Ep 16. Episode 16

The show Reply 1988 tells the story of five families who live in the same neighborhood in Seoul, South Korea during the 1980s. The families are close-knit, and the children in the neighborhood grow up together, forming bonds that will last a lifetime. The show explores the joys and struggles of these families as they navigate the changing social and political landscape of the country during this time.

In Episode 16, the families prepare for the New Year's holiday, a time for family gatherings and festivities. The episode opens with Sung Deok-sun (played by Lee Hye-ri), the youngest daughter in the Kim family, waking up early to help her mother prepare food for the holiday. Deok-sun's mother, who is pregnant, is unable to do much of the cooking, so Deok-sun takes on the responsibility.

Meanwhile, Deok-sun's best friend, Sun-woo (played by Ko Gyung-pyo), prepares for a trip with his family to visit his grandparents in the countryside. Sun-woo is excited to spend time with his grandparents, whom he loves dearly, but he is also anxious about leaving Deok-sun behind. The two have grown very close in recent months, and Sun-woo is afraid that their friendship will suffer during the time he is away.

As the families prepare for the holiday, they reflect on the past year and the ways in which their lives have changed. Bora (played by Ryu Hye-young), the eldest daughter in the Sung family, is frustrated with her job at a printing company and yearns for more creative work. Meanwhile, Dong-ryong (played by Lee Dong-hwi), the son of the Ryu family, struggles to maintain his relationship with his girlfriend, who has grown distant since starting college.

As the day of the holiday approaches, the families gather for a traditional New Year's meal, where they exchange gifts and enjoy each other's company. During the meal, they reflect on the joys and struggles of the past year and express gratitude for their blessings.

After the meal, the families participate in a traditional Korean game called Yunnori, which involves throwing sticks and moving pieces around a board. The game is a source of great fun and laughter, and it brings the families even closer together.

As the episode draws to a close, Sun-woo prepares to leave for his trip, but not before sharing a heartfelt moment with Deok-sun. The two discuss their worries about their friendship and express their commitment to maintaining it, no matter what. The scene is a poignant reminder of the importance of strong relationships and the resilience of friendship.

Overall, Episode 16 of Reply 1988 is a heartwarming depiction of family and friendship during the holiday season. The episode captures the joy and warmth of this time of year, as well as the struggles and challenges that come with it. It is a testament to the enduring power of love and community, even in the face of adversity.