Ep 13. Episode 13

Reply 1988 is a South Korean television series set in the year 1988. The show revolves around a group of teenagers who live in the same neighborhood. Each episode showcases their daily lives, their struggles, their friendships, and their family dynamics.

Episode 13 begins with the street where the main characters live being decorated for Christmas. It’s December, and the whole neighborhood is in high spirits. The scene then shifts to Sun-woo’s house, where his father (Dong-ryong’s uncle) is visiting to celebrate his birthday. Sun-woo’s father is a rigid military man who thinks highly of himself. He clashes with Sun-woo’s mother over trivial things, which leads to a tense atmosphere in the house.

Meanwhile, Tae is struggling with his music lessons. He believes that he has no talent and is being forced to learn the piano by his parents. He confides in Deok-sun, who offers him words of encouragement. She tells him that everyone has their strengths and weaknesses and that he should keep trying. Touched by her words, Tae tries harder and manages to play a difficult piece perfectly.

On the other hand, Taek is lost in his thoughts about the upcoming Baduk championship. He hasn’t been able to concentrate on his game, and his friends notice his uneasiness. They try to cheer him up by taking him for a karaoke session. However, Taek is visibly upset and leaves the place abruptly.

Deok-sun, who is still feeling guilty about her crush on Sun-woo, decides to make a Christmas card for him. She pours her heart out in the card, writing how much she cherishes their friendship and how much she respects him. However, while slipping the card under Sun-woo’s door, she is caught by his father, who is leaving the house at the same time. He confronts her and asks her what she’s doing. Deok-sun tries to explain that it’s just a card, but Sun-woo’s father thinks that she has a romantic interest in his son. This misunderstanding creates tension between Deok-sun and Sun-woo’s family.

Later, all the teenagers in the neighborhood gather in Sun-woo’s house for a joint study session. However, the awkwardness between Deok-sun and Sun-woo’s family is palpable. Sun-woo’s father picks on Deok-sun, making her even more uncomfortable. But Sun-woo comes to her rescue and puts a stop to his father’s rude behavior. The study session goes on smoothly after that, with everyone learning new things from each other.

The episode ends with the teenagers celebrating Christmas together. They exchange gifts, play games, and sing carols. Taek, who had been feeling down the whole day, cheers up and joins in the fun. It’s a heartwarming scene, and one can’t help but smile at the sight of teenagers bonding over Christmas.

Overall, Episode 13 of Reply 1988 is a slice-of-life episode that focuses on the characters' daily struggles and interactions. It’s a well-written episode that offers a glimpse into the lives of teenagers living in the 1980s. The show’s ability to capture the nuances of growing up in a certain era is unparalleled, and this episode is no exception. It’s a must-watch for anyone who loves good storytelling and wants to take a trip down memory lane.