On January 2nd tvN aired the final episode of Reply 1988 10th anniversary special, showing the Ssangmun-dong family reunited for a one-night, two-day retreat 10 years after the drama first aired.
Over a drink, Sung Dong Il warmly observed: “You look even younger than 10 years ago. It makes me so happy. Every time I see you in other dramas, I feel especially happy.” Actor Yoo Jae Myung echoed the sentiment, saying: “I have worked on many good projects, but I have never felt such great emotion before,” expressing his deep affection for the series.
Sung Dong Il then turned to Park Bo Gum and shared a memory that left a lasting impact on him. He said, “Whenever I see Bo Gum in commercials, there’s one line I always think of: ‘When do you miss your mother the most?’ The memory of the scene where you are sitting on the wooden bench is so strong.”
When the mood changed, Park Bo Gum couldn’t hold back his tears, visibly breaking down as memories of the shooting resurfaced. Director Shin Won Ho and Sung Dong Il later revealed that during filming, they silently waited for Park Bo Gum to finish crying before continuing, sharing behind-the-scenes details of that emotional moment.
After regaining his composure, Park Bo Gum softly recalled another line from the drama: “I remember that sentence too. When Dad asked him if it was okay for him to see Sun-young’s mom again, he said he just wanted Dad to always have hot meals.” His reflection once again highlighted the emotional depth of Reply 1988a drama still enjoyed by viewers a decade later.
Meanwhile, Park Bo Gum previously talked about his personal past on tvN Youth on flowers: Africawhere he talked about his Reply 1988 audition. During that broadcast, he revealed that his mother died when he was in fourth grade.
He shared, “We don’t have a real family portrait. We have photos taken in the same place, but none formally taken in a studio. As I grew up, I realized that these types of photos also become precious memories.” Park Bo Gum cried as she spoke, touching viewers with her sincerity.
Even after 10 years, Reply 1988 continues to resonate not only as a beloved drama, but as an emotional story shared by both cast and audience.
Sources: OSEN, tvN
