Answer Me series to go back to 1988 this summer?

139 January 12, 2015January 12, 2015

by girlfriday

The third series from the creators of tvN’s hit throwback dramas Answer Me 1997 and Answer Me 1994 has pretty much been in the works since the the end of 2013 (when Answer Me 1994 wrapped). Pre-production stalled for a considerable length of time this past year, but now with Misaeng in the rearview mirror, tvN seems more eager than ever to get PD Shin Won-ho and writer Lee Woo-jung locked down for their as-yet-unnamed drama (aka the cable network’s next big hit). The wheels are back in motion for what will likely be a July premiere — the question now is what exactly that drama will be.

It probably goes without saying that the anticipation for this team’s third collaboration is high, which leads to lots of speculation in the press and lots of backpedaling from Shin PD every time one of these rumors surfaces about the direction of his next drama. The latest wave is pretty specifically about Answer Me 1988, which seems to be a strong contender for the third installment of the franchise, though producers were quick to say that it’s just one of many possibilities, and that the next drama might not even be another Answer Me series.

Obviously there’s a lot to focus on culturally and economically at the time of the Seoul Olympics in ’88, and the music would be Cho Yong-pil and Lee Moon-se (admittedly, this is more my parents’ music than my music, so it doesn’t quite have the same soundtrack-of-my-life immediacy that 1997 and 1994 had).

Honestly I’d rather the team do something entirely new, because I think we’ve seen enough of this formula, and I’d love to watch them tackle a fresh concept. It’s just not likely that the network is going to let go of their nostalgia-fueled cash cow anytime soon, so I’m fully expecting another Answer Me series to come around the bend. Okay, but… Is it too much to ask that we stop hunting for husbands this time? Let’s at least change up THAT part of the game, yeah?

Answer Me 1988, OR Answer Me Other Significant Year in Recent-ish Past, OR Drama That Is Not Answer Me… is planning to air on Fridays and Saturdays in July.

Via IS Plus, TV Report

139

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51 lovekdrama

January 13, 2015 at 11:17 PM

i'm also in the minority (but glad that there are others agreeing with me!) that 'reply 1994' was the better drama, though I agree it went on longer then needed.

i wouldn't mind one more 'reply' series to complete a trilogy but like many have said, no more husband-hunting please, and try not to make it so obvious who the spouse/whoever is.

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52 Viki

January 14, 2015 at 1:20 AM

I cannot relate to the year 1988 but I'd watch it if they take out the husband-guessing game; I am a big fan of the Reply series but after 94, I just don't wanna guess anymore.

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53 ara

January 14, 2015 at 5:31 AM

I know a lot of people are praising the writing and directing of the Answer Me series, but I wonder if they haven't watched other productions or read mangas/Japanese comics because many scenes are literally copies somewhere else.

For instance, it borrows a lot from Friends (yes, the American TV series)...

And for another, it borrows so much from a manga writer Adachi Mitsuru in many of her mangas (some of which are adapted into dramas and movies specifically H2 and Rough). For reference, please go to:
1. http://omonatheydidnt.livejournal.com/13142120.html?thread=1191771240#t1191771240
and
2. http://www.todayhumor.co.kr/board/view.php?table=humorbest&no=1001467 (in Korean)

So, yes, not the best writing, definitely. But surely great in making "HOMAGE" to others.

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bd5

January 16, 2015 at 10:43 AM

Themes may be similar as they are in most coming of age shows, but the specifics/dialogue are different.

Not like Friends did anything that wasn't already done.

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angel

January 27, 2015 at 3:21 AM

that's the problem with the answer me dramas though. the frame-by-frame cartoons in the manga is copied completely in the drama.

for a drama that prided itself on being original and different, finding those many plagiarized scenes are very disappointing.

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54 kristine

January 14, 2015 at 5:10 PM

thank you for the links to support your statement. although the second one is in korean, there are frame-by-frame screencaps of both the Answer Me 1994 drama and the manga source material so it was an eye opener.

since the director and writer has stated in interviews that they are fans of the manga writer, it seems that the similarities are intentional. although they are saying it is an homage, it seems more like plagiarism though, given the quantity.

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55 h0neybee

January 15, 2015 at 12:40 AM

Reply 2006! Bring on Big Bang! :)

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56 Chiaki

January 20, 2015 at 6:49 PM

Please NO MORE GUESSING GAME. I think I was completely exhausted with that after watching reply 1994. I think that same concept is getting old fast.

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57 Laura

January 27, 2015 at 9:09 PM

this makes me so excited to hear. I really enjoyed both 1997 and 1994- for some reason I liked 1994 more?!, and Ive been waiting on news for the third installment. Can't wait to see what develops for it. The parents are my favorite so hopefully they can somehow incorporate them in some way again.

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58 ooh

January 28, 2015 at 8:29 PM

I'm just throwing out an idea here:

Wouldn't it be awesome if G-Dragon/Taeyang had a part in this series? Just because they are born in '88. xD Also, Bigbang did a collaboration with 이문세 for their "Sunset Glow" song. :D