Ep 20. The Beginning of the End

Oh, boy! The 20th episode of season 1 of Reply 1994, titled "The Beginning of the End," has me feeling all kinds of emotions. Set in 1994, the show follows a group of college students living in a boarding house in Seoul as they navigate their way through young adulthood.

Our main character, Sung Na-jung, played beautifully by Go Ara, is struggling with the end of her relationship with her on-again-off-again boyfriend, Trash (played by the handsome Jung Woo). The episode kicks off with him leaving for America, leaving Na-jung to grapple with their unresolved feelings for one another.

As the episode progresses, we see the rest of the characters come to terms with their own relationships and life changes. Yoon Jin (played by the talented Uhm Hyun-kyung) realizes that she might have a chance with the boy she's been crushing on, while Samcheonpo (Kim Sung-kyun) finally starts to pursue his dreams of becoming a professional boxer.

But the heart of this episode lies in the relationships between the boarding house residents and their parents, who come to visit for the day. We see the characters interact with their mothers and fathers in ways that reveal so much about their personalities and emotions.

For example, Chilbong (played by Yoo Yeon-seok) is visibly uncomfortable around his father and refuses to introduce him to his friends. Meanwhile, the always-cheerful Haitai (played by Son Ho-jun) is thrilled to see his mother and can't stop hugging her.

My favorite moment in the episode, though, comes near the end when Na-jung's family arrives. Her baby brother is played by none other than Lee Min-ho (yes, that Lee Min-ho), who steals every scene he's in with his adorable charm and comedic timing.

Of course, this being a drama, there are some heart-wrenching moments as well. Na-jung finally confronts Trash about their past and present relationship, leading to some tears and soul-searching. And when Yoon Jin's father arrives unexpectedly, we learn that he's been suffering from an illness, which adds a layer of sadness to her story.

Overall, "The Beginning of the End" is a well-written and beautifully acted episode that expertly weaves together multiple storylines and emotions. It's a testament to the show's skill that it can make you laugh and cry in equal measure.

If you're a fan of coming-of-age dramas, especially ones set in the '90s, then Reply 1994 is a must-watch. This episode, in particular, is a standout. So grab some tissues and settle in for a emotional ride.