Reply 1988 10th Anniversary Retreat Confirmed — But Ryu Jun-yeol Won’t Join?

It seems unbelievable, but it’s already time for the Reply 1988 10th Anniversary Reunion 2025 — a decade after the laughter, warmth, and love of Ssangmun-dong first touched our hearts. Back in 2015–2016, Reply 1988 was not just a drama; it became a shared memory, where unforgettable characters like Deok-sun, Taek, and Jung-hwan felt like a part of our own lives.

Now, that same magic is set to return. To celebrate the Reply 1988 10th Anniversary, the beloved cast will reunite for a special retreat in Gangwon Province on October 12–13, 2025 — an event fans have been eagerly waiting for.

What’s the Reunion All About?

For fans, this reunion is no longer just a meeting, it’s  an emotional event. The cast will gather for a one-night, two-day retreat in Gangwon Province on October 12-13, with many memories to reflect.

It will be made even better by Korea’s variety show master PD Na Young Seok and team, under a new project titled Egg Is Coming,  will be producing the retreat. Meaning we won’t just see reunion but to get a candid look at all the fun and laughter, plus the type of natural behavior that Na PD’s shows are famously known for.

On certain levels, this retreat is a nostalgic present for fans to feel warmth and friendship of Ssangmun-dong but with 2025 in mind.

Cast Attendance & Confirmations

Most of the main cast has confirmed their attendance: Hyeri, Park Bo-gum, Go Kyung-pyo, Lee Dong-hwi, Ryu Hye-young, and Ahn Jae-hong will all be there. The crew from Ssangmun-dong is reuniting, but this time it’s away from the screen.

Ryu Jun-yeol, however, will not be joining the trip. He is currently on set for his new drama The Rat. 

Fans were wondering what it would have been like for Ryu and Hyeri to be together, especially since fans were kept a buzz after their off-screen love, alongside their recent breakup in 2023. Hyeri’s confirmation has heightened expectations and speculation. Social media reactions were mixed; while some fans felt disappointed, others were happy the potential awkwardness would be avoided. Everybody does seem excited to see the lingering dynamics with cast once more.

Reply 1988 10th Anniversary
Reply 1988 10th Anniversary

Why It Matters: The Legacy of Reply 1988

When Reply 1988 was first broadcast, it was hard to imagine a drama that focused on neighborhood friendships and family life would be beloved so dearly by audiences. It took place in the alleys of Ssangmun-dong, a time machine for viewings reliving the comforting moments of the late 80s in themes of family connection, friendship, and first love.

The lifetime of the show was legendary, starting with a mediocre rating of 6.7% and ending with a wildly successful 19.6%; the show had become one of tvN’s largest achievements. Audiences identified with the characters because it was their family’s story — laughing together around the table, having childish crushes and breakups.

More than anything else, we cannot forget the ending love triangle with Deok-sun, Taek, and Jung-hwan. Everyone is still divided into “Team Taek” and “Team Jung-hwan” for a reason: the characters remain alive after all these years, even ten years after the show ended.

Reply 1988 was not a story, it is a feeling, and it is a feeling that still resonates ten years later.

Fans’ Reactions & Controversy

The news of the reunion generated great excitement throughout social media. For the fans, it’s more than just a getaway; it’s a chance to see their beloved cast together again.

  • The most serious topic of conversation has been about Hyeri and Ryu Jun-yeol’s whether or not they will attend. 
  • Ryu Jun-yeol is slated not to attend and* supporters have opinions on the subject. Some were disappointed all the cast members would not attend. 
  • Some felt relieved there was not a weirdness. Most were just nostalgic, stating, “Regardless if all the cast members go, we just want to feel the warmth of Ssangmun-dong.” 

There is also an expectation from fans that this will be trippy back in time with fun and behind-the-scenes candid moments along the way.

What to Expect from the Retreat

This won’t be just a normal trip, as it is being filmed variety-show style by Na PD and his Egg Is Coming crew, and will have fans looking forward to heartfelt, humorous, and unscripted interactions.

Anticipate some interviews with the cast reflecting on their favorite memories, sprinkled with flashbacks taking them (and us) back to 1988, and plenty of laughter shared behind the scenes. Hyeri’s quips, Park Bo-gum’s quiet demeanor, Go Kyung-pyo’s comedic style, and Lee Dong-hwi’s antics, will undoubtedly shine through again, and fans will enjoy it all over again. 

The tone will be equally warm and emotional, as well as fun and playful. The fun of traveling back in time for fans, while having a new ambiance in the fresh feeling Gangwon Province.

Implications & What This Means for Fans

This reunion transcends the sentimental — it means something more to the fans.

  • Closure: For those still deciding whether to back “Team Taek” vs. “Team Jung-hwan” or talking about Hyeri and Ryu, seeing the cast together again may provide a fresh new perspective while also allowing them the chance to work through any unresolved feelings. 
  • Renewed popularity: I fully expect the reunion will spark additional interest in the series, ultimately increasing streaming numbers on Netflix and tvN for Reply 1988. New viewers will be able to discover it for themselves.
  • Fandom revival: When large groups come together to celebrate milestones like this, there will always be trust – the potential for merchandise, fan events or even re-releases of an original soundtrack is not unreasonable. Whenever nostalgia is present, there are often launches, releases or experiences that stem from it. 

In short, this reunion is more than just an escape — it’s a reminder that Reply 1988 is still as relevant to fans’ hearts as it was in 2015.

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Conclusion

The casting reunion for Reply 1988 is officially happening i.e. October 12–13 in Gangwon Province, filmed by Na Young Seok’s crew. For the cast reunion, most of the cast we all know and love will be there including Hyeri, Park Bo-gum, Go Kyung-pyo, Lee Dong-hwi, Ryu Hye-young, and Ahn Jae-hong, (Ryu Jun-yeol will not be in attendance due to filming), however that is one less face so all good. 

But this will be much more than just a reunion – it also shows the impact the drama had. Even after ten years, the laughter, love, and the warmth of Ssangmundong does not go away. 

So, mark your calendars, catch the updates, and don’t forget to share your favorite Reply 1988 memory because, again, this October, nostalgia will be at it’s peak.

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