Filmmaker Kiran Rao has revealed that she would love to bring the South Korean drama ‘Reply 1988’ to Indian audiences through a remake. During her appearance on The Popcorn Hour, she praised the series for its storytelling and its portrayal of families living in a close-knit neighbourhood. While the drama follows young friends navigating growing up, Kiran Rao believes its older characters are equally important to its appeal.
Kiran Rao names ‘Reply 1988’ as her dream remake
Speaking about Korean dramas, Kiran Rao identified ‘Reply 1988’ as a series she would like to adapt for Indian viewers. She described the show as an outstanding example of the format and expressed a clear interest in remaking it.“Best K-drama is a show called Reply 1988. It’s a fantastic show. It’s actually set in 1988. In fact, that’s something I would love to remake,” she said on The Popcorn Hour.
Why the parents stand out in the Korean drama
For Kiran Rao, the show’s appeal extends beyond the friendships and romantic experiences of its younger characters. She particularly appreciated the way the drama develops the lives of the parents, giving their relationships and personal struggles a significant place in the story.“The genuine jewel of this show is the older women, the mothers, and the fathers. They are just so good,” she said.The series explores different generations within the same neighbourhood, allowing the audience to see how parents and children experience life from different perspectives.
Kiran Rao connects Seoul’s neighbourhood culture with Kolkata
The filmmaker also discussed the neighbourhood in which the drama unfolds. Drawing a connection with Kolkata, she highlighted how the concept of a para is familiar in both settings.“It’s set in a para, as they call it, a neighbourhood in Seoul in 1988. In fact, in Kolkata also you call it para only,” she said.
What makes ‘Reply 1988’ different?
Released in 2015, ‘Reply 1988’ is a South Korean slice-of-life drama directed by Shin Won-Ho and written by Lee Woo-Jung. The 20-episode series is set in Seoul’s Ssangmun-dong neighbourhood during the late 1980s.The story follows a group of young friends as they navigate adolescence, relationships and changing family dynamics. Alongside their experiences, the show gives considerable attention to their parents, exploring their sacrifices, ambitions and everyday challenges.Although Kiran Rao has expressed a desire to remake ‘Reply 1988’, she has not confirmed an Indian adaptation. Details regarding a possible cast, language, setting or production schedule remain unavailable.