From the prospective of a young adult, I loved this drama. Though I was 3 in 1997 and I didn't live in Busan Korea while growing up... or in Korea in general (don't I wish XD) I could totally relate to all the characters and this drama. So here we go:
Story: Great story line. It hooks you in from the start. I remember starting this drama and loving the freshness this drama gives. Sure there are typical Kdrama cliches but the way this drama handles it is unique and different. I went through all the emotions that the characters were having. My heart was pulled this way and that. I could relate to story, especially the 1997 storyline. Being a teenager myself, I can relate to all the pains that the teenagers are going through and all the changes that are happening. This drama has a unique way of making you understand what the characters are going through. I love the message this story had to give. Even though times does pass by quickly, the small and big things, your friends, and family all shape who you grow up to eventually be and become. The only reason this is getting less than a 10 is because there are some scenes which I felt could have been explained more, or cut out completely.
Acting: I must say for a cast of mostly rookie actors, they did phenomenal. I believed every second of their acting mostly. Eun Ji was great at making me believe her fangirl 17 year old self, and her more mature older self. Seo In Guk, you have taken my heart away with your incredibly smexy smoldering look. I feel that Seo In Guk really stole the show in this drama with his extremely realistic portrayal of Yoon Jae. Now whenever I see these idols on news site, I expect their character's name to be mentioned not their real names.
Music : Though the music was a bit outdated in some scenes it fit the drama perfectly. During the present scenes a lot of popular Kpop music was played. During the older scenes there was a lot of H.O.T. and older idol groups and singers being played. The music fit the drama so there are no complaints.
Rewatch: I can definitely see myself watching this again.... and again... and again... and again.
Overall: I enjoyed every second of this drama. It was agonizing waiting for subs in the beginning of this drama when it wasn't as popular. Every week I checked the drama websites to see if subs had been uploaded yet, it was that addicting. Now that I've finished this drama I want more. I miss its freshness and I just get this empty feeling in a part of my heart now that I know I don't have Reply 1997 to look forward to now.
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