Four '80s Trends That 'Reply 1988' Revisits
"Reply 1988" keeps getting better, as the series inserts innocent moments of romance, as the love triangle involving Sung Deok Sun (Hyeri), Kim Jung Hwan (Ryu Jun Yeol), and Sun Woo (Go Pyung Pyo) continues to heat up.
While it is intriguing to watch the would-be lovers transition from friendship towards more mature relationships, "Reply 1988" transports audiences back-to-the-future, where teens and adults lived simpler lives.
Here are four '80s trends that were perfectly captured in the latest episodes of "Reply 1988."
1. 'Reply 1988' captures the essence of '80s-style, from stonewashed denim and stirrup leggings to the emergence of the iconic Air Jordan sneakers.
Jung Hwan comes from one of the wealthiest families on the block, which is noted through his prized possession of Nike Air Jordans. Doek Sun sports less pricey gear, but her style is reminiscent of trends that have been revitalized through purveyors of hipster fashion like American Apparel.
"Reply 1988" is a visual feast for vintage nostalgics and aspiring designers who are seeking inspiration beyond the trends that have already been tapped into.
2. The eighties marked a segue towards modern-day technology, as families embraced cordless phones and kids became addicted to 8-bit video games like Super Mario Bros.
Nintendo and Sega successfully delivered video games from the arcade to living rooms. While the series has yet to touch on the transition to console gaming, the 8-bit aesthetic of yesteryear is omnipresent.
3. Rock and pop artists Lee Young Hoon or Kim Chang Wan receive airtime along with favorites like the "Knight Rider" theme.
The "Reply" series is renown for its ability to capture the musical essence of a bygone period and the latest installment continues this tradition by reinventing Korean classics like "A Little Girl" from Lee Young Hoon. Hyukoh's Oh Hyuk places his own spin on the compelling pop-rock ballad, which is latest chart topper from the drama.
4. Without ubiquitous cellular service and homes that are fully plugged into WiFi, families turned towards board games and simple entertainment like the Rubix Cube.
Jung Hwa's brother, Jung Bong (Ahn Jae Hong), is addicted to solving the Rubix Cube. While the enigmatic square puzzle may seem like a relic, it required complex problem solving. This is exemplified through Choi Taek (Park Bo Gum), a teenaged baduk player, who effortlessly solves the Rubix Cube.
